The Box Hill Hawks took on Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday and came away with a 116 point win. The Magpies were given limited chances for victory as Box Hill tore open the game with a 10 goal to none second quarter. After being beaten by Geelong last week, Collingwood was seeking to regain redemption, but to no avail as Davis Harrigan reports.
The Box Hill Hawks burst through the Magpies defence time and again, winning the majority of the centre clearances and made the most of their opponents’ turnovers. Boasting the likes of returning AFL players Luke Hodge (24 disposals), Chance Bateman, Broc McCauley and Max Bailey, the Hawks were able to use the entire ground to stage forward attacks and pressure Collingwood into giving up the ball.
Box Hill Hawks co-captain Daniel Pratt, as well as Brad Hill, Liam Tobin and Luke Lowden (three goals each), gave the Hawks multiple opportunities to run the corridor and stop the Magpies defence in its tracks. Jackson Paine showed fantastic skill and stood out as one of Collingwood’s best, supported by Alan Didak, Cameron Wood and Corey Gault. There were plenty of moments to create a highlights reel, with both teams hauling in plenty of tough marks and quick plays. The percentage-boosting win will be vital for the Hawks, who are now fifth on the ladder heading towards the finals.
Hawks coach Damian Carroll was very pleased post-game, but knew that the race to the finals is far from over.
“We came to play good footy and win the game, but to win by such a margin was very pleasing.
“The second quarter really took a lot of energy out of the Magpies and their young group. Luke Hodge, Luke Andrews, Xavier Murphy, Liam Tobin up forward, David Mirra and Jarrad Boumann did a good job down back, and Max Bailey and Luke Lowden led our ruck department, so it was a good team effort across the board.”
Questioned on the return of Hodge, Carroll highlighted the many positives from his game, commenting on the impact and leadership during the second quarter, and the fact that Hodge did not pull up with any noticeable soreness.
After giving Collingwood a hiding, Box Hill will face Werribee at Box Hill City Oval, while Collingwood has a week before facing Bendigo in round 19.
Photo: Jenny Owens
Last Modified on 23/07/2012 13:22