On his return from injury, midfielder Tom Powell collected 23 disposals for the Roos on Saturday afternoon, but it was not enough to overcome a 31-point deficit to the Box Hill Hawks.

The match was a back-and-forth contest for most of the day, as the margin didn’t exceed 12 points for either side during the first three terms.

North Melbourne held a two-point lead going into the fourth quarter, but only managed to kick one goal in the final term compared to Box Hill’s six.

This loss mathematically eliminates North Melbourne from finals contention in the 2026 season.

The final score at Box Hill City Oval saw the Roos fall 14.19 (103) to 10.12 (72).

HAWKS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Player watch

Playing an on-aller role for most of the day, Powell was able to make an impact out of the middle, notching seven clearances and five inside 50s. His best moment for the day was a beautiful chip kick to Tarrant to set up a goal in the third term.

Pushing his case for an AFL debut, forward Ollie Griffin was impressive again, registering 10 disposals, seven marks and three goals. His aerial work was brilliant again, often rising over defenders to create scoring chances for himself.

Young defender Riley Hardeman (24 disposals, seven rebound 50s) was great in an attacking role off the half-back flank. His booming kick was utilised many times to get the Kangaroos out of trouble, and his defensive work was solid.

Defender Robert Hansen jnr (24 disposals, 12 rebound 50s, one goal) also played well in an attacking role out of the backline. His highlight of the day was the first goal of the match, where he spun around and kicked a long-range major.

Veteran Zac Fisher (20 disposals, seven marks) was solid in his role. Often the connecting player, he was able to use his run and dash to break away from opponents and set up his teammates.

Contested beast Thomson Dow dominated in the midfield with 27 disposals and a goal, and key forward James Tarrant kicked through two majors for the contest.

What the coach said

VFL coach Adam Marcon on the result: “Frustrating to lose this one the way we did. Obviously we had led up until just before halfway through the last quarter, but then we conceded the last five goals of the game, which is far from ideal.

“A few frustrations have come out of the game, particularly around some of our discipline and the crucial free kicks we gave away. This as well as some costly turnovers were the difference in the game.”

On the remaining games: “Just because we are out of finals doesn’t change anything for us moving forward. We have really been preaching a similar message for majority of the year, which is to play our roles well and understanding how the game is going.

“We also focus on the adversity we’ve been in late in games and quarters throughout the year and how to play out those games strongly, so the message will continue to be the same for the last two games.”

On Tom Powell’s return: “Today was probably the most freely I’ve seen ‘Powelly’ move in a while which was great to see. I thought today he had a strong influence in the midfield and around the ground, so good to see him fit and healthy.”

On Ollie Griffin: “He was really strong today, competing in the air and on ground like he always does, as well as his pressure when the opposition have the ball. He’s put together a really strong block of form, and he’s been very impressive since joining the club.”

Next up

North Melbourne will head back home to Arden Street Oval, facing off against the Footscray Bulldogs. The game will commence at 2.05pm AEST on Friday, August 7.

BOX HILL HAWKS           1.5      7.6      8.12       14.19     (103)
NORTH MELBOURNE     2.3      7.6        9.8       10.12       (72)

GOALS
Box Hill Hawks: McLaughlin 3, Butler 3, Hill 3, Dear 2, Beattie 2, Ramsden
North Melbourne: Griffin 3, Tarrant 2, Dovaston, Dow, George, Goad, Hansen jnr

BEST
North Melbourne: Dow, Powell, Griffin, Hardeman, Macpherson, Gollant

LATE CHANGES
North Melbourne: Cooper Harvey replaced by Darcy Macpherson