The premiership favourite led from start to finish to run out 12.17 (89) to 5.6 (36) victors over the Stars.
The loss puts Fitzroy a game and percentage away from a double chance come finals time. Additionally, with the final four positions all but set in concrete, it leaves the Stars with a 1-4 record against fellow top-four oppositions.
For Epping, Daniel Moore provided a tall target up forward in the wet and muddy conditions, booting two goals, while Jarrod Tilley and Brenton Keating did as they pleased between the forward 50m arcs.
The nomadic Stars, battled hard all day, and were led by captain Lionel Proctor, while James Dau was resolute across centre-half-back for four quarters.
With a fierce shower hitting late in the reserves game and icy conditions around the Westgarth Street region, many expected the early going to be a tough slog for both teams on the big ground.
With the centre wicket area being torn up, it quickly resembled a sty. However, Epping was quick out of the gates, gaining first blood through Simon Kefalas.
Kefalas – Epping’s leading goal kicker so far this season – marked strongly from a raking Brenton Keating entry inside 50m, and calmed kicked truly from 35 metres out.
Two minutes later, the Blues doubled the margin with Moore kicking laterally to Shaun Garland who went back from 40 metres out and threaded the set shot.
The visitor was using the advantage of a strong breeze well, with most of the play being down in its forward half, and it was due to field position, and pressure, that saw Brad Kairouz turn over the ball deep inside his defensive 50. Kairouz had been chased by Adrian Totino, and had his errant kick marked by Garland, who went back and kicked his second consecutive goal.
Things went from bad to worse when Josh Stavely was caught high by Kairouz. Kairouz, clearly frustrated at his efforts, was then penalised with a 50-metre penalty. Stavely converted from point blank range and the margin had stretched to 29 points before Fitzroy had scored.
The Stars, however hit back hard before the quarter time break. Leigh Cook’s shot from outside 50 dropped short but was marked by Patrick Davis at the top of the goal square, and then two minutes later, Dau was pushed in the back after sharking the ball from a marking contest by Adrian Totino. His goal from 30 metres saw the margin reduce to 17 points as the siren sounded.
Unfortunately as the sun started shining across the northern suburbs of Melbourne, the wind also disappeared for the unfortunate Stars.
However, they showed plenty of grit in the first half of the second quarter. Peter Hood and John Hayes both had chances to convert, with Hayes’ shot actually hitting the very top of the goal post, even though he was already celebrating with his teammates.
Unfortunately, the Stars’ momentum ended there as Epping kicked the next three goals to the northern end via Kefalas, Shaun Hamling and Matthew Garland. The late flurry saw Epping lead by six goals at the main change.
Proctor kicked the first goal of the second half to give Fitzroy’s supporters hope thanks to a snap from 25 metres, but this was answered when Adrian Totino broke three tackles, and handballed to Shaun Garland who snapped truly on his left foot to bag his hat trick.
Bradley Kairouz had been moved forward after a less than inspiring first half, and marked uncontested 20 metres from goal, and calmly booted his first to leave the margin at 31 points at the final break.
Epping finished the much stronger unit however, and the game was put beyond doubt six minutes into the last quarter when Tilley handballed to Moore, who in turn set Matt Dornauf towards goal and bagged his first from 45 metres on the run.
Late goals to Harley Nancarrow and two well-deserved goals to Moore saw the final margin end at 53 points with the four points heading back up High Street once again.
Next week, Fitzroy Stars face another big challenge against second-placed Diamond Creek, with the Creekers looking to strengthen their hold on second place, while Epping will host a desperate Hurstbridge at Epping Recreational Reserve.
Final score: Fitzroy Stars 5.6 (36) def by Epping 12.17 (89)
