SENIORS GET THE PRIZE
The historic Brunswick Street Oval was the scene for the Triple Header with all three sides facing the Lions. In the absence of the Oracle, sadly no references to movies, books or hazy recollections of days past. But hopefully a bit of color and recognition for the worthy.
The Seniors were keen to get on top early and were doing just that in general play. The ball barely crossed the wing in the first 10-15 minutes but unfortunately we didn’t have a lot to show for it with 6 behinds being the result. To increase the frustration, Fitzroy were able to score a major in one of their few forward line forays. But then Ridgy decided to get amongst it and bagged three goals in quick succession. The game was played at a good pace and the hosts were moving the ball quite well belying their winless status. Both teams were prepared to switch direction, putting the respective defences under pressure.
Weeksy was continuing his good form down back for the Bloods, while Alkers was also working his way back into the game after a couple of weeks on one leg. Sec and Collo were teaming well on the ball. The question at quarter time was whether our inaccuracy was going to cost us later in the game. Ten scoring shots to three was probably a fair indication of the game but would a three goal lead be enough.
The second stanza opened with a major to Brendan Gillen which ensured a bit more scoreboard pressure. Mick Meehan, playing across the half back took some strong marks and Fiztroy were finding it hard to penetrate a solid Bloods defence. They only scored one goal for the quarter, while we added another three to take in a handy 28 point lead at half time. Fitzroy were proving dogged and you sensed they would continue to be up for the scrap.
The third quarter was played in a similar vein – both sides prepared to switch the play and run but defences holding up under the barrage.
Goals were proving hard to come by so when Hammer marked and goaled after Whitey intercepted a kick in, the throng we hoping the floodgates would open. Bryce Kellerman was getting plenty of the ball across the centre and using his pace to advantage. Mick Meehan bobbed up for a mark and goal to stretch the lead to 38 points. Pop and Raff were picking up plenty of possessions (and sore feet), while Gledders appeared to be everywhere, enjoying the wide open spaces. The home side grabbed one on the siren to make the difference 32 points at the break.
We had won every quarter so now to the last and at the break, Sec asked for the same effort to ensure we also won the last quarter. An early goal to Ridgy from a strong lead stretched the margin. Fitzroy came back with two in succession and they had their tails up a bit. Hammer got a captain’s one back for the Bloods and it should have been game over with a five goal lead. And indeed it was but the hosts ensured the last ten minutes were tense with a couple of goals. Our forward line didn’t exist in the last five minutes as it was all hands on deck in the backline.
We held on for victory and while there was a sense of relief, the song was sung with gusto. New boys Smithy and Johnno were graced with the traditional watery welcome, we had the four points and there were smiles on faces. Ridgy ended up with four goals, while Hammer ended up with three, all at important stages of the game. Gledders carried over his fine recent form, to be BOG, ably supported by POP, Bryce Kellerman and Mick Meehan.
The hosts put on a fine after match display and Darren Seccull was most eloquent in the coaches corner - a Fitzroy tradition.
TEAM
|
1QG
|
1QB
|
Q1PTS
|
2QG
|
2QB
|
Q2PTS
|
3QG
|
3QB
|
Q3PTS
|
4QG
|
4QB
|
PTS
|
Fitzroy
|
1
|
2
|
8
|
2
|
5
|
17
|
5
|
8
|
38
|
9
|
11
|
65
|
Old Haileybury
|
3
|
7
|
25
|
6
|
9
|
45
|
10
|
10
|
70
|
12
|
12
|
84
|
Old Haileybury
Goal Kickers: T. Ridgway 4, H. McLauchlan 3, M. Meehan , B. White , B. Gillen , B. Kellerman , J. Nicolopoulos Best Players: P. Gleadhill, M. Meehan, B. Kellerman, J. Nicolopoulos, J. Fisscher, J. Rafferty
An undermanned Ressies team were valiant against a pretty polished Fitzroy outfit. It was pretty even until half time but then the floodgates opened and the earlier efforts gradually took their toll. But the boys had a crack but were ultimately clearly beaten by a better side on the day. Richard Mathers tried hard for four quarters and was rewarded with three majors. Rorey “Duck” James made a solid return from injury, while Ed Limon was also busy all day.
TEAM
|
1QG
|
1QB
|
Q1PTS
|
2QG
|
2QB
|
Q2PTS
|
3QG
|
3QB
|
Q3PTS
|
4QG
|
4QB
|
PTS
|
Fitzroy
|
8
|
1
|
49
|
14
|
3
|
87
|
22
|
4
|
136
|
25
|
10
|
160
|
Old Haileybury
|
2
|
1
|
13
|
5
|
3
|
33
|
6
|
5
|
41
|
8
|
5
|
53
|
Old Haileybury
Goal Kickers: R. Mathers 3, R. James 2, D. Newby , T. Bennett , J. McLauchlan Best Players: R. James, R. Mathers, E. Limon, D. Mackenzie, N. Salvatore, A. Schofield
It was a similar story in the Thirds where we struggled to match a pretty good local outfit. The early start bought back memories of school boy days and the large ground found a few of the older bodies out. Mark Hinkley bagged a couple while Jack Werrett and Luke Skelton were two of our better players.
TEAM
|
1QG
|
1QB
|
Q1PTS
|
2QG
|
2QB
|
Q2PTS
|
3QG
|
3QB
|
Q3PTS
|
4QG
|
4QB
|
PTS
|
Fitzroy
|
5
|
3
|
33
|
13
|
5
|
83
|
16
|
10
|
106
|
18
|
17
|
125
|
Old Haileybury
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
7
|
3
|
1
|
19
|
5
|
3
|
33
|
Old Haileybury
Goal Kickers: M. Hinkley 2, J. Werrett , S. Walden , A. Floyd Best Players: J. Werrett, L. Skelton, J. Derks, B. Langford-Jones, A. Floyd, H. McWilliam
The U/19s got off to a slow start for their game at Westbourne but inaccuracy from the home side meant they were still in the game. Indeed the boys hit the front early in the third quarter but unfortunately were unable to maintain the pressure. A few fundamental errors proved the difference but this can be worked on and there is genuine hope that a win isn’t too far away.
TEAM
|
1QG
|
1QB
|
Q1PTS
|
2QG
|
2QB
|
Q2PTS
|
3QG
|
3QB
|
Q3PTS
|
4QG
|
4QB
|
PTS
|
Old Westbourne
|
2
|
6
|
18
|
3
|
7
|
25
|
7
|
9
|
51
|
10
|
12
|
72
|
Old Haileybury
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
7
|
19
|
4
|
9
|
33
|
6
|
11
|
47
|
|