St Marys were facing their final game of the year having missed out on finals football.  Fitzroy were sitting 2^nd and could not be displaced.  So, in a game that meant nothing in the context of the year, what would happen?  Well, in a nutshell, one team would find it in themselves to play for the jumper and one team could not.  Unfortunately, that team was St Marys.

From the first bounce, St Marys were hard and uncompromising, first to the ball and tough.  Once again, we were intimidated and second to the contest. We were second to the ball, we were loose, we were hesitant.  The stats reflected this.  We had more tackles then any other game!  We didn’t have the ball, so we tackled the player who did!

So, with the biting wind of Greensborough, the boys getting a football lesson on the park, the soup running out by half time and the coffee being well below the standard of Ramsden St, all in all, it was a pretty bleak Sunday.

St. Mary’s 16.11-107  def.  Fitzroy 6.8-44

There are many positives though!  David’s 150m goal in the 2^nd quarter (sure, I exaggerate!).  The never give up attitude of the boys, the mateship amongst the team and the fact that last time we played so poorly (Greythorn Round 7 – 53 pt loss) we came out the next week and beat Macleod means that all this will be turned around before next week.

Finals footy is here.  A whole new season begins!

GO ROYS!!!

The first quarter was an even contest early with both sides playing attacking football but inaccurate in their shots for goal.  David was leading the way for Fitzroy with some strong play out of the centre, leading to a contest in the goal square and a crumbing goal to Orien. Camberwell enjoyed a purple patch attacking continuously and scoring 2 goals five behinds heading into the quarter time break.

Bruce told the boys there needed to be more talk at the centre bounces and ruck contests, and to kick long with the wind. The second quarter was another arm wrestle with goals to Otto, Jules and Orien, whilst Camberwell scored two goals into the wind.  Camberwell were playing hard, fast running, team football, but the Fitzroy defence was doing a terrific job restricting their scoring.

At half time the margin was just three points but there were many areas of the game where we needed to improve.  Bruce emphasized the need to be harder and committed to the contest and asked Jules to move into the midfield half way through the 3^rd quarter to change with Luke or Matthew.

The contest was again tight in the third quarter, though the game was scrappy at times as both sides made skill errors under pressure. David and Jules scored early goals for the ‘Roys, but Camberwell bounced back scoring two goals later in the term. Bruce told the team to kick long at every opportunity in the last quarter, and asked for a greater effort from our midfielders.

In the last quarter Jules kicked an early goal as a result of some excellent work out of the centre by David. Then a free kick to Jules at half forward led to a mark and goal to Otto.  However Camberwell once again gained the upper hand and scored two unanswered goals.  Some strong play out of half back and a pass to David resulted in a running goal to Luke.  Camberwell attacked once again and scored a point, putting them into the lead by exactly that margin.

With time fast running out, the tension around the ground was palpable, as nervous spectators chewed through centimetres of fingernail.  Both sides were desperately throwing themselves into each contest, as Fitzroy forced the ball into our forward half, where Otto gained front position and marked strongly a fair way out from goal.  Maintaining his concentration and composure he prepared himself for the kick, strode in and kicked the ball loooong and gun barrel straight, through for a goal… Less than a minute later the siren sounded, and the boys celebrated a terrific win.

Final score: Fitzroy 10. 10. 70 d. Camberwell  9. 11. 65

Bruce’s message to the boys in the rooms at the start of the game was to ‘improve the ‘inside 50s’ up to 30% conversion to goals, and to stat up 25 x 1%ers for each of the quarters. The win of the toss suggested this was very achievable, given they were kicking with the wind. Five goals kicked by Jules, Otto (2), Orien and Sam, plus a heady eight points represented the challenging conditions, even with the wind at their backs. With Balwyn yet to score, this first term effort of 16 ‘inside 50s’ for 5 goals, and 24 -1%ers needed to be improved on! Bruce’s message to the boys was that they would be tested against the wind, to look for lots of short options, and run, run, run.

