A dominant second quarter from Box Hill did the damage in a 72-point win over Essendon VFL at Windy Hill on Sunday afternoon.

The Bombers’ poor ball use in the early stages of the contest allowed the Hawks to counter and score quickly, conceding three quick goals in the first term before steadying up through the defensive efforts of Sam Weideman and Zach Reid.

Despite starting to even out numbers at the contest in the first term, Box Hill split through Essendon’s setup after quarter-time and piled on another seven goals before the home side had registered a major score.

With VFL regulars this season in Nick Bryan and Archie Roberts both away with the AFL squad, the Dons struggled to compensate around the ball and were beaten convincingly at the other end by Box Hill’s small forwards Chad Wingard and Nick Watson, who each booted four goals.

Matters were made worse for the Bombers when Reid exited the contest early in the third quarter with a shoulder injury – the key defender will have scans on Monday to confirm the full extent.

Trailing by 62 points at the main break and gaining another offensive target with Weideman moving up to a key forward post, the Dons managed to break even with Box Hill throughout the second half but the result had essentially been sealed by that stage.

Will Setterfield’s successful return from injury was a highlight on a dour day, the midfielder looking the most prominent inside presence for the Bombers and finishing with two goals from 28 disposals.

In his club debut, mid-season draftee Saad El-Hawli (25 disposals) worked his way into the contest nicely, with his noted run-and-carry and willingness to bite off tough kicks through the corridor apparent from the outset.

Another two Bombers made their first appearances in NGA prospects Ryan Brodie and Amin Naim – the latter capping his day off with a goal.

Box Hill had 95 more touches for the day and nearly 20 more inside 50’s, easily winning the territory battle and looking a lot more efficient with ball in hand.

After a month of promising performances against experienced VFL outfits, the Bombers have endured a disappointing fortnight. They’ll be looking to bounce back against Carlton at Windy Hill this Sunday.

ESSENDON     0.2     0.4     3.7    5.10   (40)
BOX HILL      3.3     10.6     12.9     16.16  (112)

GOALS
Setterfield 2, Wanganeen, Naim, Monti

BEST
Setterfield, Shiel, Weideman, El-Hawli