Box Hill helped solidify its top four spot with a five-point victory over the Tasmania Devils in Round 15.
Travelling to Penguin in Tasmania's north-west, Box Hill led for the game’s duration, before facing a second-half surge by the home team to challenge the Hawks late.
With just seven AFL-listed Hawks taking to the field, the lowest so far this season, Aidan Schubert (three goals and five marks) and Cody Anderson (two goals and 25 disposals) proved pivotal in the victory.
Senior Coach David Mirra was impressed with the side’s performance on the road.
“In a crucial clash with top four implications for both sides, we secured one of our most memorable away wins of the season against the Devils in Penguin, Tasmania,” Mirra said.
“Despite a late challenge from the home team, we held our nerve to get the job done.”
Mirra summarised the performances of the AFL-listed Hawks, as well as a few VFL standouts.
Cody Anderson (Two goals, 25 disposals, three tackles)
“Cody was instrumental in the victory. He was very tough in the contest winning contested possession and matching it with firepower forward having 4 shots on goal. The highlight was his goal from a forward 50 stoppage.”
Henry Hustwaite (One goal, 23 disposals, ten tackles)
“Pivotal to our midfield group, Henry produced nine clearances, nine tackles, 17 contested possessions and was prolific in driving us forward. He also finished with five inside 50’s and a goal from a forward 50 stoppage. Unfortunately, Henry suffered a knock to his jaw 10 minutes into the last quarter which forced him off the ground and didn’t return.”
Ollie Greeves (21 disposals, five tackles, five clearances)
“He was great playing as an inside mid and he was very good at winning the ball and taking territory from stoppage. He also went forward in the last quarter and looked really dangerous when isolated 1v1.”
Max Ramsden (39 hitouts 20 disposals, four clearances)
“Played in the ruck, recorded 38 hit outs. His follow up work at ground level was fantastic recording 11 ground ball gets. He was able to press forward to defend strongly and outworked his man to have looks at the ball inside 50.”
Aidan Schubert (Three goals 17 disposals, five marks)
“Split his time between playing forward and ruck. He was very good in both positions. As a ruck he displayed his running power getting back to help our defence with a spoil and intercept mark in defensive 50. He also was able to take some strong contested marks inside 50 finishing with three goals.”
Matt LeRay (13 disposals, six intercept possessions, three marks)
“He played half back and wing. He tested the opposition with his ball use often taking dangerous kicks and being aggressive with his ball use. It was his first game back after a little lay off and on limited minutes, it took him a little while to find his feet and get going. He’ll be better for the run and will look to get more game time this week.”
Cam Nairn (One goal. 12 disposals, four tackles)
“Played a mixture of wing and half forward. Worked hard on his patterns up and down the corridor. He was rewarded with a goal in the goal square from his ability to stretch forward and test the opposition.”
A few VFL player shout outs …
Max Pinchbeck (One goal, seven tackles, six disposals) and Zac McGown (12 disposals, five intercept possessions, two marks)
“Congratulations to both Max and Zac as they played their first game for the club. Zac played as a defender and helped lock away their key talls and Max as a forward was able to kick his first goal and then proceed to give one of the better celebrations we have seen.”
Jordan Jaworski (Five disposals, three marks, three score involvements)
“Jaws (Jordan) also made his debut against GWS, marking the culmination of a determined journey to VFL football. After participating in five pre-seasons without securing a contract, his perseverance to earn a spot is highly inspiring for the playing group. He remains an exciting prospect with significant development potential.”
Griff Julian (29 disposals, five intercept possessions, four marks)
“Griff has been on our list for a few years now and put together his most complete performance finishing with 29 disposals off half back. He was a key contributor in our ball movement and provided us with 11 rebound 50’s”
Will Pewtress (Nine disposals, seven intercept possessions, three marks)
“Played a lock down role on Hugh Dixon and took him out of the game. Will’s last month of VFL football has been impressive in this, his first year of playing at the level.”
VFLW Round 8 Results
Tasmania Devils 1.1 2.3 3.3 6.4 (40)
Box Hill 3.0 4.0 4.0 5.1 (31)
GOALS: Rebacca Neaves (2), Hannah Stuart, Kayley Kavangh, Bree Horne.
DISPOSALS: Kayley Kavanagh (21), Stasia Stevenson (19), Hannah Stuart (18), Ruby Ford (18), Rosie Dillon (18).
