EFNL 2021: New Hawks impress in Boronia’s Round 1 victory
Boronia coach Matt Clark has lauded the work of his new recruits among a complete performance in his side’s opening win.
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Boronia senior coach Matt Clark has lauded the work of his new recruits among a complete performance in the weekend’s win over Knox, with four new names on show.
The Hawks hit the ground running following on from a 2019 season where they finished minor premiers, accounting for Knox in its first Division 2 outing, 11.13 (79) to 4.6 (30).
Former Wantirna South trio Noah Jackson, Taylor Leggate and Sean Young along with ex-Ferntree Gully Eagle and versatile tall Nick Knoops all impressed on debut in the brown and gold according to Clark, in a 49-point victory played under wet and windy conditions.
Knoops and Jackson each booted two goals to help launch the Hawks’ 2021 campaign.
“I couldn’t pull a bad player out for us, so it was pretty pleasing,” Clark said.
“All our recruits contributed – Taylor Leggate had a really good game too, Noah Jackson played on the wing and kicked a couple of goals. He really cracked in hard, and he’s got some good pace.
“Sean Young had to go head-first into a couple of packs, and he did so without hesitation, so he set the tone for us early.”
Meanwhile, decorated club great Jess Bolton provided plenty of dash in defence in his comeback match after coming out of retirement, making his first appearance since June 2019.
“Our whole back six were really strong but he (Bolton) provided plenty of run and used his fitness,” Clark said.
“It was an incredible game first game back in tricky conditions – he was accountable, defended really well and then provided link up run as we brought the ball out.”
The club’s new-look leadership group also fired on all cylinders, with incoming skipper Harry Burgess proving his worth across half-back, while vice-captain Luke Hannon kicked two majors as he combined with deputy Ryan White.
“‘Whitey’ (Ryan White) and Luke Hannon on the ball really gave us drive – in the middle and going forward they were superb and able to win contest after contest,” Clark said.
Boronia hosts Mulgrave at Tormore Reserve in Round 2.
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