The VFL Cats have been defeated by one point in a heart-stopping contest on Sunday, with a last gasp goal from Box Hill snatching the four points away from Geelong in a dramatic final quarter.
Geelong led for most of the last term but Box Hill managed to hit the front with a goal at the 27 minute mark, the Cats unable to find one more late score despite having the ball locked in their forward half.
Mitch Hardie put together another impressive performance collecting 36 disposals and eight clearances, also pushing forward to boot two important goals in the second half.
Oisin Mullin (25 disposals) was strong down back winning a game high 12 contested possessions and eight intercepts, while Marcus Herbert provided a spark picking up 31 disposals at nearly 80% efficiency.
George Stevens (25 disposals & nine tackles) and Ted Clohesy (25 disposals, 11 tackles & one goal) both impressed through the midfield and continued their hot form.
An arm wrestle ensued in a low scoring first half, but a pair of Box Hill goals late in the second quarter saw Geelong trailing by 10 points at half time.
The Cats controlled general play in the first half leading the clearance count (+9), Inside 50’s (+8) and tackles (+2) but were unable to convert on the scoreboard.
The contested slog continued after half time, but a goal of the year contender from Hamish Lucas late in the third quarter brought the Cats within four points at the final break.
Geelong booted three of the first four majors in the final quarter to set up a grandstand finish, before Finn Maginness slotted the last goal to clinch victory for Box Hill.
The Cats will take another trip up the highway next week as they visit Victoria Park for a clash against Collingwood, with the opening bounce at 1.05pm on Saturday afternoon.
VFL Round 15
GEELONG 3.3 4.7 7.10 10.11 (71)
BOX HILL 2.1 6.5 8.8 10.12 (72)
GOALS: Hardie 2, Willis, Clohesy, Herbert, Antonac, Hutchins, Lucas, Bradtke, O'Sullivan 1
DISPOSALS: Hardie 36, Herbert 31, Stevens, Parfitt, Mullin, Clohesy 25
@ Box Hill City Oval
