by nfnl.org.au
Fitzroy Stars got on the board for the first time in 2018 after a nail-biting one-point win in Round 4 and will look to continue that form when they travel to Eltham Central Park to take on ladder-leader Eltham in the first outing between the two clubs.
After losing their opening three games by an average of 99 points, the Stars trailed at every major break in their clash with the Blues last Saturday. But they never gave in and despite an inaccurate final term, which saw them boot 5.8 to 5.0, they were still able to get over the line.
A three-goal haul from John Hayes and major contributions from Steven Stallion, Chris Hall and Hedley Smith helped the Stars in their last-gasp win, as they finally opened their 2018 account. The win was sealed with a last-minute goal to Shawn Wilkey.
For the Panthers, things went a lot smoother as they accounted for Watsonia to the tune of 67 points at A.K. Lines Reserve to record their fifth-successive win.
Star recruit Brent Macaffer had his best game of the season and was aided by strong performances by Brandon Freeman – who kicked five goals to make it a dozen in two weeks – as well as four-goal hauls to Bradyn Taglieri and Thomas Carafa.
Match times
Eltham vs Fitzroy Stars – Reserves 11.55am, Seniors 2.10pm – Eltham Central Park
Eltham v Bundoora Div 1 Under 19s 9.40am – Eltham Central Park
Div 2 Under 19s have a Bye this week
