Box Hill Hawks into VFL Grand Final and date with the Cats

The Box Hill Hawks have secured a spot in this year's Peter Jackson VFL Grand Final with a commanding 52-point win over Werribee at North Port Oval in Port Melbourne. The win sets up a thrilling weekend of football here in Melbourne with the VFL Hawks taking on Geelong and their senior side, Hawthorn, also up against Geelong in the AFL Preliminary Final at the MCG on Friday night.

The first half was a shoot-out with 21 goals kicked between the two sides in perfect spring conditions and in front of vocal supporters including Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson. At half-time the Hawks had edged clear leading by nineteen points. They increased their lead to 27 points at the final change before ramming home another six goals in the final term to win 22.12.144 to Werribee’s 14.8.92.

Shane Savage will push for senior selection after kicking five goals and amassing 28 disposals in a near best-on-ground display while small defender, Taylor Duryea (22 disposals), was also instrumental in his sides win with his usual sharp ball use.

Apart from Savage the Hawks had seven other players who scored two goals each confirming their options in front of the big sticks. For Werribee, Jye Bolton was impressive with five goals and mop-haired former Tasmanian, Ben Brown, tried hard kicking three.

Will Langford (24), Michael Osborne (20) and joint JJ Liston Trophy winner, Mitch Hallahan (26), found plenty of the ball and provided the Hawks with the intensity required for finals pressure; Langford’s two first quarter goals inspiring the Hawks.

For the Tigers, Bolton and defender Ayden Kennedy were their best whilst Daniel Currie finished off a good year in the ruck and the talented Luke McDonald continues to impress.

Geelong are hot favourites for the title however the Hawks are hoping to spoil the party and perhaps cap off a stunning weekend for the brown and gold.