The battle of four – with three to go

The relegation equation remains in the balance in Premier B with three games to go; the bottom four sides are all still on four wins with only 8 per cent separating seventh and 10th.

There was unanimous agreement about one thing last Saturday – it was the last 10 mins of the second quarter with two goals against a strong wind, that really proved the difference between Fitzroy and St Bede’s/Mentone as the Tigers took the points at Brunswick Street.

The visitors showed their class throughout the day and despite the closeness in the contest, when it came to making the most of their rare opportunities at goal, they took them and Fitzroy could never quite put enough scoreboard pressure on their opposition.

Fitzroy started against the wind and after an early goal to the Tigers, locked down and put in an outstanding effort to maintain control of much of the first quarter. At quarter time the score was just one goal to nil. It’s not often the huddle is a happy place after a goalless quarter, but everyone knew the state of play. One goal to the opposition was a good result.

A goal of the year contender from Lachie Henderson got things underway for Fitzroy in the second quarter. But it was goals against the wind that were going to be like precious diamonds in this game and St Bede’s managed three in the second quarter.

By three quarter time they’d pulled away to a four-goal lead with leaden skies overhead and the silence at Brunswick Street said it all. Things didn’t look promising.

There were some Herculean efforts in the final quarter. Coach Luke Mahoney moved his players around trying to gain some advantage, as the rain came beating down. Jack Dalton – who played a terrific hard-man game – kicked truly out of a pack to bring the margin back to three goals. And the crowd was back up and about despite the conditions. Fitzroy’s version of the corporate box was forming under the main stairs of the grandstand as fans scrambled for dry viewing spots, and Keith and Kerry could be heard leading the cheer squad.

A big pressure goal from Nathan Jumeau, after a strong contested mark and quick kick in by Luke Baker, put the Roys back within 10 points with under 10 minutes to play, but the well-drilled and disciplined Tigers locked down from that point.

The boys had their chances in front of goal. The effort couldn’t be questioned. This was an absorbing, tough contest right to the end. The final score was 5.7.37 to 7.4.46.

Sunny Brazier, who played in defence early in the game and then moved forward, was awarded best on ground honours. In a very even team performance, the efforts of Max Davie, Sean Laidlaw and Luke Baker in the middle were precisely what the conditions demanded, while Jacob Long down back played an excellent intercept game. Dalton was everywhere and also named in the best players.

For St Bede’s Mentone it was a huge achievement – apparently their first ever win in North Fitzroy. It was hard for the Roy fans to cheer that fact at the end of the day given our current perilous position, but they are to be congratulated on breaking the hoodoo in such fine style. Now we need to break a few of our own.

Caufield at Caufield is about as tough as it gets right now – first versus last – but there’s nothing like a bit of underdog status for strong motivation!

We have a triple header tomorrow at Glenhuntly Oval with the Thirds playing the early game. Fitzroy and Caufield have been top two in the Thirds Division 1 competition all year (with one win each in previous meetings) and are likely to play each other again in finals, at least once, so get down to Caufield early and see a cracking game. Start time is 9.20am, followed by the Reserves and Seniors at the usual times.

Photos by Phyllis Quealy

Ressies get the job done with aplomb

On a day and in conditions when the team that wanted the ball most would most probably end up as victors, the Fitzroy Ressies got the job done and then some.

Opening with a good lead in the first quarter, the boys let St Bede's/Mentone back into the game in the second quarter, and went into the main break behind by a small margin.

Using the wind effectively in the third quarter was going to be important, and while the Reds did not capitalise on the wind advantage as much as they would have liked, they started the last quarter in front – with an arm wrestle looming.

The final stanza was all about putting your head over the ball, taking the body contact that would inevitably come and putting yourself in harm's way for the sake of your team mates. The Ressies stood up magnificently, peppering the goals on numerous occasions, and while a few strayed, they did more than enough to end up very deserving winners.

The final score was 7.9.51 to 4.5.29. Bernie Wright was the only multiple goal scorer with two and Jake Stewart was best on ground.

The club song was loud and full of passion in the rooms afterwards.

Well done Roys!

(Thanks to Stephen and Janis Harrington for this write up and the pic of Paul, who came off a little the worse for wear!)

Rotary awards Under 19s with leadership scholarships

Fitzroy Rotary has awarded four of our Under 19 players with sports leadership scholarships as part of their annual presentation at Fitzroy Victoria Bowling and Sports Club on Monday night.

It’s all about developing leadership and the recipients are chosen because they reflect the values of Rotary – dedication, initiative, leadership, selflessness. In return for the scholarship, the recipients undertake some form of community service with Rotary in the future.

The scholarships are supported by the Clifton Hill-North Fitzroy branch of the Community Bank.

President Joan Eddy and Sponsorship Director Rob Olney attended the presentation night, along with Under 19s coach Monty Stuart, who provided the following details on our scholarship recipients:

Will O'Connor – new to the club this year, Will hardly missed a training session since coming on board. Has a good sense for the game and is always asking questions and wanting to improve his footy and gain a greater understanding of the role that is being asked of him.

Ethan Carswell (absent on the night) – didn’t miss a session in the pre-season, even when he was carrying a few injuries he would be there and a part of the rehab group. Always committed and willing to put his body on the line and give everything for the team.

Jack Walter – reliable and dependable and rarely loses a one-on-one contest. A calm head and a leader through his actions and attack on the ball, and someone who makes his teammates feel secure when he is on the ground. Determined both on and off the field, exemplified by his impending departure to embark on the Camino trail, an 800km trek. It takes a certain type of person to commit to doing something like that.

Alex Prokos – a really good and positive character amongst the group, who enjoys the social elements of being a part of Fitzroy FC as much as he does running out on a Saturday, which is what community sport is all about. He is probably a more talented footballer than even he realises and has the ability to influence those around him and lift his teammates.

