Palman Qui Meruit Ferat
Jimmy O'Reilly to play 100th game for Fitzroy
10.30 pm Thursday 14th July 2011
Fitzroy captain Jim O'Reilly will run out for his one hundredth game for Fitzroy against old rival Rupertswood this Saturday.
Sitting in eighth position, the Roys must win against 3rd placed Rupertswood to keep their finals hopes alive and no doubt the Royboys will be keen make their captain's 100th game a memorable one.
The first captain of Fitzroy Football Club since Brad Boyd captained the club in 1995-1996, Jim O'Reilly has captained the club since the 2009 season when Fitzroy Football Club merged with the Fitzroy Reds to resume playing operations for the first time since 1996.
Originally from Tasmania Jim has always led from the front as captain. For example in May 2010 the Roys were battling it out for their first C-Grade win of the season against Parkdale with a 0-5 losing record to that point. Leading by 15 points at three quarter time and resplendent in their FFC 1957 heritage jumper, Fitzroy looked to have a distinct advantage coming into the last. However five goals straight, to Parkdale, in the last quarter to Fitzroy's 1.6, saw the Vultures hit the front. With Fitzroy again staring at a narrow loss having led for much of the day, Jim booted a great goal 50 metres out on the Freeman St flank to the Brunswick Street end. The Roys grabbed a three point victory out of the jaws of defeat against Parkdale and claimed the Norm Johnstone Trophy to boot. Jim certainly did the jumper proud that day.
The Roys will be keen to redeem themselves after their Round 11 100+ point loss. Will Pickering, Fitzroy's leading goal-kicker for the season only kicked one goal against Werribee and will be keen to push his total goal tally towards or even past 50 goals in the next couple of weeks.
The match committee has resisted the urge to make wholsale changes to the team that lost so badly to Werribee for this week's match. Ross Borland moves to the reserves, while Michael Cussen makes a welcome return. Jack Simcoe also returns to the senior side. However a vastly improved performance this weekend will be expected, or some may find their places in the senior side under some threat.
Before the game, the Chairman’s lunch will be held at the Community Room Fitzroy Football Club Grandstand, Brunswick Street Oval.
The guest speaker will be Julia Mason, Chairperson of One In Five. One In Five raises money for medical research into mental illness, including depression, with the aim of developing treatments to help sufferers. Mental health issues can impact one in five young men. Football clubs can create a great sense of belonging and be a tremendous source of strength for young men who may feel isolated.
Due to the important role football clubs can play, the VAFA has entered into a partnership with One In Five.
