Fitzroy Football Clubs mens teams will play in the Premier C competition of the VAFA in 2018 having lost out on a relegation battle by just 0.3 per cent.

After a close, hard-fought battle all afternoon, the Senior side narrowly went down to Ajax in the final home and away game of the season, 9.22.76 to 10.9.69.

The following is the VAFAs write up of the final rounds impacts on the make-up of the final Premier B ladder:

"Four goals to one in the final term helped Parkdale Vultures avoid relegation despite going down to Old Scotch by 35 points at Gerry Green Reserve. With 1.67% between themselves and Fitzroy in ninth spot on the ladder, the Vultures held on by just .3% after the Roys went down to Ajax by seven points. Nine points over the course of the season proved the difference between staying in Premier B and relegation. Jack Bull was best afield for the Cardinals and Jordan Clarke finished with three goals as they finish the home and away season in second spot on the ladder and get ready to face Old Brighton in next weeks second semi-final. Brayden Stevenson was the best for the Vultures who now reload on the back of five wins for the year.

"Fitzroy were unable to claim victory over Ajax in their bid to avoid relegation as they went down by seven points at Princes Park Caulfield. Trailing by 13 points at the last break, the Roys rallied with five goals to three but the Jackas defence stood tall in the dying moments to hold on. Ward Williams starred in a best-on-ground performance for the Jackas, while Jack Dalton kicked three for the Roys. Despite the win, the Jackas remain in fifth spot on the ladder and miss finals by a game to the Monash Blues. The Roys now go down to Premier C for the 2018 season after falling .3% short of the Vultures in eighth."

For Fitzroy yesterday, the team did an incredible job, led by assistant coaches Bernie Carter and Archie Whiting.

Some great goals were kicked by Jack Dalton (3), Luke Baker (2) and Nino Lazzaro (2). Their straight kicking kept Fitzroy in the game all day, while Ajax wasted many chances in front of goal.

The best players in a very even team performance were Max Ellis, Luke Baker, Peter Baccanello, Will Fenton, Rory Angiolella and ruckman Matthew Gaite, who has improved out of sight over the 2018 season and played one of his best games yesterday.