The North Ballarat Roosters and Northern Blues go head to head this Sunday at Eureka Stadium in what should be a very different looking contest to previous years.
The two clubs have created a fierce rivalry over recent seasons, with the Roosters defeating the Northern Blues in the 2009 & 2010 VFL Grand Finals. However, last year saw the rivalry become even greater when the Northern Blues finally broke North Ballarat’s rein over them by knocking the Roosters out of the 2011 Finals Series.
Round 12 of season 2012 presents a very different picture of the past finalists, with North Ballarat placed 9th on the ladder and the Northern Blues second from the bottom in 12th.
This weekend’s contest provides both teams with the perfect opportunity to kick-start a revival and turn their seasons around.
The Roosters have taken the first step in this process beating Geelong by 24 points two weeks ago. Gerard FitzGerald, coach of North Ballarat, can see his side being victorious if they increase their consistency.
“Defensively from quarter time, we were much better than previous matches. However, we need to perform this way week in week out as we still have rough patches in our games that let us down.”
Although their opponents have not been travelling well this season, FitzGerald is well aware of the injuries Carlton and thus the Northern Blues have been carrying in 2012.
“As an AFL aligned Club, I think the Northern Blues are very dependent on the depth and health of Carlton’s list. If a few of Carlton’s injured players pass fitness tests this week and get a call up then more AFL players with be shifted into the VFL side once again and their team dynamics will change.
“A good example of this is when the Northern Blues played Bendigo in Bendigo. They had a full strength team and showed how good they could be by beating the Gold by about 100 points,” FitzGerald said.
Northern Blues coach Robert Hyde admits that injuries have hurt the side, but that the Club will be stronger for it.
“We have had a series of injuries right from the start of the year at VFL level and this has had an impact on our results. In saying that, we have played some 10 first gamers in 2012 which is pleasing for the long term.”
The Club’s VFL listed players have been the solid contributors taking to the field each round.
“Adam Marcon, Kane Lambert and Brent Bransgrove along with Nick Meese have been our most consistent players throughout the year.”
Meese’s role within the Northern Blues line-up acts as one of the most critical aspects of their game. His dominance at hit-outs and around the ground has seen him record statistics that may shame AFL listed players.
“Nick Meese is the proverbial work horse. He gets first hands to the footy each week and tries his heart out. Without him we would struggle in the clearances.”
With the loss of Orren Stephenson to Geelong, North Ballarat ruckman Ben Mabon will have a tough challenge on his hands with Meese.
The Roosters may not be as successful are previous years, but Hyde does not underestimate their ability.
“North Ballarat are a well structured team who have a core of experienced VFL players. Greig is a good leader and with Anthony in the midfield and Towers on the wing they are dangerous. Their forward line is creative with Driscoll, Thomas and McMahon if they play,” Hyde said.
North Ballarat Roosters vs Northern Blues
Eureka Stadium
2pm - Sunday 17th June
Last Modified on 15/06/2012 17:04