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Under 10 Blue

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Second Semi Final Match Report

14th August 2005 - Home Game Versus MacLeod at Bulleen Park West

Better late than never. Your correspondent was unable to provide this round's report at the usual time this week after becoming incapacitated due to an ashes-induced bout of sleep deprivation. Any grammatical or factual errors in the following account are also Ricky Ponting's fault.

Having finished the home and away season one game clear on top of the ladder, our boys found themselves with the double chance and another meeting with Macleod. The major semi final took place at a windswept Bulleen Park on a fine but cool morning.

The coach urged the boys to run hard and make use of the wide open spaces and the game began in exactly that fashion, with quick ball movement seeing Riley register a point as the first score. With the wind behind them, our boys attacked through most of the quarter with Casey, Ben S, Sam R, Sam Mc and Ben C generating considerable drive from the middle. As usual Fraser tackled hard and Finn used his pace to advantage. Macleod defended stoutly, however, and by the first break we had only managed three points but had also prevented Macleod from scoring.

The second quarter into the wind presented a major challenge, but one the Royboys were up to, running hard and carrying the ball forward. Lachlan 's hard work at centre half forward and strong play in the middle from Max and Scobie resulted in a crucial goal against the breeze from Harry S. The defence held firm, lead by Josh, Lucas and Oscar O. At the main break the score read 1.4 (10) to 0.4 (4).

Our last use of the breeze was always going to be an important period in the game and so it proved. For a long time the Royboys dominated general play without scoring a major until Ben Mc found himself free in the pocket and threaded a lovely goal from the angle. Unfortunately the coach's rotation policy meant that he was due for a rest so he immediately headed for the bench. The team continued to apply the pressure with Michael W, Sebastian, Dom and Oscar J all contributing and good work from Jules, Himi and Max resulting in a fine goal from Casey. At the last break the scores were 3.6 (24) to 0.4 (4).

Our earlier clashes with Macleod had revealed that they were a team that never gives up and so it proved again as they pushed hard in the early part of the last quarter. Sterling defensive work from Josh (again), Fraser, and Patrick held them off for a while but eventually they snuck in for a couple of goals.

Our boys showed great character to hit back with excellent team play, especially from Jules, Jack and Miles. A hard won free on the wing to Kieran led to a goal to Harry P and Harrison also chimed in with a fine goal. The final margin of 22 points reflected a fine team effort. All the boys are to be congratulated on reaching the grand final, especially as most are playing their first year of competitive football. Coach Michael also deserves praise, especially in his efforts to juggle the whole remaining list of 28 players on match day.

Round 16 Match Report

7th August 2005 - Home Game Versus Richmond

A strange and unexpected silence descended on the Fitzroy rooms in the minutes before the last match of the season, against Richmond at Citizens Park . Coach Kinens had something to say. The boys huddled together, alert and listening.

"This is what we need to do, and it's something we didn't do last week,'' the coach said.

"We need to look for each other. We need to play as a team. We need to help each other.''

The boys nodded and then cheered. Outside the bleak morning showed signs of becoming a bitterly wet afternoon. But the Roy Boys opened the game like they had the sun and a fair wind at their backs.

All season we had wondered about their tendency to slow starts, but the boys threw such sluggishness aside and, with coach Kinens' words ringing in their ears, found some inspirational teamwork. Within a blink, the Roys were on the scoreboard with a couple of behinds. Kieran was elusive around goals, while the boys took clean possession to run into an open forward line. When Harry P found Harrison with a fine kick to the square, the result was the first of many goals to come. Lachlan kicked No. 2 and then Ben S added another. In the midfield, the Roys were strangling the Richmond runners and Frazer's now-legendary fierce tackling helped to throttle any Tiger hopes of pushing the ball forward. When Jules kicked another goal, the Roys finished the first quarter with 4.3 (27), their best first quarter of the season. Richmond had yet to score.

