Match result: North Ballarat 12.9.81 defeated Geelong 9.10.64
Venue: Eureka Stadium, Ballarat
Conditions: Sunshine, then rain, then sunshine, then rain again.
In action:
- Liam Anthony (25 disposals, 13 tackles, 10 clearances)
- Trent Dumont (17 disposals, 6 clearances, 4 tackles, 1 goal)
- Brad McKenzie (22 disposals, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50's, 4 tackles)
- Joel Tippett (8 disposals, held Mitch Brown to 1 goal)
- Eric Wallace (8 disposals, 55 hit-outs, 5 clearances, 4 tackles)
- Max Warren (16 disposals, 4 marks)
- Daniel Wells (10 disposals, 3 clearances, 3 tackles)
- Mitch Wilkins (11 disposals, 3 goals)
NMFC.com.au's best: Liam Anthony, Joel Tippett
Key match ups
- Eric Wallace v Dawson Simpson/Josh Walker
- Max Warren v Dom Gleeson
- Joel Tippett v Mitch Brown
- Trent Dumont v Matt Sully
What the coach said (Gerald Fitzgerald)
Quarter time: "When you get the ball, you take it on. Run with it, that's the crucial thing. Tackle with intent, get the ferocity up."
Three quarter time: "Let's really get into it and really relish it. You win this last quarter and we're on the way to finals. What we want you to do today is adapt - today the threat is to get it down there (forward 50) with length."
Story of the game
With only one more win required to guarantee a finals berth, things didn't go to plan early on . After conceding five of the first six goals, the Roosters trailed by 28 points in wet conditions.
However the break was the catalyst for a remarkable turnaround. Kicking the next seven goals of the game, the home side was up by almost three goals during the third quarter. Geelong fought back and with a quarter to go the margin was just four points.
Mitch Wilkins then stood up in attack. After a quiet afternoon up to this point, he kicked three final quarter goals and carried North Ballarat to a 17-point victory and a place in September.
Points of interest
1. Daniel Wells made his long awaited return to football for the Roosters. While he was unable to complete the game due to a minor shin injury, he should be available for selection next week. Importantly, his first half showed good signs.
"He's been able to get a half of footy into him now. Early on his experience was important, he took it upon himself to jump third man up at a few stoppages and neutralise Dawson Simpson.
"Particularly forward he had a bit of attention and a couple on him at times. It wasn't ideal conditions for him to come back but he was good and hopefully he can be right for next week." - Development Manager Ben Dyer
[RELATED: Wells survives injury scare]
2. Flying under the radar, Joel Tippett also returned from a long term injury for the Roosters. Playing the whole game, he looked sharp and took the points in his battle with Mitch Brown.
"Brown's been in good form and Tippo beat him comprehensively. He spoiled with real purpose a few times towards the boundary line and was really effective.
"He didn't look vulnerable at any stage, even when Geelong was able to move the ball quickly forward a few times. He positioned himself really well and was able to guard the dangerous space.
3. In conditions not generally suited for him, Liam Anthony excelled in tight, collecting 10 clearances and 13 tackles to go with his 25 disposals.
"He had so many pressure acts to send the ball forward. You talk about players adapting to the conditions, LA was certainly that today.
"To the naked eye you didn't see the outside part of his game, but today the conditions didn't necessitate that."
4. Normally when Trent Dumont spends time forward, it's his marking that stands out. On Sunday it was a different skill.
"He was able to get to the fall of the ball importantly a few times down forward. He could have had more reward for his ground level presence.
"In terms of using his brain and football intelligence, I thought it was a good afternoon for him."
5. Mitch Wilkins' three final term goals essentially sealed a finals berth for the Roosters, and it was a just reward for working into the game after a quiet start.
"His work-rate was where it needed to be, which has been a big focus over the last few weeks.
"When he has some real intensity around the contest, his involvements are up and things tend to happen for him."
Most likely call-ups: Daniel Wells, Joel Tippett, Liam Anthony
Next week: Saturday August 16 v Williamstown, Eureka Stadium
