Venue: Eureka Stadium, Ballarat
Conditions: 19 degrees, overcast, slight cross-ground breeze
In action:
- Liam Anthony (30 disposals, 9 clearances, 11 tackles)
- Trent Dumont (23 disposals, 6 inside 50's, 8 tackles)
- Brad McKenzie (23 disposals, 8 marks, 5 clearances)
- Eric Wallace (9 disposals, 43 hit-outs)
- Max Warren (20 disposals, 8 marks)
- Mitch Wilkins (9 disposals)
NMFC.com.au's best: Liam Anthony, Trent Dumont
Match-ups
- Liam Anthony v Wade Lees
- Eric Wallace v Russell Gabriel
- Max Warren v Shannon Taylor
What the coach said
Quarter time: "We know our home ground, we know the conditions. Let's bring it out (to the near side of the ground) and use the ball well."
Three quarter time: "Let's see how hard you can run. Half an hour after the game you'll be fine. 30 more minutes and you'll finish them off."
- North Ballarat coach Gerald Fitzgerald
Story of the game
It was Roosters' coach Gerard Fitzgerald's 314th match in charge, a VFL record. However, it was Frankston who got the early jump, kicking the first four goals of the game.
Some coaching adjustments at quarter-time allowed North Ballarat to work back into the game as it kicked 10 of the next 13 goals to lead by 19 points at the final change.
A Dolphins' charge in the final quarter saw the Roosters relinquish the lead, but a late goal saved the day and ensured Fitzgerald would celebrate his milestone in style.
Points of interest
1. Liam Anthony was met with a tag in the form of Frankston midfielder Wade Lees.
After a quiet first half, he was was rewarded for his efforts after the main break, the Kangaroos' midfielder collecting 20 disposals, 6 clearances and 9 tackles in the second half to be finish of the best players on the field.
"In the second half he was able to get inside and win a number of clearances. He was running to some good positions in the first half without always being used.
"He had a good balance between the inside and the outside in the second half. It was a really solid all-round game and he was at his best when the Roosters needed a bit of a spark." - Development Manager Ben Dyer.
2. After spending the year so far predominantly as an inside midfielder, Trent Dumont had more time up forward in the next stage of his development.
"The way the game is these days you've got to be able to play almost anywhere. The fact that he was able to go forward and impact was promising.
"He was smart in coming up at the kicker but also I thought his forward pressure was very good." - Ben Dyer
3. In his first game of the year for North Ballarat, Brad McKenzie showcased his lethal left foot on occasions.
The coaching staff threw him into a slightly different role when the game was up for grabs.
"We took the opportunity to get him inside in the last quarter to get him amongst it at the coalface. He did some good work in there.
"He looked a class above with ball in hand. The challenge for him is to get real penetration in his game by running at the game every chance he gets. He's still got some room for improvement in that regard. His work rate was very strong today." - Ben Dyer
4. Max Warren had an important role on Dolphins' forward Shannon Taylor.
Recently selected in the VFL state squad, Taylor provided a tough challenge for Warren, one he passed with flying colours.
"Taylor was an ex-AIS and a strong draft chance a couple of years ago. He's up there with the most dangerous opponents Max has had this season.
"Apart from the first five or six minutes of the game it was a really solid effort from Max. His positioning was excellent.
"He was also an outlet out of the back half a number of times and when the Roosters needed a bit of stability and composure Max provided it.
"Max has been able to make himself really hard to play on. Again today he did it very well." - Ben Dyer
5. Ben Jacobs was unfortunately unable to continue his recent run of strong form, with illness forcing the left-footer to miss the game.
Most likely call up: Liam Anthony
Next week: Bendigo - Allen Garden Reserve, May 25 at 1:30pm
