Fitzroy Stars returned to Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval in style with a 44-point victory over Mernda.
The Stars’ 16.17 (113) to 9.15 (69) win came after an enthralling opening ceremony, showcasing Indigenous traditions and dances.
It looked like the Stars’ day early as they booted the opening two goals in no time. However, Mernda responded by playing some good football of its own but failed to put it on the scoreboard, kicking five straight behinds.
The Demons finally kicked truly when Keegan Dingo opened their account. A second quick goal from David Hutchinson ensured the Demons hit the front, but in an entertaining opening quarter Fitzroy took the lead back through Corey Wanganeen.
A late goal from David Berryman, however, allowed Mernda to take control at quarter time, 3.6 (24) to 3.3 (21).
The second quarter started in the same fashion that the second quarter ended, as Fitzroy kicked the first goal before Nick Avenoso allowed Mernda to retake the lead.
However, Les Bamblett put Fitzroy back in front – a lead they would keep for the rest of the afternoon, despite two Mernda fightbacks. Bamblett kicked two consecutive goals, before Patrick Davis opened his account for the afternoon.
At half time, Fitzroy Stars led 7.6 (48) to 4.9 (33), yet it was still anyone’s game.
The second half started in Mernda’s favour – however, it once again was plagued by inaccuracy. Despite this, the Demons went on to level the scores briefly through goals from Andrew O’Reilly and Shane Martin.
That was as close as Mernda got as the Stars went on to kick the next four goals of the game, through Mungara Brown, Bamblett, Wanganeen and John Hayes, to take a commanding 30 point lead at three quarter time.
Mernda coach Brett Wilson had to make changes to his line-up to have any chance of pinching victory, but those hopes seemed to be dashed when Davis kicked his second goal.
However, Wilson’s move briefly paid off. By moving Luke Drakes and Luke Thorneycroft into exclusive forward line roles, the two kicked the next three goals to reduce the margin to 21 points.
Suddenly, it seemed as if Fitzroy had visions of its horrid last quarter fadeout against Whittlesea in Round 7. But some John Hayes magic helped steady the ship as the Stars kicked two goals in 30 seconds. It was then party time when Davis kicked his third.
For the victorious Stars, Kaelun Brown and Allan Norris were terrific in utilising their side’s outside run which allowed them many opportunities to goal. Nathan Mills was amongst the Demons’ best, largely nullifying Davis for large portions of the game, while Tom Deayton also played a good game.
Final score: Fitzroy Stars 16.17 (113) def Mernda 9.15 (69)