The second quarter soon became a stage for an unintended guest, Fiore's dog Shadow. While the game went on around the hound, Dominic did his best to trap the playful pup with no success. For some minutes, Shadow was the Loose Canine in the midfield, cavorting between packs and leaping fallen boys. It was only Fiore's appearance and firm hand that ended the dog's debut for the Roys .

While this little drama was going on, the Roys continued on from where they had left off. Max, a late inclusion added another goal, while Casey shone around the ground. At the main break, Fitzroy was 36 points in front.

Richmond scored its first goal in the opening minute of the third quarter, a just reward for some tough perseverance. But the Tigers' revival was short-lived. The Roys ' goal square was increasingly congested, but in the midst of a pack, Patrick snapped a goal and then Scobie marked and kicked another. Harry S and Michael W weathered some tough tackling but displayed great heart to provide the Roys with plenty of drive.

The final quarter of the home and away season was a showpiece of the Roys ' teamwork: Harrison 's work in the ruck, Casey's fine efforts up forward, Lucas roaming up the ground and Finn's tireless dash helped to set up a final quarter that saw Fitzroy pepper the goals. Josh, who was a tower of strength, kicked the first of the quarter's goals and then Ben C took a strong mark to thread another. When the Tigers tried to surge back, the defence led by Oscar J repelled them. And in the dying minutes Lachlan was on the receiving end of a pass that led to the Roy 's 10th goal. It was the first time this season the boys had kicked 10, and when the siren rang, the Roys had also recorded their highest score, 10.12 (72).

Round 15 Match Report

31st July 2005 - Away Game Versus MacLeod G

A perfectly still, sunny day greeted us as we arrived at the compact Winsor Park for this top of the table clash. After completing all their modelling engagements, the boys hit the ground primed for a big game. Macleod took the early initiative, moving the ball quickly and tackling hard when our boys took possession. Our defence was put under great pressure and despite desperate work by Riley, Michael W, Ben C, Sam Mc and Scobie we went in at the first break down by 14 points.

Lead by Josh in the ruck, Fitzroy started to put more pressure on their opposition in the second term with Ben S, Harrison, Harry P and Sebastian all working hard. A great trademark running goal from Jules pulled back some of the leeway but Macleod peppered the goals to lead by 18 points at the main break.

With the coach's pleas for greater run and commitment towards the footy ringing in their ears, our boys came out after half time with much greater purpose. Inspirational tackling from Scobie and Dom in defence set up chances for Casey, Harry P and Ben Mc. Kieran threw himself onto the footy and Lucas, Jack and Miles tried their hardest. Riley capped a fine quarter with a miraculous goal kicked whilst lying on his back in the goal square. At the final break the margin had been reduced to 12 points.

Fitzroy had all the play in the last term with players swarming forward in a tough, hard fought quarter of football. A great goal from Max gave our boys a sniff of victory and Harry P, Harry S, Ben S, Himi, Finn and Oscar O pushed hard to find the elusive winning goal. Jules kept sending the ball forward whilst Scobie and Mick P both put their bodies in when it counted. In the end a fine comeback just failed to bring victory with the final margin five points in Macleod's favour.

Our boys are to be congratulated on a fine team effort, especially in coming back from such a desperate position and keeping Macleod scoreless in the second half. Special mention should also be made of a special presentation made by the club to Mick P, who will be unable to join his teammates in the finals as he will be traveling through Queensland . Bon voyage Mick and family.

Round 14 Match Report

24th July 2005 - Home Game Versus Brunswick North

A gusty cross wind greeted our boys for the game against an undermanned North Brunswick . Captains for the day Josh and Patrick proudly led the team out.

The game was a battle against the conditions as much as anything, with Fitzroy struggling to find any system in the swirling breeze. Most of the match consisted of our boys bombing the ball into a very crowded forward line only to be repelled by the slick skills of no. 14 for NB. This unusual tactic of flooding our own forward line was viewed rather dimly by coach Michael and despite repeated messages from the bench (too many for the umpire's liking), never really sorted itself out. A rash of behinds resulted, all kicked under great pressure.

The result was, however, never really in doubt and the final margin of 46 points was one of our larger wins for the year.

Once again the win was the result of a fine team effort. Special mention should also be made of four of our boys who helped out NB by playing on their side for a quarter each: Oscar O, Jules, Lucas and Ben Mc.

Goal Kickers: Jules (2), Max, Ben S, Harry S. & Josh.

Round 13 Match Report

17th July 2005 - Away Game Versus St Mary's T

Mud. Thick, oozy mud. We can't go over it. We can't go under it. We'll have to go through it! Yes, after several months of unseasonally dry footy weather, Saturday's rain produced the heaviest conditions that most of our kids have seen. Captains for the day Riley and Mick P. lead the team out somewhat hesitantly onto the sticky surface.

Perhaps inspired by his leadership duties, Mick P lead the way in the first quarter with a lively display in the forward line. Good contributions also came from Ben C in defence, Lachlan and Kieran, whilst Ben S managed to post a goal to match one kicked by St.M. Ben Mc was unlucky to have a shot on the goal line smothered at the last moment.

After the first break Fitzroy started to work their way on top, with Max seemingly all over the field, bursting through packs and kicking two great goals on the run. Himi was dominant in the ruck and Sam R, Riley, Dom, Miles and Oscar J were also prominent. Scobie laid some solid tackles and Ben S continued his good work. At half time our lead was 13 points.

The third term saw our boys pull further away with Casey playing a great quarter, including a lovely goal. Ben C was unlucky to miss a shot on the run and Lachlan , Oscar O, Sebastian (sporting a new look) and Sam R again showed good form. At the last break we were 20 points in front.

Fitzroy put together some great passages of team play in the last quarter with Michael W sending a booming torpedo into the arms of Ben Mc who sent it on to Ben S who's shot was just touched on the line. Max again brought up full points and Oscar J also got on the scoreboard with a nice goal. Lucas' work at the bottom of the packs helped set up further opportunities for his teammates. Harry P and Sam Mc helped press home the advantage as we ran out convincing 29 point winners.

Frazer was deservedly awarded the opposition coaches medal as our most courageous player after continually throwing himself in even after receiving a heavy knock.

Once again the win was the result of a fine team effort.

Goal Kickers: Max (3), Ben S, Casey & Oscar J.

Round 12 Match Report

10th July 2005 - Home Game Versus Park Orchards

Another fresh, dewy morning at Citizens Park for our clash with the only team we were yet to conquer, Park Orchards. Coach Michael had long seen this as a match where our boys had a score to settle and 24 determined players burst onto the field led by captains Max and Michael out onto the field.

As is the now the well-established pattern, Fitzroy started slowly and P.O. spent long periods in attack early and would have led at quarter time but for two shots which hit the post. Sterling work from Josh in the ruck brought his teammates into the game with Finn, Ben Mc, Riley and Sam R doing well. Strong defense from Himi and excellent body work in the packs from Frazer saw Harry S bang the ball through from close in and we took a three point lead into the first break.

Frazer and Josh continued their good work into the second quarter and Lachlan and Casey started to have an influence on the game. Ben S sent the ball forward often and Riley was able to capitalize with a good running goal. P.O. kept the pressure on and the margin was unchanged at the main break.

After half time Fitzroy really started to show the results of some tremendous team play, with great work from Michael, Jules and Ben S keeping the ball in our half for long periods. Max was fantastic all over the ground and his good work saw the ball spill to Kieran in the pocket and he calmly slotted a lovely goal (his first for the season). Inspired by Kieran's example, Dom threw himself into a pack to earn a free kick and coolly slotted his first goal for the season. At the last change our lead was 16 points.

The last quarter saw our boys completely dominate the game with Max again prominent, and Patrick, Sam Mc, Scobie and Lucas giving their all for the team. Ben C provided good run from defense whilst Harry P defended stoutly with a fine smother. Sebastian laid a great tackle on one of the biggest of P.O.s tall timber. Harrison also battled strongly in the ruck against much taller opposition, creating an opportunity for Dom to again find the major opening. Ben Mc marked well and goaled from right in front and the final siren saw the royboys win by a convincing 29 points, having held P.O. scoreless after half time.

Once again the win was the result of a fine team effort.

Goal Kickers: Dom (2), Kieran, Harry S, Riley & Ben Mc.

Round 11 Match Report

26th June 2005 - Home Game Versus Camberwell West

Back home again on a fresh, dewy morning at Citizens Park for the “top of the table” clash against the Camberwell West Sharks. Lead out by captains Jules and Lachlan , Fitzroy looked determined to fight off the challenge to their ladder leadership.

The first quarter was a tense struggle with both sides unable to break free from the midfield horde. The most likely attacks came mostly from the sharks but solid defense from Harrison, Ben C. and Sam R prevented any goals getting through. Lucas and Sebastian threw themselves into the packs and Harry P did well to mark on the last line. In practically our only real venture into attack for the quarter a goal mouth scramble saw Riley snap over his head for a valuable goal. At quarter time we lead by four points.

Fitzroy dominated general play for much of the second term but again found goals hard to come by. Excellent work in close by the likes of Fraser, Oscar J., Lucas and Casey was seemingly in vain as Camberwell surged forward and goaled. Our boys fought back, though and great play from Sam Mc. and Max eventually saw Harry S. burst into goal from the pocket and register full points with a slick banana kick. The quarter time margin was restored as the boys headed in for the main break.

At the resumption Fitzroy emerged as a much stronger force, with determined play from all parts of the ground including great efforts by Dom (despite loosing a tooth at half time), Ben Mc, Sebastian and Patrick. Jules was gathering possessions all over the ground including one spectacular grab over his opponent. Riley brought the crowd to it's feet with an Akermanis-like goal from the boundary at the city end and Jack also got into the act with a lovely snap. Miles, Oscar O. and Mick P. also worked hard for the team. At the last change we lead by 10 points.

Rugged work in the ruck from Josh provided opportunities for his teammates as Fitzroy pulled away in the last quarter. Ben C. was able to capitalize with two fine goals while Sebastian topped off a fine game with a great saving mark in defense. Max continued his good form with a memorable passage where he made three consecutive desperate efforts to win the ball when seriously outnumbered, resulting in a ball-up and halting a Camberwell attack. The final margin of 14 points reflected a fine team effort.

As is now a tradition for the Sharks, their coach awarded a medal for the best and most courageous effort by one of our boys and Riley was a very excited and worthy recipient.

 Goal Kickers: Harry S., Jack, Ben C. (2) & Riley (2).

Round 10 Match Report

19th June 2005 - Away Game Versus Heidelberg

Team Captains for the day- Kieran & Ben C

After a refreshing break over the Queen's Birthday weekend it was back into the footy at Waringal Park by the Yarra in Heidelberg . A cool, cloudy day greeted the team as they made the unusually long trek from the change rooms to the ground.

As has now become the tradition for our boys, the first quarter could best be described as sluggish. Heidelberg made light of their lowly ladder position and moved the ball quickly putting our backline under pressure. Despite the desperate work by Ben C, Michael W and Oscar J we went to quarter time without having troubled the scorers whilst Heidelberg had piled on a healthy 3 goals 6.

With the coaches message to “go in and get the ball” ringing in their ears Fitzroy started the second term strongly, winning the ball out of the middle through Harry P, Sam R, Riley and Lucas. The ball spent most of the quarter up our end and Max and Harry S were able to finish off the good work upfield, Harry in particular impressing with a lovely banana (or checkside – hello Michael R) from a set shot. At half time we were nearly back on even terms, trailing by only 6 points.

