North Ballarat will need to wait another week to notch up their first win of the season, after a 52 point loss to Collingwood on Saturday at Victoria Park. Jarrad Conron takes a look at the Roosters first round defeat.
The Roosters couldn’t keep up with a Collingwood team filled with AFL experienced players but coach Gerald FitzGerald still found many positives out of the game.
”We won the ball and got the ball forward, our effort was quite sound, we marked the ball it’s just we didn’t finish off our work at crucial times” FitzGerald said
The Roosters looked dangerous throughout the game whilst going inside 50, but inaccurate kicking was their downfall kicking 6.19 for the entire match.
Up front for the Roosters, Pat Nicholls was the only multiple goal kicker with two majors with Cameron Richardson, Taylor Garner, Bill Driscoll and Tom Curran all kicking one apiece.
North Ballarat will likely have Ben Mabon available this week to boost their ruck stocks after he was a late withdrawal on Saturday due to illness.
“When you lose a player like that before a game, it always puts pressure on your ability to adapt, but we made a decision that he was ill and we had to take him out” FitzGerald said when asked about the ruckman.
Aaron Black and Brad McKenzie were named among the best for the Roosters with both looking to get a chance in the AFL with North Melbourne.
Max Warren and Matt Austin were also named in the best while playing across half back and in the middle.
Nick Rippon was another who showed glimpses of some great play in his second VFL game receiving praise from the coach after the match.
FitzGerald addressed the team after the match and pointed out a few key stats showing that the Roosters led in most key stats including possessions but their efficiency had to improve.
He also willed the team to turn this form around early in the season instead of waiting until mid-season.
The Roosters will look to turn things around this week against Casey at Eureka Stadium on Saturday.
Last Modified on 11/04/2013 13:54