The weather turned cold mid-afternoon on Sunday as the boys prepared for the match against Park Orchards. Fitzroy took to the field with the bare minimum number of players required to field a team, the interchange steward was restricted to light duties with Park Orchards having only one player on the bench.
In the first quarter Fitzroy were kicking in to a steady breeze, Park Orchards started well kicking two early goals, but it wasn’t long before Fitzroy started to move and share the ball well, and a good passage of play starting in the backline resulted in a goal to Luke. Some good defensive pressure from our forwards resulted in a turnover, mark and goal to Sam, we continued to attack with Jade taking a strong mark in the forward line but he was unable to convert. Bruce was pleased with the first quarter effort but encouraged the midfield to work harder.
The wind dropped as the second quarter got underway but the Park Orchards team lifted their intensity with an early goal. In defence, Ayden, Evan, Levi, Brendan, Harry, and Minh continued to repel attacks and provide rebound opportunities which resulted in a goal to Orien. However Park Orchards weren’t to be denied and kicked another two unanswered goals going into the half time break. Bruce’s message to the team at half time was clear, “We need to work harder to get the ball out of the centre, and our forwards need to maintain pressure on Park Orchards backs to ensure the ball stays in our forward line”
The third quarter started well as David and Sam started to take control in the ruck, our rovers and midfield players were also gaining the upper hand over their opponents, creating opportunities for the forwards. A good passage of play starting from the backline involving Matt, Jack, Luke and Jules resulted in a goal to Orien. This was followed by successive goals to David and Jules, then an excellent tackle by Orien at full forward on his opponent, resulted in a free kick and another goal was scored. Park Orchards went forward and scored a goal, but Fitzroy replied quickly as a result of a fine pack mark and goal by Orien. Near the end of the quarter Liam went in hard at a contest putting his body on the line, unfortunately he suffered a serious injury to his collar-bone and took no further part in the game. At the last break Bruce praised the efforts of the whole team and the courage of Liam.
In the last quarter both teams were down to seventeen players. Fitzroy started well, with Jack, who was playing a terrific game, passing the ball to Otto who goaled, A great smother by Brendan at half back turned the ball over, leading to another goal kicked by Orien. A free kick awarded to Jules for rough play after this goal was kicked, resulted in another Fitzroy goal. Two goals to Park Orchards were followed by three goals kicked in succession by Orien, the culmination of good play by team mates up field including Brendan, Otto, Jules, and Jack. Park Orchards played the game out scoring two more goals before the final siren sounded, however Fitzroy ran out convincing winners on the day.
Final score: Fitzroy 15.8 98 d. Park Orchards 9.9 63
Bruce congratulated the team on their past three victories, and reflected on the benefits the team had reaped from playing positive, pressure football against opposition teams.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Round 10