The third quarter was a tight struggle as our boys tried to overcome the stern resistance from Heidelberg . Despite a couple of heavy knocks Harry P continued his good early form, with Casey, Josh and Harrison providing able support. A trademark surging run from Jules saw the ball fall to the back of the pack in the goal square where Miles was waiting in perfect position to kick a lovely rovers' goal. Lachlan also came back after a rattling bump to register full points and by three quarter time we had hit the front by the slender margin of two points.

The final term saw Fitzroy completely overpower their opposition with great work in the packs from Fraser, Finn and Oscar O resulting in goals for Jack (2), Riley and Jules (after another long run). Josh was impassable at centre half back as the whole team lifted in a great display of running football. The final margin of 28 points reflected a fine team effort.

Goal Kickers: Miles, Max, Harry S. (2), Lachlan , Jack (2), Jules, & Riley.

Round 9 Match Report

5th June 2005 - Away Game Versus Doncaster Heights

The first glimpse of Riescheicks Reserve in Doncaster revealed a surface that posed its own challenge: a slope downhill that offered a swift way to goal. The good news happened just before the game when it was revealed that the Roys would be rolling home in the last quarter with the slope. But the boys had to negotiate the first quarter uphill, and just as they had shown during the past few weeks, they were a bit slow to start. Doncaster Heights was stuck firmly at fourth sport on the ladder and they were tall opposition who excelled overhead.

For most of the first quarter, the Roys ' defence was sorely tested by Doncaster 's persistence and marking skills. Once the ball hit the ground though Frazer, Ben S and Sam were determined to repel these attacks, and when the time came for Fitzroy to break clear, Finn showed his dash and then Scobie goaled. But Doncaster replied to lead by three points at the first change.

By the second quarter, the Roys had started to find their form, and the boys' teamwork came in to play. Jules started the goal rush with a snap and then Jack, lurking in the goal square, kicked two and Harry S, showing great speed, added another. Around the ground Max and Josh were doing a power of work and Ben M was a key link in the waves of moves in to the forward line.Fitzroy managed to keep Doncaster scoreless in the second quarter and went into the long break with a four-goal lead.

But Doncaster fought back hard after halftime and managed to kick a goal. The focus was firmly on the Roy 's backline where Himi's determination to win the ball in the packs was inspiring. Harry P tackling was ferocious and Casey kept getting touches and finding space. In the third quarter, it was Fitzroy's turn to be scoreless and when the siren sounded, Fitzroy's lead was only 17 points.

But with the slope in their favour, the Roys started to bombard the goals. Riley managed to kick two goals. The boys moved the ball smoothly from defence to attack, finding their mates with clever kicks and finishing it off with good marks that underlined the quality of their teamwork. Ben C was getting a fair dose of leather poisoning and snapped a goal to ensure the Roys were out of danger and then Ben S added another to deliver a 46-point win.

Goals: Jack 2, Riley 2, Jules 2, Scobie, Harry S, Ben S.

Round 8 Match Report

29th May 2005 - Away Game Versus Brunswick North

Sunday dawned cold, bleak and breezy this week for our trip to neighbouring Brunswick . Our boys were greeted with the vast, wind-swept expanse of Allard Park as they were lead out by captains Sam Mc and Oscar O to tackle the guys in the striking green and gold stripes.

The first quarter was a messy affair as both sides struggled to create coherent passages of team play. Several surging runs by Ben S (sporting a slick new haircut) came to little as NB defended stoutly. Sam Mc, Ben Mc, Frazer and Lachlan worked hard without reward on the scoreboard. A quick break through the middle resulted in a NB goal and we went to the first break down by 5 points.

The Royboys started the second term in much better fashion with a great goal kicked on the run by Jules. Some excellent team play featured Max, Harry P and Riley. A great tackle and a handy 15(?)m penalty saw Jules goal. Consistent pressure from our boys saw us take a 10 point lead into half time.

