THIS was more than just a win for North Ballarat Roosters.
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This was finally a much-deserved reward for all the players, coaching staff and match-day volunteers.
For all the speculation and the tumultuous off-field series of events, at the centre of it all is a team that has been working hard through the summer and deep into frosty winter nights to serve their game up against the state’s top players – including a mix of AFL talent.
And this win was important for this city, just as we are about to put Ballarat on the AFL stage with a shiny new-look stadium that draws added attention.
The Roosters have served up strong challenges in what has been a competitive season in the Victorian Football League.
Only, close games get overshadowed by off-field drama and uncertainty, including the loss of key staff and playing personnel. That is the stuff that gets talked about more in the general, wider community.
Ballarat has a long-held respected reputation for hosting major elite sporting events, like the Cycling Australia Road National Championships and the growing carnival that comes with this.
An AFL in-season game is new for this city, there is still plenty to prove, and it helps to have a solid football footing right in the stadium set to host reigning premier Western Bulldogs the next five years.
Fair or not, a lot of external interest focuses on the Roosters’ performance as the city’s marquee football team even though the playing group tends to be the forgotten factor in public debate on club governance.
Amid all the concerns about off-field survival, all the playing group can ultimately control is what they put on the field. This should demand respect.
The Roosters, a stand-alone club, soundly beat a Carlton-aligned outfit and did so missing a string of experienced Roosters players. Greater Western Victoria Rebel Lloyd Meek, promoted from TAC Cup under-18s, battled it out in the ruck.
Victory was drew congratulatory messages from rival clubs, supporters and the league broadcaster. Each has experienced what the Roosters’ are capable of achieving, despite what may be unfolding in the background.
We need to keep in mind the value of what we have right here in Ballarat – a football pathway and a chance for our best players to take their games to the highest level they can. This win was a great reminder.