PREMIERSHIP players Matt Spangher, Ben McEvoy and Will Langford made successful returns from injury for the Box Hill Hawks on Saturday.
The Hawks were in fine form against Port Melbourne at Box Hill City Oval, claiming a 55-point victory to move to second place on the VFL ladder after Round 8.
From the first bounce until the final siren, the Hawks showed pure class on the field.
Teamwork and accurate kicking got them across the line in the much-hyped clash of the VFL second and third-placed teams.
In the first quarter after a goal from Marc Pittonet, Port Melbourne kept the ball down their end.
Despite multiple shots at goal, the Borough’s inaccurate kicking left them with only 1.5 at quarter time.
When the ball was down the Hawks’ end, they managed to score five goals, finishing the first quarter with a 23-point lead.
It was only up from there for the Hawks.
The Hawks ability to turn the ball over and move quickly down the field was immaculate. Port Melbourne looked lost as the Hawks’ teamwork created a fast-paced game.
From quarter to quarter Box Hill increased their lead over Port Melbourne, showing no sign of slowing down.
Box Hill tall Tom Gordon, one of the side’s best players, said it was the Hawks strongest showing so far this season.
“I was a bit nervous coming into the game against Port Melbourne,” he said.
“Obviously they are a good side, looking at them during the week they tend to start really well, so we knew we had to get off to a good start.
“We moved the ball really well today and for some reason it all just gelled.
“The way we played was our best effort for the year so far and that definitely showed on the scoreboard.”
Hawthorn-listed player Jonathan O’Rourke was named the Hawks’ best player, kicking three goals from 21 possessions.
Fellow AFL-listed players McEvoy, Tim O’Brien and Teia Miles were also named in the best, while O’Brien, Pittonet, Sam Grimley and James Sicily each chipped in with two goals.
The Hawks have a bye this weekend, before visiting league-leader Williamstown on 21 June.
Scores
Box Hill Hawks 5.4, 8.5, 12.10, 17.13 (115)
Port Melbourne 1.5, 2.8, 6.10, 8.12 (60)
Goals: O’Rourke 3, Pittonet 2, O’Brien 2, Grimley 2, Sicily 2, Evans, Lock, McEvoy, Woodward, Lawlor, Langford
Best: O’Rourke, Iles, McEvoy, O’Brien, Miles, Gordon