The third quarter saw Fitzroy continue on their merry way with several great passages of link play. One in particular saw the ball pass through the hands of Harrison, Mick P, Jules and finally to Sam R who goaled. Dom, Jack and Kieren worked hard for the team and at the final break our lead was 23 points.

The final stanza again included some fantastic efforts with Himi strong in defence, Scobie snapping a nice goal, Harry P and Josh standing tall in the ruck and a lovely mark and goal from Riley. Despite a fantastic “speccy” from one NB player the Royboys ran out convincing 45 point winners and all are to be congratulated on a fine team effort. Mention should also be made of several boys for NB who, rumour has it, are only 6 or 7 years old but who competed with all their hearts.

Goal Kickers: Max, Jules 2, Ben C., Sam R., Scobie, Riley & Lachlan Grace.

Round 7 Match Report

22rd May 2005 - Home Game Versus Surrey Park 2

 Once again a mild May day greeted us as we prepared for our last game at our temporary home at Citizens Park . Lead onto the ground by captains Harry P and Sam R, our boys looked primed for a big match.

The first quarter was an even affair, with both sides moving the ball well but unable to make an impact on the scoreboard. Once again Ben S was a star in defense and he was given great help by Sebastian, Ben Mc and Dominic.

The coaches urging at quarter time must have hit the spot as the second term saw our boys attacking constantly. Straight from the first bounce the ball found it's way to Ben S although he was unable to convert. Great work in the ruck by Harry P provided plenty of opportunities for the ground-level players including Michael W, Oscar O, Kieran and Jules. Riley finally found the major opening after intercepting a wayward S.P. kick in. By the main break the Royboys had established a handy 19 point lead.

Surrey Park came out determined to hit back and scored a goal soon after the resumption. Ben C. brought the crowd alight with a couple of rollicking runs, one including at least 5 bounces. The constant surging into attack kept S.P under intense pressure however our boys found the major opening hard to find, with Harry S hitting the post twice. Eventually he was able to register a major after a nice passage of play involving Himi, Lucas and Ben C. Two more goals to Riley saw us leading by 2 points at the last break.

Sam Mc took a nice mark and goaled to start the last quarter. Good work from Max saw Harry S score again. Michael W attacked the ball with typical courage and came off second best after a head clash. Harry P, Himi, Harrison and Frazer worked hard as Fitzroy ran out convincing winners by 53 points, our biggest win of the season so far. All players are to be congratulated on a fine team effort.

Goal Kickers: Riley 3, Harry S. 2, Jules 2, Sam Mc..

Round 6 Match Report

15th May 2005 - Home Game Versus St Marys T

        It was a classic foggy Melbourne Autumn morning last Sunday when the umpire bounced the ball just after 10 am and the boys set to work grinding out a fifth win for the season. Once again the Blues faced a team that had a fair bit of height on them but they didn't let this intimidate them. St Mary's proved to be a formidable opposition and the teams were evenly matched.

      It was a compelling game and once again great teamwork paid off in the end. Oscar J slammed the first goal after taking a great grab and then playing on in the goal square early in the opening minutes of the game. There were some standout performances- Lachlan Grace, who took four speckies and booted 3 goals- the last two in the final nail biting minutes of the last quarter.

      Lucas, Domenic, Josh and Fraser were in and under in the packs, getting the ball out to hungry Fitzroy players Jules, Ben C and Ben S. These three boys also had great games, going in hard and always doing something useful with the ball when it came their way.

       Riley (2 goals), Harry P, Harry S, Max, Scobie all played penetrating football, tackling hard and keeping the ball moving into the forward line with some great kicking. Ben M efforts' in soccering the footy down the flank in front of all the mums and dads was huge.

