Box Hill kept its finals hopes alive with a crucial 17-point victory over the Northern Blues on Sunday.       

With a finals spot up for grabs for the winner, the Northern Blues slammed home five consecutive goals in the third term to take a seven-point lead into the last break.

But with the aid of a swirling breeze, the Hawks finished with a flurry of 23-6 inside 50s, as three goals to Mat Walker and two to Jackson Ross sealed a vital four-points. 

Assistant Coach Marco Bello was pleased with the side’s performance and gives us his review of each AFL-listed player.

Read: Round 20 VFL match report

James Cousins

31 disposals, 5 marks, 8 inside 50s

“James was one of our better midfielders on the day. He started the game really strongly, with thirteen touches in the first quarter, and was able to play the whole game out consistently. He made really good decisions by hand and foot and had really good connection going forward. Cuz provided some real grunt for us in the inside midfield battle.” MB

Jack Scrimshaw

27 disposals, 7 marks, 4 inside 50s

“It has been great to see Scrimma back in really good form. He was active in Hawks ball - in trying to get his hands on the football when we had it – but also had the right intent to work hard defensively to assist and direct teammates at stoppages and around the ground. He was a real springboard in the way we wanted to use the football from our back end.” MB

David Mirra

24 disposals, 11 marks, 6 rebound 50s

“Mirra was really strong again. He was able to free himself up a lot, which allowed him to generate a lot of ball from our back end. He worked really hard on his marking or spoiling decisions – which he did really well. We were able to springboard off him multiple times. Again, his leadership as an ex-skipper and a veteran of the side stood out.” MB

Kaiden Brand

20 disposals, 9 marks, 3 rebound 50s

“Kaiden played as a key defender. He positioned himself really well and was able to impact the loose ground ball. His marking and aerial work, as well as his spoiling decisions, were his strong suit. He’s becoming aware of when to fly and when to stay on the ground, which is pleasing.” MB

Teia Miles

19 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles

“Teia was able to work high up the ground as a small defender. He was able to generate quick ball movement from our back end, as he usually does. He was predictable with his ball use, creating great movement and scoring opportunities for us.” MB

Damon Greaves

16 disposals, 7 marks, 3 tackles

“Damon played across half-back again. He’s a real strong defender that puts himself in really good positions to attack the ball and impact the contest - both aerially and on the ground. Although it’s only his first year, he’s seen as an on-field leader. He was able to not only put himself in good spots on the ground but be really assertive with his voice to direct his teammates into good spots as well. He was hard and tough at crucial moments, he was predictable with his ball use and is having a great impact at the level for a first-year player.” MB

Marc Pittonet

14 disposals, 3 tackles, 24 hitouts

“Pitto had to compete against three genuine talls on the weekend and I thought he fought really hard at the stoppages. He’s a threat himself, not only with his taps to advantage but with his stoppage clearances - he’s averaging close to seven clearances per game. He’s continuing to work on marking the offensive and defensive aerial balls down the line.” MB

Mat Walker

12 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

“Walks is getting a really good balance of attack and defence. He impacted again aerially, with another terrific high-flying mark, but also when the ball hit the ground - he was a duel threat. He finished with seven shots on goal and had a serious impact on the day. He is starting to become a real duel threat with Jackson Ross, both on the scoreboard and in assisting teammates in scoring.” MB 

Jackson Ross

10 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

“Rossy was again very energetic for us in our forward half. He had to play a bit taller this week, due to us only having one genuine tall. He was able to take a few marks and have some shots on goal, which he has been able to do consistently this year. He caused a lot of turnovers in our forward half, with his energy to defend when the ball hit the ground.” MB

Jacob Koschitzke

2 disposals, 1 mark

“Kozzy continues to play his role. He held his position as a full back and was able to produce some really hard spoils and contests throughout the day for us.” MB

Harry Morrison

10 disposals, 3 marks, 2 inside 50s

“Harry was really influential for us up until half time. He played on the wing and was able to stretch the ground for us both offensively and defensively. Unfortunately, he copped a knock five minutes into the third quarter that broke his jaw and took no further part in the game, which was a real pity.” MB

Conor Glass

2 disposals

“Unfortunately, Conor only lasted 10 minutes due to an ab complaint. We will assess him and see if he is able to get up this week.” MB