Match result: North Ballarat 10.7.67 defeated Footscray 8.17.65

Venue: Eureka Stadium

Conditions: Light rain, wind favouring one side of the ground, 13 degrees



In action:

- Liam Anthony (26 disposals, 5 clearances, 1 goal)

- Trent Dumont (24 disposals, 6 marks, 6 clearances, 8 tackles, 1 goal)

- Ben Jacobs (32 disposals, 8 marks, 12 clearances)

- Andrew Swallow (22 disposals, 9 clearances, 14 tackles, 2 goals)

- Eric Wallace (6 disposals, 36 hit-outs, 1 goal)

- Max Warren (14 disposals, 9 marks)

- Mitch Wilkins (8 disposals, 3 clearances)



NMFC.com.au’s best: Ben Jacobs, Andrew Swallow



Match-ups

1. Eric Wallace v Tom Campbell/Ayce Cordy

2. Max Warren v Daniel Giansiracusa



Story of the game

On a typical wintery Ballarat day, North Ballarat looked for its first win of the season against a strong Footscray side.



The North Melbourne midfield of Anthony, Dumont, Jacobs and Swallow got the Roosters off to a fast start with the wind, helping them to a 26-point lead at quarter time.



However by the time the final break rolled around, Gerard Fitzgerald's team looked ready to be overrun, leading by only six points after not making the most of the wind in the third quarter.



North Ballarat hung on grimly though, making the most of its opportunities and capitalising on the Bulldogs' inaccuracy on goal. Eventually the siren sounded with the Roosters two points up and now on the board for 2014.



Points of interest

1. Andrew Swallow continued his recovery from his achilles injury for the Roosters, stepping up his game-time.



After three quarters against Geelong last week, the North captain played close to a full match at Eureka Stadium.



“His ball use was a class above. He was much tidier early on in the game and was a little out on his feet late given how much of a tight slog it was during the afternoon.



“11 of his 22 possessions were contested, 9 clearances, 14 tackles. He even pulled up well enough to stride to the lectern at the after match function and accept his award from an appreciative Gerald Fitzgerald.” - Development Manager Ben Dyer



2. Ben Jacobs continued his fine form at VFL level. A week after collecting 39 disposals against Geelong, the left-footer backed it up with another 32.



“Half of his possessions were contested and he had a game-high 12 clearances. He was dynamic inside and really important to the side.



“Overall it was a very solid game. Footscray had first hands on the ball a lot but we ended up winning the clearance count on the day.



“A lot of that was down to the work Ben did inside, winning the ball despite not getting first use.” – Ben Dyer



3. For the second consecutive week, Max Warren was pitted against a quality, AFL-standard opponent. Against Geelong he faced Steven Motlop, while Footscray provided the challenge of Daniel Giansiracusa.



“Max had his hands full. It was quite a different challenge playing against him, compared to last week with the pace of Motlop.



“It was great for Max to play on him and he’ll learn more from this than from any other game so far this year.



“He had 14 touches for the day but he was very important late when the Roosters were under siege and trying to hold on.” - Ben Dyer



4. Eric Wallace had two AFL-listed players to deal with. The tandem of Tom Campbell and Ayce Cordy double-teamed him for the entire afternoon as the rookie rucked one-out.



“It was a big challenge for him and he conceded a slight edge in the hit-outs.



“He looks competent with the ball in hand now and he kicked a nice goal.



“It was a real learning curve for him coming up against two quality AFL-listed ruckmen. He hadn’t experienced that challenge for a full game before today.” – Ben Dyer



Most likely call-up: Ben Jacobs, Andrew Swallow

Next week: BYE – Week off

