A BEST on ground performance from Hawthorn’s Jonathan Simpkin helped Box Hill to record a stunning 106-point win over Frankston in the VFL on Saturday afternoon.
Omitted from Hawthorn’s team for the clash against the Saints at the MCG, Simpkin returned to the VFL and starred with a game-high 33 disposals, seven marks and two goals.
The Hawthorn premiership player kicked both of his two goals in Box Hill’s seven-goal opening term to set up the victory and despite being tagged following his impressive opening term, still managed 22 touches in the first half.
His class with ball in hand both in defence and up forward shone in the difficult conditions, something that pleased Development Academy Coordinator, Damian Caroll.
“We were just really happy with the way he used the football, particularly coming out of defence and how he was able to create some really good scoring opportunities for us,” Caroll told hawthornfc.com.au
But it was more the attitude in which Simpkin attacked the game following the disappointment of being left out of Hawthorn’s team for the 145-point over St Kilda.
“He’s a really level headed kid and obviously he sees the bigger picture in working out areas of his game that have been focused on at AFL level and that we want to improve,” Caroll said.
“We saw some real positive signs in those areas, so for us, it was a good quality game at VFL level from him.”
Last year’s best and fairest winner Kyle Cheney put his hand up for a senior recall with another impressive performance.
With Brian Lake going down with a calf injury and expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks, Cheney’s form in the VFL means he is ready to step back into Hawthorn’s defence if required.
“He didn’t do his chances any harm with his performance on the weekend,” Caroll said.
“He really patrolled the backline well and was an exceptional leader for our younger VFL Hawthorn-listed players.
“He picked up 28 possessions, took a lot of marks off opposition kicks and used the ball well across half back.
“His positioning is really good and his adjustments in terms of the opposition player and not just his direct opponent - his ability to chop out is a highlight.”
Another Hawk to impress was youngster Derick Wanganeen.
After making his senior debut in the Round 1 win over Brisbane in Tasmania, Wanganeen has been further developing his game in Box Hill’s defence.
Caroll said Saturday’s performance was a step forward in his development as a small defender.
“What we were really impressed with Derick this week was his speed and ball use on both sides of his body,” Caroll said.
“It was a step in the right direction for him – he’s been playing consistent football over the last few weeks but we saw another step this week.
“He was strong in the air and his ball use and speed off the mark seem to be back at the level we know he can perform at.”
Six Hawthorn-listed players represented Box Hill on Saturday, with the remaining players set to take on West Perth in tonight’s Foxtel Cup at Etihad Stadium.
Final score
Box Hill Hawks 7.1 12.5 20.6 22.10 (142)
Frankston 1.1 1.4 1.6 5.6 (36)
GOALS:
Box Hill Hawks: Collins 3, Cust 2, O'Brien 2, Tobin 2, Simpkin 2, Gordon 2, O'Donnell 2, Northe 2, Iles, Lock , Lawlor, Kennedy, Wood.
Frankston: Taylor 3, Newman, Irving.
BEST:
Box Hill Hawks: Simpkin, Cheney, Lock, Mirra, Collins, Ceglar.
Frankston: Potts, Taylor, Cavarra, Hockey, Matheson, Tynan.
