VFL: Box Hill back on top.

The Box Hill Hawks have regained top spot on the VFL ladder after a comfortable 49-point win over North Ballarat in round thirteen at a cold Box Hill City Oval. The Hawks booted five goals to nil in the first term which set up their win and despite the Roosters showing plenty of heart in stopping the margin from blowing right out they eventually went down 18.13.121 to 9.18.72.

Anthony Brolic kicked a game-high three goals for the Hawks, while Dallas Willsmore, Chris Jones, Nelson Lane and Tyrone Vickery each kicked two while the only multiple goal kicker for North Ballarat was Hayden Walters with two. The much talked about Vickery worked hard in the ruck for the majority of the match to figure in the Hawk’s best along with Willsmore who picked up 35 touches and Brendan Whitecross with 34 disposals in defence was also a fine contributor.

The Roosters didn’t kick their first goal until five minutes into the second quarter thanks to a snap from Jacob Wheelahan, the margin 34 points at the main change. Hawks defenders, skipper David Mirra, returning from a hamstring injury and Ayden Kennedy were solid throughout as the Rooster’s found life difficult entering their forward fifty.

In the third quarter the Hawks skipped clear of their opponents booting seven goals to two with the likes of Willsmore, Vickery, Jones and Brolic all getting on the scoreboard. The Hawks simply had too much firepower for the in-experienced Roosters, when Jones kicked truly from a fine mark 15 minutes in, he became the Hawk’s 12th individual goal kicker. A highlight of the term was Hawk William Murphy’s mark-of-the-day attempt, climbing high over a pack at the Davey street end only to be out marked from behind by teammate Brolic who had timed his leap better.

North Ballarat fought the match out in the final quarter kicking the first four goals and eventually outscoring the Hawks 35 to 20. Players had to contend with a stiff breeze blowing across ground making field kicking difficult at times.  

Hawthorn listed player Teia Miles (21 disposals, one goal) impressed again as did Andrew Moore (32) through the midfield and Nelson Lane (21) who was lively. Just five rounds ago the Roosters got to within 13 points of the Hawks back in Ballarat but were no match this time and they remain winless on the bottom of the table. They had contributors around the ground in Lachlan Cassidy and Lachlan George while rover Nick Rippon and captain Luke Kiel were also among the Rooster’s best.

The Box Hill Hawks are again home in round fourteen hosting Werribee while North Ballarat return to their hometown where they will take on the Northern Blues who are in freefall after dropping their last five games.

For full match details click here at VFL website