Yorta Yorta man, former VFL umpire and Vietnam Veteran, Glenn
James OAM, is our very special guest speaker at lunch on Saturday
1 June.
Coinciding with the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round,
Fitzroy will pay tribute to one of our legends, Sir Doug, with
some stories from Glenn about his Yorta Yorta origins, his
experiences as an umpire at the highest level and what the
Indigenous Round means to him.
Glenn, who has recently renewed acquaintances with Fitzroy,
thanks to his grandson, Sam, is about to take on the role of
Team Manager with the Fitzroy Under 23s. And he’s agreed to
have a chat with us too.
Glenn has the most amazing stories to tell of
his times as an umpire, including the 1982 and 1984 VFL grand
finals, and of how his grandfather taught Sir Doug to read
and write.
It promises to be a unique experience for Fitzroy fans to
gain a greater appreciation for the Indigenous history and
present, that adds so much to our game.
Following lunch Fitzroy takes on the Parkdale Vultures as
we renew rivalries for the Norm Johnstone trophy.
Photo source: AFL and AFL Umpires Association websites.
Grand final replay at Como Park, with a nod to Sir Doug
Fitzroy’s senior men’s sides take to Como Park tomorrow against
Old Geelong in the first meeting of the sides since the Premier
C grand final.
After a one goal loss to Beaumaris last Saturday, there is
a lot at stake.
In a nod to the Indigenous Round and the colours worn by Sir
Doug Nicholls in his playing days with Fitzroy, the Senior
side will wear the Fitzroy heritage colours tomorrow. The FFC
didn’t come in until after Sir Doug’s playing days, but it’s
a small tribute to the great man.
An important note to all fans thinking of going to the game
– the start times have changed!
Old Geelong will have four games at their home ground tomorrow.
We have agreed to a 12.20pm start time for the Reserves and
a 2.20pm start time for the Seniors.
Let’s get a big crowd over to run the gauntlet of the traffic
inspectors and the opposition, as we word hard for win number
two.
What started out as a nice day...
After voting early and often – to no avail – Guy Gorilla headed to Brunswick Street for an exciting day’s footy as Fitzroy hosted Beaumaris. It was always going to be hard, but did it have to be heartbreaking too?
Having driven
to the ground from Officer (what kind of name is that
for a town/ suburb?), where I was doing my working
class duty, I looked at the scoreboard, the 2s were
up 77-4, and I didn't know whether it was my head or
the scoreboard that was upside down. It was great to
see Jack Dalton running around; I reckon others of
his vintage should follow suit. Perfect day weather
wise.
A goodly part of the backline returned to the Senior
lineup; Green, Hart and Ligris, the old man of the
quartet. Charlie Faubel to play his first, up from
the 19s. Thank god for the fertility of the junior
club and Under 19s. Readymade recruiting ground. We
need somehow to attract experienced players of quality
as well to complement the burgeoning department of
youth. Then we'll have the power.
The coach was confident of an improved attitude this
week, starting from 5.30pm last Saturday. He munches
on a hamburger pre-match in the stand – can’t say I
blame him – while the players and support staff take
on the responsibility of preparation. A few final words
and into it. The 2s saluted by 21 goals; a pleasing
turnaround.
As quick as a wink, however, we were four goals down
to Beaumaris in the first stanza. Simple errors, shoddy
disposal, overthinking, overuse, turnovers. Behind
the eight ball, we persisted, and things started to
turn. Captain Turner was marking beautifully around
the ground, and some fierce contesting from Sean Laidlaw
in the middle of the ground lead to a goal to Will
Symons. Faubel revealed he can run, is hard at it,
and is a good cut of a lad. The increased pressure
and real or perceived lack of time is something he
will grow into.
Jacob Long delivered beautifully to Ted Clayton, who
made a mistake, but won his ball back in his tenacious
style, passed to Nomad Jumeau, and a goal. Gus Richardson
kicked another after a great contest instigated by
Faubel, and we were back in it. Down 26-21, Matthew
Gaite rucking well, positive signs. Confidence exuded
at the huddle – come at the footy, don't sag off, build
and maintain pressure.
The second quarter
saw an inconsistent application of the ‘deliberate
out of bounds’ rule – it cost us a goal in the first
and wasn’t paid to us in the second. We had a lot of
the ball early for no reward, until a charge through
by Ted Clayton, and a flip to Max Davie for a goal.
Meanwhile, Deasey was defending easy, and Max Ellis
was a complete fortress in the key defensive post.
We were dominating large passages of play, and courage
at the contest was a keynote, but costly turnover errors
were killing us. 39-36 their way at the half, opportunity
knocks.
