In their first game back at Box Hill City Oval this season, the Hawks managed a one-point victory over a determined Richmond outfit.

Senior Coach David Mirra said he was impressed with the side’s efforts to remain in the contest to come away with the win.

“In a tense finish, the boys secured a hard fought one-point win over a resolute Richmond side,” Mirra said.

“While the result hung in the balance for most of the fourth quarter, our execution in the final two minutes was outstanding.

“What pleased us most was the impact of our youth, first-year players (Cam) Nairn, (Ollie) Greeves, and (Jack) Dalton all showed maturity beyond their years with clutch plays in the dying moments.

“Wins like these are incredibly important and this result will undoubtedly carry significant weight come the end of the year.”

Mirra summarised the performance of each AFL-listed Hawk below.

Ollie Greeves (One goal, 33 disposals, six clearances)

“Delivered his finest performance of the season. With several Box Hill regulars elevated to the AFL, Greeves stepped up significantly, recording seven clearances, 13 contested possessions and a crucial goal late to bring the team within five points. He was fierce in the contest, clean with his ball-handling and worked tirelessly to compete.”

Flynn Perez (One goal, 29 disposals, eight marks)

“Responded well to the directive to provide more offensive drive from the backline. Perez generated significant attack with six rebound 50s and 20 uncontested possessions, underscoring his high work rate. Defensively, his strong positioning allowed the team to lock the ball in the forward half, while his leadership and communication remain vital for a young playing group.”

Bailey Macdonald (24 disposals, six marks, five intercept possessions)

“Put together a strong month of VFL football. His defensive positioning was excellent, consistently coming forward to apply pressure, while his ability to break lines with his run and carry was a standout feature. He generated eight handball receives and used the ball with elite efficiency, striking at 96% disposal accuracy.”

Jack Dalton (Three goals, 24 disposals, five tackles)

“Dalton has now kicked the match winning goal in consecutive weeks, an impressive testament to his temperament as a first-year player. He rose to the occasion in the final term with two goals, while his nine ground-ball gets reflected both an enormous work rate and a sharp ability to react faster than his opponents.”

Matt LeRay (22 disposals, seven marks, two tackles)

“Returned for his first game since a concussion layoff and produced his best performance of the year. Playing on the wing, his work rate and explosive first five steps were elite, allowing him to find space and take seven uncontested marks. His efficient ball use also generated seven inside 50s.”

Cam Nairn (20 disposals, five marks, three clearances)

“Spent the majority of the match on the wing, finding plenty of the football and executing well to find quality options for five inside 50s. His defensive work rate was a highlight, consistently working into positions to cut off opposition attacks with intercept marks.”

Noah Mraz (15 disposals, eight marks, three tackles)

“Controlled the air with a strong aerial performance, clunking three contested marks and recording five intercept possessions to completely nullify his direct opponent. He also provided valuable rebound to generate five inside 50s.”

Cody Anderson (Three goals, 15 disposals, five tackles)

“An excellent all-around performance from Cody, highlighted by a three-goal haul that included a spectacular dribble kick from the boundary. His trademark pressure was again on full display, headlined by a crucial chase down tackle in the third quarter.”

Will McCabe (12 disposals, three marks, three score involvements)

“Faced a tight tag and had to work exceptionally hard for his output, with 8 of his 12 possessions collected in contested situations. McCabe will review the tape to look at structural ways to create better separation from his opponent moving forward.”

Matt Hill (Nine tackles, eight disposals, four score involvements)

“Despite a lower disposal count, Hill had a massive impact on the contest. He attended more centre bounces later in the game, winning two crucial clearances in the dying stages. He led the team defensively with a match-high nine tackles and was unlucky not to hit the scoreboard, with one attempt touched on the goal line.

Jaime Uhr-Henry (45 hitouts, seven disposals, four tackles)

“Dominated the ruck duels as the primary big man, registering 45 hitouts to give the midfield first use. His ground-level commitment was evident with four tackles, and his dominance in the final two centre bounces directly led to the clearances that secured our late goals. He continues to improve week-on-week.”

Aidan Schubert (Seven disposals, two marks, one tackle)

“Had limited opportunities to impact the contest this week. While he worked into the correct positions on several occasions, he was unable to capitalise. The coaching staff and Aidan will work on forward line synergy to help create better separation and opportunities for him next week.”

James Blanck (Three disposals, two marks, two intercept possessions)

“Unfortunately, Blancky sustained a hamstring injury that ended his game prematurely. Having only just returned from a shoulder injury, he faces another stint on the sidelines. A reliable defender and a selfless team player, the club will support him through his rehab in hopes of a swift return.”

The Hawks return to Friday night lights in Round 9 against Williamstown at DSV Stadium.