A strong finish by the Box Hill Hawks saw the team storm home to their fifth consecutive win, toppling the Casey Scorpions on a wet track at Box Hill City Oval yesterday, 13.12.(90) to 12.7.(79).
The Hawks’ defensive pressure was outstanding after half-time, with Casey only managing a measly 1.3 after the main break.
After the rain set in, the match was ran on the Hawks’ terms with Casey looking second rate after a promising start.
Down but not finished, the Hawks fought back bravely and Box Hill Coach Brendon Bolton was rapt with the runaway win.
“Considering we were facing an opposition like Casey and on the scoreboard being behind it was a really good win.
“In the second half our defenders did a really good job, they would have kicked no more than two goals in the second half.” Bolton said.
That they did, with the Box Hill Hawks placing the clamps on Casey who as a top-four side have found goals easy to come by in 2010.
Reminiscent of the earlier season clash at Casey Fields, the game lived up expectations from vivid memories of the past encounter.
Having not only similar weather conditions, the match played out in similar fashion although turned the opposite direction the Hawks’ way.
Returning to the field from a hamstring injury, the Hawks were given an extra match breaker in Rhan Hooper who had a pleasing return to the field.
Adapting to the early conditions and leading by 21 points at quarter time, it looked like Casey was in for a day out.
Hitting the target, Casey had 5.2 on the board to the Hawks 1.5 at the first change.
Quick at the ball, the Scorpions continuously found the break and used the scoreboard well. But from half-time, Casey hit a brick wall with full force as the Hawks progressed to nail seven goals to one.
Mind games are caused by the simplest of things and Brendon Bolton really worked the Hawks’ hard at half-time to not get sidetracked by the 26 point deficit.
“It’s always very good and easy to look at the scoreboard and think we are struggling.
“I said to the boys it’s important you don’t look at the scoreboard and think that we are really struggling.
“That was the main focus, (and) then obviously playing wet weather football, you’ve got to get the ball in quick and a lot of kick mentality and don’t over use it.” Bolton said.
Brad Miller kicking a goal on the siren before half-time was the final highlight for the Scorpions as the Hawks cleaned up after the break.
The Hawks were never caught by surprise by the weather, with their performances from the last month all mostly played in wet-conditions in a positive reflection once again of the sides ability not only to adapt to the changing conditions but fight back with such authority.
On field, Carl Peterson put his name up for a senior recall to selectors with an inspiring performance from half-back setting up the win for the Hawks.
With Garry Moss, Peterson’s creativity in the final term was vital with both small men suited to the wet conditions positioning the Hawks on the right path to victory with their flair expressing brightly to light the spark needed.
Catching the eyes of Brendon Bolton, Peterson had a great performance all round.
“Carl Peterson was excellent particularly down back where we played him.
“He set up a lot of really good play and played a super game.” Bolton said.
Beau Muston continued his good form, while Ryan Schoenmakers rebounded vigorously off the Hawks’ defensive fifty with a polished performance closing down Demon Brad Miller.
Matt Suckling was also very damaging especially by foot through the middle and when having the opportunity to shoot for a goal up forward.
Booting four goals, Jayden Hoegel also did the job the Hawks needed with his game rapidly on the rise as the Box Hill danger man.
Box Hill derailing the Casey Scorpions has opened up a possible top four position with now the Hawks sitting pretty in fifth position, are a game out on points behind Port Melbourne.
But it is business as usual for the Hawks who will take on Geelong this Sunday August 8 at Box Hill City Oval.
Box Hill Hawks: 1.5 / 6.8 / 9.10 / 13.12.90
Casey Scorpions: 5.2 / 11.4 / 11.5 / 12.7.79
Goals: J. Hoegel 4, B. Fagan 2, L. Breust, C. Peterson, L. Shiels, R. Milne, J. Lisle, C. Pedersen, M. Suckling
Best: C. Peterson, B. Muston, R. Schoenmakers, J. Lisle, M. Suckling, C. Pedersen