We were under a complete Beauie bombardment for the
first half of the third. I was worried about the structure
of our damn wall, and when it might break. They got
out to a 25-point lead. Long put in a super effort
and linked up to Davie for his second in the shadows
of the siren. A great mark by Luke Baker, a 50-metre
penalty and another superb defensive shimmy by Ligga
the Dancing Man. The older Clayton Bull scored another
free throwing personal safety out the door, passed
to Lachie Henderson, another sausage, it was back to
7 points.
The coach was still calm at the huddle, when the supporters
wanted a ra-ra Killigrew-style address. We needed to
continue the pressure, and the crescendo built. We
could win this.
They kicked the
first, but Davie (pictured speaking with Michael Manley)
won a free up forward after fierce contesting, for
his third. Then Eric ‘The Red Viking’ Borland
pounced on a loosie and the scores were level. Turner
then put us in front after a Viking handball – the
centre bounce pressure was phenomenal. The crowd factor
was building enormously in our favour, we had a couple
of gettable shots, only to miss, then they kicked back
to backs against the run of play. They missed a couple
of sitters, we were 5 points down, stormed forward,
only for another strange, strange adjudication – when
is a deliberate not a deliberate? When it is a fake
push in the back in the forward pocket.
I suppose we must acknowledge that we had to take
our chances; our skill errors eventually did kill us.
That said, we were brave in the extreme. What started
out as a nice day, full of promise and hope, turned
to dread at 4.30pm, and worse still for some of us
around 9pm. Such is life, the sun comes up tomorrow.
OG’s away nest Saturday, let’s take the same attitude
for a replay of last year’s Grand Finals.
Guy Gorilla
Big win gets Ressies on the board
Last Saturday
was a beautiful day to enjoy footy and the Fitzroy
Reserves certainly did that!
Whilst they might have been playing a slightly undermanned
Beaumaris outfit, you can only tackle what’s in front
of you and tackle they did… and chase, run,
kick and most of all they scored.
The goals were shared around as Fitzroy ran up a 21.19.145
to 0.0.6 win. There were three each to Rory Patterson,
Will Pickering and Joshua Robinson. The other aspect
to put a smile on the face of the Fitzroy fans was
the sight of Jack Dalton, senior premiership player,
running around and kicking a couple himself. Jimmy
Miller just pipped him for best on ground honours.
It was a much deserved first win of the season after
several weeks where they have been strong in patches,
but not played the full four quarters. It certainly
put the smile back on coach Bernie Carter’s face.
“I think the win was great as the boys have been building
for the last few weeks improving each game and it was
only a matter of time before they got the reward. It’s
really good for their confidence and a relief to get
the first win on the board.
“Taking into account that the opposition were undermanned,
we focussed on working together as a team and executing
the game plan we practiced over preseason and at training
each week. The preparation has been great considering
we haven’t been winning. They are putting effort in
each week and l am really proud of that,” Bernie said.
“Considering we’ve had a lot of changes over the preseason,
the guys have only playing together for a short period
of time and getting to know each. It was always going
to be hard to move up a grade, but they are doing a
great job of staying positive.
“I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season
with excitement and I think they are too.”
Fitzroy-ACU falls at the final hurdle
It was a heart-breaking
loss for the Fitzroy-ACU senior women last weekend, as Marcellin
ran them down with three goals to nil in the final quarter
of their Premier Women’s game at Ramsden St.
Having led for three quarter of the game, Fitzroy failed to
score in the final quarter as Marcellin more than doubled their
three-quarter time score to run out winners 5.5.35 to 4.1.25.
There were huge efforts from Tash Ross- Harris, clearly labouring
with an injury, and the experienced Alexa Madden, along with
Tess Plant Thomas in her first senior game back. Ruby Condon
kicked two early goals and helped team to a strong lead.
The team has been overrun a couple of times this season, but
this last result is very costly as they now sit two games and
significant percentage behind Marcellin and second last on
the ladder.
Tomorrow is a big opportunity for redemption against St Mary’s
Selesian, with another home game.
The Reserves side was severely hit with the lack of playing
personnel right across the Fitzroy-ACU squad, with players
absent or ill last week.
Marcellin was just too strong, winning 6.6.42 to 2.7.19.
The whole team worked incredibly hard – just one player on
the bench – with Zoe Bott and the captain, Mia Sutherland,
standing out for their efforts.
The Ressies still sit in fifth position, just one game out
of the four, but the percentage gap to fourth placed Melbourne
Uni is a challenge. They could give it a shake if they get
a full team back in action.
Young guns win Brisbane Lions' gong
Each year the Brisbane
Lions exemplifies its support of the Fitzroy Football Club
by sponsoring two up-and-coming stars from our senior ranks.
With stellar 2018 performances to their credit, Hilary Collett
and Jack Hart have been duly honoured with this important recognition
this season.
Hilary is somewhat of a veteran, having joined the Roys in
2017 after a return from a two-year sojourn in the UK, while
Jack, in only his second season, can already boast a premiership.
