Hawks Move Into Top Four

The Box Hill Hawks moved back into the top four after narrowly defeating Frankston by 9-points.

A late goal by Adem Yze in the 27th minute of the final term assured the victory after a long close tussle between the sides.

Beau Muston was outstanding for the Hawks with 30 disposals, while Co-Captain Lukas Markovic led Box Hill in defence with 20 touches. 

Box Hill’s lack of emotion after the final siren showed a team in full control of their own destiny knowing to take it one week at a time, rather than getting into full voice after just another victory.

Long and Narrow, Frankston Park loomed as a troubling ground for opposition but for Box Hill it wasn’t the case.

With a swirling breeze, the match got underway an even spread of the football and forward presses by both sides.

Flying shots by the Dolphins off-line kept Box Hill in the match as Frankston led by 7 points at the first break.

As Frankston opened up the margin, Ben Smithwick got the ball rolling for the Hawks in the second reducing the deficit to 12 points.

Following on goals to Lisle, Morton and Pedersen with a brilliant long goal from the right-forward pocket brought the Hawks an 8-point lead at the half.

Frankston forward-pocket Justin Berry placing through two goals in the third looked likely to set a trend for the Dolphins.

But Beau Muston with a goal after the third term siren made certain the Dolphins had a fight on their hands after the Hawks trailed by 9 points with a quarter remaining.

A ten-point difference troubled the Hawks for over five minutes in the final term until they were able to constrict the Dolphins scoring and move to the lead in the 15th minute with a long range fifty-metre drop punt by Jarryd Morton.

Cameron Stokes setting up Co-Captain Steve Kenna who goaled leaving the Hawks with an 11-point lead may have been enough at the 19th minute but a snap goal by Clinton Proctor ensured the Dolphins were in it with a sniff.

Adem Yze with a crumbling goal off the pack in the Hawks forward line kept the Hawks in front giving them their 10th victory.

Beau Muston with his 30 disposals worked tirelessly moving the ball around the ground while kicking two well deserved goals.

Co-Captain Lukas Markovic again had a polished four-quarter performance with 20 disposals including 10 marks as the leader in the Hawks defence clearing everything in his path while disabling Frankston’s forwards of an easy entry into goal.

Sam Iles continued his good form with 24 disposals with Riley Milne (24) and Haydn Kiel (21) also solid contributors.

Max Bailey returning well from injury the last few weeks again took control in the ruck with 31 hitouts and collected 12 touches.

Jordan Lisle presented constantly up forward and was rewarded with three goals for the Hawks.

Box Hill also welcomed Brent Wallace son of Terry who had his first run for the Hawks wearing the No.3 who regularly plays for the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup.

Box Hill last won ten matches or more in a home and away season back in 2004 under Andy Collins.

Posting their tenth victory on the board is a great achievement for Brendon Bolton and his players who break a five year drought.

Box Hill moves into 4th position on the VFL Ladder after both Casey Scorpions and Northern Bullants lost on the weekend.

With a four-point break to sides 5th-7th it is a deadlock for a top four position with Geelong included in the chase.

Next Sunday 16th August, Box Hill host Bendigo Bombers in a must win match to stay in the top four.   

Frankston: 3.3 / 5.3 / 10.8 / 11.11.77  
Box Hill Hawks: 2.2 / 6.5 / 9.5 / 13.8.86   

Goals: J. Lisle 3, A. Yze 2, B. Muston 2, C. Pedersen 2, B. Smithwick, S. Savage, J. Morton, S. Kenna

Best: B. Muston, S. Iles, H. Kiel, S. Savage, L. Markovic, M. Bailey