Round 11 - Saturday 4th July

Fitzroy vs. Aquinas

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This is an important game for both the Seniors and Reserves this week when they take on Aquinas at Brunswick Street Oval.  This week also sees Ben Atherton, wearing 11 play his 100th game for Fitzroy.  Ben is a graduate from the St. Patricks Mentone (Vultures) U.19 grand final team in 2001, Ben came to Fitzroy in 2002 and has become one of the Club's gun midfielders in the 2003 and 2005 premiership teams. Ben won the Club's Best & Fairest award in 2004.

Fitzroy's Senior team for this week is as follows:

B	25. A.Ley	24. J.Parkinson	40. M.Cusack,
HB	5. J.Clark	16. D.Clark	11. B.Atherton
C	12. C.Poliadoris	18. C.Dullard	2. M.Biggs
HF	13. M.Zika	30. T.Conn	4. S.Kelleher
F	10. I.Hughson	3. R.Borland	26. S.Baker
Foll	46. A.Daff	36. A.Seddon	29. V.Cahill
I	64. A.Knorr, 53. H.Topp, 59. P.O'Connor, 49. O.Stolz
INS: 30. T.Conn, 12. C.Poliadoris OUTS: 35. M.McKay, 17 T.Dlabik,

For all of this week's teams go to the Club Info tab at the top and click on Teams.

Presidents Luncheon - Saturday 11th July - Fitzroy Football Club Grandstand

Thanks to our major sponsor, Effective Recoveries, Fr.Joe Giacobbe has kindly agreed to be our guest speaker at this months Luncheon. Fr Joe is also known as the punting priest and has recently spent some time travelling to England with the great horse, Takeover Target and his trainer, Joe Janiack. He is a real character and will have many a horsey tale to entertain us with.  

A buffet two-course meal will be served. Cost per head is $50.00 including drinks.

We look forward to the pleasure of your company. Please complete and send off the attached booking slip to the Club Secretary without delay to reserve your booking.

Final dinner placings must be confirmed with the Club by WEDNESDAY the 8th July.  Please make sure you send your booking off straight away to avoid disappointment. The maximum number of tickets available is only 65 and they are selling QUICKLY!

This will be a sell out Function so BOOK NOW !

Further details and a booking form may be downloaded from here.

Vale Sherie Turner 12/08/1964 - 24/06/09

Sherie Turner embodied the best of the Royboy fighting spirit and played a large role in the rebirth of community football in Fitzroy.  Sherie lost her battle with breast cancer on Wednesday 24 June.  Sherie was Head Trainer at the Fitzroy Junior Football Club (FJFC) for many years, her husband Steve was President of the FJFC for six years and their son Cal played over 100 games for the FJFC and is now a member of the Fitzroy Football Club Under 19s.

Sherie's funeral service will be held at Fawkner Memorial Park, Joyce Chapel, on Tuesday 30th June commencing at 10:15 am. (Melway Ref Map 17 F4).

The Fitzroy Football Family is deeply saddened by her death and extends its condolences, deepest sympathies and our love to Steve, Cal and other family members.

Further details may be found here.

Round 10 - Saturday 27th June

Fitzroy loses to Old Mentonians

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On Saturday in good conditions but on a very damp and muddy ground the Reserves blew a great chance to cement a top four spot, losing to Old Mentonians by 27 points – Old Mentonians 15-10-100 defeated Fitzroy 11-7-73.

Fitzroy was down by 16 points at the first quarter break and fought hard in the second quarter to level the scores.  Despite going into half time with the scores level, Fitzroy were unable to maintain their intensity in the second half, in one of their more disappointing halves of the season.

Better players on the day were Travis Conn, who threw himself around all day and made his presence felt and Ryan Atkinson, who time and time again belied his small frame and attacked the ball without fear for his own personal well-being. Other notable mentions go to Shane Donohue, Brett Pollard, Jack Buncle and James Pitts.

The goal kicking was shared amongst eight players with Travis Conn, Ryan Atkinson and Damian Hamman finishing with 2 goals each, and James Pitts, Matthew Siely, Tom Parkinson, Angus Mulholland and Christian Jenkins, playing his first game for Fitzroy, all finishing with one goal each.

This loss sees the team fall out of the top four to fifth with percentage separating them from Old Mentonians who have taken fourth place. The Ressies can simply not afford to lose their next two at home and will be looking to bounce back with a good win against Aquinas this coming weekend.

The conditions stayed sunny for the Seniors game in what was going to be a tough match between the fourth and fifth placed teams.  Unfortunately, they also went down to Old Mentonians by a heart breaking seven points – Old Mentonians 14-13-97 defeated Fitzroy 14-5-89.

