Box Hill suffered its first loss for the season, going down to an inspired Port Melbourne side by 24 points at Adcon Stadium.

Port Melbourne opened the match in blistering fashion, kicking the first four goals within the opening 10 minutes of action.

The Hawks had plenty of opportunities to work their way back into the contest, however uncharacteristically squandered their chances in front of goal to kick an inaccurate 8 goals 17 behinds. 

Box Hill Coach Max Bailey identified the match as a learning curve for his young side and gave us his review of each AFL-listed player.

Read: Hendo again in the votes

Damon Greaves (13 disposals, 4 marks, 4 rebound 50’s)

“Damon played at halfback and produced his best game for us so far. His communication skills are really strong for a first-year player that is playing his fourth VFL game. He got more involved offensively and won some good contests which he has been focusing on.” MB

Changkuoth Jiath (10 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle)

“CJ has started the season really well, but was a bit down this week. He lost some contests, which was unlike him, and it was a tough ask for him playing on some bigger guys in a pretty experienced backline. It was a good lesson for him. He will be better for having that experience, and I’d expect him to bounce back this week.” MB

Jacob Koschitzke (6 disposals, 4 marks, 1 rebound 50)

“Jacob in the previous couple of weeks has been playing as our third tall, however this week was our main key defender with Kaiden Brand and Tim O’Brien not playing. It was a great learning opportunity for him to now be the man and really control things in the backline. He has a crack at everything and unfortunately got knocked out in the third quarter and didn’t come on after that. He has taken some great strides forward and needs to continue being physical because that is when he is playing his best.” MB

Jackson Ross (4 disposals, 3 marks, 1 inside 50)

“Jackson exited the game halfway through the second quarter. It was disappointing he couldn’t continue his good run of form and had been limited up until that point with his injury. He’ll be right to go once he heals his minor hamstring injury.” MB

Ollie Hanrahan (17 disposals, 4 marks, 5 inside 50’s)

“Ollie spent more time in the midfield this week. He brought really good energy and got involved heavily. He’s still working on consistency with his game and looked lively again this week.” MB

Dylan Moore (15 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50’s)

“Dylan played half-forward and only played a half due to being an emergency for the Easter Monday clash. He was pretty sharp and offensively got really involved. We’d like him to bring a bit more forward pressure, which he is there to do. Overall we’d have loved to have kept him on longer.” MB

Ryan Schoenmakers (6 disposals, 5 marks, 2 inside 50’s)

“Ryan has had a really interrupted season so far and is just looking to get some continuity. He found things tough going this week because we couldn’t get the ball going smoothly into our forward line. He always has a great attitude when he comes back to Box Hill, and we look forward to getting continual games of football into him.” MB

Jonathon Ceglar (13 disposals, 1 goal, 18 hitouts)

“Jon came back and played up forward and in the ruck. He was really solid. He’s another one working on his marking contests and had a lot of opportunities. As one of the older guys he provided really strong leadership for us.” MB

Marc Pittonet (13 disposals, 5 marks, 23 hitouts)

“Marc spent most of the time in the ruck and quality time forward which he has wanted to do – and needs to add to his armoury. He got involved around the ground but found it challenging with the way we were delivering the ball long down the line to contests. He is still working on his offensive involvement, and is improving at that.” MB

Harry Jones (13 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles)

“Harry was a bit down, like the rest of our midfield that got beaten by Port Melbourne. They out-hunted us around the footy and Harry prides himself on being strong in the contest. While he would be disappointed, I reckon we’ll get a good response from him this week.” MB  

Connor Glass (16 disposals, 4 marks, 7 tackles)

“Connor played in the midfield as he has done for the last three games. He’s been working really hard on getting to more and more contests and showing his running ability. He is still finding his way in the midfield but is going from strength to strength.” MB

Will Golds (7 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle)

“Will played on the wing and found it a bit lonely out there sitting on the boundary a lot of the day. We know that when we get the ball into his hands he’s really creative. He’s still learning how to play the increased speed and pressure of VFL footy. We are seeing some good growth from him.” MB 

Teia Miles (14 disposals, 2 goals, 5 marks)

“Teia spent time back and forward. He battled a bit down back. He was a bit off his game early on and we were a bit outsized. But he went forward and kicked two goals, displaying good energy and intent. It was pleasing that he was able to turn it around.” MB