Box Hill Hawks’ quest for back-to-back Peter Jackson VFL premierships remains on track after scraping past a gallant Williamstown in today’s second preliminary final.
The Hawks will meet Footscray next Sunday at Etihad Stadium with a full complement of AFL-listed players to choose from thanks to Hawthorn playing on the same weekend.
In a war of attrition, the Hawks survived a courageous come-back from the Seagulls at North Port Oval who threatened to post their second miraculous victory in as many weeks.
But with the likes of Ben McEvoy, Xavier Murphy and Luke Lowden standing tall in the moments that mattered, the reigning premiers held on to triumph 15.10 (100) to 14.9 (93).
After a week of controversy surround his inclusion, McEvoy stamped his authority with a commanding second half and a huge pack mark in the dying stages.
Lowden was also instrumental, kicking four goals, including one from the deep on the boundary line to give his side a decisive 11-point lead late in the match.
There was some nervous moments for coach Marco Bello though as youngster James Sicily gave away a silly 50m penalty which allowed the Seagulls to creep within one straight kick.
But after last week’s heroics, there was to be no fairy tale for the Seagulls who will be left to lament some wasted forward 50 entries in the final term.
With captain Ben Jolley playing the game of his life, the underdogs powered forward time and time again.
And while there were goals to Ben Bese and Sam Critchely (three for the match) too often the Seagulls kicked long and into the arms of Box Hill defenders.
Ayden Kennedy was a tower of strength in the back half but his season could be over after taking a huge contested mark at the top of the defensive goal square but appearing to badly injure his knee in the process.
The tension built as the Hawks defender was carried from the field but it was Xavier Murphy who rose above it at the restart.
The clever midfielder steadied with the pressure on his shoulders, kicking his third goal on the run and breaking the deadlock.
Murphy’s work at the coalface was crucial, helping Alex Woodward and Mitch Hallahan make the most of the first use provided by McEvoy, Lowden and Sam Grimley.
Seagulls ruckman Nick Meese battled manfully against the trio and did his reputation no harm with a four quarter performance.
But while Jolley found the ball at his feet like he’d brought his own, Kane Lambert was well held by Jordan Kelly.
The young star willed himself into the game in the final quarter but ultimately it was Kelly who took the points in one of the battles of the day.
Williamstown hardman Ed Carr did a similar job on Sam Iles, keeping the prolific ball winner from having a huge say on the outcome.
The dashing Adam Marcon and Willy Wheeler had their moments for the Seagulls, while Nick Sing and Jack Charleston both produced telling goals in the third quarter to drag their side back into he match.
But with the superior depth and a bevy of talls, the Hawks were able to prevail and book a grand final date with the Bulldogs next Sunday.
CLICK HERE for the full senior results
NEXT WEEK:
Sunday September 21, Etihad Stadium
2:15pm: Footscray v Box Hill Hawks
10:30am: Calder Cannons v Oakleigh Chargers (TAC Cup GF)
CLICK HERE for pricing details
Last Modified on 14/09/2014 20:28