Match: VFL Round 1
Result: Collingwood 11.19 (85) defeated North Ballarat 11.7 (73)
Venue: Victoria Park, Collingwood
Weather: Clear skies, sunny, 24c

In action: Liam Anthony, Ben Jacobs, Mitch Wilkins, Max Warren, Eric Wallace, Trent Dumont, Joel Tippett, Robbie Nahas
NMFC.com.au’s best: Max Warren (32 disposals), Robbie Nahas (3 goals), Joel Tippett (18 disposals, 6 spoils), Liam Anthony (27 disposals, 10 tackles), Ben Jacobs (24 disposals, 10 marks, 6 clearances)
Goals: Nahas (3), Anthony (1), Jacobs (1)

Key match-ups
1. Mitch Wilkins vs Ben Kennedy
2. Joel Tippett vs Quinten Lynch
3. Eric Wallace vs Ben Hudson

Story of the game
Down by 14 points at three-quarter time, the Roosters dug deep with coach Gerard Fitzgerald urging his players to take the game on.

Despite getting their noses in front mid-way through the final term, the Roosters simply ran out of puff.

Both sides were wasteful early; North Ballarat’s general kicking was poor while the Magpies goal-kicking accuracy was off and allowed the Roosters to stay in it.

What the coach said
“We’ve got a situation now where we can win the game.

“We’ve had really hard and fierce practice games, this is the situation we’ve prepared for.

“Attack ‘em through the corridor, take them on, when they get the ball, get it back off them as close as we can to our goal and we’ll win this game!” – Gerard Fitzgerald at 3QTR-time.

Points of Interest
1. Max Warren had a career best 32-possession, 11 mark day playing as a spare in the Roosters’ back half.

“It was a real break-out game for Maxy and his effort and run was absolutely terrific. I had him down as one of our best players for sure. It was very encouraging.” – Gavin Brown, senior development coach.

2. Robbie Nahas booted 3 goals before injuring his knee after pulling down what’s likely to be one of the most courageous marks of the year.

Despite playing just three quarters, he collected 15 disposals (10 contested), took 7 marks and laid 5 tackles. Early reports from the rooms indicated his knee would be okay and no major damage was done.

“Robbie had an excellent game before he hurt his knee. His defensive pressure was outstanding and his offensive run was terrific. He was a real live-wire and got to really good spots on the ground. He was exceptional and one of our best players today.” – Gavin Brown

3. Joel Tippett edged closer to a game in the royal blue and white keeping key forward Quinten Lynch goalless. Tippett was strong in all facets of the game and had 18 touches, 8 marks and 6 spoils.

“His one-on-ones were fantastic today on Lynch and also Hudson when he rested forward. He was extremely sound for us down back and won all the important contests.” – Gavin Brown.

4. Eric Wallace had a tough day at the office rucking against veteran Ben Hudson and Quinten Lynch. He managed 28 hit-outs and 7 tackles but struggled to have an impact around the ground with just 7 possessions and no marks.

5. Mitch Wilkins was swung onto Ben Kennedy after a 14 disposal, 2 goal half. He did his job with great effectiveness allowing him just 3 possessions in the third term and 7 in the fourth.

“He did a terrific job on him and snuffed Kennedy out. That was a great defensive effort and that’s what we’ve been looking for him to be able to do.” – Gavin Brown.

Most likely call-up
Robbie Nahas did his chances of a North debut no harm. He looked lively early and showed commitment and desperation in the contest. If his knee issue is as minor as reported, those in the Roos’ 22 well have to perform well on Sunday against the Bulldogs to keep their spots.

Next week: Bye (split round)