Northern Football League

Despite being positioned in last place on the ladder, with only a single win to their name, Fitzroy Stars 1 put in a great performance on Friday night and overcame third-placed, Lakeside. Lakeside made a late run in the fourth term and looked promising but the clock got the better of them and they went down to the Stars by a single point.

Both teams missed several shots at goal before Fitzroy Stars eventually scored. Their shooters performed well, especially considering Lakeside's defensive players towered over them by at least a head. The height advantage proved very useful for Lakeside who snatched up the vast majority of rebounds and rarely allowed the opposition to have a second shot at goal. Lakeside had good control of the ball and made numerous short and sharp passes around the goal circle, which allowed their shooters to move into position. They went into the first break with a three goal lead.

Lakeside once again moved the ball down the court well, but they were met with fierce competition in their goal circle and had to work hard to score. Fitzroy Stars worked well as a team and communicated with one another effectively. Their GS put in a spectacular performance with six goals and provided her teammates with a one goal lead at the break. 

Lakeside made a number of positional changes at the break. They had control of the centre pass, but after a missed scoring opportunity, Fitzroy Stars took possession of the ball and scored decisively. Fitzroy Stars put pressure on Lakeside's shooters who missed a number of scoring shots and only managed to notch up two goals for the entire term. Fitzroy Stars had a solid control of the ball and were in front by three goals at the final break.

Lakeside made further positional changes during the change of ends, but it was Fitzroy Stars who scored a magnificent goal from the outskirts of the goal circle within seconds of the term. Lakeside retaliated with a goal of their own and in doing so, set the scene for a tight and competitive quarter. Lakeside secured a number of valuable rebounds in Fitzroy Stars' goal circle. The Lakeside players communicated well with each other and made strong, direct and controlled passes. Lakeside's shooters still struggled to find the centre of the ring, and they were often unable to position themselves well due to a very strong Fitzroy Stars' defence. Lakeside outscored Fitzroy Stars five goals to three in the final term, but it wasn't enough, and Lakeside went down to the opposition by a single goal.

The final score was Fitzroy Stars 1 (20) to Lakeside (19).

Next week, Fitzroy Stars will take on Diamond Creek, and Lakeside will face the undefeated Macleod team.