“It’s such an honour to be the captain of a club with so much history and tradition and such a great culture”.
Having played 15 years of football with Fitzroy – juniors and seniors – the classy Julian Turner has been named Senior Men’s Captain for Season 2018.
Julian was named as captain of a strong leadership group at Fitzroy’s season launch. Tom Biscaro and Tom Cheshire will be the vice captains and last year’s best and fairest, Max Ellis, has been elevated to the leadership group, along with Nathan Ligris joining Max Davies.
Coach Luke Mahoney said there were several stand out things about Julian which helped elevate him into the role.
“From the time I walked in, Jules has set a high standard on the training track. He has a strong commitment and sets an example to the group about how to go about things.
“Jules is very passionate about the club and success. He’s a student of the game and has been very keen to understand what we’ve been trying to do in terms of the game plan. It really helps me to know that I’ve got someone on the ground who knows the plan as well as I do.
“And he also just sets an example on field by how courageous he is,” Luke said.
“Ultimately he has the respect of the playing group and there is a lot of love for him. I expect he will be a very popular choice around the club and it’s a great opportunity for him.”
Reflecting the alignment between captain and coach, Julian agrees his leadership strengths are about commitment and discipline. “I’m good at buying into what the coach is asking of the team and getting others to buy in too – that’s one of my strengths. I have a strong attention to detail and keep people focused on the plan.”
Paying respect to his predecessor, Rory Angiolella, Julian said “one of the good things for me in following in Rory’s footsteps, is that Luke has made it clear he doesn’t want me to be Rory, I should just take on the role as me and be myself.
“I’m probably not quite the motivator or as vocal as Rory but I like to keep the team united and I’m level headed and calm. I think I’m good at understanding others’ perspectives.
“Having played under Captains like Jimmy O’Reilly, Dan Bisetto and Rory – they are not just great role models as footballers but also as men and if I can achieve half of what they have then I’ll be very satisfied.” Read more
Telf can’t get enough of Fitzroy
The newly appointed Fitzroy-ACU Reserves captain, Rachael Telfer, says after just one season at Fitzroy she just can’t get enough of the club.
The ACU-trained exercise physiologist, who works in the Physio department at the Epworth Hospital, says she was encouraged to come down to check out the action by uni mates and has never looked back.
“There is such a lovely community feeling and everyone is so encouraging and supportive.
“I’m pretty surprised to be captain in just my second year of football, but I’m honoured and excited and really proud to be the captain of the twos.
“I’m not necessarily a big motivator but I like to think I lead by example. I think I’ve been to all the pre-season training and I just get in there and have a go.”
Rachael is quick to praise the other leaders around her and says the leadership of former captain Mish Booth and Frankie Freeman (the Reserves’ vice-captains this year) alongside new coach Simon Jackson, will give her plenty of support.
“I really look up to Mish and Frankie, I mean they are the twos really! Mish is very motivating and they both just handle whatever is thrown at the them. I think they both have great leadership skills.”
Rachael says her new coach has created a great atmosphere of encouragement where people are not afraid to have a go or worried about failure. “That is a really good message for all the new girls and we do have a lot of new players this year. The best thing is that even though he has a lot of experience he doesn’t care if we make mistakes, he just wants us to have a go and then try harder. But most of all, don’t be scared,” Rachael said.
Rachael is very excited by the new structure of Seniors and Reserves that the VAFA has announced for the Women’s Premier competition. “I love it. It’s so good that we can support each other even more. Last year when the two teams got to play at the same ground it created an awesome atmosphere. It also means we can learn from the seniors and see the game plan and that will make the transition easier for anyone picked to go up.”
Rachael said she’s looking forward to playing more games like their pre-season hit out against the Brunswick Renegades on Saturday, which Fitzroy-ACU won. “We only won one game last year, so I’m looking forward to building on the weekend’s form together because we played so well.
“Most of all I want to sing the song more.”
Leaders named
The announcement of the senior men’s captain may have headlined the season launch last Saturday night at the Fitzroy Victoria Bowling and Sports Club, but there was an outstanding group of leaders named across all teams (with the Thirds announcement coming soon).
