It was a performance that would have warmed the hearts of the North Shore faithful on a crisp Autumn evening.
A Fopiani tearing up Windsor Park like it was his own backyard.
A career-high ten goals, in fact.
However, Seagull smiles were likely through somewhat gritted teeth watching it happen in a Newtown & Chilwell ensemble (clash strip, to be exact).
Having witnessed the late Frank Fopiani light up the competition across a decade-long stint in Royal blue and gold that resulted in seven premiership cups being placed into the trophy cabinet, North Shore’s rank and file had to be content watching as Connor toyed with their current day line-up in a 171-point hiding at Windsor Park on Friday night.
“Dad had a big history here… seven premierships isn’t any little feat,” Fopiani told K rock Football following the match.
“It’s pretty cool to come here and play, and obviously walk in (the social rooms) after the game and see his Hall of Fame plaque in there.
“They’ve been through a tough time and there’s a few clubs battling, but for them to rally around and get two sides together and get a junior program going, credit to them.”
Fopiani was one of several forward standouts in the 29.28 (202) to 5.1 (31) victory.
Taj McMillan showed why he’s arrived with big wraps from North Ballarat, and youngsters Jedd Coburn and Jett Modola are repaying the faith shown by coach Steve Johnson.
“We all go about it really selflessly, and we all know we get our chance, and when we get our chance, we take it,” Fopiani said.
“Everyone goes about it the right way, and that’s how we train, so it’s really good.”
A tough night for the Seagulls was made even worse by a lower leg injury suffered by recruit Cody Harrison.
The Queenslander was stretchered from the field early in the final quarter and taken to hospital after suffering a fracture to his left fibula.
Veteran Harry Purcell and Minyip-Murtoa recruit Seth Talbot kicked two goals apiece for North Shore.
Talbot put in an early-season contender for goal of the year with a banana from a tight angle to get the Seagulls on the board.
Newtown & Chilwll recruit Dylan Bennett battled hard for North Shore, while Queensland recruit Nic Creighton was able to show his class at times on a wing.
Meanwhile, Geelong Amateur has quickly returned to the Bellarine winners’ list, outlasting the previously unbeaten Barwon Heads by seven points in a low-scoring battle at KFC Oval.
Ammos picked up their third victory of the season, 7.15 (57) to 6.14 (50).
Brydon Barnett and Charley Green each kicked two goals for the Pegs, who next face Newcomb at Grinter Reserve next Saturday.
Jack Henderson’s three goals were half of the tally for the Seagulls, who return home for a mouthwatering match-up with Queenscliff.
X: @krockfootball