The boys responded and worked hard and fast against the wind. Great kicking, fantastic tackling, consistent pressure, with Bruce praising their setting up of the zone. They “blocked, chased and smothered” and Bruce praised their “great effort against the wind”. 26 x 1%ers and 11 inside 50s contributed to a whopping half time score of 7.13 (55) to Balwyn’s 0.2 points. Orien kicked both goals, Luke was everywhere the ball went, tackling and tackling and tackling, Chris and Matty supported each other with persistent, determined and gritty football, Evan and George had a great quarter, Harry S had a great game and was involved in many a set up for the forward line, Otto took some of his trademark spekkies, David and Sam were integral to the ball remaining in Fitzroy’s control, Levi, Dom, Harry H , Brendon, Liam, Jack, Liam and Aiden  took charge of the ball when Balwyn got it to their half of the ground, and Julian, Minh, Jade put a fantastic effort in.

The third quarter score of 12.17 (89), keeping Balwyn scoreless, with a work rate that improved on their first half with 34 x 1%ers and 10 ‘inside 50s’ for 5 goals, better clearances, tackling and overall a “great work ethic”, Bruce and the boys seemed pleased with how the day was going! The final term was icing on the cake, extremely disappointing for Balwyn, a boon to our percentage and as it turned out, yielded a score that took us a step up to second on the ladder. The boys continued to work hard for each other, shepherded brilliantly and thoughtfully. The forward line combination of Jules, Orien and Otto kept up the pressure when needed, David continued to win the clearances, the onballers worked “superbly” and the defenders were tight and disciplined. Goals for the game were kicked by Otto (5), Jules, Orien (5), Sam, Luke (2), David (2) with the final score of 17.19 (121) to 2.3 (15) (someone kicked the first goal in the third quarter-not sure who?). 

The next three games will be against tougher opponents, but if the boys keep up the teamwork and work ethic delivered in this round, they’ll be well grounded for their journey into the finals! Go Roy Boys.

Bundoora were particularly skilful markers, and the slower work rate of the boys throughout the second quarter allowed this opposition side to capitalise on their size and accuracy. The half time score of 7.6 to 3.3 was reflected by the stats. 14 inside 50s for 4 goals (which totalled 23 Inside 50s for just 7 goals-not good enough, says Bruce)) and the 1 %ers had reduced to 25. Bruce asked for the boys to lift, set the benchmark of 40 1%ers and they did!!!

The third quarter was a screamer! Jules snapped a beauty over his left shoulder and then went on to score six goals for the game; Otto marked some spekkys and converted to goals; the back line were spectacular with Harry H in the right spot whenever he was needed, Ben, Brendon, David, Luke, Chris and Matty working tirelessly to keep the ball in Fitzroy hands; Sam, Aiden, Minh, George, Julian, Jack, Liam and Levi responded to everything Bundoora tried in order to get some scores on the board,; Harry S had his best game for the season…. have I mentioned everyone?? They were all fantastic. 13.9 (95) to 5.4 (34) was backed up by the 10 ‘inside 50s’ for 7 goals. Bruce was pleased. And it was against the wind!!

The boys continued to maintain their work rate in the final term. The final score was 17.13 (115) to 6.6 (42). The song was sung gustily and the boys were encouraged to set their sights on improving those Inside 50s and 1%ers and to march confidently towards the finals!!

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.

The second quarter was a great quarter to watch. The boys seemed to be enjoying working together and the hard training was paying off. The back line kept Banyule scoreless for the quarter and Bruce said at half time that everyone made a committed effort. His only request at half-time other than encouraging the boys to stay focused and committed to the ball, was to do less handballing. Everyone played well and received praise from the coach for the effort they were putting in. The score at the break was Fitzroy 6.6 (42) to Banyule’s 4.0 (24).

The third quarter saw some spectacular marking by Otto, accurate kicking from everyone with Bruce commenting on Luke, Jules, Sam and Aiden’s effort. Ben, Luke and Orien scored goals but Banyule fought back and the boys had to maintain their work rate to keep in front with the score of 9.7 (61) to Banyule’s hard fought-for 6.2 (38).