Not a mean feat and something many seasoned footballers can
only dream of.
“In my second year, I feel much more comfortable and at home,”
Jack says. “Having a year of senior football under my belt
has made me know what to expect and I feel much more confident
about what I can contribute each week.”
Hilary’s home coming coincided with that first fabulous AFLW
game at Princes Park. She was totally captivated so when
she saw that the ACU had an affiliated team, emailed Sharon
and registered right away with the Roys.
“I couldn’t wait to meet the girls and start training,” says
Hilary. “I love the girls, I love the history of the club,
and I love pulling on the jumper. It’s something really special.”
Jack’s of the same mind.
“I love the playing group. We all get along so well and it
just makes coming down to every training night something to
look forward to.”
Hilary and Jack are also in accord when it comes to what the
Brisbane Lions sponsorship has meant and their determination
to repay the honour with good performance.
As Jack says, “it’s great that the Lions still have a connection
with us, and I just want to do them proud.”
For Hilary, making a VFLW list is a dream she holds dear.
As is the chance to put her case forward and learn from the
best coaches and staff in the business. “Coaching is also something
I’m also really interested in,” she says.
“And I’d love to help out at the juniors in the next few years.”
Jack’s aspirations lie closer to home, but are lofty by anyone’s
standards. “What I’m aiming for is for us to win A Grade. I
think we have a really strong junior program which will hopefully
see a strong future for the club.”
And who at Fitzroy would argue with that?!
Around the grounds - Thirds do it again
The Fitzroy Thirds sit
nicely in second spot on the competition ladder, following
an 11-point win over Monash Blues.
Captain Tim De Natris kicked five of Fitzroy’s 13 goals and
Locky Davis chimed in with three.
The final result was Fitzroy 13.8.86 to Monash 12.5.75.
This weekend they take on their nemesis Ajax at the home of
the Jackers on Sunday at Gary Smorgon Oval. Get around them
if you can, with a 12pm start.
It wasn’t so much fun for either of our Unders teams last
week.
The Under 19s (pictured) faced a very strong Old Brighton,
who didn’t give them an inch and snapped their winning streak,
with a 13.13.91 to 5.7.37 victory at Brighton Beach Oval.
Captain Darcy Lowrie led from the front, with some strong
support from Charlie Johnstone and Liam O’Connor. They missed
Charlie Faubel who was called up to the seniors and Cal Harrison,
who suffered a dislocated patella early in the game.
Old Brighton is the equal top side in Division 1 and tomorrow
the Under 19s face another stiff contest against third-placed
Old Ivanhoe. The game is at the traditional 2pm timeslot at
Brunswick Street Oval, so the Roy Boys will be keen to bring
their A Game.
The Under 23s had the early game at TH King Oval against the
well-drilled St Kevin’s Old Boys and it’s fair to say it was
very hard work. St Kevin’s won 18.26.134 to 1.0.6.
Tomorrow presents a great opportunity for the Under 23s, who
are at home at Ramsden Street with a 9.20 start against Old
Brighton. Go Roys!
Do you have a favourite player you'd like to sponsor?
Each year the Fitzroy Senior Coaches and leadership groups
nominate senior male and female players they believe would
benefit from sponsorship.
A sponsorship means our best players – or those who perhaps
need a bit more support – have the cost of their subs covered,
which enables them to go out and represent our club to the
best of their abilities.
If you have been a player sponsor in past years or have agreed
to be so in 2019, thank you for your support.
If you would like to support a player this year – in either
senior squad – it is not too late to take out Player Sponsorship.
All you need to do is click on the Player Sponsorship section
on the club website – click here or copy and paste this URL: https://www.fitzroyfc.com.au/sponsorship/categories
Your support is greatly appreciated by the nominated players
and by the club.
One last chance to book for tomorrow's Trivia Night
Did we mention the first prize is $500 for the winning table
for tomorrow night's Fitzroy Trivia Night at Brunswick Street
Oval?
There are some very strong teams booked in but we still have
a couple of spots left.
Tables of 10 make up a team, but you can book individually
too. We have only 100 seats and some excellent prizes, so don’t
miss out. Last year it was a sell out.
It’s not only because
it’s National Volunteer Week this week that we’re sending a
sincere shout out to the wonderful band of Fitzroy volunteers.
It’s because without you we simply could not field one team.
Much less seven. Every week of the season. Season in. Season
out.
