Essendon has fallen to a sixth consecutive loss on Sunday, this time at the hands of a Box Hill side who now sit 8-1 on the season.
The 8.10 (58) to 15.15 (105) defeat wasn’t without its positive signs for the Dons, who kept themselves afloat in patches, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Hawks’ strength across the park.
After a relatively even opening quarter, the Hawks broke away to a six-goal lead halfway through the second term, before a run of three consecutive goals (including two to John Jorgensen) gave Essendon some needed momentum heading into the main break.
Despite another combative outing from Essendon in the third period, the Hawks put the foot down late, booting five of the final seven goals to extend the final margin to 47 points.
Essendon fans will be excited by the promising return of Nik Cox from injury, who accumulated 16 disposals floating across half-back in just three quarters of play.
Pat Voss provided a solid aerial presence up the ground with 15 touches and six marks, and Josh Hotchkin rucked well around the ground in the absence of Nick Bryan (AFL selection) with 38 hit-outs of his own.
Rhett Montgomerie and Kaine Baldwin fought manfully in defence, combining for 15 marks and thwarting many Box Hill attacks, particularly in the first half.
The Dons will look to make amends next Sunday, facing off with eighth-placed North Melbourne at 1:35pm at the NEC Hangar.
ESSENDON 2.2 5.4 6.6 8.10 (58)
BOX HILL 4.2 8.5 10.9 15.15 (105)
GOALS (ESSENDON):
Conforti, Jorgensen 2, Wanganeen, Phillips, Cootee, Loton
BEST (ESSENDON):
Loton, McCarty, Voss, Conforti, Hotchkin, Montgomerie
Images: Gallivant Photo.