Kicking against what Josh Drummond called 'a six-goal breeze' in the final quarter, the Roosters were able to hold on to a slender 12-point lead at the last change thanks in large part to Garner's efforts (13 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal).
"Taylor's intensity and his aggression around the contest really stood out," Drummond told NMFC.com.au.
"He's becoming Mr. Clutch with the sealer today under pressure. He came through and it's a great attribute to have, to take the pressure and thrive on it."
The delivery to Garner came from Ben Jacobs (26 disposals, 10 handball receives, 6 clearances) with just minutes remaining and the Roosters' lead cut to three points. The left-footer was another to have a strong last quarter but it was his decision to go where angels fear to tread that proved decisive in the final washup.
Drummond was full of praise for Jacobs' effort after the match.
"There was a contest with around about three minutes to go where he (Jacobs) went back with the flight of the ball. He went about 15-20 metres with no idea what was coming the other way," Drummond added.
"It was one of those really tough situations to be in and he just went straight through the line of it and took the mark. It was a huge play and was potentially a match winning mark before he kicked it to Garner for the winning goal.
"The boys got around him, so did the coaching box and it was duly noted after the game also."
With such a strong wind to one end of the ground, the structures behind the ball were crucial. Luke Delaney (19 disposals, 8 marks, 6 spoils) was a key for North Ballarat all throughout the afternoon, and especially late.
"Keys set us up extremely well in the last quarter. He took some key intercept marks, was strong at ground level and was just a really good player for us on the day."
Meanwhile, his brother Cam (26 disposals, 11 marks, 10 one percenters) was just as important in the defensive 50.
"In the last quarter he stood up and between him and his brother they were the two rocks down there. To keep Frankston to two goals in the last quarter was a huge effort and Cam was a key instigator in that."
In the middle Liam Anthony racked up his usual high numbers with 34 disposals and 14 marks. However it was his defensive work that pleased Drummond most.
"The stat man should put down 30-35 (possessions) for him before the game starts.
"He did get a lot of the ball but I was impressed with his defensive work and his tackling.
"He was inside for the last quarter and a bit and ended up with eight tackles. It's a big part of his game that he's working on and it was good to see him get his reward for effort."
Mitch Wilkins (16 disposals, 5 tackles) was another to come in to receive special mention from Drummond, after taking a crucial mark with minutes to go in the defensive half.
"I was pleased with Mitch. His focus has been around his intensity and his effort which has been hot and cold this year.
"He brought that in spades and his ability to win the contested ball was as good as I've seen it all year. It's a real measuring stick for him, when he is playing like that the rest of the game will take care of itself."
After a superb month of football, Ben Mabon (36 hit-outs, 6 one percenters) was a little quieter against the Dolphins.
"He (Mabon) was giving away a lot of weight to his opponent but I was really impressed with the way he started and his presence around the ball. After it he was a bit quieter but he still battled pretty hard for us."
Cam Richardson again rotated throughout multiple positions and finished the day with 13 disposals.
It was another step in the learning curve of Eric Wallace, playing for the North Ballarat reserves in conditions he hadn't experienced too often before.
"Eric spent a fair bit of time in the ruck early and did some nice things there. He got his hands to the ball a fair bit and had a big part in a lot of the early clearances.
"When they (the Roosters) were against the wind Eric was playing forward, so for two quarters he didn't see too much of the ball."
*Frankston’s half time score of 5.8.38 was eventually wiped clean after a head check early in the third quarter found the Dolphins to have 19 men on the ground. Therefore the Roosters’ final winning margin ended up being 41 points, 9.10.64 to 3.5.23. Frankston kicked a further 3.5.23 after the head count.
Frankston 1.2.8, 5.8.38, 6.9.45, 8.13.61
North Ballarat 3.4.22, 3.5.23, 8.10.58, 9.10.64
Goals
Frankston: Lourey 2, Buchan, Irving, Calvert, Giobbi, Cass, Haretuku
North Ballarat: George 3, Giampaolo 2, Austin, Sewell, Rippon, Garner
Best
Frankston: Cass, Buchan, Irving, Kitchin, Gabriel, Giobbi
North Ballarat: C Delaney, Anthony, Sewell, George, L Delaney, Jacobs
