Fitzroy Stars recorded a commanding victory over Mernda at Preston City Oval on Saturday afternoon, kicking away in the second half to record a 31-point victory.
Patrick Davis was the focal point up forward for the Stars in the 13.24 (102) to 10.11 (71) victory, kicking five goals and covering the loss of fellow key forward Samuel Autio before the game.
The Stars were keen to get off to a strong start following their poor first quarter against North Heidelberg last week, and quickly asserted their dominance kicking with a strong breeze.
Jake McCauley and Kaelun Brown took control and allowed as much ball as possible into the forward 50m, where Davis was always a threat.
However, poor kicking in front of goal also became a factor, and the mood around the Stars’ camp didn’t improve as Mernda took all of ifs opportunities. Despite having 12 scoring shots to three, Fitzroy Stars led by nine points at the first change – 3.9 (27) to 3.0 (18).
The second quarter was played on Mernda’s terms and the scoreboard was impacted as a result. The Demons kicked three of the first four goals in the second quarter to briefly hit the front, despite having fewer scoring shots.
David Berryman, playing as a high half forward, was impacting plenty of contests and Rohan Davies started to take control of the midfield. However, a late goal to Fitzroy Stars levelled the scores at half time.
Fitzroy Stars needed to get off to a strong start with the breeze in the third quarter, and kicked the first three goals of the term. Once again, though, inaccuracy threatened to allow Mernda back in, especially when the Demons responded with two goals to reduce the margin to 12 points midway through the third quarter.
However, the Demons made critical errors coming out of defence, allowing wave after wave of attack for the Stars, which favoured Davis and gave the home side a 17-point buffer at the last change.
Mernda coach Brett Wilson called for more from his midfielders, but it was to no avail as Fitzroy completely dominated the last quarter, kicking the first four goals to extend the margin to 43 points.
A couple of late consolation goals to the Dees reduced the margin to the eventual 31 at the end of the game.
Stars captain Lionel Proctor declared the win an important one for the club as it moved into fifth place on the ladder, with just percentage keeping his club outside the top four.
“We needed the win today to rebound after last week’s loss to North Heidelberg, so we can catch back up to the pack,” Proctor said.
The Stars will be favoured to extend their winning run to two when they take on South Morang at Mill Park Lakes next week, while Mernda will look to rebound at home against Hurstbridge.
Final scores: Fitzroy Stars 13.24 (102) def Mernda 10.11 (71)
Image courtesy of Fitzroy Stars.
