Box Hill took home a thrilling five-point victory against Sandringham at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve on Sunday.
In his team’s fifth win of the year, coach Zane Littlejohn was proud of the team’s effort and expressed that it was a good challenge to learn from.
“It was disappointing to get 43 points up and then give the lead up,” Littlejohn said.
“We were really pleased to get away with the win in the end and with the maturity of our group to find a way to win when they were really challenged.
“In saying that, I’m sure all of our members and fans would match rather consolidate a 43-point lead but we will take the win, review it and learn.
“I’m really proud of the group to find a way to win, as our backs were against the wall during the match.”
Littlejohn also reviewed each AFL-listed player that featured in the game while giving a few shout-outs to VFL-listed players.
Josh Ward (29 disposals, seven marks, seven clearances, five inside 50s, four tackles)
“Wardy returned back to the group and played as an inside mid all day which exposed him to some really good stoppage craft and exposure in that space. He had some really good moments where his work rate was really evident, including his ability to get back and support the defence and help start our offence chains, which we know is a real weapon of Wardy’s. He will continue to work on his inside craft which is probably the biggest growth for him from the game, we are really happy with how he is working on that and we will continue to develop that in his game.”
Changkuoth Jiath (22 disposals, eight marks, five inside 50s)
“CJ played three quarters and was electric. That is full credit to Pricey (Jack Price) our rehab coach and the work he has done with CJ alongside the strength and conditioning staff who worked on getting his body right but also making sure his footy is right, so when he steps back in he can play at a really high standard from the word go. Now it is just about getting some continuity in his body and playing some good footy moving forward. He played the day on the wing and ran some really nice patterns by using his leg speed. He also had a really good aerial presence, taking three contested marks. We were really pleased with the role he played and I know our fans see the flare. He played a really important role on the wing over the day and held the structure really well which helped with our offensive and our defencing structure. It was excellent from him.”
Bodie Ryan (20 disposals, four marks)
“It was arguably Bodie’s most consistent performance offensively and defensively. Anyone who watched the game would’ve seen two major efforts he made in the last quarter. For a young man to wear that responsibility on his shoulders was phenomenal and his composure with ball in hand was excellent. We saw a bit of run-and-dash from Bodes throughout the day and we saw a lot of versatility, which is great for his development. He’s progressing really nicely so now it’s just about consistency for Bodes.”
Harry Morrison (19 disposals, four marks, four tackles, four inside 50s)
“The ever-reliable Harry Morrison played on the wing and just ran all day. His work rate was exceptional. Arguably, without Harry out there, the game could’ve potentially gotten away from us a lot earlier. His run and carry and his ability to set us up defensively was fantastic.”
Bailey Macdonald (17 disposals, six marks)
“He had another really solid performance and we’re starting to see some consistency in his dash. His ability to take the game on and challenge the opposition defence was really exciting. He used the ball quite well and was really influential in our offensive chains in getting the ball moving, especially in the first quarter. He’s got the license to do that so his ability to harness and grow in the role has been great.”
Josh Bennetts (One goal, 14 disposals, four marks, three clearances)
“It was a quieter day for Josh in regards to his numbers and his traditional output, however, his work rate was still really high. He was able to provide some really good pressure early in the game when we were able to move the ball with a bit more fluency. Full credit to JB who just continued to have an influence on the game. A nice return for him to keep building on.”
Cooper Stephens (14 disposals, four marks, three tackles, three inside 50s)
“It was good to have Cooper back. He’s had a frustrating year with his body and just getting it right. His first quarter on the weekend was one of the best he’s had. Unfortunately, he faded a little bit out of the game. It was a solid performance from Cooper without being outstanding.”
Max Ramsden (Two goals, 13 disposals, four marks)
“He could’ve finished with a really solid day. He gave us a great contest long down the line and inside 50, he was able to win a few more free kicks, just from his presence and his ability to jump at the footy. More importantly, we moved him into the sole ruck role in the last quarter and he just gave us a really good contest in there. He gave us a presence around the ground which was great.”
Ethan Phillips (17 disposals, nine marks)
“Ethan was solid in the back end, he had a good matchup on some of their key forwards who have played AFL. They’re the match-ups he wants. He’s become so reliable down there with his ability to get us set up. Even though we weren’t as good as a whole back group, Ethan did pretty well.”
Denver Grainger-Barras (Nine disposals, two marks, two tackles)
“Great to have Denver back. To return and get some minutes back before our bye this week was great for him. He’s just got to get back to being consistent with how he defends the ground and get that bit of his game right first. Ultimately, the rest will come off the back of that.”
Chad Wingard (One goal, seven disposals, five tackles, two marks)
“It was a quieter day for Chad. Early in the game, he looked really damaging and dangerous. His movement in front of the ball was lively. His leadership and attitude didn’t waiver on the day. His leadership in particular was one of the things I really want our Hawthorn fans to appreciate because what he provides to our young group is exceptional.”
Clay Tucker (10 hit-outs, five disposals, two marks, two tackles, two clearances)
“Clay rucked and went forward a bit. His first quarter in the ruck was really good. The development work for Clay is when the game starts to get a bit hot. He starts to get a bit fatigued, his decision-making and what he’s able to do in that moment is what he’s got to continue to work on. When he was fresh and lively, he was able to give a really good contest in the ruck. He was working really hard on the tools and weapons he’s got in his arsenal and what to do when he gets fatigued.”
…and some shout-outs for some VFL-listed players
Stu Horner (One goal, nine disposals, four marks)
“It was his 50th VFL game for Box Hill. He’s a great son of Box Hill footy club. I reckon if you ask any of the Hawthorn players, they love playing with him too because he’s so reliable. He just did his job on the weekend and kept his opponent to five disposals. Then we saw what happened at the end, he kicked his first VFL goal and won us the game which was really pleasing. It's a great reward for the effort and loyalty that Stu’s shown to the Box Hill footy club.”
Tyler Brown (20 disposals, four inside 50s, three marks, three clearances, two tackles)
“Tyler’s building into playing some good VFL footy. He obviously spent some time over in Adelaide last year but he’s starting to find some continuity around his role at Box Hill and where we see him. He’s just showing his versatility to play a variety of roles, including playing both inside and outside as a mid. He’s really smart with his hands and we’re lucky to have him.”
Box Hill now has a chance to recharge with a bye this week before facing Brisbane next week.