Gemma Minuz will again lead the Fitzroy-ACU Women’s Senior side, supported by a leadership team of Jess Hayes (Vice-captain), Luci Murphy and Erin Gogerly.
Jack Atkinson has also been returned as captain of the Men’s Reserves side and will have three vice captains in support; Luke Edwards, James Howes and Ben Witkowski.
For the Under 19s, last year’s best and fairest winner, Oscar Sutcliffe, has stepped up and the vice captains are Finn Doherty and Riley Harry-Blackwell.
The Senior Men’s and Women’s Reserves leadership teams were named in the stories above, but in case you missed it, they are:
Senior men – Julian Turner (captain), Tom Biscaro and Tom Cheshire (vice captains), Max Ellis, Max Davies, Nathan Ligris.
Congratulations all and good luck for season 2018.
Sponsoring our players
If you are interested in sponsoring a player for 2018, please contact Vice President Michael Smale or submit a player sponsorship query on the membership page of the website and the club will make contact.
Triple header at BSO to kick off Round 1 – Royal Derby Day
The VAFA has released more details of the draws this week and the Fitzroy Under 19s will head up a huge triple header at Brunswick Street Oval for Round 1 next week.
For the Royal Derby Game this means we now have even more action at BSO:
9.20am – Fitzroy Under 19s vs Uni Blues
11.40am – Fitzroy Reserves v Old Mentonians
2.00pm - Fitzroy Seniors v Old Mentonians
The on-field action will be complemented by the first pre-game lunch of the season – see the details below – and of course Kerry’s BBQ is back. Don’t miss out.
Now last Saturday was very soggy around the grounds, but it was a great day for photos. Check out Phyllis Quealy’s shots from the Seniors and Reserves hit out against Marcellin at BSO
First pre game lunch: meet Luke Mahoney
He’s hit the ground running and he’s getting our team primed for the season.
But if you want to know a bit more about Senior Coach Luke Mahoney and his plans for the senior men’s team, you’ll need to come along to the first pre-game lunch of 2018.
Fitzroy opens its account with a home game on Saturday 7 April at Brunswick Street Oval against Old Mentonians and we’ll be keen to get the Premier C season off to a flier.
The new coach will give you some insights into the new talent on field and what type of game you might expect from Fitzroy this year, when he continues the tradition of the senior coach addressing the first lunch of the year.
One of the secret weapons Luke Mahoney brought to Fitzroy when he came was the club’s new Development Coach, Sam Bishop, who is really excited about the opportunity to work with Fitzroy’s talented youngsters as well as the defensive line.
As the saying goes, when you want something done you ask a busy person, and Sam certainly fits the bill. He’s a physical education teacher at Kew East Primary School, Division Sport Coordinator for the Boroondara Division of School Sport Victoria and he and his wife, Ange, recently welcomed baby Elias, who is now just seven months old.
The partnership between Sam and Mahns goes back to St Kevin’s Old Boys where they met when Sam came to play, aged just 21. The two coached together last year at Brunswick (North Old Boys/St Patrick).
We asked Sam a few questions about his introduction to Fitzroy and what he could tell us about our new senior coach.
What is the role of a development coach?
The role of development coach is really important at a footy club. In this role, I'm going to work with the younger players to develop their footy ability in a variety of areas. This might be skill level, game sense or leadership skills. With so many talented young players, it is exciting to be in this role at Fitzroy.
What did Luke ask you to focus on for Fitzroy when you came across?
Mahns has got me working with the D Squad on improving their footy. They work really hard with Hurls on their fitness, with an extra session each week and I am going to complement that by helping the boys develop their footy. All the players have outlined their strengths and areas for improvement. As a group at training on selected nights throughout the year we are going to work on those areas of improvement while continuing to build on the players' strengths. To aid their individual and group development, I will also be giving the boys feedback after game day.
On match days I will be taking control of the back line. This is an area in which I have had a lot of playing and coaching experience. I am really excited to be working with such a talented defensive group this year!
What insights can you give us about some of the young players coming through?
