Recap

Fitzroy came into the game as slight favourites, but Brunswick knew that a win would help solidify its place in the top four, and bring it level on points with its opponent. In the first Friday night game since the announcement was made that all men’s games will be played on Friday nights starting next week, Fitzroy and Brunswick served up a game that justified the decision fully.

Fitzroy started the stronger of the two teams, taking an early lead through Gabriel Lucena. Fitzroy soon doubled its lead, and went on to dominate the majority of the play for the next ten minutes. Brunswick had no plans to let Fitzroy have it all its own way though, getting one back before the half time break. Much to the chagrin of Brunswick, Fitzroy found time before the interval to score another goal of its own, restoring its two goal lead going into the break.

That lead was cut short not long into the second half, when Brunswick scored its second goal of the game after a great period of dominating possession and having the pick of the chances. The comeback was complete barely five minutes later, and Brunswick seemed to have all of the momentum. With the game looking like it was headed for the controversial penalty shootout, Brunswick scored its third goal without reply, and fourth in total, to complete the turnaround. Despite Fitzroy’s desperate attempts to draw back level, which included the deployment of the ‘fifth man’ tactic, Brunswick held on for a memorable victory that drew it level on points with its third placed opponent.

Man of the match: Chris Triantos (FC Brunswick)