VFL 2018: David Mirra stars as a forward as Box Hill Hawks break Casey’s winning streak

DAVID Mirra and Billy Murphy were to the fore as Box Hill Hawks stopped Casey Demons’ winning streak at 12 matches.

MIRROR, mirror on the wall, who’s the most surprising forward of them all?

Late in the VFL season, that would be Box Hill Hawks stalwart David Mirra.

Mirra made his name in the state league — and was drafted to Hawthorn — as a defender but he’s proving to be highly effective in the attacking half.

The right-footer went forward last week against Werribee and booted four goals.

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On Saturday he was again Box Hill’s forward fancy, and he kicked three crucial goals at the City Oval and had a hand in another as the Hawks brought the Casey Demons’ long run of wins to an end.

The Demons had been unbeaten since April 28, a 12-match streak that lifted them to the top of ladder.

But in conditions that took in wild wind, rain and sunshine, the Hawks flattened them with a seven-goal third quarter and went on to win 13.13 (91) to 6.10 (46), in the process maintaining their hopes of finishing in the top four and so gaining a double chance for the finals.

A well-judged mark for emerging Hawk Changkuoth Jiath.

Fifth on the ladder, they host third-placed Geelong in the final round. The Hawks must win while at the same time relying on Casey to defeat fourth-placed Williamstown at Casey Fields.

In a low-scoring first half, Mirra kicked goals in the first and second quarters, making set-shots as other players sprayed their attempts. At one stage the Hawks led 1.6 to 1.4.

At half time they were in front 4.7 to 2.6. Then, sun now shining, they streaked away from the team on the streak, dangerous little forward Billy Murphy kicking two fine goals (he finished with three) and the equally diminutive Dylan Moore chipping in with a classy snap of his own.

Mirra’s third goal and one from the impressive James Cousin early in the final quarter lifted the advantage to 50 points.

For Casey, a first defeat in almost four months took on the form of a drubbing.

The Hawks lost Kurt Heatherley to a hamstring in the first quarter — running for the ball, he stopped as if shot by a bazooka — but their backline was held together by fellow tall Tim O’Brien and Brayden Kilpatrick.

Casey Demon Cory Machaya.

Best and fairest hope Cousins, the uncompromising Mitch O’Donnell and Jon O’Rourke ensured the Hawks had the better of the Demons through the middle.

And the tall and rangy Changkuoth Jiath grabbed the eye with his athleticism and sense of adventure.

With Cam Pedersen and Jay Kennedy-Harris held over for the Melbourne AFL team, Casey had use of only 11 AFL Demons and got less out of some of its VFL players than it needed to match the Hawks.

Corey Wagner and Jay Lockhart were the obvious exceptions. Both were recruited to Casey this year — Wagner from North Melbourne and Lockhart from North Launceston — and they’ve had excellent seasons.

Lockhart kicked two goals, both showcasing his strength, his marking.

The Demons gave a debut to 19-year-old Tom Freeman, whose brother Jimmy also played his first game for the club a few weeks ago.

The son of former AFL player Peter Freeman earned praise from coach Jade Rawlings after the match.

“I think he really stood up under siege really in the backline. I thought if there was one of our backs who actually competed and defended really well it was Tom Freeman, so it was a good effort for a kid,’’ Rawlings said.

“Tom’s been really persistent in our program this year and finally got his reward. The way he played today you’d think he’d get another go.’’

Rawlings said his side was outgunned by a worthy opponent.

“I think the writing was on the wall very early in the game. They (the Hawks) were much cleaner, looked more likely to score when they were going forward and we really struggled in that area.

“I thought we got outplayed in every area of the game, from pretty early in the game.’’

Casey coach Jade Rawlings makes for the huddle.

Box Hill Hawks 1.3, 4.7, 11.9, 13.13 (91)

Casey Demons 1.3, 2.6, 5.8, 6.10 (46)

Box Hill Hawks goals: D. Mirra 3, W. Murphy 3, T. Maloney, C. Jiath, D. Moore, J. Cousins, A. Brolic, J. Ross, J. O’Rourke

Best: J. Cousins, M. O’’Donnell, D. Mirra, C. Jiath, B. Kilpatrick, T. Duryea

Casey Demons goals: J. Lockhart 2, W. Stephenson, J. Hutchins, M. White, G. Lok

Best: J. Lockhart, J. Wagner, D. Keilty, T. Bugg, M. Gent, T. Freeman