A dominant first term by North Ballarat set up a confidence boosting win for the Roosters against Williamstown out at Keilor last weekend. North Ballarat kicked seven goals to one in the first term, and despite it being the only quarter the Roosters won for the afternoon, they were able to hold on for a 13 point win. More importantly for Gerard FitzGerald’s men, it was their first win against a top four side, and is sure to give them plenty of self-belief as they face a huge fortnight, entering the second half of the season with matches against Port Melbourne and the Northern Bullants.
“We set this particular phase of games as being able to find out what degree of improvement we have made over the last few weeks.
“It will also show us what we need to do to re-establish this young group,” FitzGerald said.
“Earlier in the year we were not at that level, and we knew that, so we had to try and fast track our teaching and our development and examine all that we do.
“Now we are hopefully showing signs of developing, but this phase we play the top three sides, so we will learn a lot about our boys.”
The win over Williamstown on the weekend has helped North Ballarat take their first major step back into finals calculations. A disappointing 1-3 (win/loss) start to the year has been converted to a 6-3 half year standing, with the Roosters having won their last five games on the trot.
North Ballarat got off to the best possible start against the Seagulls, setting up a 37 point quarter time lead.
“I was really pleased with the quality ball use and our pressure (in the first term).... we won the ball back three or four times, and kicked goals from turnovers,” FitzGerald said.
“They are the things we have been working on since the couple of beltings earlier in the year.”
After quarter time, Williamstown fought back and continued to eat into the Roosters lead. FitzGerald never felt North Ballarat at any stage had the game in the bag.
“Willi got 60 or 70 more possessions than us, and they won the ball fairly heavily in the third and fourth quarters, as they are a fit side that keep running.
“(the difference was) we were more efficient in the forward 50 and in front of goal.”
One player that is no stranger to the Roosters, and has been staking his claim for a return to North Melbourne with great VFL form is Cam Richardson.
“He has been playing well for us ... but what we look for more than anything is just the effort ... what I admire allot about our North Melbourne boys is that they roll up their sleeves and have a go – it is just a great part of North Melbourne’s culture,” FitzGerald said.
“It fits in well and it is a terrific relationship between North Ballarat and North Melbourne. With Richo now – he is under the control of the North Melbourne coaching group, and he will have received his feedback and now knows what he needs to do.
“Hopefully we can play a role in getting the outcomes he is looking for and what North are looking for.”
Richardson will be hoping to consolidate a regular spot in the North Melbourne side, similar to Aaron Edwards (18 goals in four games) and Luke Delaney who both spent time at North Ballarat earlier in the season. Both of these players are great examples of how good VFL form can develop into a regular AFL spot.
“Delaney’s first game in the AFL after playing really well with us was against Jonathon Brown, and he did well on Brown,” FitzGerald said.
“He has done well since as well, and the feedback we are receiving from Luke is that he’s handled the step and transition from the VFL (to AFL) quite well.”
FitzGerald will continue to concentrate on the talent at his disposal, as his side faces a big fortnight, that could define where his club finishes on the ladder come seasons end.
“We are going to find out a lot against the best, and that is where you learn the most.”
Last Modified on 15/06/2011 11:53