North Ballarat Roosters ended the season on a high with a dramatic 10-point win over Frankston to notch up its third win of the year and avoid the 2016 wooden spoon.
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North Ballarat’s wayward kicking on goal threatened to cost it the match as it opened the final quarter with eight straight behinds to the scoring-end to close to within two points.
Before a hurried Dolphins kick out of the defensive goal square landed on the chest of defender Andrew Boseley, 40-metres from goal, who went back and calmly slotted his second goal for the season to put the Roosters in front.
Daniel Cox converted on the siren to hand North Ballarat a 8.18 (66) to 8.8 (56) victory in what was not the finest display of football but nonetheless a gritty, hard-fought win for a side that has been denied so many times this season.
Coach Marc Greig said while there was clearly still plenty to work on, it was important for the group to end the season in positive fashion.
“Nothing hinged on whether we won or lost but we’d had a lot of chances there was a fair chance it wasn’t going to go our way based on what’s happened (this year),” Greig said.
“The boys dug deep and we found it.
“If we had of lost, I’d be (feeling) pretty similar, not much hinged on it. But I’m relieved for the boys sake.
“It’s just a better vibe at the end of the season.
“We had so many opportunities, we just lack those extra couple of players that have got class and polish.”
Greig said the side nearly “shot ourselves in the foot” with the poor conversion on goal, something that has haunted the group for much of the season – particularly in the latter stages.
Aside from a near-perfect scoreboard of 13.1 against Port Melbourne in round 17, the Roosters have kicked a dismal 43.76 since round 14.
In what was a winnable game, the contagious poor kicking nearly cost the side victory. Greig also identified critical turnovers as an area that will be of focus over the summer.
With all eight of Frankston’s goals coming from direct turnovers and on many occasions unacceptable errors.
An injection of experience and class is also something North Ballarat is eager to draw to the club.
Kicking into a tricky breeze, the home side began well but its yips in front of goal saw it muster 1.4 to trail an enthusiastic Frankston outfit by 10 points.
The Dolphins kicked away to a 15-point lead before North Ballarat stormed back into the contest, kicking 3.3 in the second quarter to a solitary goal to lead by five points at the main change.
But once again Frankston skipped clear. Three red-time goals ensured a 10-point Frankston lead going into the last.
North Ballarat owned the territory battle in the final term, holding the Dolphins scoreless while counting their inside 50’s on one hand. Inaccuracy nearly foiled what was a deserving Roosters outfit, but nonetheless the elation was evident as the final siren sounded to end what has been a difficult season, but ending on a winning note.
The immediate playing future of Orren Stephenson is unsure, but the experienced ruckman’s form on Saturday was influential. As was Tony Lockyer along with the returning Liam Youl.