An ankle injury to Hawthorn giant Ned Reeves further soured Box Hill Hawks’ 37-point defeat to Werribee in their round four VFL clash at City Oval.
The 209-centimetre son of Hawthorn CEO Justin went down with a left ankle injury sustained in a marking contest early in the second quarter and was on crutches post-game.
Fellow ruckman Jon Ceglar was named to make his return from an ankle injury but did not play. Of Hawthorn’s AFL emergencies, Josh Morris and Dylan Moore were held over.
A bright spark for Sam Mitchell’s men was the debut of Eastern Ranges midfielder and potential top five draft pick Tyler Sonsie, who starred with 21 disposals and two goals.
First-year Hawk Tyler Brockman showed flashes of brilliance including a VFL goal of the year contender.
Dropped midfielder Finn Maginness was solid with 21 disposals, while Damon Greaves mopped up across half back regularly and impressed.
Werribee, coached by Michael Barlow backed up last round’s 81-point thrashing of reigning premiers Richmond with another clinical display.
Two mid-season draft hopefuls did their chances no harm. 2018 Victorian U18 leading goalkicker Hudson Garoni backed up his four-goal effort last week with a commanding bag of five, while ex-Geelong and Port Adelaide big man Wylie Buzza kicked three to continue his strong VFL form.
FULL SCORE
Box Hill: 2.1, 4.1, 8.3, 8.5 (53)
Werribee: 5.1, 7.9, 10.9, 13.12 (90)