Box Hill Hawks v Geelong
Saturday 4 July
Skilled Stadium at 2.00pm
GEELONG spearhead James Podsiadly booted six goals in a strong Cats victory at Skilled Stadium by 53 points.
With a concerted four quarter effort, Geelong’s seven goal 2nd term bridged a gap the Hawks could not recover.
Hawthorn ruckman Max Bailey in his first game since breaking down with a serious knee injury led well with 22 hitouts in a pleasing return.
Sam Iles again worked hard for the Hawks with 26 disposals while Co-Captain Steve Kenna 25 continued to emulate his Col Austen Trophy winning form.
Cold windy conditions set the scene for the contest opening with an even opening term with four goals either side.
Lifting their intensity Geelong pulled the trigger on the Hawks with seven goals to four after half-time.
Three early goals in the final term placed the Hawks back in touching distance, but the Cats were able to easily hold on.
Having taller forwards Geelong was able to capitalise especially in 1 on 1 contests where weight also proved handy.
Fourteen Geelong listed players including Tom Lonergan, Kane Tenace and Nathan Djerrkura gave the Cats greater run and clearer movement through the centre.
Hawthorn rookie Haydn Kiel 24 possessions with Shane Savage again showed the Hawks growing talent pool with good contributions.
Brad Neil 20 possessions defensively, Ed Curnow in the midfield and Cameron Pedersen with three goals also were the Hawks better players.
In a tough couple of weeks for Box Hill with some legendary VFL forwards as opposition next weekend facing North Ballarat at Box Hill City Oval it doesn’t get any easier.
Last years premier at 9-1 have won their last nine games and will be well rested from the bye in Round 12.
Next Saturday will be a good test for Box Hill with a victory so important in that positions 4-8 on the VFL ladder are only separated by percentage with Round 12 breaking the eight open to greater sides.
Geelong: 4.5 / 11.6 / 15.8 / 18.10.118
Box Hill Hawks: 4.3 / 5.5 / 6.8 / 9.11.65
Goals: C. Pedersen 3, B. Smithwick, L. Breust, M. Bello, S. Savage, E. Curnow, J. Morton
Best: C. Pedersen, B. Neil, E. Curnow, S. Kenna, B. Muston, S. Iles