Thank you for everything you do…
administering first aid • attaching the goal post covers/taking
them off again
• attending the tribunal • being social (media that is) •
coaching • coaching the coaches • cooking the barbecue • decorating
the tables • feeding the players • hosting club functions •
hosting the lunches • knitting beanies • looking after the
players • looking after the sponsors • managing the teams •
massaging • minding the books • officiating at club functions
• playing the song • protecting the umpires • putting up the
scores • putting up and taking down signs training • running
the boundary • running the canteen • running the raffle • running
the water • schmoozing with opposition administrators • selling
raffle tickets • selling the merch • setting up the rooms/putting
it all away again • serving drinks • shooting videos • signing
up the sponsors • sponsoring the players • strapping ankles
and shoulders • taking the photos • taking the stats • umpiring
the games • washing jumpers • watching the clock time after
time • waving the flags • writing the stories…
And a special thank you to our latest volunteer, Matra Marpudin
(pictured top). Matra offered his services through the FFC
website, came down and met the coaching staff, ran the gauntlet
of Peter Hille’s humour at last week’s lunch (no mean feat
you’ll agree!), came down to training again last night, and
will now be taking vital game day stats for the Men’s Ones.
At home. And away.
Thank you Matra. Thank you everyone.
Go Roys!
Brunswick Street Oval redevelopment – have your say!
With planning well underway for the makeover of this iconic and well-loved part of Fitzroy, now is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your say.
Please fill out a quick survey and let the City of Yarra know
your thoughts about how we can refresh and revitalize the Brunswick
Street Oval sporting facilities and Edinburgh Gardens community
rooms.
We donned the double blue arm bands last weekend to raise
awareness and start conversations about mental health. Thank
you to all teams and clubs who took part in this important
player-led initiative run by Thick & Thin.
This weekend's games
Fitzroy Under 23s v Old Brighton – VAFA
Under 23s – Ramsden St Oval, 9.20am, Saturday 25 May
Fitzroy-ACU Reserve Women v St Mary Selesian
– VAFA Premier Reserve Women’s – Ramsden Street Oval,
12pm, Saturday 25 May
Fitzroy-ACU Senior Women v St Mary Selesian–
VAFA Premier Women’s – Ramsden Street Oval, 2pm, Saturday
25 May
Fitzroy Under 19s v Old Ivanhoe – Holmesglen
U19 Division 1 – Brunswick Street Oval, 2pm, Saturday
25 May
Old Geelong v Fitzroy Reserve Men – VAFA
Premier B Reserves – Como Park, 12.20pm, Saturday 25
May
Old Geelong v Fitzroy Senior Men – VAFA
Premier B Seniors – Como Park, 2.20pm, Saturday 25
May
AJAX v Fitzroy Thirds – VAFA Thirds Division
1 – Gary Smorgon Oval, 12.00pm, Sunday 26 May
Having driven
to the ground from Officer (what kind of name is that
for a town/ suburb?), where I was doing my working
class duty, I looked at the scoreboard, the 2s were
up 77-4, and I didn't know whether it was my head or
the scoreboard that was upside down. It was great to
see Jack Dalton running around; I reckon others of
his vintage should follow suit. Perfect day weather
wise.
The second quarter
saw an inconsistent application of the ‘deliberate
out of bounds’ rule – it cost us a goal in the first
and wasn’t paid to us in the second. We had a lot of
the ball early for no reward, until a charge through
by Ted Clayton, and a flip to Max Davie for a goal.
Meanwhile, Deasey was defending easy, and Max Ellis
was a complete fortress in the key defensive post.
We were dominating large passages of play, and courage
at the contest was a keynote, but costly turnover errors
were killing us. 39-36 their way at the half, opportunity
knocks.
They kicked the
first, but Davie (pictured speaking with Michael Manley)
won a free up forward after fierce contesting, for
his third. Then Eric ‘The Red Viking’ Borland
pounced on a loosie and the scores were level. Turner
then put us in front after a Viking handball – the
centre bounce pressure was phenomenal. The crowd factor
was building enormously in our favour, we had a couple
of gettable shots, only to miss, then they kicked back
to backs against the run of play. They missed a couple
of sitters, we were 5 points down, stormed forward,
only for another strange, strange adjudication – when
is a deliberate not a deliberate? When it is a fake
push in the back in the forward pocket.
Last Saturday
was a beautiful day to enjoy footy and the Fitzroy
Reserves certainly did that!
It was a heart-breaking
loss for the Fitzroy-ACU senior women last weekend, as Marcellin
ran them down with three goals to nil in the final quarter
of their Premier Women’s game at Ramsden St.
Each year the Brisbane
Lions exemplifies its support of the Fitzroy Football Club
by sponsoring two up-and-coming stars from our senior ranks.
Jack’s of the same mind.
“I love the playing group. We all get along so well and it
just makes coming down to every training night something to
look forward to.”
The Fitzroy Thirds sit
nicely in second spot on the competition ladder, following
an 11-point win over Monash Blues.
It’s not only because
it’s National Volunteer Week this week that we’re sending a
sincere shout out to the wonderful band of Fitzroy volunteers.
It’s because without you we simply could not field one team.
Much less seven. Every week of the season. Season in. Season
out.