       Himi played a pearler of a game in the backline, gathering the ball beautifully and keeping St Mary's goal count down. St Mary's continued the terrific tradition, established by at the beginning of the season by awarding a medal to the most courageous player from the opposition team. Everyone cheered when Michael Woods name was read out. Well done Michael. (Hope the leg's feeling better)

Goal kickers:

Lachlan 3, Riley 2, Scobie 1, Oscar J 1,

Round 5 Match Report

8th May 2005 - Away Game Versus Park Orchards

Final Scores:

         This week was the big road trip out to distant Stintons Reserve, surrounded by bush and the sound of squawking Cockatoos. Winter approaches rapidly and the warm ups took place in cold, foggy and damp conditions. Captains Jack and Casey lead the team out onto the oddly dome-shaped surface. Park Orchards had been transferred from U/10 Green and it was soon obvious that they appreciated the change of standard. With several exceptionally tall players they made the first quarter a matter of defend-at all-costs for our boys. A great save on the last line by Kieran and other great efforts from Harrison, Himi, Max and Ben S stopped P.O. from registering a major score and we went into the first break just 2 points behind.

         The second quarter saw P.O. assert their physical superiority and despite the hard work of Sam R, Frazer, Jules and Josh we found ourselves 20 points down at the main break.

        After some serious words from the coach Fitzroy came out with much more purpose in the sunshine after half time and the ball spent long periods deep in our forward line. Eventually Ben S was able to burst through a pack to register our first major score. Patrick and Lachlan were both unlucky to miss set shots from tight angles as Casey, Sebastian and Sam R continued to apply the pressure.

       The last quarter began promisingly with a great chain of possession out of the middle

through Max and Harrison, although no major score resulted. Max was able to atone later with a nice goal. The team continued to try hard with solid work in the packs by Frazer, Michael W, Scobie and Oscar J but the size and talent of our opponents saw them run out 30 point winners.

        Special mention should be made of courageous efforts by several players including Max, Casey and Harry S who all suffered injuries but recovered to take the field again. Well done boys.

Goal Kickers: Max, Ben S.

Round Four- Fitzroy 3 Vs MacLeod

Final Scores: Fitzroy 3 7-3-45 def MacLeod 2-3-15

Back to our "home" ground again at Citizens Park on a more typically winter-ish day for this week's match against another previously undefeated team in MacLeod.

Kicking into the breeze in the first quarter proved a difficult task for our boys as we struggled to get the ball forward. Despite strong efforts from Casey, Harry S, Patrick and Max we failed to score a major whilst MacLeod scored 1 goal 3.

       The second term produced probably our best quarter of footy for the season so far with the whole team contributing to a four goal bonanza. Great work was done all over the field with standout performances from Sam R, Riley, Lachlan and Finn. Special mention should also be made of Sebastian's fearless efforts whenever the ball entered his area and to Ben MacDonald for a great mark and subsequent goal.

       Heading into the now quite gusty breeze in the third quarter was going to require desperate defense from the whole team. That's exactly what we got with a crucial goal against the wind added in for good measure. Max continued his excellent first half with another outstanding quarter and he was well assisted by Patrick and Sam R.

       The last quarter saw Fitzroy extend the lead, eventually running out winners by 30 points, our best win so far. Congratulations to all the boys and especially to Ben S, Harry P, Harry S, Harrison and Michael W for their last quarter efforts.

     The grading rounds now complete, the only other undefeated team Greythorn has been promoted into U/10 Green leaving us one game clear on top of the ladder.

Goal Kickers: Harrison, Ben Mc, Harry P, Ben C, Ben S, Riley & Sam R

Round Three- Richmond V Fitzroy 3

Final Scores: Richmond 3-6-24 def by Fitzroy 5-7-37

Captains for the day- Jules and Miles

        Once again the weather was warm for April as we travelled to Kevin Bartlett reserve,  amongst the Gum Trees, alongside the Yarra. A stiff breeze blew straight down the ground as Fitzroy were lead out by Jules and Miles. The game began with a few head scratching moments in the coaches box, however all was sorted out quickly. We found kicking into the wind a bit of a struggle with Richmond having many shots at goal but they were kept to only 1 goal 4. Solid work by Harrison, Casey and Ben S resulted in Fitzroy getting one goal back against the breeze, a good effort under the circumstances.

