Box Hill has put together an impressive 2025 campaign and sat inside the top two for seven of the first 11 rounds. However, it was their defeat to Essendon in Round 12 that saw them settle for third spot on the ladder by the end of the regular campaign.
Paige Price will be one to keep an eye out for in the elimination final, with the ruck averaging a league-high 32 hitouts a game to ensure the likes of Isla Baldwin and Tess Cattle get first use of the footy.
The Bombers were on top of the ladder at the conclusion of Round 6 following a five-match win-streak, however a run of five-straight defeats put their finals position in jeopardy.
They were able to steady the ship with three wins from the last three games to secure yet another finals campaign, with their spot clinched in thrilling style last week when a Tia Davidge long bomb in the dying minutes secured a come-from-behind victory over the Bulldogs.
Skipper El Chaston brings red-hot form to the finals and averages 26 disposals in the two matches they have played against the Hawks this season. A similar display this weekend will go a long way towards leading Essendon to its first finals win in two years.
What is also on the Bombers side is that, remarkably, in the last three rebel VFLW finals campaigns, the sixth-placed side has advanced to the second week of finals. Will history repeat itself on Saturday?
Peter Williams thinks the Hawks have (reliable) grit to challenge the top two…
Box Hill has a side ready to challenge the top two teams, and with a mix of youth and experience are the tip in this game. Expect it to be a tight contest, but the home side should get up given the overall depth and strength across the field.
