A Hard-Fought Preliminary Final
The Box Hill Hawks have secured their place in the VFL Grand Final following a high-stakes 95-88 victory over the Essendon Bombers at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday, September 12, 2026. In a match defined by its offensive intensity and defensive pressure, the Hawks held firm in the final minutes to end the Bombers’ season, according to AFL.com.au.
More than 3,000 spectators attended the clash, which saw an explosive start with 11 combined goals scored in the first quarter alone. While Essendon remained competitive throughout the day, the Hawks’ ability to win critical contests in the final term proved decisive, as noted by Essendon FC.
Key Performers and Tactical Shifts
Box Hill’s victory was built on a balanced team effort. Calsher Dear and Aidan Schubert each contributed three goals, while Henry Hustwaite provided a dominant presence in the midfield, recording 10 tackles, seven clearances, and a team-high 26 disposals. Other notable contributors included Cam Nairn, who impressed with 23 disposals and a match-high 13 marks, and Jack Scrimshaw, who added a goal to his 23-disposal performance.
For Essendon, the match marked a difficult end to a strong campaign. Despite the loss, several players stood out. Elijah Tsatas led the Bombers with 30 disposals and nine inside-50s, while Jade Gresham and Nik Cox were instrumental in the attack, booting three goals each. Defensively, Tyler Sellers provided a standout performance with 27 disposals and 14 intercept possessions, supported by Deacon Kalpakis, who claimed 12 marks.
Path to the Grand Final
With the win, the Box Hill Hawks move one step closer to the VFL premiership. They now await the result of the second preliminary final between Geelong and Port Melbourne, which is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, at GMHBA Stadium. The winner of that contest will face the Hawks in the Grand Final. For the Bombers, the result concludes a season that included an eight-game winning streak, shifting their focus toward preparation for the 2027 campaign.