Fitzroy has always been about community, from the halcyon days in the VFL, to the Reds uniqueness and inclusiveness.
The Men's Thirds continue to epitomise this spirit, producing many great stories. It's one of the most culturally diverse teams in the club, if not the league, with players from four continents taking the field already this year.
But in a country where cricket reigns supreme, there has been no greater story than the rise of Dave Jain
Dave arrived in Australia from India in 2019 and got involved in the local community by volunteering as a timekeeper and boundary umpire for the Fitzroy Premier Thirds.
In 2023, Dave decided to make a fist of this crazy game we all love and undertook his first preseason.
After three preseasons and plenty of hard work, Dave made his football debut for the Thirds in Round 7, 2025 - helping the boys to a big win.
Celebrate and get around Davey as he runs out in the Roys #40 jumper at 11:30am this Saturday to patrol the wing at Ramsden Street Oval for Fan Day, on the eve of finals.
For those that don't know, Fan Day is an annual celebration of Thirds footy with one-of-kind merchandise and live music, with acts to pump up the afterparty at the Bowls club on Saturday arvo.
Two great clubmen also have milestones this week for the Thirds and will run out alongside Dave, with Al Mulligan pulling on the Roys jumper for his 100th game. Pressure forward tackling machine Woody Greene will suit up for game 50.
Congratulations to Mully and Woody.
All are encouraged to get down Ramsden St Reserve to enjoy a snag, buy a badge, grab some FFC merch, and support the boys.
All are encouraged to head to BSO and the Bowls Club from 2pm–5pm post-match event featuring:
2:45pm - DJ Liam Alexander
3:30pm – Johnny Shoegaze acoustic love aka Keith Dimech
4pm – Benny Jobson and Grevillea, launching their debut album Stuck in the Blue