It was a bitter-sweet day for the Seniors. It was a consistent performance across the four quarters, but we just couldn't raise our performance level high enough at some key moments of the game. The players took the game up to Old Mentone and we always looked like we could break away and put some real scoreboard pressure on them, but we just failed to execute some key plays and they took advantage of their opportunities in the final quarter. 

We have made improvements to our game over the last two weeks. We have seen players raise their level of play, such as Ross Borland, Jack Parkinson, Sam Baker, Harry Topp and Austin Ley.  Ross Borland was again named best on ground and finished with seven goals.  Other bests for Fitzroy were Matthew Mackay, Vincent Cahill, Zika Milos, Austin Ley and Dan Clark.

In addition to Ross Borland’s great performance in front of goal, Matthew Mackay finished with two goals and John Clark, Conor Dullard, Simon Kelleher, Patrick O’Connor and Milos Zika all finished with one goal each.

Our team now has limited opportunities left to consolidate a place in the top four.  This loss sees the team fall to sixth place with only 0.8% separating it from fifth, but a game out of the top four.  This coming weekend we play Aquinas at home and aim for a win.

Round 9 - Saturday 20th June

Fitzroy defeated South Melbourne Districts

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Fitzroy claimed the Bedford-Stephen Cup with a resounding 68 point win at the Lindsay Hassett Oval on Saturday afternoon. In claiming the Cup they also kept their finals hopes alive by reclaiming fourth position on the D1 ladder.

Fitzroy Seniors took on South Melbourne Districts on a windy Saturday at Albert Park.  After a strong team performance, Fitzroy brought home the Bedford-Stephen Cup winning 18-13-121 to South Melbourne Districts 8-5-53.

Isaac Hughson was on song finishing the day with 5 goals, along with Oliver Stolz with 4 goals.  They were well supported in the forward line by Ross Borland who finished with 1 goal and the best on ground.  Other goals kickers were John Clark and Connor Dullard both kicking 2 goals and singles to Vinnie Cahill, Anthony Daff, Jimmy O’Rielly and Milos Zika.

With the best all-round performance of the season and all players made a strong contribution across four quarters it was hard to pick the Fitzroy best players.  Ross Borland was joined by Sam Baker, Milos Zika, Andrew Seddon, Thomas Dlabik and Dan Clark.

This win brought Fitzroy back in the top 4 with a healthy percentage.  It also makes for a showdown this coming weekend when Fitzroy take on the fifth placed Old Mentonians.

The Fitzroy Reserves team also had a convincing win over South Melbourne Districts finishing 12-15-87 to South Melbourne Districts 5-5-35.

Kicking with the wind in the first quarter, Fitzroy lead 4-6 to 1-2.  They didn’t look back for the rest of the game winning each of the quarters.  Travis Conn lead Fitzroy’s goal kicking finishing the day with 4 goals, Matthew Siely with 2 and singles to Jack Buncle, Adrian Enright, David Lee, James Pitts and Matthew DeGiusti in his first Reserves game.

It was a great team effort and Fitzroy’s best were judged to be Austin Ley, Shane Donoghue, Ben O’Brien, Travis Conn, Matthew Siely and Chris Wills.

This win puts Fitzroy a game clear in fourth place and will be taking on fifth placed Old Mentonians making for a great game this weekend in Keysborough.

Inside Sport - Royboys Rebooted

Fitzroy’s football return – albeit in amateur form – is bringing Brunswick Street Oval and a still broken-hearted fan base back to life.

 Jeff Dowsing’s great feature article on the return of Fitzroy is in this month’s Inside Sport magazine, available at newsstands now.

 

 

 

Round 8 - Saturday 13th June

Fitzroy drop out of the Four

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The Senior team was sitting in fourth place facing the second place Werribee.  On a cool winter day, the Senior team weren’t able to defeat Werribee going down by 30 points.  The team worked hard around the ground but were unfortunately outplayed by a stronger, more organised and more skilful opposition.

Ross Borland yet again presented strongly up forward finishing the day with four goals and taking out the best on ground award. He was supported in the goal kicking by Jack Beech, Chris Polidoras, Anthony Daff, Conor Dullard, Isaac Hughson and James Taylor who all kicked a goal each.

At the other end of the ground in defence, playing his first game since round three, Captain James O’Rielly had a strong influence on the game. He was supported by Jack Parkinson who was competitive in the full back position.

In a day that wasn’t great for the Roys, there was a highlight in the last quarter - Simon Kelleher took a ripping mark!  The players selected best for the day, in addition to Ross Borland, was Martin Cusack, down back Jack Parkinson and James O'Rielly and they were supported well by Conor Dullard and Sam Baker.

The day ended Fitzroy 10 – 12- 72 defeated by Werribee 15 – 12 – 102.

Fitzroy Reserves, who were sitting in sixth place, took on the third placed Werribee in a match which saw a good all round team performance and Fitzroy winning by 33 points!

