DESPITE two straight Grand Final defeats, Fitzroy Stars was able to lift in a big Division 2 opening round encounter at Preston City Oval.
The Stars comfortably accounted for popular pre-season fancy Hurstbridge in one of their most emotional victories in club history.
Saddened by the passing of club president Dr Alf Bamblett just three weeks ago, the Stars were able to put together a complete performance in honour of their much-loved president with a 33-point victory over the Bridges.
The decisive quarter was the second for the Stars, who kicked four goals to the Bridges’ one to establish a 29-point lead at half time, before piling on eight goals in the last term.
Djaran Whyman kicked seven goals for the Stars, including four in the last quarter, while ex-Hurstbridge forward Daniel Francis kicked three in his first game against his old side.
Pre-season recruits Brayden Shaw (who played only the opening three quarters), Micheal Farrelly, Jarrod Tilley and John Kruezer impressed for Hurstbridge in their opening game for the club, with all named in the Bridges best players.
2013 and 2014 Division 3 premiers Panton Hill and Thomastown kicked off their season with a thriller at Main Street Reserve, with the Bears – despite trailing at every change – prevailing by four points. Thomastown was able to kick away by crucially kicking three of the first four goals of the last quarter, before holding off the Hillers late.
Adrian Lesar was Thomastown’s best, alongside David Folino who kicked two goals. The Hillers were well served by returning key forward Ben Finnin who kicked four goals, while reigning league best and fairest winner Tyler Scarce continued from where he left off last year, kicking two goals and featuring among Panton Hill’s best.
Relegated from Division 1 in 2014 after a one-win season, Whittlesea made a positive start back in Division 2 with a clinical 32-point victory over Diamond Creek. It was the third quarter which saw the Eagles kick away, as they added four goals while restricting the Demons to a solitary behind.
Ben Russell kicked four goals for the Eagles and was adjudged best on ground, alongside newly appointed captain Andrew Fairchild. Rikki Stephens and Andrew Gray were the Creekers’ only multiple goal kickers, with Bradley Deed impressing on his Diamond Creek debut.
It would be Lalor, however, who assumed top spot at the end of the opening round, as it avenged its loss in last year’s first semi-final with a 48-point victory over Mernda at Schotters Road. The Bloods’ were dominant for much of the day, kicking six goals to put pay to any Mernda challenge in the third quarter, including four for the quarter from Jarrod King.
King, Todd Hughes, and best-on-ground Spencer Christopher contributed 11 of Lalor’s 17 goals and provided far too much firepower for the Demons. Mernda had few winners on the day, with Andrew O’Reilly their best with two goals. Club debutant Tom McIntosh also impressed in the loss.
Round 2 is headlined by a clash between two of last year’s finalists, with Lalor hosting Fitzroy Stars at Lalor Reserve. Dating back to 2011, the Stars have won their previous nine encounters with the Bloods and will be looking to make it the perfect 10 in this encounter.
Mernda will look to make amends for its disappointing performance in Round 1 as it travels to Ben Frilay Oval to take on Hurstbridge. The last three encounters have seen a Mernda victory by 26, 26 and 27 points respectively, with the Bridges looking to change that statistic and get their season into gear. The loser faces a 0-2 start so both sides will be desperate for the four points.
Thomastown travels to Diamond Creek with an opportunity to notch up a second consecutive victory, while the Creekers are also looking to kick start their season in their first home game of 2015.
Meanwhile, Panton Hill welcomes Whittlesea to Cracknell Reserve in the Redbacks first of three early season twilight encounters. It is the first meeting between the clubs since 2009.
