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!
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.
Reds Foundation to host the final lunch of 2019 - 
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.
Choose from the following
items:
