Borough overrun by Hawks

BOX HILL responded magnificently to a Port Melbourne second-quarter surge to pip the Borough in Wonthaggi by a goal.

Kicking with the breeze and having booted three majors in quick succession in the second term, Port Melbourne raced to a 22-point lead and there was no reason to think that when Courteney Bromage nailed the last of that hat trick it would be the Borough’s final goal of the day.

Box Hill players had been urged at the first break to focus on better 
communication and improve their work rate, and while there didn’t appear to be an immediate response there certainly was as the second term progressed.

The longer the game went, the more noticeable the influence of Box Hill ruck Paige Price, her bright orange helmet not only making her a noticeable marking target for her teammates but drawing Borough kicks to her like moths to a flame.

She was named the Hawks’ second-best behind Ellie McLinden.

Forward Mia Zielinski also became an increasingly powerful presence for the winning team, a highlight being her ability to outmanoeuvre an opponent to mark, leading to a set shot goal that helped peg back the Borough’s second-quarter lead.

She continued to impress with her strong marking, taking six for the game.

Former St Kilda player Rosie Dillon worked hard charging out on leads and marking well.

For the beaten Borough, Lauren Caruso was the biggest ball winner with 18 possessions, also laying six tackles and 
providing as many clearances.

Bromage was another Port Melbourne player applying tackling pressure and looked threatening with the ball in hand, while teammate Ava Seton was named the Borough’s best.

There were no multiple goal scorers for either side, each having five single goal kickers, Box Hill’s six extra behinds the difference.

While the Hawks’ comeback was commendable, there’s no doubt it was a game Port Melbourne let escape its grasp.