We definitely have a strong pool of young talented players on the playing list this year. I am looking forward seeing these guys take the field for our opening few games of the season. They have all put in a strong preseason and I am sure they will hit the ground running when the real stuff starts.
What does it say or represent when a player like Nino, comes up through a club and progresses quickly to a higher level of the game?
I have only been lucky enough to see Nino play a quarter of our practice game against Therry, but from what I saw he is a special player. I think it speaks volumes of the opportunity that the club has provided Nino. This shows the club has confidence in and fosters their youth. Hopefully Nino will get plenty of opportunities in the VFL this year.
How have you found your introduction to Fitzroy?
I have felt welcomed by all of the players and coaching staff throughout the preseason. It has been a very enjoyable experience so far and I am raring to go for the season ahead. Fitzroy is a club with such a rich history, I have always looked at Fitzroy Football Club from a far with fondness. I am honoured to be given an opportunity to be part of such a proud club.
Clearly you've had a lot of good experience at a couple of VAFA clubs... What are you hoping to achieve in this role or with Fitzroy more broadly?
I have been involved with three VAFA clubs over the past 11 years; St Kevin’s, Kew and Brunswick. I have been part of a few successful teams as a player and coach over that time and I hope this year I can bring my experience to make a positive impact at Fitzroy. Even though I have only been around Fitzroy for a short period of time, it has been long enough to feel very much a part of the club. I think with everything that Mahns has but in place throughout the preseason, the boys have a great opportunity to achieve success this year!
What can you tell us about Luke?
Where to start... I first played with Mahns at St Kevin’s when I was 21. He was already a legend of the club then and was a terrific player and leader. He helped to make me feel very welcome at St Kevin’s and I learnt a lot from him as a player. Working as an Assistant Coach with Mahns last year showed me he has a wealth of footy knowledge. Throughout the year I heard Mahns deliver some inspiring speeches which the boys who play seniors this year can look forward to. All the players can learn a lot from Mahns, Pickers and Bernie throughout the year.
Don’t miss the Brunswick Street Bash
As part of an action-packed weekend at Brunswick Street next weekend, Brisbane Lions and Fitzroy champions of yesteryear will feature in an ALF 9s tournament on Sunday 8 April and you’re all invited.
Brownlow medallist and triple premiership midfielder Simon Black has been named and others will be revealed soon.
Kerry’s famous BBQ will be running for the day and we’ll be hosting a tent for membership sign ups, merchandise sales and more to ensure the Fitzroy colours are well represented.
Come on down and join in the fun. Keep watching Fitzroy and the Lions’ social media for more details of who will be playing on the day.
A post-game ‘recovery’ session will be held at the Brisbane Lions’ official supporters venue in Melbourne, and home of our sponsor, the Royal Derby Hotel (446 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy).
We’re running for St Vincent’s – join us
The Fitzroy Board and Coaches have decided to put our considerable community support behind another great Fitzroy institution, St Vincent’s Hospital. St Vincent’s turns 125 years old this year (just 10 years younger than the Fitzroy Football Club) and we are entering a team in their annual Fun Run.
The Fun Run is at 9.30am on Sunday 15 April at Princes Park.
For the history buffs, way back in 1896 at the Annual meeting of the Fitzroy Football Club, a special thank you was offered to the staff and management of St Vincent’s Hospital for their help with injuries and accidents throughout the year. Then in 1941 in VFL days, Fitzroy and Carlton played a charity match to support the St Vincent’s Hospital Appeal.
Let’s see what we can do to support them this year.
A Fitzroy Football Club team page has been set up and you are more than welcome to register – click on ‘Join us’ – or perhaps consider a donation towards the cause
Participants are being encouraged to wear their pyjamas in support of the 57,000 patients treated by the hospital per year.
Winners at FitzroyIT
Thanks to those who attended our golf day and congratulations to the FitzroyIT team who won the Chevy Chase perpetual trophy.
Another winner is Tom Roper, whose name was pulled from the hat at the season launch from the almost 300 members who had purchase or renewed their membership before the end of February.
Tom won a dinner for two at the Royal Derby, a special bowls club membership and a Fitzroy scarf.
