Sunday 31 August, 2pm
Bellerive Oval
It wasn’t a season to remember as far as results go, but the experience and development gained by the young Hawks this year showed as they trounced Tasmania by 92 points in their final game of the season.
The Devils slotted the first goal of the game but that was about it for the day as the Hawks, led by eight-goal hero Tim Boyle, dismantled Tasmania in every facet of the game.
It was an assured performance from Box Hill and its second big win in the past month after thumping Bendigo by 119 points in round 17.
Essentially the game was won in the midfield with the Hawks winning at almost every contest and dominating at the stoppages.
Travis Tuck, Tim Clarke, Josh Kennedy, Steve Kenna and Alister Neville all had days out and helped setup an eight goal lead at the major change.
From that point on the Hawks didn’t appear to have the off season on their minds with an unrelenting 11 goal second half.
Clarke, in particular led from the front with his attack on the ball and tackling pressure. He finished with a game-high 41 touches and ten 10 marks to add to his six tackles.
Neville showed why he’s captain with 36 of his own while the damaging Kenna was let loose by Tasmania and obliged with 29 touches and a goal.
Joel Cross was impressive on his return to the senior side with 18 and three good goals as was Ryan Breese (18).
Although he usually doesn’t have a great impact possession wise, Lukas Markovic has won plaudits for his hardness at the contest and didn’t waver from that against Tasmania.
The sublimely skilled Tuck hurt the opposition when in possession and also on the scoreboard with two goals while Kennedy had one of his better games for the year.
It was such a complete performance from the Hawks that really any player could be listed among the best but the standout for the day was without doubt Boyle with his eight goals.
The stringy forward showed no ill-effects from a hip complaint that has troubled him all year and staked a serious claim for a call up to the Hawthorn side with his last chance to impress.
The stunning win sees the Hawks leapfrog Collingwood into 11th place and puts more gloss on a quite impressive finish to the season.
The Hawks, after losing the first nine games of the season, have won six of the last 11 which will breed confidence for next season.
But the season isn’t over yet with the reserves penned in a crucial elimination final this Sunday at 10:20am against Sandringham at TEAC Oval so get down and support the boys, it could well be your last chance.
Box Hill Hawks: 5.5 / 12.6 / 18.12 / 23.17 (155)
Tasmania Devils: 2.3 / 4.6 / 6.7 / 9.9 (63)
Goals: Boyle 8, Cross 3, Tuck 2, Clarke, Breese, Kenna, Dawson, Dowler, Thorp, Sandilands, Kennedy, Grima, Whitecross
Best: Neville, Kenna, Boyle, Breese, Markovic, Kennedy
Hawks In Reserve
Alex Grima – 11 touches, 6 tackles: kicked a goal and worked hard with his pressure.
Tim Clarke – 41 touches, 10 marks, 6 tackles, 1 goal: Tenacious again. Dominated in the midfield running his opposition ragged and couldn’t stop getting it. Like a few, put his hand up for selection in the finals if injury or form permits.
Mitch Thorp – 11 disposals, 1 goal: Quiet day at the office, just couldn’t get into the game.
Jarryd Morton – 22 touches, 6 marks: reverted back to his usual midfield role.
Matt Suckling – 15 touches, 5 marks: Rounded out a solid season with a good performance. Has stepped up to the seniors and has shown his left foot to be a weapon.
Travis Tuck – 27 disposals, 10 marks, 5 tackles, 2 goals: Was superb for the Hawks and will definitely come into contention. Was very damaging with his disposal when forward of centre and hurt the opposition with two goals.
Josh Kennedy – 21 possessions, 6 marks: The Hawks completely destroyed Tassie with their strength in the midfield with Kennedy leading the line in that regard.
Brendan Whitecross – 19 possessions, 7 marks, 1 goal: Has proven himself to be a very handy player. Can play back, in the middle and knows how to kick a goal. Is still young but could develop into a very good player.
Timothy Walsh – 8 disposals, 20 hit outs: Broke into the side half way through the year due to injury and has maintained his place since. Still skinny but has a lot of upside in him with his marking power and agility.
Tim Boyle – 17 touches, 8 marks, 8 goals: Interchanged with Thorp up forward and put on a superb display with his last chance to impress the Hawthorn selection panel. Became the second Hawk to kick eight goals this year following on from Zac Dawson a few weeks back.
Beau Dowler – 6 touches, 1 goal: Started promisingly, but unfortunately went off at half time under a cloud and didn’t return. His second half of the season has been a major indicator of the side’s success. Hopefully nothing major as he was knocking on the door.
Zac Dawson – 16 possessions, 5 marks: Played mainly down back and acquitted himself well despite little scoring threat from Tasmania. Moved up forward for a short time and kicked a goal. Good season all round both up forward and in defence.
