WE'RE IN!

Two Fitzroy victories sees the club in the Premier C Senior and Reserve grade grand finals next weekend and back competing in the VAFA's B Grade competition for 2019.

Back to B with a last gasp win

Over 1500 people were on hand to see Fitzroy pull off a spectacular come from behind win to bounce straight back up to Premier B and secure a berth in the Premier C grand final.

Playing Williamstown CYMS on a wet, muddy Bill Lawry Oval in Northcote, the locals ignored the conditions to come out and cheer for the ‘home’ side and they didn’t let anyone down.

Two remarkable goals in the last three minutes from Tom Cheshire in one pocket and Nathan Jumeau in the other, put Fitzroy in front as the siren sounded and sent an unlucky Williamstown into a Preliminary Final against Old Geelong, for the chance to make their first ever foray into B Grade.

Meanwhile Fitzroy players and fans were overjoyed with such an emphatic response to last year’s relegation.

You couldn’t have asked for a more hotly contested battle in the second semi-final, with Fitzroy taking early honours thanks to Jumeau’s first two goals and one each to Max Ellis and Jack Dalton late in the quarter.

Fitzroy went into the quarter time break up 4.1.25 to 1.2.8, which turned out to be the biggest margin in the game. Fortunes were reversed in the second quarter with Williamstown kicking four goals to Fitzroy’s one, cutting the margin to just one point at the main break.

With the weather conditions worsening, and three goals apiece, neither side could break away in the third quarter and it came down to the last.

As the anxiety levels increased on the sidelines, Williamstown took its lead out further with the first goal of the last quarter… as it turned out it would be its last. The 10-point lead was looking enough with five minutes remaining and people were thinking about possibly preliminary final opponents. Not the vice captain! Out of nothing he kicked the ball across his body on the run from the boundary line and the hands in the air and bobbing red, yellow and blue beanies behind the goal were enough to say ‘game on’.

The last-minute winning goal was to be just as impressive, from the man who kicked the first of the day. Nathan Jumeau had to fly up and take a strong pack mark to earn another shot from the boundary line. Taking the Stevie J option, the crowd again signalled the result and the Fitzroy players were euphoric.

The final score was 10.7.67 to 9.10.64.

Coming back from injury, Jack Dalton played a superb game. In the wet and hard conditions, the seasoned campaigners Sam Baker (best on ground, pictured in the air left), Dalton, Rory Angiolella, and Tom Cheshire held their opponents accountable all day and just found a way to will the ball forward. Andrew Pettigrove gave the side early drive from the ruck and he and Matt Gaite combined well around the ground. Toby Hudson Bevege played a hugely important lock down role in the backline.

Three others who look seasoned well beyond their years and experience were Donovan Toohey, Ted Clayton and Jack Hart. Toohey looks and plays like he’s been here before and his performance was all the more impressive given he’d played in the school boys grand final captaining Northcote High during the week.

Noah Wright had the late call up on Saturday after Aidan Lambert pulled out and played a strong part in the win.

Every player did their bit (apologies to those not named!) and it was a spent looking side that made its way off the ground after the initial celebrations. They found just that little bit extra for the singing of the song however!

Congratulations must also go to Luke Mahoney who has achieved so much with the team in his first year as Fitzroy Senior Coach. After the game, Luke said the win was for the club (to be promoted) but next week would be about the players. They had one final box to tick.

He will again face some challenges in selection, but thankfully has two weeks to think about it and for players to get their bodies right.

Julian Turner cannot seem to take a trick with his body and had to leave the game in the second quarter with further hamstring issues.

The other significant injury was to Bernie Wright, who pulled up very late in the game with what appeared to be a high hamstring, which is likely to rule him out of the big game. It’s a very sad end to what has been a consistent season for Bernie where he has continued to flourish and grow as a senior player.

The club will have an open pre-grand final BBQ and training session on Thursday 13 September and all members and fans are invited, but please book in so we know how many to cater for. You will be able to purchase a BBQ sausage and drinks at our usual bar prices.

There will also be a post grand final event at The Royal Derby Hotel after the game on Saturday 15 September.

Details of the time, ground and opposition for the Grand Final will be decided tomorrow and announced by the VAFA. Keep an eye on our social media for updates.

If you want to see those last two cracking goals again, along with so many of Fitzroy's second semi final highlights from the game against Williamstown, here is this week's Risk Care Roundup, brought to you by Risk Care Financial Services.

Fitzroy Reserves make it a double date

There were no signs of separation anxiety as the Fitzroy Reserves took to the field on Sunday at Bill Lawry Oval and clinically did what all minor premiers should… won their way into the grand final.

In fact they picked up where the their senior mates left off the day before, opening the scoring with some pocket magic from Gus Richardson and Lachie Henderson.

Again in heavy conditions, a strong Old Geelong outfit took it right up to Fitzroy in the first half before a five goal third quarter really put the result beyond doubt.

