The veteran defender copped a knee between his shoulder blades after backing into a marking contest and had to be helped from the field - the Bullants took full advantage of his absence and hit the lead shortly after on their way to an 18-point come-from-behind win.
Up to that point, Pratt had been the most influential player on the ground and was in everything. Playing across half-back, he pushed hard up the ground and collected 13 possessions and six marks in the first half to help give the Roosters a handy 18-point lead going into the main break.
In the third term he directed play out of defence and was instrumental in stopping his opponent’s attacking thrusts.
His experience was crucial and the Roosters discovered just how valuable he was when the game was in the balance. When he was sidelined midway through the final term, the momentum quickly swung the Bullants’ way.
Pratt was able to come back onto the field and had an immediate impact playing forward and kicking a goal. But the damage was already done and despite him finishing with 27 disposals and seven marks, North Ballarat was bundled out of the competition.
Aaron Mullett provided plenty of run and rebound with his effective ball use critical in the windy conditions. He was even able to snag an early goal while forward Aaron Black was starved of opportunities and most of his touches came outside of scoring range.
Brayden Norris and Marcus White were solid contributors after being delisted by North Melbourne just days earlier. Norris collected 17 possessions and ran hard all afternoon while White played a defensive role on the dangerous Ahmed Saad for much of the match.
North’s listed players will now join their AFL team-mates on holidays before heading to Utah in mid-October.
North Ballarat 6.1 7.2 10.5 12.6 (78)
Northern Bullants 1.3 3.8 7.8 14.12 (96)
GOALS:
North Ballarat: Driscoll 5 Darmody 2 Stephenson McKenzie Lynch Pratt Peters
Northern Bullants: Hampson 6 Kerr 2 Tuohy Casboult McCorkell McLean O'Keefe Saad
BEST:
North Ballarat: Pratt Mullett Driscoll Peters McKenzie George
Northern Bullants: McLean Dare Hampson Lambert Meese Russell
