It’s already been well documented Jesse Smith made a successful return with thirteen possessions in less than a half of football but equally as impressive was Ed Lower’s performance. Lower hasn’t played since Round 8 after a knee injury, but could be in line for a senior recall for Sunday's match against Richmond. The South Australian picked up 21 possessions and cleared the ball from the centre on six occasions.
North teammate Cruize Garlett should also be in the mix after he grabbed 20 disposals and a goal, while Josh Smith and Aaron Edwards worked hard in difficult conditions up forward without reward.
The Roosters had all the running in the first half kicking eight goals to four, but their winning run came to an end as Box Hill handled the difficult conditions better and kept the reigning premiers to just two goals in the second half.
Bill Driscoll booted three goals for the losing team, while Thomas Roach and Brett Goodes were North Ballarat's best.
Hawthorn's Cameron Stokes kicked three for the winners, while former Melbourne player Adam Yze kicked two.
It doesn't get any easier for North Ballarat as it takes on the Northern Bullants at Visy Park next Sunday. The Bullants desperate for a win to keep their finals chances alive.
Box Hill Hawks 2.4 4.7 6.10 11.16-82
North Ballarat 4.3 8.5 9.8 10.8-68
Box Hill Hawks
Goal Kickers: C. Stokes 3, B. Smithwick 2, A. Yze 2, C. Pedersen 2, B. Renouf, S. Kenna
Best Players: S. Iles, S. Savage, R. Schoenmakers, C. Stokes, C. Pedersen, B. Renouf
North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: B. Driscoll 3, J. Spolding 2, J. Smith, C. Garlett, T. Roach, C. Richardson, T. Cartledge
Best Players: T. Roach, B. Goodes, E. Lower, S. Clifton, M. Sewell, M. Searl
Statistics:
Matt Campbell - 4 kicks, 3 handballs, 4 marks, 1 goal
Aaron Edwards - 7 kicks, 5 handballs, 3 marks
Cruize Garlett - 10 kicks, 10 handballs, 3 marks, 1 goal
Ed Lower - 12 kicks, 9 handballs, 3 marks, 6 clearances
Josh Smith - 7 kicks, 4 handballs, 6 marks, 1 goal
Shannon Watt - 7 kicks, 5 handballs, 3 marks
Marcus White - 5 kicks, 3 handballs, 1 mark
Michael Wundke - 2 kicks, 3 handballs, 3 marks
Warren Benjamin - 2 kicks, 14 handballs (reserves)
Jesse Smith - 9 kicks, 4 handballs, 5 marks (reserves)
