VAFA 2018: Two goals in dying stages earn Fitzroy semi-final victory over Williamstown CYMS
WATCH: A STUNNING snap from deep in the forward pocket helped Fitzroy produce a late rally and secure promotion from VAFA Premier C on Saturday.
Local Footy
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FITZROY captain Julian Turner faces a race against time to be fit for the VAFA Premier C decider after sustaining a hamstring injury in Saturday’s last-gasp semi-final win over Williamstown CYMS.
Turner limped from Bill Lawry Oval in the first term of the major semi-final, which his side won 10.7 (67) to 9.10 (64) thanks to late goals from Tom Cheshire and Nathan Jumeau.
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The Roys will be sweating on the fitness of Turner and Bernard Wright, who suffered a hamstring tear in the last quarter.
Their absence could open the door for Nino Lazzaro to return from VFL duties, should Essendon be knocked out of finals this weekend.
Sunny Brazier is also a chance to return after Northern Knights were bundled out of TAC Cup finals, while Aidan Lambert and James Butler will come under consideration.
Fitzroy coach Luke Mahoney said Turner would be “doubtful”, but was buoyed by his side’s ability to overcome the CYs without their skipper.
“The group I had this year were pretty determined to make sure we got back to Premier B,” Mahoney said.
“It was really satisfying to get that job done. Now we focus on (this week) to try and win the premiership.”
Cheshire had the Roys faithful grinning from ear to ear when he produced a moment of individual brilliance deep into the last quarter.
With his side trailing by 10 points and three minutes on the clock, Cheshire burst through a pack and expertly snapped from the right forward pocket.
Jumeau kicked the matchwinner shortly before the final siren, ensuring Fitzroy would be promoted back to Premier B at the first time of trying.
“We looked in a fair bit of trouble with 10 minutes to go,” Mahoney said.
“We were 10 points down and Williamstown was in control of the game at that stage. We had a couple of goals late, in the last three minutes.”
Mahoney lauded the effort of his backline in a match he dubbed an “arm wrestle”, after they restricted the CYs to one goal in the first and fourth quarters.
Old Geelong and Williamstown CYMS will meet in the preliminary final.
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