The final score was 11.18.84 to 5.5.35.

Fitzroy Ressies captain, Jack Atkinson (pictured above), led from the front and was awarded best on ground honours, while Michael Cussen (pictured left) seemed to find space all over the ground and even when he didn’t, his one on one marking was just as good. He ended up with three goals.

Henderson and Chris Brown always looked threatening around the goals and they kicked two each.

You don’t get to be minor premiers without a very even contribution across the team and the same can be said of the semi-final. As expected, the players who have had some senior experience seemed to bob up when needed to quell any resurgence from Old Geelong. Mitch McWhinney, Richardson, Ross Borland and Will Zaghis were prominent in that group.

There will be more anxious waits on the condition of Shae Skipper, who was knocked unconscious in the third quarter, and on Will Pickering, who hurt his shin early in the game and couldn’t move it well enough to continue. The powerhouse forward would be a big loss if he can’t get up for the big dance.

In something of an upset, Marcellin comprehensively defeated Williamstown in semi-final one to put them out of the race and now it will be a contest between Marcellin and Old Geelong for the second spot in the grand final.

From all Fitzroy dads and fans who have had a few too many close games in recent weeks, thank you Fitzroy Reserves and coach Bernie Carter. Great result.

Fitzroy’s five-point pre-grand final plan

There's a week of rest as the protagonists fight it out in the VAFA preliminary finals. But don't sit back... there is much to be done. Here is your five-point plan:

Rest and rehydrate!
Book your ticket to the Redlow:https://fitzroyfc.worldsecuresystems.com/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=97741
Vote for more lighting in Pick my Project: https://www.fitzroyfc.com.au/latest-news/vote-to-support-women-playing-footy-in-yarra
Book your ticket for the pre-grand final BBQ and training at BSO on 13 Sept: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=422988&
Watch the semi final replay (again)! https://www.vafa.com.au/vafa-tv/premc-semi-final-williamstown-cyms-vs-fitzroy/

Rory racks up the votes

Despite missing five games with a surfing injury, former skipper Rory Angiolella again racked up the umpires’ votes in the VAFA best and fairest count, finishing second in the Premier C Zachariah Medal, just two votes behind Williamstown CYMS’s Yuma Hemphill.

Rory is a former GT Moore Medal winner (2015) from Fitzroy’s time in Premier B and has again had an outstanding season, leading the midfield group. He also polled well in 2016, sharing third place with his co-captain Daniel Bisetto.

Hemphill led the count for much of the night, with Rory charging home late with a run of great games in the latter part of the season. However, the second last home and away game at Williamstown proved to be the difference, with Hemphill voted best on ground and no Fitzroy players picking up votes.

Nino Lazzaro polled several best on ground votes and other strong vote getters for Fitzroy were Julian Turner, Ross Borland and Ted Clayton.

Congratulations Rory on another outstanding season. Will this be the year he breaks through for a Fitzroy best and fairest?

Champions Jumpers presented as Juniors win premierships

On a weekend that was all Fitzroy all the time, the Fitzroy juniors Youth Girls and Colts side have led the way, both coming from behind to win exciting grand finals.

This makes the Fitzroy Junior Football Club (FJFC) the first club to hold both the Colts 1 trophy and the Youth Girls 1 trophy at the same time. Congratulations to everyone involved.

During the week two of those premiership players were then awarded the Fitzroy FC Champions Jumper at the the graduation dinner for top age FJFC Colts and Youth Girls. The jumper is presented to the male and female player showing the most promise to play senior football.

The Champions Jumpers went to Colts player, Charlie Faubel, and Youth Girls Captain, Jamie Nelson. The players were presented with their jumpers and a book on the history of Fitzroy Football Club by the presidents of the junior and senior clubs, Phil Murdoch and Joan Eddy.

It was a very important night for the senior club too, with Fitzroy Senior Coach, Luke Mahoney, and Fitzroy-ACU Senior Women’s Captain, Gemma Minuz, addressing guests and spelling out the pathway to senior football with our club hopeful of securing some of the talent coming through.

Graduating were 41 Colts players and 10 Youth Girls.

Here is a little of why Charlie and Jamie took out the Fitzroy FC Champions Jumpers; a prize which has previously been awarded to the likes of Jono Anderson, Dylan Patcas, Martin Deasey, Rory Patterson, Noah Wright, Calypso Poole and Phoebe Turnbull.

Colts Coach Monty Stewart says Charlie has developed significantly in the last 18 months and is starting to really understand how good he could be. “He is an elite runner who is clean at ground level and has an ability to break away from congestion, something he has demonstrated a number of times this season. He is also a really good character to have around your side, and someone who would thrive in a senior club environment, not just for his on-field exploits, but also the social and community club feel of the Fitzroy seniors.”