Neither side was prepared to slacken off and the final quarter saw some great, tough football. Both sides kept the pressure on the ball and defended brilliantly, with the ball moving quickly from one end of the oval to the other. At one point, Banyule came within a couple of goals, and it seemed as though it could be anyone’s game. The boys kept the PRESSURE, PRESSURE, PRESSURE and reaped the rewards. David had a brilliant quarter, Ben  David, Luke and Otto scored goals again with the support of the whole team that allowed the ball to get to them and create the space to put the ball through the posts!

The final score of 13.11 (89) Fitzroy to 10.5 (65) reflected the toughness of the game and the fight that Banyule took up to them. Bruce’s words to the boys after the game; ‘whether manning up, tackling, smothering, chasing, zoning, manning the mark, spoiling or shepherding, doing all these hard little things all the time will help achieve the results you are after’ echoed the work the boys put in. It was a great game to watch. Well done Roy Boys.

The game was a milestone match for 4 of our boys.  Congratulations to Harry H, Paul, George and Liam K on playing 50 games.  It is a great achievement and shows your commitment to the sport and the club. Here’s to another 50!!

The boys ran out at almost full strength welcoming back those returning from injury and other commitments.  With the bench full, the coaches (and interchange steward) were in for a busy day.

The commitment of the team was evident from the first bounce.  Fitzroy stamped their authority early and led by 6 goals at quarter time.  It was more of the same in the 2^nd quarter and we stretched our lead to 8 goals at half time.

Macleod are a good team though and you can never keep a good team down for 4 quarters.  They rallied and gave us a contest in the second half.  Our boys were up to it, meeting most challenges head on.  Final scores were: Fitzroy 13 13  (91) defeated Macleod 10 7 (67).

It is just past the halfway point of  the season and, despite our win, we have dropped out of the 4 with 5 wins and 3 losses, equal to Surrey Park but with a lesser percentage.  It is an even competition and every game is vital.  There will be no easy games for the rest of the year and then Finals start!  Every week come ready to do your best for the team.  Great goals are fantastic, spectacular and you need them to win but it takes the team to get the ball there in the first place. 

Every week you need to come ready to lay the tackle that wins the free.  Shepherd the teammate in the better position to move the ball forward.  Hold the mark that secures the team possession.  Handball out to a running player.  Frustrate the opposition player enough to put him off his game.  Let them know that no Fitzroy player will take a step backwards.  They call them the 1 percenters but, in truth, they are far more important then that.  The coaches stress every week about leaving too much of the work to too few players.  We proved on Sunday that if EVERY player plays at his best, we can beat anyone.

This week it is Banyule away.  See you all there.

Bruce did his customary pre match address and the message as always was clear and specific “the focus is on interception this week”, look for your next option or contest and “get on your bike – fast”. Every player was intent on his words and individuals when singled out with a job to do looked him in the eye and nodded in acknowledgement, 19 fourteen year old boys had come to the game focused as asked and the coach noticed.

The boys came out and dominated the first quarter with all the action at the goal end, the ball barely made it past the centre square much to Evans displeasure I’m sure, he took his job seriously though and there was no light between him and his opposition regardless of where the ball was. Nic had the first opportunity at goal and managed a point, shortly followed by Otto who pulled to the right and managed another point. It was David who kicked the first goal for the scoreboard and David who was taking his rucking to a new level  against a very worthy opponent. Matthew showed great courage time and again scrummaging around on the ground desperately trying to get the ball out, often with the bigger ruck men falling all around him. Chris was displaying his usual bursts of incredible speed and picked up a great straggler converting as he went. LL (Little Liam – my abbreviation and no offense intended)) had received praise in the pre match address for his crumbing efforts the week before and Bruce had complete confidence in him for  today suggesting he stick near Otto and just wait for them to fall at his feet, he did wait but when there was nothing he went looking for the next option and his 2nd efforts paid off nearly every time. I was remiss in not taking down the scores at each 1/4 but we where clearly in front as the siren went.

