A determined North Ballarat side has given its season a timely boost, while Geelong was left to rue a miserable day at Skilled Stadium last Saturday as Kane Hunkin reports.
North Ballarat celebrated Captain Marc Greig's 200th game with a solid 24 point away win, reversing a significant quarter time deficit to record win number three for the season. However, it was an injury to returning Geelong forward Daniel Menzel which overshadowed the AFL curtain-raiser.
A six goal burst to Geelong looked ominous early as the home side raced to a 26 point quarter time lead. Coming off a narrow last start loss to Sandringham, the Cats looked assertive, but, it was the visiting Roosters who took control in the second quarter kicking nine goals to three to enter half-time in front.
The open space and high scoring quickly evaporated in the third term, with goals rare. The parochial home crowd were left stunned and silent at the seven minute mark of the third term when Daniel Menzel, returning from an ACL injury, innocuously fell to the ground on the forward 50 line. Clutching his left knee, Menzel was stretchered off in a deflating incident for the fans and players alike.
Two late goals to North Ballarat's Bill Driscoll in third gave the Roosters a handy 17 point three quarter-time lead. The away side would consolidate the momentum in the last quarter to claim a valuable win.
Lindsay Thomas's six goals (pictured) were crucial for the victorious Roosters in a best on ground display, while regulars Myles Sewell and Michael Searl were again impressive throughout the game. The win rectifies a disappointing 81 point loss to Box Hill suffered in round nine and gives North Ballarat a chance to gather mid-season momentum.
North Ballarat coach Gerard FitzGerald aptly told vfl.com.au previously that in a season where teams are incredibly even, coming away with the four points is critical.
“In a very, very even season any win is extremely valuable," Fitzgerald told vfl.com.au.
Contrastively, Geelong's third consecutive loss positions the club within the log-jam of similar competing teams, with the Cats in seventh place. However, the current losing patch was rendered minimal when compared with the serious injury to Menzel and also fellow primary listed player Allen Christensen, who was similarly stretchered off after suffering a head knock in the final term.
After the game, Geelong coach Matthew Knights echoed the respect the club has for Menzel, observing the unfortunate nature of his injury.
"Knowing the respect Menzel's got in the group, it would've been hard for players not to have a thought process or a feel for Menz. He's trained his backside off and he's worked diligently in every part of his rehab. So for him to get injured would've been tough for his mates to look at," Knights said in the rooms.
The Roosters return home after a bye this weekend to take on the Northern Blues in round 12. After a promising start to the season Geelong need to rediscover their impressive early form. However, the task presents its own challenges with the Cats hosting league leaders Port Melbourne this Saturday.
North Ballarat 18.10.118 def Geelong 13.16.94
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 04/06/2012 11:09