All hands on deck as Roosters hang tough

IT took nine games, but North Ballarat coach Maddie Fitzpatrick had the luxury of rolling out a full-strength lineup for the first time in last Saturday’s win over Lake Wendouree.

That 10-player depth proved crucial for the Roosters in a 53-41 victory that Fitzpatrick branded a contest filled with ‘peaks and troughs’.

It allowed them to consolidate top spot, a week after inflicting reigning premier Darley’s first loss for the season while also keeping their own unbeaten record intact.

North Ballarat will head into the second half of the home and away season as clear ladder leaders at 8-0-1.

Played for the most part in rain, Fitzpatrick was rapt to emerge with a win in obvious tough and tricky conditions.

“It was peaks and troughs … we got a lead early and kind of lost it, but recovered, before they hit back again,” she said.

“They really put it to us, but the girls really stood up.

“There’s lots to work on after that one; it probably wasn’t the best game of netball that we’ve played.

“They (Lakers) were young and tall and they played some really good netball. I was quite impressed with them.

“They play some really good, structured netball and have a few tools in the kit. I can imagine they’ll be making finals.”

Fitzpatrick was pleased with the way her side adapted during the game, not only to the thorny conditions but to the Lakers’ changing combinations.

“We made plenty of changes; we swung Maggie Smith from goal keeper to goal shooter,” she said.

“And nearly everyone had a stint on the bench.

“But the way the girls adapted to the changing combinations was great to see.”

Fitzpatrick hailed the versatility of Smith, still eligible for and playing in the under-19s competition, as a real asset.

“She has hit a lot of form. She plays some good netball in the 19s, but she really steps up when she comes into A-grade,” she said.

“For a 17-year-old kid, she’s very impressive in the way she goes about it.

“Nothing ever phases her and she is always up for a challenge.

 

“She’s very handy and a massive asset to us. Brilliant to have around the club and such a calming presence.”

After a bout with illness, Kelsie Rainbow returned to the lineup, making her presence felt at centre, wing attack and wing defence with her control and poise.

Maddy Selmon again led the way in attack with 24 goals at 85.71 per cent in three quarters.

The only downside to the win was a head knock to defender Milly Simpson in the final quarter, but all indications are she will be right to play in this weekend’s clash against Ballarat.

A bonus, according to Fitzpatrick, was having all 10 players in the one side, with the likes of Selmon, Rainbow, Poppy Douglass and Amy Wirth all having missed games in the first half of the season.

It will hopefully be all hands on deck again for the Roosters against Ballarat at Alfredton Recreation Reserve this Saturday.

In a neck-and-neck race with Sebastopol for the tag as the league’s most improved side in 2026, the Swans, with former New Zealand national league goal shooter Ellie Bird filling in for the absent Dakota Blade, finished within three goals of Darley in another strong performance and are incomparable to the team the Roosters defeated by 30 goals in round one.

“I’m certainly expecting big things from them now they have settled into the season … undoubtedly a big improver,” Fitzpatrick said.

“We’ll do our research and have a look at them to make sure we are prepped for a big game.

“The Burge girls (Xara and Eliza) are going really well and they have talent all over the court.”

Elsewhere last Saturday, Sunbury rebounded from a loss to Ballarat to defeat East Point 55-39.

Charlize Bellette topped the scoring with 31 goals at 86.11 per cent for the Lions, while Claire Oakley, on loan from Riddell District league club Macedon, shot 29 for the Roos.

The Lions (6-2-1) jumped back into third spot.

Playing her 100th game, Adut Manyiel shot 30 goals in a 40-35 win by Sebastopol over Bacchus Marsh.

The Burra moved into fifth spot on the ladder while the Cobras dropped to seventh.

Redan opened its account with a convincing 58-20 triumph over Melton.

Eva Manserra (34 goals) and Stella Kane (24) shared the load for the Lions, as co-coach Ashlee Smith celebrated her 150th game in style.