The Rovers went into the final home game of 2006 against Parkdale Vultures knowing a win would almost certainly secure their position in C Section for next season. However the Vultures jinx continued with the Rovers unable to bring home the points yet again.
In what was a complete turnaround from the Rovers performances over the last couple of weeks,
The Rovers side welcomed the debut of Jake Williams in his first game for the club, Nathan Foster who made his senior debut, and the return of sharpshooter Adam Power into the lineup for his first senior game of 2006 – amazingly the 50th player to wear the green and gold in the seniors for the year.
The Parkdale Vultures controlled the opening three quarters kicking 18 goals to the Rovers 9. The last term was much closer with the Vultures missing many opportunities managing just the single goal while the Rovers kicked a couple. Parkdale took the game by 47 points to keep their slim finals hopes alive while for the Rovers, its all down to the final round as they take on the Fitzroy Reds at the former stomping ground of the Fitzroy Lions, Brunswick Street Oval.
Playing his first senior game for the year after a few appearances in the Reserves, Adam Power showed great form kicking 4 goals and best on the ground for the Rovers. He was well supported by Gary Carr, Anthony Browne, Joel Steendam, Lachie Batt and Mark Devereaux. Other goal kickers were Michael Fletcher and Joel Steendam with 2 each and singles to Daniel Andersen, Anthony Browne and Mark Devereaux.
With North Old Boys going down by 70 points against Old Camberwell, the Rovers retain their position in third-last on the ladder, slightly increasing the percentage between the two sides. With just the one round remaining, a win to the Rovers against the Reds and a NOBS loss, or if the Rovers lose but keep the margin to a minimum ensuring the gap in percentage between the two sides isn?t made up, Hampton will retain their spot in C section for the 2007 VAFA season. The Rovers need your support out at Fitzroy on Saturday to help them over the line, so make sure you get along for the final time in 2006.
Parkdale Vultures: 5.2 13.3 18.5 19.10 (124)
It was better news for the Reserves who won their second consecutive game for the first time in a while, defeating Parkdale Vultures by 62 points. Best for the Rovers were Mitch Westhead, Matthew Gray, Andrew Mudge, Richard McKeon, David O?Brien and Tom Rootsey. Mitzi lead the goal kicking booting 5, Josh Glanville and Andrew Mudge kicked 3 each, Tom Rootsey kicked 2, Anthony Quon playing in his 150th game also kicked 2, while David O?Brien kicked 1.
The Under 19s suffered a loss at the hands of Old Mentonians. Best for the Rovers were James Marasco, Nick Ulbrich, Moss Judson, Emery Lonie, Rob Lang and Ben Thompson. All Rovers goals came from single goal kickers: Moss Judson, Nick Lyall, Tom McCarthy, Nathan Morecroft, Jarred Schafer, Lee Smith, Jackson Ward and Rory White.
