The Fitzroy Stars rallied from 31 points down during the second quarter to score a runaway win over Whittlesea at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval.
The Stars set up their win by kicking 5.1 to 1.7 against the wind in the third term to be within four points at the last change, with the ball locked in the Stars’ forward half for most of the term.
Most of the Eagles’ seven points resulted in the Stars finding a series of loose players down the dead side of the ground. John Hayes was then dangerous inside forward 50m, booting three for the term with some magnificent crumbing.
The Stars appeared set to hit the front late, but Patrick Davis’ mark on the three-quarter time siren was deemed a split second too late.
A severe third quarter injury to Eagle Chris Horman created a long delay in play. An ambulance came onto the ground and the last quarter didn’t begin until 4:25pm.
Fitzroy’s Basil Sibosado was clearly best afield. His hard running to space and clever use of the ball was outstanding. He found Alex Isailovic with a pass early on in the last stanza who goaled to put the Stars in front for the first time.
The lead changed another four times before the Stars slammed on five straight to seal the victory. Ironically, the game ended with Davis again marking the ball at close range less than a second after the siren.
The Eagles seemed to run out of steam. They lost ruckman Luke Deards to illness early in the second term and Dale Saddington to a yellow card late in the game, which reduced their rotation options.
Whittlesea’s assistant coach Brad Dean noted the Stars’ use of the footy forward of centre was the difference between the two teams. His midfielders Roy Dyson and Garrett Heenan had otherwise done well at the base of the packs.
Laurence Umali and Scott McAuliffe took turns tagging Malcolm Dow and managed to restrict him to an average performance. Nathan Stefanile was Whittlesea’s best in defence, with his close checking on David Welsh.
The win delighted Stars’ coach Travis Hodgson and strengthened his side’s chances for a top-two finish.
“It was most pleasing to be down at half time against a team that is good in the second half of matches (and be) able to win the last half by eight goals,” he said.
Fitzroy had more options in attack with five multiple goal kickers. Whittlesea managed only two, with Lucas Hobbs scoring five and Paul Harrison two.
Lionel Proctor spent some time on Hobbs and was instrumental in setting up many attacks from deep in defence, while Harrison was closely watched by Leigh Saunders, with Jake McCauley dropping back to help out his teammate.
Andrew Fairchild kicked an early goal, but was held goalless after Coree Thorpe was moved onto him.
Final score: Fitzroy Stars 17.11 (113) def Whittlesea 13.13 (91)
