The Fitzroy Stars continued their dominance in A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2, producing a 57-point victory over Thomastown.
The Stars could hardly do a thing wrong from the opening bounce, with a seven-goal to one first quarter building the foundation for the comprehensive 16.14 (110) to 7.11 (53) win at Main Street Reserve.
Despite the impressive performance, the Stars slipped to third spot on the ladder, behind Diamond Creek and North Heidelberg on percentage, while surprisingly Thomastown managed to jump one place into fifth position despite the disappointing loss.
Vassili Tuifao was outstanding for the visitors with six goals, while the hard working efforts of Max Maynard, Lionel Proctor, Richard Bamblett and Clinton Edwards ensured the scorekeepers were kept on their toes throughout the whole match.
Matthew Vasilevski, David Folino and Ricky Mercuri were the shining lights on a dark day for the Bears, as the home side managed only three goals in the opening three quarters, after kicking only three against North Heidelberg in their Round 4 loss.
Aiming to continue the momentum from last round’s victory over Panton Hill, the Stars were full speed ahead in the first term. Led by three goals from Tuifao, the visitors used the breeze to their advantage piling on major after major to put the Bears on the back foot early.
Daniel Chadwick managed to find the big sticks midway through the first to put Thomastown on the board but it was Fitzroy’s smooth transitional play and ruthless attacking pressure that proved too much for the home side.
With the difference standing at 38 points at the first change, the Bears hoped to reverse their form. They also looked to become more accountable in the second term after conceding 23 inside 50s in the first quarter.
Thomastown had a slight breeze as the second term got underway but they just couldn’t do anything with it. The Stars fired the first three goals of the quarter, led by two from Richard Bamblett, capitalising on their skilful and impressive ball movement throughout the ground.
Goals from Nick Horman and Michael Di Battista reduced Thomastown’s deficit, but Tuifao’s fourth major for the afternoon late in the quarter ruined any momentum the Bears had built, as the Stars headed into half time 51 points in front.
The home side was desperate to get back in the game after the main break and was able to keep pace with the Stars’ style of play throughout most of the third quarter.
Although the Bears were on the improve, goals from Rivva Karpany and Tuifao late in the third term destroyed any chance of a miracle comeback for Thomastown.
Playing for pride in the final term, the Bears went on to win the quarter by four goals to three, however it was too little too late as the Stars ran home 57-point victors.
Fitzroy is at home in Round 6 when it hosts Lower Plenty in a blockbuster at Sir Doug Nichols Oval while the Bears have strong chance of breaking their three-game losing streak when they take on Lalor at Lalor Reserve.
Final score: Thomastown 7.11 (53) def by Fitzroy Stars 16.14 (110)
