With remaining games against Lalor and Hurstbridge, an upset win on Saturday will put the Stars in a superb position as they fight for a second-place finish and a double chance in the finals.
Recent history shows the Stars have struggled against the Blues – having lost their four most recent encounters by an average of 44 points, which includes two losses this season by 53 and 41 points.
However, with Epping having already clinched this season’s minor premiership, a chance presents itself for Fitzroy should the Blues begin to manage their list as they prepare for their finals campaigns.
The Stars more than matched it with the ladder-leader when they met at Epping Recreation Reserve back in Round 6, despite the 18.18 (126) to 13.7 (85) final score line.
No more than 14 points separated the sides during the opening three quarters, and the margin was just six points in Epping’s favour after Allan Norris booted the first goal of the final term.
Despite failing to land a blow on the Blues in their most recent meeting just three weeks ago, Stars’ coaches Lelly Bamblett and Travis Hodgson are sure revisit the tape of their first encounter to show their players that they are certainly capable of matching it with the best team in the competition.
The emergence of Jye Brennan has been one of the most promising aspects of the Stars’ season and the teenager has been in his side’s best in both encounters against Epping this year.
With skipper Lionel Proctor and Keith Morgan in season-best form and Mungara Brown back in the side, the Stars certainly have a midfield which is capable of causing Epping headaches on the big expanses of Bill Lawry Oval.
If they can win first use from the middle the Stars are certainly capable of kicking a winning score, with Patrick Davis and John Hayes already combining for 92 goals this season.
However, finding a weakness in this Epping team is near on impossible, with the Blues last week extending their unbeaten streak to 15 games.
They have won their games this season by an average of 45 points, with North Heidelberg’s 10-point loss back in Round 6 the closest any side has come to the premiership favourite this season.
In John Kreuzer and Daniel Moore, the Blues have the best ruck duo in the competition, while stars like Luke Lirosi, Jarrod Tilley and Matthew Garland have proven themselves almost unstoppable at times throughout the season.
Peter McMahon, Matt Little and Brenton Keating continually shut down the opposition’s best forwards, while the club’s spread of goal kickers makes it the envy of the competition.
Simon Kefelas leads the way with 38 goals, and Tilley (21), Adrian Totino (20), Moore (16) and Lirosi (16) all push forward to ensure Epping continually racks up big numbers on the scoreboard.
Their versatility also provides many headaches, with Matt Garland able to play effective roles both in attack and defence, while Moore’s ability to play as a traditional ruck-rover means the club has an extra marking target around the ground to link through.
Throw in recruit Matt Dornauf who is able to fill a key post at either end of the ground and it’s clear that the ladder-leader also has an element of unpredictability going into this year’s finals series.
The procurement of Daniel Santoro has provided a hard-nosed edge to the Blues’ midfield, and his attack at the football has proved infectious with Epping’s defensive pressure and tackling unrivalled by any team in Division 2.
There is no question the Blues will head into this game as favourites as they look to extend their winning streak to 16, however with nothing else but pride to play for, it would be understandable if the club’s desperation and hunger is not at its usual lofty standards.
But as coach Mario Bandera mentioned after the Round 12 win over North Heidelberg, the club will use its tough run home against each of its fellow top three as a test run for its finals campaign.
Therefore, Fitzroy Stars will certainly earn their victory if they can cause a boilover on Saturday.
Past four meetings – Fitzroy Stars 0, Epping 4
Round 13, 2012: Fitzroy Stars 5.6 (36) def by Epping 12.17 (89)
Round 6, 2012: Epping 18.18 (126) def Fitzroy Stars 13.7 (85)
Round 11, 2011: Epping 18.16 (124) def Fitzroy Stars 12.13 (85)
Round 4, 2011: Fitzroy Stars 9.17 (71) def by Epping 16.18 (114)
