Palman Qui Meruit Ferat
Fitzroy defeats Prahran in seniors and reserves
The Fitzroy Football Club has opened the 2009 season with an impressive win in both the Seniors and Reserves in the club's first competitive match since September 1st 1996.
The Red Roys were far too slick for a typically physical but largely uncompetitive Prahran and a huge crowd, including Kevin Murray, Colin Hobbs and past players and supporters, Old Redders and members of the local community gave the players a thunderous ovation as they left the field and entered the newly renovated clubrooms. By all reports, the season launching President's pre-game lunch was also a huge success, with 2009 membership now approaching 600 (not including our 700 odd shareholder members). Kevin Murray gave a wonderful speech at the luncheon before presenting the new players with their jumpers.
The Reserves started off the day with a 42 point win 15.10.100 to Prahran's 9.4.58. The Seniors followed the Reserves' impressive example with their own 51 point victory, kicking 16.12.108 to Prahran's 8.9.57.
There were a few new faces, lots of youth and despite a few key players missing (such as Matt Mackay, Vinny Cahill, Jimmy Taylor), there is much to like about this new look team. Isaac Hughson was a notable new face, whose Fitzroy pedigree is impeccable. He is the grandson of the legendary Fred Hughson, captain of the last Fitzroy VFL premiership team in 1944. He starred as a small forward on Saturday, and kicked seven skilful goals from everywhere.
The Fitzroy reserves also started off the season with a hard fought seven goal win against Prahran. Leading by eight goals at the main break, it was a little disappointing not to run away with a bigger victory, with a combination of tired bodies and lazy football allowing Prahran to outscore the Roy Boys in the second half.
For Fitzroy, a rejuvenated and committed Milos Zika was clearly best on ground, burning up the grandstand wing the way he did when he won the Reds' senior best and fairest in 2005. Coming up from the under 19's, Chris Wills was terrific off the half back flank, with first gamers Tristan Maddocks, Sam Maguire and Jamie Hughes also showing they will be valuable additions to the club.
The Under 19s (1) team narrowly missed the club record for the biggest winning margin, falling over the line by 267 points, kicking 42.28 (280) to Banyule/Viewbank 2.1 (13), an opponent who normally have a strong under 19 program. The club record highest winning margin belongs to the 1993 Reds senior team, which kicked 47.39 (321) to VUT/FIT 8.3 (51). This is also the club record highest score.
The Under 19s (2) team had a bye / walkover to NOB/St Pats, while the Clubbies were beaten by Whitefriars.
Chris Tehan and Sam Buckley