Now I’m not one to go out at the break, mainly because whenever I think Bruce will be pleased with a quarter and patting them on the back I am wrong and he is looking for the 1% and whether the job he has asked to be done is being done – so I sent Charlotte (Sams mum) to listen in and she came back with the coaches message ringing in her ears “take ownership of that ball – take responsibility and dont just pass it off to a team mate for him to get slammed”! See what I mean!

St Mary’s clearly had a message ringing in their ears also and the 2nd quarter they came out chasing down every ball in numbers every time, I had a moment of heart stopping fear thinking perhaps this is just the goal kicking end and now they will run all over us and dominate the 1/4 – this was short lived though with Sam, Evan (clearly happy to finally get a touch), Dom, and Levi sending everything back our way time and time again. Liam, Luke and Orien where outstanding and fearless in their commitment to the ball. St Mary’s did manage to get something on the score board but the highlight of this term had to be Jade achieving his own personal goal of kicking a goal this season, it was only 2 weeks ago that Bruce wrote all their goals down after a training session and I can remember him saying to Jade on the night ‘your team mates will back you up and help you achieve this goal’ and they did. Again we went into the break in the lead but the points on the board where    starting to out number the goals and we where by no means home and hosed.

The half time message was “go for the long option”, make them play our game I think was the gist of it – things where starting to get congested and momentum being lost. Nic, Luke and Orien  where having great games, playing good disciplined footy with outstanding work rate. Harry H was encouraged to look for the 1% and remember he is strong enough to hip and shoulder when need be, Chris was reminded “they cant catch you” back yourself, go for a run, bounce the ball -  they will not catch you. Finally,  the zone was working and the pressure was starting to show on the opposition -

you have another 1/2 to go ‘ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK’

The 3rd quarter went off with a bang, Ayden managed a great stoppage and then booted it down to Luke who almost reached the posts but not quite, Jack was there and managed to get boot to ball and knock it through for a point. Otto by this stage had the crowd gasping with his presenting to the ball either on the ground in front or in the air over the top, for all this effort though he was not getting much reward  with turn-overs becoming flavor of the 1/4 but finally the long options hit home and he managed at least 2 goals for the quarter and no surprise to learn that his personal goal is to take a hanger this season. David took quite a fall in the ruck on the cricket pitch part too I think, he looked to be favoring his hand for a minute but shook it out a couple of times and rubbed his thigh before heading straight back into the thick of it. A very hard and fast play through the centre saw Dom shooting for goal only to have it drift and hit the post. The siren went and the reality was they only needed 2 goals to be at our back door.

Now, I did go out at this break – like a moth to a flame I guess. Interestingly the opposition rucks Dad who had been standing near me the whole game followed me out and stood next to me at the edge of the circle, I couldn’t help but comment ”I didn’t realise we had someone over listening in on your tactics” to which he responded “Oh I just like hearing how different blokes coach – styles of coaching you know!”. He stayed, up until Bruce told Otto he would ruck the last 1/4 and give David a break, then he was off to give the good news that the ‘big guy’ wasn’t  a problem anymore no doubt. Bruce’s message was short “1/4 of defense left and everyone has to contribute” simple as that.

The light was fading fast as the final 1/4 began, it is dark these days by 5.30 so 4.30 on an overcast day was pretty dim but the boys all lifted a notch and there is nothing quite like the scent of a win to bring out the best, all the boys played a fantastic last quarter but Georges goal was a standout and Ayden’s mark across the back when they relentlessly kept trying to break through our defense was definitely worthy of a mention. Otto stepped up to the ruck task he had been given and I suspect the opposition rucks Dad was feeling no advantage at all. The boys went on to a well earned win and the decibels of the club song could be heard a block away – ‘Ramo’ had done it’s bit in providing the stage and the  boys had done theirs in providing a worthy spectacle, leaving the coaching group pleased and the parents proud.

Final score: Fitzroy 9-16-70 def. St Mary’s 7-6-48