Box Hill’s aerial superiority against Borough reflected on the scoreboard

WHILE Box Hill’s VFL side proved too big, strong and skilful for Port Melbourne in Wonthaggi, the Borough commendably stuck to its task ensuring a decent spectacle for local and visiting fans.

Box Hill’s 38-point victory stemmed largely from aerial superiority, the Hawks excelling at finding marking targets around the ground and moving the ball directly, Port’s backline struggling to contain an opposition enjoying high quality delivery.

The Hawks finished with 84 marks for the game to Port Melbourne’s 66.

Whenever Port Melbourne had the footy, the player in possession was under fierce pressure from the Hawks, often forcing overuse of handballs, Box Hill’s finishing proving too accomplished. 

The Borough managed just four more kicks than handballs for the game, while Box Hill used the ball by foot 35 times more than by hand.

Current Leongatha player and former Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell racked up 30 disposals for Port Melbourne, being one of most prolific ball winners on the ground.

Hawthorn player Finn Maginness impressed for the winning team, having 17 kicks, 21 handballs and laying six tackles, the son of Scott Maginness putting his hand up for Senior Selection.

Box Hill led by 20 points at quarter time and although the Borough was first to goal in the second stanza, the margin increased to 28 points by halftime.

Pleased with the first term, Box Hill coach Zane Littlejohn urged his players at the first break to “be really disciplined and not let them chip around and access the open side”.

Such was the Hawks’ overall discipline, Port Melbourne never hit the lead despite trimming the margin to 13 points at the last change.

Hawthorn key forward Jasper Scaife set the tone early as a marking target and goal scorer, managing six majors for the match.

Dashing Hawthorn defender and Gippsland Power product Jiath Changkuoth, known simply as CJ, was another Box Hill representative catching the eye, the athletic but sometimes injury hit player having 26 possessions.

Son of James Hird, Tom, worked hard for the beaten Borough as did tireless skipper Harvey Hooper.

After the match, Port Melbourne coach Brendan McCartney was pleased with his side’s improvement, declaring it the Boroughs’ best effort so far this season and telling the players there was joy in some of what they did but also times when they needed to man-up better.

He assured them the desired polish will come with continued work and development.

“The raw materials are there, he said,” having stressed the relentless nature of the game and the need to maintain intensity for the full 120 minutes.

While Port had its moments, the Hawks were a lot closer to achieving that aspiration in a well-deserved win.

Dyson Heppell still loving footy after AFL retirement

WHILE proud club Port Melbourne is yet to savour victory in this season’s VFL campaign, Dyson Heppell is relishing his involvement with the Borough.

“I’m really enjoying my time; we’ve got a lot of young guys who are passionate and really keen to improve their footy and be part of a competitive professional environment,” he said after playing well against Box Hill in Wonthaggi.

Heppell observed that coach Brendan McCartney and director of coaching James Hird “are doing a great job steering the ship”, describing his own role as being a mentor and onfield leader.

Heppell also hopes to continue representing his hometown Leongatha during Port Melbourne byes, having lined up for the Parrots for the first time since his junior days earlier this season, saying he had a ball.

“It’s the first time I’d ever played with Azza,” he said of lining up with brother Aaron, also enjoying playing alongside a couple of mates.

Dyson is unsure what lies ahead next year, waiting to see how his body is holding up after the current campaign.

While he’s confident he’ll always be involved in footy in some capacity, he doesn’t have coaching aspirations at this stage.

With Port Melbourne having a bye during Leongatha’s Round 8 clash with local rival Wonthaggi, home fans at the Parrots’ nest will be hoping to see Dyson line up for his first game at the venue in many years on Saturday, June 7.