Kicking Hawk: Glen Waverley Hawks forward Josh Gray gets a kick away against North Ringwood on Saturday. Picture: Sam Stiglec
GLEN Waverley Hawks will have to make the grand final the long way.
The Hawks missed out on the chance to claim the early berth in the Eastern Football League division 3 grand final, losing their semi-final clash to minor premiers North Ringwood by 31 points on Saturday.
The Hawks will play Boronia or Ringwood in the preliminary final at East Burwood Reserve this Saturday at 2.10pm.
The division 3 elimination final was still playing when the Weekly went to print yesterday.
After rising from division 4 into the division 3 finals this season, the Hawks faced a tenacious and speedy Saints side and found themselves outmatched for much of the game as the Saints built a match-winning lead.
With the lead moving pas 40 points in the third term the Hawks summoned some consecutive goals to get within 27 points at the final change.
Hawks midfielder Brad Riddle had a running shot at goal in the opening minutes of final term but missed, followed shortly by a Saints goal which all but ended the Hawks' chances.
The Hawks also had problems with undisciplined acts, with two players drawing yellow cards during the game.
Hawks coach Mick Gaul talked to his players behind closed doors post game, then declined to comment about his side's performance went approached by the Weekly.
Tim Cook, David Lang and Andrew Azzopardi were named best players for the Hawks while Darren Gray, Azzopardi and Josh Gray kicked two goals apiece.
The Hawks will play Boronia or Ringwood in the EFL division 3 preliminary final at East Burwood Reserve this Saturday at 2.10pm.