The Stars were tremendous in the second half as they romped to a 17.13.115 to 11.9.75 win at The Lakes Reserve.
The win marred South Morang’s day of celebration as the club unfurled their premiership flag after winning the Division 3 Grand Final last season.
The unfurling of the flag, seemed to give South Morang some energy leading into the game and they started the better of the two sides.
The beginning of the game was intense with low scoring by both teams in the first quarter and the Lions leading 2.0.12 to 0.5.5 at quarter time.
As the second quarter began both teams picked up the pace and the scoring became more free flowing.
South Morang had the better of proceedings, kicking five goals to four, and went into half time holding a well deserved 17-point lead.
After the break Fitzroy seemed to be a new team. Playing with new found vigour, they kicked five goals straight to gain a 16-point lead at three-quarter time.
With the game still well and truly in the balance, the Stars had far too much run in the final term and they pulled away to seal an important away win.
Fitzroy kicked six goals to two in the last, and a total of 13 goals to four in the second half to claim a victory that looked unlikely at half time.
Both teams were very solid in defence but the stronger bodies of the Fitzroy forwards helped them gain the advantage.
However, it was in the middle of the field where the game was won for the away team.
Both teams shared the clearances but with Fitzroy’s midfielders using the ball more effectively, they were able to get scores on the board after the half time break.
After half time, South Morang crumbled under the pressure from Fitzroy. With many of their possessions going to 50/50 contests, the bigger bodies of Fitzroy gained the advantage.
The forwards played a big role in the win for Fitzroy with Patrick Davis slotting five goals and Peter Hood and John Hayes adding three each.
On the other side of the field, Russell Elder kicked six goals for South Morang but he had little help from his fellow forwards. Matt Radziejewski chipped in with two goals, but was the only other Lion to kick multiple goals.
Next week the Stars travel to Shelley Street Reserve for a tough away game against North Heidelberg. The Doggies were impressive in their first game in Division 2, claiming a 50-point win over Lalor.
South Morang will take on a Hurstbridge side looking for atonement after the Bridges were held goalless by Diamond Creek in a 120-point loss last week.
Final score: South Morang 11.9.75 def by Fitzroy Stars 17.13.115
