Box Hill has registered its first win of the year with an impressive performance over the Northern Blues at Visy Park on Friday night.

In a six quarter practice match, Box Hill dominated from the start, keeping the Blues goalless in the opening quarter before going on to win 17.13.115 to 11.8.74.

Box Hill’s strong defensive pressure was key in opening up a big advantage early, while quick ball transition through the middle assisted the Hawks in kicking the first seven goals of the match.

Coach Damian Carroll said there was general improvement across the board this week.

“Our skills were pretty poor last week and we corrected that,” he said.

“A few of the areas we spoke about were things that we could control this week.

“Particularly, we were a lot happier with[…] the fact that we were a bit more disciplined. Defensive pressure was a lot better on the opposition and [we] just worked together as a team.”

Box Hill won four of the six quarters, only losing the last two when significant rotations occurred for both sides and many of the senior members took to the bench for the final two terms.

In what was very much a team performance, Carroll was particularly impressed with the midfield, naming Sam Iles, Luke Andrews and Hawthorn-listed player Mitch Hallahan among the standouts.

“When you have a performance like that there wasn’t too many that struggled today,” Carroll said. “It was a pleasing effort.”

Iles was close to best on ground, utilising his pace and acceleration to break away from the pack and deliver the ball effectively, while Pat Lawlor was also amongst the best, with 14 kicks and two goals.

Hawthorn rookie Andrew Boseley had a significant impact in the first half, as did David Mirra who had 12 kicks for the match. Xavier Murphy also impressed in his first game in the back half.

With 15 majors in the first four terms, the spread of goal kickers was impressive. Hawthorn listed players Tim O’Brien and Jonathon Ceglar kicked three and two respectively, while Brandon Wood converted two.   

Happy with the win, Carroll remains realistic about the season ahead.

“We know it is going to get tougher then that, but definitely a positive step from last week,” he said.

Hoping to continue their winning streak next Saturday, Box Hill will be heading down the Hume Highway to take on the Coburg Tigers in Craigieburn.