Looking at getting back into the top 8, the team displayed great run and carry, and they attacked the footy and the contest all day. This was probably their most consistent team performance for the year.

Justin Nagorka was on fire in the forward line finishing the day with four goals.  He was assisted by Ben O’Brien who was very polished up forward and finished the day with one goal.  Other goal kickers were Damian Hannam with 2, Jason Wilkins 2 and Milos Zika, Travis Conn, Ronald Trigg and Simon Dundas all kicking one goal each.

Late inclusion, Tom Dlabik was very solid and Aussie (Austin) Ley was great off half back. Aussie was deemed the best on ground for his performance and he was joined by Tom Dlabik, Jason Wilkins, Justin Nagorka, Milos Zika and Ben O’Brien.

They are looking forward to backing it up again South Melbourne this weekend.  Fitzroy finished the day 13–16–94 defeating Werribee 9-7-61.

Full Round 8 scores

Seniors
Fitzroy  10 - 12 - 72 lost to
Werribee 15 - 12- 102 by 30 points
Best (for Fitzroy): Ross Borland, Martin Cusack, Jack Parkinson, James O'Rielly, Conor Dullard,
Goalkickers (for Fitzroy): 4 Ross Borland; 1 Chris Polidoras, Anthony Daff, Conor Dullard
Isaac Hughson, James Taylor, Jack Beech

Reserves
Fitzroy 13 - 16 - 94 defeated
Werribee 9 - 7 - 61 by 33 points
Best (for Fitzroy): Austin Ley, Tom Dlabik, Jason Wilkins, Justin Nagorka, Milos Zika, Ben O'Brien
Goalkickers (for Fitzroy): 4 Justin Nagorka, 2 Damian Hannam, Jason Wilkins, 1 Milos Zika, Travis Conn, Ronald Trigg, Simon Dundas

Under 19(1)
Fitzroy 27 - 20 - 182 defeated
Buleen-Templestowe 4 - 4 - 28 by 154 points

Under 19(2)
Fitzroy 17 - 12 - 114 defeated
Rupertswood 3 - 6 - 24 by 90 points

Club XVIII
Fitzroy 12 - 13 - 85 defeated
NOBSP 3 - 5 - 23 by 62 points

Fitzroy kicks a visitor's goal for Melbourne

 

The 125-year old Fitzroy Football Club has stepped into Melbourne’s tourism infrastructure by inviting visitors to join the club on match days to experience the culture of an inner suburban Aussie Rules football club.

After shopping or just grazing along Brunswick Street in Fitzroy (Melbourne’s first suburb), the club is encouraging tourists to walk a few minutes - or catch a passing tram - to nearby Brunswick Street Oval, the club’s home ground.

Club President, Craig Little said the club was offering exposure to “real grass-roots suburban footy”, a Melbourne cultural experience, on the city’s doorstep, and an alternative to the AFL’s games at the MCG and Etihad Stadium.

The club is briefing hotel concierges and backpacker hostels about the free exposure (there is no admittance fee) to another side of Melbourne’s eclectic visitor experience.

“We may pick up some new interstate and international memberships and we may generate some funds, but really it’s about the club being an advocate to how Melburnians love their footy at a local level,” Mr Little said.

The ground’s setting is part of the experience, he said ... …a grand heritage grandstand on one side, grassy banks with gold and orange plane trees wrapped around a large oval which is overlooked by two-storey Victorian terrace houses on two sides and the city skyline in the background, a reminder of the ground’s close proximity to the metropolis of Melbourne.

“Visitors can mingle with several hundred supporters who will gladly explain the rules of the game and talk of the proud and colourful history of the club,” he said.

Fitzroy Football Club playing in D1 Division of the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

 

Where are they now? - Brad Boyd

Fitzroy's last AFL captain Brad Boyd speaks to Rod Nicholson.

THE MOMENT

Brad Boyd led Fitzroy on to the MCG for the club's final Victorian appearance in 1996 and to say farewell to the historic club. This week he was thrilled to see Fitzroy return to the Brunswick Street Oval, albiet in the D1 Amateurs.

THE FAREWELL

"We copped a thrashing from Richmond, but that was to be expected as we'd won only one game for that season. It was a rotten year as we lurched from one disaster to another.

That final day was very sad for us as players and for the fans. It was bizarre, surreal.

You could see the faces in the crowd, so many people upset. I don't think I realised the enormity of the occasion at the time, the closure, the end of a wonderful history. You just tried to get through each day at that stage.

I wish that had been the last match, because two farewells were overwhelming. After we said goodbye at the MCG, we had to fly to Fremantle for the club's last game. We came home, but the club didn't. It was really draining."

BRISBANE

"I was the first of eight players picked by the Brisbane Bears. But it was a disappointing venture for me. I played only 30 minutes of footy with the club in 1997 due to back and hamstring injuries and only another 14 during the next two years before I retired at 27.

