Congratulations to Heath Ramshaw who is the VAFA's third Men’s Rising Star nominee of 2022. Heath starred as our Senior Men secured their first win of the season over Williamstown CYMS on ANZAC day Monday.
A brilliant day weather-wise for the Anzac Day clash against Williamstown at Brunswick Street. A huge crowd, the Ressies did their bit smashing the opposition 190–21, and the ceremony on the ground set the scene. It was a game we had to win in the context of the season. McKay and Minahan came in for Curcio and Butler.
I attempted a brief interview with Reserve’s coach Bernie Carter about his team's performance, and his thoughts on the chances of the senior side. He gave me nothing, Bernie, won’t deal with the media, deflects attention elsewhere. He’s a quality performer, astute, respected, excellent communicator, and gives you nothing!
The respective defences were on top early, conservative cut and thrust. Great tackling on our forward line led to our first major though Charlie ‘Hollywood’ Faubel. Williamstown played a short, possession-based game, but were wasteful up front. Max Ellis ventured forward courtesy of a 50-metre penalty to goal. 'The Professor’ Ross Borland was lively on the forward line; clearly, a little trim allowed for smoother movement. Big Bill Clayton finally got in front of the pack, marked strongly and goaled. We were on top, but Willy persisted and goaled, it was 20–9 our way at the first break. Poor forward entries were our biggest problem.
Coach Mahoney instructed his charges to “lower the eyes” at the huddle; inside 50s were 19–11 our way in the first period. We needed to covert that on the scoreboard.
Willy continued to be wasteful, and they finally converted to be only a point down. Darcy Lowrie was again providing evidence of confidence growth, and Rhys Seakins is a smooth operator in the E-Dog mode. Mature for his years. Jack McKay kicked a major after a rare forward entry, but it was a pretty lacklustre quarter, Willy probably had more of the play, but it was 28–19 our way at the long break.
At the start of the third, The Professor goaled from a long way out, he seemed to like it out there on Freeman Street. Then ‘Minners’ slotted one. We couldn’t break them however – they exhibited the resolve of their stevedore forebears. Someone in the crowd decided to put a speed gun on Heath Ramshaw, and he put it into overdrive on a number of occasions. At one point however the sun sent us into slumber, and scores were level. Their inaccuracy was costly, for them anyway. A very wise and handsome man in the grandstand was heard to utter “The last few minutes of this quarter will be vital.”
Then Big Bill grabbed one for a goal, skipper Jack Hart converted after Donovan Toohey, Ramshaw and Ted Clayton combined, Bill again goaled on the stroke of the siren, and McKay kicked another after the honker to give us a 20-point lead at the final break. That wise and handsome man from the grandstand headed to the huddle with his notepad. “One more effort” was the coach’s proclamation.
Ramshaw conjured up some magic in a fantastic contest, winning, spinning and swerving, with beautiful foot skills finding Bill for another. Typically, they replied with wharfie endeavour, we just couldn’t shake them. But…but, legs were tiring, “36 gladiators out there giving their all”. The margin snuck back to 13, ‘Hollywood’ reappeared, converted and Chris Doherty went to Brunswick Street to mark, wear one, get up, and goal, on the buzzer for a 25-point victory, at last. At last!
It was not perfect. But willing, and plenty of room for improvement. The youth is inspiring, the middle tier maturing rapidly, and our veterans solid leaders of the club. The challenge for the coaches is to get that melting pot perfect.
A bye this week (like we need another week off), then it’s Uni Blacks at BSO on Past Players Day, May 7. Be there!
Miss the game or want to re-live all the action? You can watch the broadcast from Monday on the VAFA website here!
We’re hiring! Women’s Program Development Coordinator
To further grow and strengthen the women’s football program at Fitzroy, we're excited to announce the creation a new position to support this strategy and are seeking a Women’s Program Development Coordinator.
This is a key outcome of the recently developed 2022—2025 Strategic Plan which reflected the strong belief among players, members and stakeholders that, while the club has a clear commitment to gender equality, an increased focus on the women’s program would drive more positive impacts within our great club.
A key responsibility for the person who takes on the role will be the development of effective and visible pathways from the Fitzroy Junior Football Club, which this year has some 180 young girls playing footy.
Another core component will be developing strong relationships with VFLW and AFLW clubs to ensure Fitzroy players have access to opportunities and Fitzroy becomes a club of choice for former players at these levels.
The role will also drive the potential development of a third women’s team and provide support for our current women’s players, coaches and volunteers to ensure our women’s program is the best it can be on and off the field.
We are seeking expressions of interest for this paid position and also recommendations from our Fitzroy community of people who might fit the requirements to fill this position soon.
The Toyota Good For Footy Raffle is on! Buy your tickets now!
It's back! Your chance to win some great prizes and support the mighty Roys!
In 2021, we raised a total of $6,710 which all went directly to supporting our Club. Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket!
We've now got the 2022 raffle up and running and we'd love to see Fitzroy on the leader board and smash last year's sales to keep our club strong.
All you have to do is jump online and buy your tickets to be in the running to win one of 10 amazing prizes, including a brand new Toyota!
100 per cent of the proceeds go to supporting the Fitzroy Football Club. The raffle will be drawn at 12pm on Monday 5 September, 2022 with winners announced on Wednesday 14 September.
Our Past Players lunch is always a special day to celebrate the history of the Fitzroy Football Club. Our very special guest speakers will be announced soon… stay tuned!
This lunch will take place before our Senior Men take on the University Blacks. It will also be another historic moment for our football club as we will also be unveiling the Kevin Murray Stand sign at Brunswick Street Oval before the Seniors take the field.
Date: Saturday, 7 May Time: 11:30am for 11:45am start Cost: Just $45 for lunch with roast meats or vegetarian option, vegetables and salads, cheese and dessert platter. Drinks at bar prices. Venue: Community Room, Brunswick Street Oval.
