The Box Hill Hawks upstaged the Collingwood Magpies with a storming performance in the final three quarters to run out 13.12.(90) to 8.12.(60) winners at Victoria Park on Saturday.

The Hawks looked stagnant early but quickly reversed the trend, thrashing the eighth-placed Magpies in the second quarter to set up an impressive eleventh win of the campaign.

The win was the Hawks' sixth away win for the season and fourth traveling win in a row, marking a very encouraging turnaround in form in the second half of the year with seven consecutive victories.

Box Hill had near a full-strength lineup with Beau Muston, Jarrod Kayler-Thomson, Shane Savage, Ryan Jackson and returning Captain Steve Kenna gracing the park.

Playing tall with three ruckman in Taylor, Campbell and Lowden, the move proved successful providing a lot more flexibility.

Coach Brendon Bolton expressed how important it was to create a break over the Pies early on, with the Hawks defensive efforts over the past month ensuring the win.

“We had an excellent second quarter, and we had some passages of play that were as good as we’ve had this year, playing some real fast footy to get the result on the scoreboard.

“Our defence has been really consistent over the last month, they have stood up and been really strong and that has really helped us.” Bolton said.

It was a congested opening, but Box Hill was able to break free at the stoppages. Linking with the forward line, the Hawks burnt Collingwood early on the scoreboard to lead by 16-points at quarter time.

The Hawks started to win most of the share in the middle and that, paired with a beautiful goal by Cameron Pedersen in the second quarter, combined to see the Hawks jump the margin up to 43-points at half time.

The second quarter was what set up the win for the Hawks. After leaving Collingwood goalless, the Magpies were left helpless. Box Hill went on a scoring rampage, dominating at the centre clearances while piling on five goals for the quarter.

Locking away any danger, Box Hill’s defence was outstanding in the windy conditions, with the team who didn’t panic under pressure. Collingwood tried to gain some solace back late in the game, but the result was well and truly decided.

Jordan Lisle switched forward with a role as a spare man in defence, a move which worked well for the Hawks. 

Lisle ended up with three goals to his name and kicked a crucial goal in the last term to snuff out any comeback the Magpies had in mind. 

Matt Suckling sealed the deal to make it 49 points, before the Pies pegged a few goals back, and the away win signaled another good return.

“I thought we played the wind pretty well, and if you can get wins away it’s really difficult, and to get a few of late has been really handy.” Bolton said. 

Box Hill’s bench was reduced to three after Cameron Stokes suffered a possible hamstring injury, but the quick pace of side was able to cover his loss. 

Going into the match, both teams had contrasting form, with the Hawks having won six straight, whilst the Magpies had lost their last three games at home. Box Hill made it four for the Pies, and four losses in a row for the year at the same time, at a critical time heading into the final series.

Ironically, it was Collingwood who last defeated the Hawks in Round 10, before their run of victories, and this time the Hawks were able to turn around the result in style.

Softening the impact of Josh Fraser and Cameron Wood placed the Hawks on the right path throughout the contest.

Liam Shiels had 43 disposals, ten marks and seven tackles in a very ‘complete’ performance, while Sam Gibson with 35 disposals did everything asked of him and more.

Beau Muston (21) was influential with his dash as usual, while Jarrod Kayler-Thomson (28) and big man in defence Cameron Pedersen (17) were very good.

In addition, Ryan Jackson continued his big impact as one of the Hawks best, included with a team lifting goal in the third quarter.

All will tested when the Hawks take on ladder leaders Williamstown on Saturday 21 August at Box Hill City Oval, in the ABC Match of the Day.

The Hawks travel back home and will be the underdogs, but Bolton knows how big the match is.

“What really defines sides is being able to win when it counts.

“We do know we have some good momentum and confidence, but we’ll know where we are heading into the finals after we play Willy.” Bolton said.

Box Hill have wrapped up fifth place with one round remaining, and are in line for a home final come week one of the VFL finals.

Collingwood: 2.1 / 2.5 / 5.6 / 8.12.60
Box Hill Hawks: 4.5 / 9.6 / 11.10 / 13.12.90
 
Goals: J. Lisle 3, S. Gibson, R. Ladson, L. Shiels, R.Jackson, B. Muston, S. Savage, G. Moss, J. Hoegel, C. Pedersen, M. Suckling

Best: L. Shiels, S. Gibson, R.Jackson, B. Muston, J. Lisle, C. Pedersen