Reported by Phil Edwards
THE Tassie Devils fought valiantly but suffered their fourth straight loss of the season going down to the Box Hill Hawks by 13 points in their VFL clash at Bellerive Oval yesterday.
The Devils played with plenty of commitment and desire and refused to give up in a frenetic last quarter in which they kicked four goals against the wind to twice get within six points of the Hawks.
But a Jarryd Morton goal at the 24-minute mark steadied the Hawks as Tasmania pressed the advantage before Beau Dowler's after-the-siren shot gave Box Hill a 13.17 (95) to 12.10 (82) victory.
Devils' coach Daryn Cresswell would have been heartened by his side's work rate and effort but frustrated still by skill errors and poor decision-making in disposal which proved costly throughout the game.
The bottom of the ladder Hawks were winless before yesterday's game but fielded their best side so far this season against the Devils with 10 AFL-listed players including the senior experience of Joel Smith, Beau Muston, Josh Thurgood and Zac Dawson.
Cresswell named Trent Bartlett in his line-up pre-match but the former Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs big man failed to take the field.
The Devils could have used his height and experience in a largely one- dimensional forward line with Adam Derbyshire the only marking target.
Derbyshire was again well held by the Hawks defenders but managed two goals, including one in the last term which got the Devils to within seven points.
Ten individual goal scorers contributed the rest as Tasmania found itself having to manufacture goals inside 50m through grit and determination.
The Hawks on the other hand had more marking options with Jason Cook booting three, Kris Shore, Max Little and Sam Gibson two each.
With more possessions and inside 50s and 30 scoring shots to 22, Box Hill probably should have won by more but for inaccuracy in the windy conditions.
Tasmania also failed to make the most of its opportunities with the wind in third term, kicking 3.6 for the quarter and failing to finish off its good work going forward.
Youngster Tom Collier provided plenty of run off half-back setting up two goals in the first half to impress.
Co-captain Brett Geappen had lots of possessions along with Alan O'Sign, Sam Whish-Wilson, Ken Hall, Clinton Brown and Scott McMahon.
Luke Shackleton also did well in his first game back for the Devils.