       Our teamwork started to gel in the second quarter and good play from Himi in defense and Sebastion and Sam R saw us score a couple of goals to lead by 8 points at half time.

       Richmond came out fighting in the third quarter and made good use of the breeze. Scobie drifted down from the back pocket (along with a few teammates) to kick our only goal for the quarter. Our lead was cut to 3 points at three quarter time despite the best efforts of Harrison, Jules, Lucas, Ben S and Riley.

       The last quarter began with Fitzroy pressing forward and having several opportunities to put the game beyond doubt. Eventually we found the major opening to provide some breathing room. Desperate defense was required in the last 5 minutes and this was provided by the whole team especially Michael W, Finn, Jules Harry S, Harry P, Lucas and Riley. Fitzroy emerged winners by 13 points in a great team effort.

Goal Kickers: Jules, Harry S, Jack, Ben S, Scobie

Round Two- Camberwell Sharks V Fitzroy 3

  Final Scores: Fitzroy 6-7-43 def Camberwell 5-5-35

Captains for the day- Ben MacDonald and Harrison

Another strangely warm April afternoon and we're off to our first away game at Lynden Park in Camberwell . Lead by Ben Mc and Harrison , we got off to a great start, scoring a couple of long goals out of the traffic in our forward line. Finn made an early attempt at mark of the year, soaring over his opponent, but unfortunately couldn't hang on to the ball on the way down.

    The second quarter saw us play some of our best football, with one particular passage of play destined to remain in the memories of those privileged enough to be there to see it. From deep in our backline the ball was transferred the length of the ground by precision foot and hand passes without being intercepted by a single Sharks player. The resultant goal regained us the lead which was further stretched by another goal from Ben C after a great centering kick from the boundary by Max.

    The third quarter was very even with good contributions from the whole team as the Sharks tried to fight their way back into the game. Excellent work was done by Casey, Lachlan and Riley.

    The last quarter saw a determined Camberwell team throw everything at our boys who defended desperately for most of the term. Harry P in the ruck contested valiantly as the Sharks pressed forward. Back line players Harrison, Kieran and Dominic attacked the ball hard to deny the opposition. When pushing forward crucial marks were held by Josh and Miles but unfortunately we couldn't convert our chances. Eventually an opportunity was taken and a final goal sealed the match, Fitzroy hanging on for an 8 point win.

   In an excellent show of sportsmanship, an award was made by the opposing coach to the player he thought was the best and most courageous on our team and this was deservedly taken out by Ben S, who had played brilliantly, especially after being "cleaned up" in a ruck contest just before half time.

Round One-FITZROY 3 v HEIDELBERG

Captains for the day -Ben Symons and Himi Stringer

           The Fitzroy boys arrived early at Citizen’s Park looking resplendent in their newly acquired football gear, keen to play their first real game of football. It was a warm morning with some rain which dampened the boys, but not their spirits. Heidelberg couldn’t muster a full team, so eight of our boys, including Sebastian Arthey, Jack Dawson, Lachlan Grace, Ben McDonald, Mick Power and Kieran Rickard, valiantly donned yellow and black jumpers to play part of their first game. It was a very exciting game, full of great marks, kicks and goals and most of all, great teamwork. It could have gone either way in the third quarter, but Fitzroy pulled together and came home to win by eight points. It was a fantastic effort by the whole team, with goals being scored by Finn Cole-Adams, Lachlan Grace and Harry Skacej (2).Kieran Rickard distinguished himself by scoring a point for both sides.

Afterwards, most boys seemed to enjoy a treat at the canteen almost as much as the game.

Well done Fitzroy U/10 Blue and congratulations to Michael Kinens on winning his first game as coach of the Under 10’s Blue team. Finally, a big thankyou to all the parents who helped out on the day.

           *If we have left out any information, please let us know and we’ll add it to this report.