A four-goal to one final term helped Thomastown to an 11-point victory over a gallant Fitzroy Stars at Main Street Recreation Reserve on Anzac Day.
With the Stars leading at every change to three quarter time, it took two goals each in the last quarter from Daniel Caruso and Anthony Capeci to get the Bears over the line late in the final term.
The 13.16 (94) to 11.17 (83) victory could be telling come finals time for Thomastown, who improved to a 2-1 record, while Fitzroy has lost two close matches to sit 0-2 after three rounds.
In the opening term the Fitzroy Stars showed the early ascendancy, booting five of the first six goals to stun the Thomastown faithful.
The height of Stars playing-coach Heath Heta was causing headaches for Thomastown, who didn’t have a defender capable of going with the huge utility, who kicked two early goals.
It took a team-lifting run-down tackle and goal from Thomastown mid-forward Joseph Vaccaro to get the Bears out of first gear.
The Stars went into the quarter time huddle leading 5.2 (32) to 3.2 (20).
The second term was a reversal of form for Thomastown, who sprung out of the box with two quick goals.
The first came from a 50m penalty rewarded to David Folino, who went back and slotted a goal from 20m out directly in front, before Jacob Osei Duro hit the scoreboard with a classy right foot snap to spark the home side.
The game started to become an arm wrestle, with both sides trading goals in a hotly-contested shoot out.
A late running goal to veteran Lionel Proctor gave the Stars the upper hand going in to the half time break, leading 9.8 (62) to 8.8 (56).
The third term was a polar opposite to the first half, with both sides playing slow tempo football – trying to move the ball tactically through one another’s defence.
The quarter would only generate one goal each as Fitzroy went in to the final term leading by eight points.
Daniel Chadwick was the catalyst for Thomastown’s revival in the final term, gathering plenty of the ball in the midfield to propel the Bears into their forward 50.
The contest remained close throughout the quarter and with only five minutes of play remaining Joshua Saveka kicked a lovely running goal from 40m out to put the Stars ahead.
It took late goals to Caruso and Capeci goals to get the Bears over the line, much to the delight of a large home ground.
Thomastown coach Ben Chapman noted the importance of the win on such a big occasion and said he he was proud of his players to find the resolve to win such a close game.
Final scores: Thomastown 13.16 (94) def Fitzroy Stars 11.17 (83)
THOMASTOWN
Goal Kickers: D. Caruso 3, A. Capeci 3, J. Vaccaro 2, D. Folino 2, R. Chadwick, J. Osei-Duro, D. Chadwick
Best Players: D. Caruso, D. Chadwick , J. Osei-Duro, R. Chadwick, J. Beare, M. Dirkx
FITZROY STARS
Goal Kickers: H. Heta 2, H. Smith 2, J. Ellis, R. Karpany, L. Proctor, R. Lovegrove-Hudson, J. Saveka, J. Firebrace
Best Players: A. Norris, J. Ellis, C. Wanganeen, H. Smith, J. Firebrace
