The Northern Blues' season came to a disappointing end yesterday at the hands of the Box Hill Hawks.
The Blues were outclassed by the hosts at Box Hill City Oval across four quarters, with the Hawks sealing a home final with a comprehensive 19. 13. (127) to 7. 8. (50) win.
With its fate in its own hands, Northern struggled to match a Box Hill team which was far too classy on the day with clean, direct ball movement in muddy conditions that proved to be the difference between both sides.
In the early stages, it was a tight tussle with the Blues and Hawks trading blows on the scoreboard as neither side was able to break clear of the other.
However, the home side were able to edge clear after having the better of the contest, with two late goals to head into the first break with a 13-point lead.
Three first-half goals to Rhys Palmer were just about enough for Northern to stay in the game as the Hawks threatened to blow the travelling side away in the second term.
Box Hill flexed its offensive muscle to outscore the Blues by six goals to three, with Hawthorn-listed youngster Kade Stewart the chief instigator with a four-goal first half.
The offensive barrage from the Hawks continued in the second half as four consecutive goals meant their lead was out to 57 points midway through the third quarter.
Late goals to Daniel Gorringe and Andrew Gallucci saw the Blues hit the scoreboard heading into the final change, in a quarter which saw Box Hill dominate proceedings once more with 70 more disposals.
The final quarter was much of the same, with the Hawks’ movement by foot getting the better of the Blues as it had for most of the afternoon.
In a gloomy end to the day, the Blues’ fate was met with a determined Box Hill side that was relentless even with the game beyond doubt, as the Hawks ultimately emerged with a 77-point win.
Along with his three goals, Palmer collected 21 disposals, while captain Tom Wilson fought hard as always on his way to 27 possessions and six tackles.
BOX HILL HAWKS 3.3 9.6 13.8 19. 13. (127)
NORTHERN BLUES 1.1 4.2 6.6 7. 8. (50)
GOALS
Northern Blues: Palmer 3, Gallucci, Gorringe, O’Shea, Strachan
BEST
Northern Blues: Blakey, Wilson, O’Shea, Palmer, Glover, Costigan
