CHARACTER, commitment, belief: three powerful words used in the Roosters’ rooms post-match to sum up how they pulled off a massive comeback and seven-point upset of Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday.
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North Ballarat Roosters had been 25 points down at three-quarter-time in this Victorian Football League clash and entered the break seemingly disorganised on the field. Selkirk Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald emphatically and passionately reminded his players they could still win this game. They had been building to win this game the past month.
The Roosters booted the first five goals of the final term – the fourth, via Andrew Hooper, levelled scores – and they charged on to pummel Collingwood in a seven-goal to two quarter.
Collingwood had been working to cement a top-four spot, three weeks from finals, and for the second and third quarters had looked a superior ranked team.
The past month, the Roosters beat a winless Frankston, claimed a comfortable win against the on-par Northern Blues, last week proved too good for the higher-ranked Geelong and after that game, FitzGerald told his players they were ready to take on Collingwood.
North Melbourne-listed onballer Ryan Bastinac proved a class above. Bastinac chalked up 43 disposals for the Roosters, averaging 11 touches a quarter.
Hooper booted five goals including pivotal goals to start the fourth quarter and the one to level the Magpies in the Roosters' resurgence.
North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Wells made a steady, limited comeback via the Roosters from a debilitating Achilles injury. Wells played the second half and 14 touches.
Wells’ inclusion was a thrill for North Ballarat Rebel Yestin Eades, who made his VFL debut with the Roosters alongside his childhood hero. Eades booted two goals.
*For match details and more scores across the region, click here for Winners and Losers.
