The elements might have conspired against them, but Senior Coach David Teague wasn’t about to make excuses for the Northern Bullants’ 41-point loss to Box Hill at the weekend.

Thought the Ants opened up with a wind-assisted 6.3 to 3.3 first term, and dominated play into the breeze in the second, it was the third quarter which ultimately proved their undoing - a three-goal return for the quarter best reflecting the Hawks’ “shut down” success.

“They were very good at stopping us,” Teague admitted. “Though they ran away with it in the final quarter they set the win up in the third because we had a strong breeze and it was three goals all.

“They managed to get their numbers behind the ball and they held us up. For us it was an education and hopefully we can learn from that, so that next time we play in windy conditions we can use the ball a bit better.”

Of the Bullants’ better performers, Shaun Grigg was singled out by the Senior Coach for special mention, as was Robert Warnock, Brad Fisher and Chris Johnson.

“Shaun played with real speed in carrying the ball, although he only played a half before taking off to the Carlton game as an emergency.

“Robbie Warnock, in a game where Box Hill didn’t allow us many possessions, finished with 18 touches and competed hard in the ruck, while Brad Fisher up forward kicked four goals straight, having had to compete one-on-two with Box Hill pushing their numbers back.

Of further significance was the performance of Chris Johnson, who turned in a fine display off a wing to complete a successful comeback following a wrist injury.

The Bullants are now scheduled to meet Werribee at Chirnside Park under lights, as they strive to secure a top four berth in the run home to September.

Box Hill Hawks 18.16 (124) defeated Northern Bullants 12.11 (83)

Goalkickers: Fisher 4, McCorkell 2, Iacobucci, Kerr, Johnson, Grigg, Warnock, Hadley

Best Players: Johnson, Warnock, Iacobucci, Browne, Fisher, Grigg