Jamie – whose height would be very welcomed by the Fitzroy women’s coaches – has relished the opportunity to work with Fitzroy ruckman Matthew Gaite on her technique, in just her first season of football.

Despite being new to the game, Jamie has proven to be a great team leader on game day and at training and has improved out of sight since first starting in terms of skill, physical commitment to the contest and understanding of the game.

We look forward to seeing Charlie and Jamie in action next season.

Don't miss out – just over a week left to vote

We’re encouraging people to vote on a football oval lighting project as part of the State Govt's Pick my Project community funding round, which is open for voting until Monday 17 September. There is $30 million available across the State to fund local projects, with the most votes receiving funding. Everyone who votes can pick their three favourite projects for the area.

Better lighting and an electronic scoreboard at Brunswick Street Oval will ensure our women have access to the same quality of training and playing arenas as our men's squads. And give greater access to playing, spectating, and volunteering for everyone in the local community.

You don't have to live in the area, just have a connection with (or wish the best for) the Fitzroy Football Club and want to support our women to train and play in decent conditions!

Register now and vote here or head to our website for more detailed instructions: https://www.fitzroyfc.com.au/latest-news/vote-to-support-women-playing-footy-in-yarra

Voting closes 5pm on Monday 17 September 2018.

A message from the Fitzroy FC Board

With the grand final fast approaching, we’d like to remind all our Fitzroy players and supporters about the VAFA codes of behaviour and our expectations.

Dear Supporters, Players, Members and Friends,

It is very exciting to be heading towards senior and reserves men’s finals on the back of our wonderful finals campaigns by our Thirds men and Reserves Women - so it’s an important opportunity to remind everyone about expected behaviour at our games.

Footy is an emotional game - that’s why we play it, watch it and support it. And Fitzroy supporters and players are as passionate as they come. We are also very proud and grateful for the consistent huge turnout of supporters at our games, which has been even bigger in our finals so far.

Fitzroy is a club that prides itself on its diversity and welcoming all into the fold; we do not tolerate behaviour at our games and around the club where playing or barracking and supporting our teams involves personally targeted abuse towards players, opposition teams/supporters or umpires.

Any behaviour of an aggressive and intimidating manner, or that involves insults and call outs about a person’s gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race or faith is not on. (It should be noted the VAFA released a statement during the week after an incident in one of the other finals' games, where there was a breach of the VAFA Racial and Religious policy. You can read the story here.)

This type of behaviour is also upsetting for many who have to witness it, not to mention those it is directed at. If you notice this sort of thing going on, come and find one of the club officials - we are always around, and we will respectfully but firmly respond to it. Remind your mates who are coming along to support the club what acceptable supporter behaviour looks like - and what it doesn’t.

Please have a look at the VAFA Codes of Conduct that we all sign up to as players and members of a club that plays in this Association.

Don’t get sucked in – on or off the field and lets all be grownups … we don’t want to hear from one of our people the line … “he/she started it …”

Good humoured and intelligent bantering and barracking is part of the fabric of sport … but there is a line that is not to be crossed.
Let’s all have a fabulous remainder of our season.

Go Roys.

Join us for grand final night at the Derby

Win, lose or draw, we will finish up the season properly with a post-match celebration at the home of our major sponsor, The Royal Derby Hotel, on Saturday 15 September.

A room is booked, and all supporters are invited back to get around the boys and let them know what a joy it is to watch them play. It is a great opportunity for us to say thank you to the wider Fitzroy community too. Please coming along and join us.

Redlow booking deadline - 20 September

Last year it was Max Ellis and Tash Ross-Harris who took senior honours on Redlow night.

To be at Fitzroy’s night of nights for the announcement of the best and fairest winners in all six teams, book your ticket for Redlow 2018 on Friday 5 October.

The club will again celebrate its season at the Regal Ballroom in Northcote and with four teams making finals, the competition for bragging rights will be hot.

Bookings are open now and will close on Thursday 20 September. You can book individually or any number up to 10 tickets. There are 10 seats to a table.

Book online here.

Dedication for Sportsman’s War Memorial this Sunday

Members of the public and the club are invited to the dedication of the beautifully upgraded Sportsman’s War Memorial at Edinburgh Gardens on Sunday 9 September from 2-4pm.

The Mayor, Councillor Daniel Nguyen, and Councillors of the City of Yarra will join members of the public to pay recognition to the importance of the memorial.

The Sportsman's War Memorial was erected in memory of members of the local sporting clubs who died in the First World War. To further highlight the position and significance of the Memorial, some interpretive and enhancement works have now been completed.

The memorial was funded and erected by the Fitzroy cricket, football, tennis, baseball and bowling clubs and the City of Yarra has undertaken the works.

RSVP’s have closed for the BBQ.

This weekend’s games

No Fitzroy games this weekend. Grand final opponents, times and grounds will be advised by the VAFA (most likely on Saturday night) once the other grand finalists are confirmed.