Congratulations to all the boys and to Monty for an excellent first season with the senior club.

On field this week, the Under 19s went down to Old Melburnians, 13.11.89 to 10.4.64 and the Under 23s lost to Whitefriars, 9.15.69 to 3.7.25. Check out some of the Under 19 action below, brought to us by Peter Harrison.

Lucy gets the call up

Congratulations to Lucy Kerr, who has been selected for her first VFLW game with the Casey Demons on Sunday against the NT Thunder at Frankston.

Lucy has been named in the forward pocket.

Meanwhile, top-of-the-table Collingwood will host Essendon at Vic Park tomorrow, which pits Fitzroy-ACU team mates Sarah King and Erin Gogerly against one another. The Pies probably have the wood in this one.

Good luck to all our connections playing in the VFLW this weekend.

Phyllis in demand!

Following Phyllis Quealy's top 10 finish in the #FootyFocus photography competition, the AFL has contacted her for permission to use several more of her shots in an upcoming exhibition at Federation Square.

No surprises that this ripping shot from last year's grand final celebrations was in the chosen shots.

We'll keep you posted about the dates for the exhibition. Great work Phyllis, keeping the Roys top of mind for the AFL ;-)

Looking back to move forward - apology

Last week we brought you some of Senior Coach Gray Barton's thoughts about the Fitzroy-ACU season.

In that story we thanked the coaches, but made one rather glaring omission. Maeve Barton was assistant coach for the senior women this year and wasn't acknowledged in the story. Apologies to Maeve for this error.

Reds Foundation to host the final lunch of 2019 - book now

Join the Reds Foundation and Fitzroy fans for the final home game lunch in 2019 and it's a lunch with a difference.

We've dispensed with the formality and this will be a social lunch with some great finger food provided by Spitting Image catering at just $30 a head. Start time 12pm, with drinks at our low bar prices.

Mix with the old 'Redders' and enjoy some in-depth analysis of the season with your mates, as Fitzroy attempts to knock off Old Haileybury and stay in Premier B.

Never miss a Reds Foundation lunch.

Bookings close Wednesday 21 August. Go Redders. Go Roys!

iPod shuffle night - dance like it's the end of the season

Choose your favourite song and win at Fitzroy's first iPod Shuffle night.

The final social function at BSO for 2019 is all set to your favourite music on Saturday 24 August in the Community Rooms at BSO from 7pm.

It's free entry for those who don't want to pick a song, but to go into the big prize pool - with a first prize of $400 - you'll need a ticket for just $15. Be ready with the name of your favourite song.

Only 50 songs, so if you don't book early you'll miss out on getting into the draw. Bookings close Thursday 22 August, with no exceptions.

You can purchase tickets online now. Your ticket price will include entry into the iPod shuffle comp (with spot prizes throughout the night), finger food, tea/coffee and music. Beer, wine, sparkling, cider and soft drinks will be at our usual low bar prices.

Without a booking, feel free to rock up on the night and join in with the fun.

Major raffle drawn next week – see every AFL finals

Several of Fitzroy's Directors and volunteers took to the local streets on Sunday to see if they could boost sales of this year's fantastic annual raffle.

With just one week left until the big draw, the customers of Piedemonte's were thrilled to learn they could go into the draw to win tickets to the full AFL finals series for just $5.

The winner will take out the best footy prize going around: tickets for two to every game in the 2019 Toyota AFL Finals Series (including the Grand Final), again generously donated by the Brisbane Lions (GFAFL19/49).

Second prize, kindly donated by David Leydon, is a framed Fitzroy Team of the Century guernsey featuring Roy legends including Hadyn Bunton, Mick Conlan, Bernie Quinlan, Paul Roos, Allan Ruthven and Garry Wilson, and beautifully autographed by the great Kevin Murray.

And this season Universal Traveller have come on board to offer a $500 travel voucher.

Tickets are only $5 each. You can purchase them at home games, from any of our players, from the Directors of the club and if you can sell tickets, please contact Helen Manoli, who can provide you with books of 10. Email her at helenmanoli4@gmail.com

Get in quickly as the draw will be made on Saturday 24 August during the post-match event at Brunswick Street. You do not need to be in attendance.

And a note to our players: please get your tickets in ASAP!

New Fitzroy supporter gear now available online

You’ve been waiting ...and now it’s here. The new Fitzroy supporter gear is available for sale online and it’s good stuff! Order here https://www.fitzroyfc.com.au/merchandise/fitzroy-supporter-gear

Choose from the following items:

adult hoodie (pictured): $60 + postage and handling
children's hoodie: $50 + postage and handling
polo: $45 + postage and handling
long sleeve t-shirt (pictured): $40 + postage and handling
jacket: $90 + postage and handling

Thank you to Will Zahgis and Rachael Telfer for their oustanding modelling work!

Postage and handling will apply to online orders only, so buying at the ground will be the best option.

Final chance for 2019 is next week during and after the game on Saturday 24 August. Otherwise, head to the website.

This weekend's games

Caufield Grammarians v Fitzroy Thirds – VAFA Thirds Division 1 – Glenhuntly Oval, Caufield, 9.20am
Caufield Grammarians v Fitzroy Reserve Men – VAFA Premier B Reserves – Glenhuntly Oval, Caufield, 11.40am, Saturday 17 August
Caufield Grammarians v Fitzroy Senior Men – VAFA Premier B Seniors – Glenhuntly Oval, Caufield, 2pm, Saturday 17 August
Fitzroy Under 19s v Uni Blacks – Holmesglen U19 Division 1 – Ramsden Street Oval, 2pm, Saturday 17 August
Fitzroy Under 23s – VAFA Under 23s – Forfeit