Match: VFL Round 2
Result: Essendon 11.12 (78) def North Ballarat 9.10 (64)
Venue: Windy Hill
Conditions: Partly cloudy, blustery wind, 21 degrees.

In action
Liam Anthony (22 disposals, 13 contested, 9 tackles)
Trent Dumont (20 disposals, 9 handball receives, 8 tackles)
Joel Tippett (19 disposals, 11 spoils)
Eric Wallace (9 disposals, 36 hit-outs, 8 tackles)
Max Warren (23 disposals, 10 handball receives, 10 one percenters)

NMFC.com.au’s best: Wallace, Anthony
Goals: Anthony (1)

Key match-ups
1. Eric Wallace v Frazer Thurlow
2. Joel Tippett v Alistair Kefford

Story of the game
While the sun greeted the players after a rainy week in Melbourne, a cross-ground breeze made conditions tough for precise disposal.

A low-scoring first half featured both sides missing some gettable opportunities; there were just seven goals combined in the first two quarters.

However the game opened up after half-time as the Roosters attempted to battle their way back from almost four goals down.

Down by 20 points at the 22-minute mark of the final term, it appeared North's VFL affiliate had pulled it back to just two with 28 minutes gone. A decision to disallow a long running goal for running too far took the air out of the comeback, and the siren went minutes later to give North Ballarat its second loss of the season.

What the coach said
Quarter time
“Take the game on, penetrate and be aggressive with the way you play. Lift!”

Three quarter time
“They’re (the Bombers) starting to play the game on our terms. We’re putting them under pressure and not allowing them to get easy ball. Look to come in the corridor and then get the run and carry going.”

- Gerard FitzGerald

Points of interest
1. Playing just over a half, Liam Anthony collected 22 possessions, and perhaps more impressively, laid nine tackles.

“The high tackle count is exactly what we’ve been working on defensively, which is terrific to see. Also having nine of his 22 possessions be contested is a great ratio.

“To do what he did and only play half the game was very impressive.” – Senior Development Coach Gavin Brown

2. The learning curve for Eric Wallace continued, facing another AFL-listed ruckman. Frazer Thurlow played in the NAB Cup for the Bombers, showing glimpses of his talent.

In an impressive outing for the North rookie, he more than matched Thurlow at the stoppages and contributed at times around the ground.

“Eric didn’t win all the hit-outs, but the ones he did win were very decisive and a lot to advantage.

“Some of his follow-up work in tight was very good and he took a good contested mark, which is a breakthrough. His around the ground stuff was much better this week.

“Make no mistake he’s still got a lot to work on, but today was a real step up for Eric. I liked his game,” – Gavin Brown

3. Joel Tippett spent the afternoon locked in a battle with Essendon key-forward Alistair Kefford. In an absorbing battle, both players had their moments.

Tippett collected 19 disposals and used the ball well coming out of the back half, but Kefford kicked three goals for Essendon.

“It wasn’t his best day. Although he got a fair bit of the ball and used it well, he got beaten a couple of times in the one-on-one’s, which very rarely happens. He’s so strong in there normally,” – Gavin Brown

4. Mitch Wilkins was a late withdrawal from the North Ballarat side. There was no injury worry, with illness forcing the youngster to miss the game.

Most likely call-up
With his inside work going from strength to strength every week, Liam Anthony is on the verge of a senior call up. During the week Brad Scott said that he was confident the number four was ready to play AFL football, and Anthony vindicated the coach with his performance against Essendon.

Next week: Sandringham - Eureka Stadium, April 19th at 2:00pm