Overall I missed 80 games through injury, which is a lot when you consider I played only 85 with Fitzroy and Brisbane during my career.

But I had my highs. I was Fitzroy captain at 22, won the club best and fairest in 1995 and represented Victoria in 1994 and 1995."

TODAY

"I still follow the Lions and I was thrilled to see Fitzroy back at Brunswick Street Oval last week in their first match in the Amateurs.

"I was guest speaker at the Fitzroy Historical Society at Brunswick Street on Thursday night and I catch up as often as possible with the current players.

I had offers to play in various competitions when I returned from Brisbane, but I couldn't beecause I knew I would break down within five seconds. So my football now is concentrated on my sons Liam, 9 and Matt, 5. My wife Rachel, runs an importing wholesale business with a warehouse in Dromana and I've been in real estate for the past four years. It is a great lifestyle at Mt Martha and I take the boys to footy training and to matches on Sunday."

Rod Nicholson - Sunday Herald Sun - April 26th 2009 p. 32

 

Brunswick Street Abuzz with Roys Fighting Spirit

IS THERE a better place to be late on a Saturday afternoon, standing on the grass in front of the grandstand, after the final siren has sounded, among the throng of fans, which has parted to let the boys, your boys, trot proudly through?

Fitzroy has won at Brunswick Street for the first time since 1966. The Roys have beaten Prahran in D1 amateur footy. Backs are slapped and players beam with watermelon smiles as they tear the tape from thumbs and wave to friends and family and stop to cuddle the niece.

You can feel the affection in the sustained applause. From past players, grey-haired now, who once ran around on this ground themselves. From old Fitzroy fans. And from people like me, just six years in the area, but feeling it is home now.

Fans flank the players and many make their way into the dressing rooms. They feel they have no choice. Something in our drab selves has been ignited and we just have to get inside. People are spilling out the door when the first bars of the Fitzroy song rattle the grandstand.

At the lunch beforehand, president Craig Little explained that the club really was the old Fitzroy again, with the blessing of all concerned; that Fitzroy hoped to be the club of the community, as it once had been. The faithful believed him, and if you had any doubt what was in people's hearts you should have been there for Kevin Murray's speech.

He didn't say much. He didn't have to. It was the silence that was most powerful, that moment when a man is so connected to his world and the people in it that he cannot speak. The purest silence. Recognised by everyone in the room. Then old Bulldog composed himself, wriggled in his back brace, stood tall on his bandy legs and smiled the smile of a man returning home, his new false teeth as perfect as his football gums used to be, his Brownlow Medal pinned on his pocket. He continued.

"My two brothers and I played for the Fitzroy thirds, and I went on to play in the ones," he said. "I played for the claret and blue from 1955 to 1974. And my father and Uncle Phil played for Prahran. So this is quite a day for me.

"This club has always been about finding the fighting spirit. Which is all you can do. It has been about creating something that means something to all of us. And, look around and you can see that it does."

The Roys are strong in the first half and lead. They play open footy. But there is still plenty to do. In the rooms at half-time, coach Simon Taylor speaks quietly. "We're evolving," he says in a voice that has picked the best from Ross Lyon and Elliot Goblet. "But we can't negotiate. No negotiation. We can't choose."

Some players look up from their muesli bars and turn their heads in that way a puzzled pooch does. He's going to be interesting by round 17.

I watch the second half with Spud Dullard who played for Melbourne in the '70s. He lives around the corner. He has planted succulents in the front garden. They are doing very well. So is his son, Connor, who is picking up plenty of kicks.

He's got plenty of mates and the Roys are too good.

I am in the community room after the game. Stubbies are sold for $3. Players drift through the door. Carrying their footy bags. Showered (apart from that little bit of mud in their eye socket). Some starting to feel sore. A grazed elbow. A stop mark on the neck.

It's buzzing. People are introducing themselves to each other, discovering points of connection, telling stories. During the speeches, Isaac Hughson, who has kicked seven, is announced as Fitzroy's best. He is the grandson of Fred Hughson, captain-coach of the 1944 premiership side, and full-back in the team of the century.

With the formalities over, conversations resume. More beers. I reckon it's going to be a good year.

And I hear a six o'clock question I haven't heard for donkey's ages: "Does anyone know how Carlton went today?"

John Harms, The Age Sport

Volunteers needed

This season we are fielding five teams in the VAFA competition.

But this requires a lot of off-field support. If you can help us PLEASE give our club secretary a ring on 9580 6464 or 9580 6624 Ahrs.

We desperately need men or women who can act as Team Managers, Runners, Interchange stewards, Time Keepers, and Goal Umpires.

It takes an off field support group to put every football team on the field. We are calling on all Fitzroy and Old Redder supporters for your help.

Can you be a part of that support group?