Box Hill Senior Coach Chris Newman reviews every Hawthorn-listed player’s performance for Box Hill in its thrilling Round 1 clash.

The VFL men’s team started its season on a positive note, outlasting reigning premiers Footscray to secure a two-point victory.

According to Newman, Kade Stewart and Dallas Willsmore were among the best players on the ground, while Jonathan O’Rourke impressed on return from injury.

Read: VFL Match report Round 1

Jack Fitzpatrick

“Fitzy competed really well in the ruck for us, and also provided a strong target up forward. He finished with two goals and took a couple of big contested marks for us at really imported stages throughout the game, so he was quite influential.” CN

Harry Morrison

“It was another solid game down back for Harry. He finished with 17 disposals and provided some really good rebound run for us. He continues to get better and better.” CN

Luke Surman

“Surman played back for the first time, and really thrived with the opportunity. He finished with 16 disposals, which is the most Surmo has had in any one game. His aerial contest stood out; he took three contested marks, and was pivotal in stopping the opposition’s surges going inside 50. He’s still got a way to go, but that was certainly a great step forward.” CN

Mitchell Lewis

“Lewis didn’t finish with massive numbers in his Box Hill debut (eight touches), but he took a really strong contested mark for us and had two shots on goal. He continues to learn his craft and get better.” CN

Kade Stewart

“He had an outstanding game with 26 disposals, nine tackles, and a goal. He was really tough for us and finished with 37 pressure acts, which is huge. It was a really balanced, consistent game from Kade.” CN

Teia Miles

“Milesy finished with 18 disposals. He is really crafty with the footy, and his strength is his ability to create some instability for the opposition with his defence. He went forward late and looked dangerous and lively, so he’s still got the ability to play both ends.” CN

Conor Nash

“Conor did his job really well. He finished with 14 disposals and competed really hard throughout the game.” CN

Jonathan O’Rourke

“O’Rourke played two and a half quarters on return from injury and had 25 disposals, so he was looking really sharp. He had five inside 50s, four clearances and was quite influential for us early in the game. He’ll be quite happy with that, and hopefully he pulls up well and can play a four-quarter game this week.” CN

Conor Glass

“He played a little bit on the wing and a little bit down back. He’s an elite ball user for someone who hasn’t been kicking the footy for long, so 16 disposals is a good output from Conor.” CN

James Cousins

“Cousins had 20 disposals and kicked a goal. He loves the contest so a lot of his ball was contested. It was good signs for a young kid.” CN

Dallas Willsmore

“Dal finished with 31 disposals, and kicked a really important long range goal for us late. His work rate throughout the day was outstanding. He provided us with some inside 50s and also drifted back to support the back line. That’s what we want from Dal.” CN

Marc Pittonet

“Pitto had 13 disposals and provided a really strong physical presence for us, so that’s what we expect out of him every week. He finished with 46 hit outs which is a fantastic result.” CN

Ryan Schoenmakers

Schoey finished with 19 disposals and worked really hard throughout the day. He provides some impressive leadership and physical presence playing forward. He didn’t kick a goal, but created quite a few opportunities for his teammates.” CN