North Ballarat: 8.5 / 13.7 / 17.11 / 19.12 (126)
Box Hill Hawks: 1.1 / 3.4 / 4.7 / 8.8 (56)
The Box Hill Hawks suffered a heavy loss to North Ballarat at AUSTAR Arena in their opening game of 2008.
The Hawks carried their poor pre-season form into the season proper and never looked like troubling the Roosters in the 70-point loss.
North Ballarat went into the clash with a couple of fresh faces but were without Richmond draftee Tristan Cartledge, who was superb for them all last year.
Meanwhile the Hawks welcomed their four prized recruits to the starting line up in Nathan Batsanis (Port Adelaide), Steve Kenna (South Adelaide), Digby Morrell (Northern Bullants) and newly appointed captain Al Neville (Coburg).
Jarryd Morton missed out as he was listed in the emergencies for Hawthorn.
Last time the sides met, in round 17 of last year, North Ballarat prevailed by 31 points, again at AUSTAR Arena.
It was a typically cool Ballarat afternoon this time around and the Roosters got the jump on the Hawks in the first term, leading by 46 points at the first break.
Roosters forward Michael Wundke did the damage in the first quarter piling on four goals, making the task almost impossible for the visitors.
Still, the Hawks fought on but found themselves 82 points behind at the final change.
They managed to reduce the damage in the final term and walked off the ground with their heads held high.
The Roosters looked like a seasoned outfit while the Hawks will need time to settle, particularly the new recruits.
It was encouraging though to see all four having an immediate impact. Kenna, Batsanis and Neville were among the best for the Hawks and showed what they can add to the side.
Josh Kennedy was easily the best for Box Hill, his work at the stoppages and grunt in the middle was invaluable.
Apart from the impressive Wundke, Jesse Smith looked a cut above the rest for North Ballarat as he took on Hawks players relentlessly and ran hard all day to create.
Eddie Sandsbury was also good for the home side; his defensive pressure was superb as was his disposal.
Sure, it wasn’t the start the Hawks had hoped for but it will take time to turn around the fortunes of 2007.
Barry Mitchell has implemented a new game plan, and naturally, the players will take time to adapt.
It’s an exciting time for the club as the young Hawks develop and the changes to personnel and coaching staff take effect, so get down to the next home game on Saturday against Tasmania and support the mighty Hawks.
Goals: Moss 2, Cross 2, Morrell, Thorp, Neville, Renouf
Best: Kennedy, Kenna, Batsanis, Whitecross, Moss, Neville
View the Box Hill Hawks 2008 fixture
Visit the official website of the Box Hill Hawks
