BOX HILL Hawks’ unbeaten start to 2016 has come to an end, after suffering a heart-breaking two-point loss to Werribee at Avalon Aiport Oval on Sunday.

In blustery conditions, the game between two VFL finals contenders was a scrap, with the lead changing multiple times throughout the contest.

The Hawks had their chances to win the game, but the Tigers held on to claim a 10.10 (70) to 9.14 (68) win.

The Hawks led by six points at quarter time after kicking with the wind in the opening term, and held onto a four-point lead at the major break.

But the Tigers produced a couple of late goals in the third term – after the Hawks kicked 2.7 – to enter the final term with a two-point advantage.

Both sides exchanged goals in the final term, before back-to-back goals to Hawthorn rookie Kade Stewart and Liam Kidd gave the Hawks the advantage.

However the Tigers hit back – following a narrow miss from Teia Miles – with North Melbourne-listed forward Aaron Black kicking the match-winner from outside 50.

Leading the way for the Hawks was Miles, who collected 28 disposals and 10 marks. Only his finishing let him down, with a tally of 1.4 in front of goal.

Box Hill captain David Mirra had 31 disposals and 16 marks, while Hawthorn-listed duo Dallas Willsmore (23 disposals) and Kieran Lovell (22 disposals) continued to find plenty of the football.

Ruckman-forward Jack Fitzpatrick sat out the final quarter, after appearing to cop a knock to the head during the third quarter.

BOX HILL HAWKS     3.0     4.2     6.9     9.14       (68)
WERRIBEE     2.0     3.4     7.5     10.10     (70)

Box Hill goals: Kidd 2, Lawlor 2, Jones, Soccio, Hardwick, Stewart, Miles
Box Hill best: Mirra, Spangher, Willsmore, Stewart, Heatherley, Miles
Box Hill disposals: Mirra 31, Miles 28, Willsmore 23, Lovell 22, Heatherley 18, Warren 17