The last time the Hawks won a home and away game was July 8 last season when they defeated Port Melbourne by 38 points.
That set up a tense finish to a thrilling match, with the Hawks fighting back to clinch a memorable victory, after trailing by five goals at quarter time.
They kicked 10 goals to one in the second and third terms to lead by as much as three goals at three-quarter time, but Werribee, led by James Podsiadly, kicked the first four goals of the last term to stun Box Hill into action.
There was a widely regarded argument that the Hawks didn’t know how to win and it appeared they had let a golden opportunity slip conceding a three goal lead at the final change to trail by eight points in the blink of an eye.
But the Hawks side had a steely look about them and you got the sense that despite the Tigers’ charge, they weren’t done with yet.
Box Hill was given a rare opportunity to win, and the players answered the challenge with physicality and a new found resilience.
Hawks coach Barry Mitchell was relieved to get away with his first win in the job.
“Yeah it was fantastic, particularly after our poor start, I think we were six goals to one, I didn’t think we were playing too badly. We were disappointed but not too negative at quarter time and to the boys’ credit they fought back, Werribee came back at the end and we looked really tired but we’ll take that it’s been a long time coming.”
Mitchell was wrapped with his side’s even contribution but even more so with the relentless tackling on display.
“We’ve been trying to get that into our game for quite a while, it comes and goes but it was probably there for a longer period of time today. That’s the stuff that wins you games, I mean there’s always turnovers and errors but tackling wins you the ball back and it can be so crucial as it was today.”
But he denied his half time instructions provided the impetus for the win.
“I don’t think it was anything I said, you know, I’ve been saying the same things most weeks, and most coaches say the same things, I mean today you just talk about really wanting to win and I think that we did that.”
As in past weeks Mitchell threw defender Zac Dawson forward as well as Alex Grima and they provided an effective tandem act yet again kicking the Hawks’ three goals in the last quarter between them.
“We lacked a marking target. Grima plays a bit forward and a bit back and Dawson: we did it last week where we put him forward, it was a bit of a move we go to; he’s more of a defender but he’s quite athletic as a forward.”
The groundwork though, was done in the second and third terms with the Hawks piling on five goals in each.
Steve Kenna copped a heavy tag but looked very ominous forward of centre after quarter time. His crafty play was integral as were three goals and 20 possessions.
The third term - traditionally the Hawks weakest - turned into quite a spectacle as the home side’s sleek ball movement and unselfish play dismantled the hapless Tigers.
Two consecutive long goals, the first from Ryan Breese and the second from the brilliant Brendan Whitecross, sparked the crowd to life.
You could sense the belief amongst the crowd that this of all games pointed to an overdue victory after so many near misses.
As mentioned, Whitecross was superb, playing his best game for the Hawks in picking up 22 touches. His composure under pressure was outstanding and he played a distributing “quarter back” role in the midfield.
Cameron Pedersen (24 disposals) played a huge hand as well, his work around the ground and in the ruck was vitally important with the Hawks only ruckman Luke McEntee succumbing to injury at three-quarter time.
It was the even contribution though that will most please the coaching staff.
Nathan Batsanis (25), Josh Kennedy (22), Matt Suckling (20), Alister Neville (19) and Breese (16) finally gave the Hawks a look of solidity through the midfield.
Kennedy’s return added depth to the midfield as did Travis Tuck’s (19). His absence has hurt the Hawks but Tuck made a solid return laying nine tackles as well.
Joel Cross (19) was another player to impress, for a young, smallish type midfielder his courage and willingness to contest has seen him make a real impression on the senior side.
The only injury concern to come out of the game was that of McEntee. He played no part in the final term and will be monitored during the week.
But with the possibility of him missing next week’s match and Brent Renouf’s elevation, the Hawk’s could struggle in the ruck department. Max Bailey, the Hawks other promising ruckman has missed the best part of a year and isn’t expected back for at least a fortnight either.
Mitchell touted rookie-listed Tim Walsh as a possible inclusion in the seniors next week to fill the void.
The Hawks still sit at the foot of the ladder but could leapfrog Collingwood next week if they defeat Frankston away.
For the timed being, all the players should bask in the win, it was a fantastic effort and well deserved victory, well done Hawks.
Box Hill Hawks: 0.7 / 5.7 / 10.10 / 13.12 (90)
Werribee Tigers: 6.1 / 7.5 / 7.10 / 11.16 (82)
Goals: Kenna 3, Grima 2, Morrell, Neville, Breese, Dawson, Dowler, McEntee, Moss, Whitecross
Best: Pedersen, Whitecross, Tuck, Kenna, Kennedy, Breese
Hawks In Reserve
Garry Moss – 6 touches, four marks, one goal: Very quiet by his standards, kicked a great long goal but did little else.
Luke McEntee – 13 disposals, two marks, 20 hit outs, one goal: Went off in the third term with a suspected leg injury and played no further part in the game. If he misses games it will hurt the Hawks with no viable replacement.
Alex Grima – nine possessions, two goals: Didn’t have an impact until the final term. Judges the flight of the ball well and may feature up forward more often, kicked two crucial last-quarter goals to propel the Hawks to victory. His forward play with Dawson in last quarters this year has been quite interesting to watch. Mitchell has put both forward to successfully pinch hit on numerous accoassions this year, though only in last quarters.
Matt Suckling – 18 touches, four marks, five tackles: Was very good, got in amongst the play and took a couple of big hits. His skill by foot will really aid the side in the latter half of the year.
Beau Dowler – 14 disposals, six marks, one goal: Unfortunately had the ball kicked on his head early on too often or over his head to two loose defenders. It was a defensive sort of game with little quality service getting through to the forwards. In the last he moved into the ruck to cover McEntee and showed great mobility around the ground.
Travis Tuck – 19 disposals, nine tackles: Returned from injury. He is another player who will make the side look a whole lot better with some quality ball use. Lost his spot at Hawthorn with injury but may push for selection when given a couple more games at Box Hill.
Josh Kennedy – 22 possessions, four marks: Wasn’t at his best after returning from Hawthorn but played a solid game. With his influence in the midfield and ball winning ability – a rare commodity at Box Hill – the Hawks could win a few more games before season’s end.
Zac Dawson – eight touches, one mark, one goal. Was rarely spotted in the first three quarters but kicked a goal from a controversial downfield kick in the last quarter.
Brendan Whitecross – 22 possessions, six marks, one goal. Played an outstanding game in the midfield setting up Hawk attacks all day and kicked a classy long goal. Looks like a real player of the future. The Queenslander is growing in confidence and stature ever week and could get the call up at Hawthorn if he keeps up his form.
Timothy Walsh – 17 disposals, ten marks, 20 hit outs, four goals. Played in the reserves and dominating at that level. Managed four goals up forward and still contributed superbly in the ruck. Could be included in the senior side next week.
Max Bailey – Suffered an injury in the first, will be our for the season, find out more.
