Under 10 Gold

[Team Info] [Match Reports] [Photos]

Game 16 V Ivanhoe

In the final match of the season, despite eventually being beaten by the minor premiers, Fitzroy Under 10 Gold put on a terrific display. Brendan and Luke were captains for the day and both played determinedly and well. Simon and Levi also enjoyed flashes of stardom by chipping in with good goals each in their last game at U10 level.
The best part of this match was the clear evidence of how much Fitzroy has improved over the year. The team played to instruction, kicking it wide from defence, working together to bring the ball to the centreline and then transferring it to the hotspot – from where the goals were scored. The group of players has learned each others strengths and weaknesses and this has helped them to become an efficient team. Talking, shepherding, and passing have greatly improved throughout the season.
Brendan has shown great commitment, usually in the last line of defence. He saved many goals. Fragos too, as well as being the big man in the ruck, also proved to be a great team person by running tirelessly throughout the game and getting right back onto the last line to try to stop shots for goal. Through the season the backline has performed very well. Sean, Paddy, Tom S, Levi, Ben L and Andrew repelled so many opposition attacks by being focussed and determined. They were all tough when it mattered most, keeping their heads over the ball and there minds on the job. And hard running off the half back line often gave our forwards a real chance. Others who have also been great team players, all over the field, but notably when they have been under the intense pressure of defending are Mark, Liam, Evan, Oliver, Griffin, Nicholas and Stefan. And Michael B too has consistently shown a fantastic level commitment at the football and he, along with the other young star Thomas G, will be great assets to the U10s again next year.
Across the centre of the ground there has been excellent development, both in individual skills and the player’s ability to work together:- talking, shepherding, tapping the ball to a team mate, passing and hard running. Good midfielders must have the full range of skills as well as good minds and the ability to make the right decision at the right time. Jacob, Luke, Tom K, Hugh, Orien and Rory all showed that they can be a formidable unit: smart, strong and skilled.
The Fitzroy forward line players had a range of attributes – just what is needed. Juan Pablo consistently showed himself to be a strong marking target. Jack and Simon were good opportunists. Matthew consistently showed himself to be one of the biggest small men with his desire to get the ball and the fact that he never gave in. Ben C had a knack of chipping in with great gathers and snappy goals at important times.
Also two young men, Denis and Robbie supported Under 10 Gold throughout the year. They attend most training and every game. Though they never had an opportunity to play, they loved the team and it has helped both of them develop not only in their football but also in themselves. The same can be said for many of the parents who have been involved this year.
Lastly, Grant the coach has given more to the team than anyone else. In doing so he has done a great service for many, many people.

Goals: Simon, Levi
Final Score: Fitzroy 2.1 13 to Ivanhoe 11.10 76
Next game: 2006

Game 15 V Kew Rovers

Jack and the most consistent trainer, Michael B were captains today, and they should be very proud of the team’s effort. Fitzroy played four quarters of good football to defeat Kew Rovers by 26 points.
From the first bounce the Reds attacked the footy well and forced the ball forward. Orien showed good vision with a lovely handball off to Tom K who positioned himself nicely for a shot at goal but just missed. No harm done though as the kickout from full back was taken by Hugh who swung onto his trusty left foot and scored a major. A minute late he had another courtesy of Ben L who fought strongly in the forward line and kicked high into the square. Kew then managed to get the ball into their forward line but were stylishly repelled by Tom K and Paddy with a nice one-two and a clearing run. This was one of many good plays by Paddy who continually showed commitment and strength at the ball. Towards the end of the quarter Kew were desperate to score and a set shot from about 20meters out was their best chance, but Fragos ran back to the goal square and proved to be too big an obstacle, clearing brilliantly off the line just as the siren sounded. Other outstanding efforts in the quarter came from Sean who had several good strong runs, Andrew and Brendan.
The second quarter started fiercely but Michael B, Paddy and Andrew showed they were up to it by tacking fiercely and running hard. Tom G, Ben L and Luke also made excellent contests for the ball and then Rory gathered and broke free from centre half forward only to narrowly miss. Still Kew were once again deep in defence and eventually the relentless pressure of the Lions paid off as a free kick was won in the square. Tom G took no time to convert it into a six pointer. This goal came as a result of good discipline by forwards, midfielders and backs who simply gave Kew no chance of clearing the ball – the team was playing well to instructions. From the next bounce Kew had its only foray forward for the quarter and they scored a goal. But Fitzroy got it back in no time when Hugh gained possession about 60meters out, had a run and goaled right on half time. Twenty points up at the break.
The second half started with Kew forcing out of the centre, but Tom K gathered nicely in defence and cleared the ball forward to Hugh who again took a long run and kicked truly. Sean was in the ruck and did a great job, leaping high and giving the Fitzroy midfielders first use of the ball. He also marked strongly around the ground. Stefan worked hard and really helped the team as did Jack. Evan marked and handballed beautifully off to Levi as the Roys really showed good form in moving the ball quickly through the Centre. Matthew as usual played strongly and was great in defence, punching the ball away from defenders and keeping them under pressure. Ben C too fisted the ball away from the opposition several times. Tom S, Oliver and Liam all played well for the team. Kew just could not get an easy possession. Fizroy were just too focussed. Mark showed one way to break free by selling an excellent dummy, holding the ball in one hand, and then running straight through the pack like a hot knife through butter. Rory took a strong mark on the siren but his shot, from about 90meters out just fell short.
In the last quarter Rory had another roost, this time from about 60meters out and Fragos, playing like a rover, skimmed the ball off the back of the pack and put through a major with the very difficult reverse torpedo off the outside of his boot – making the impossible look easy. Luke, who had played well throughout the game took a good mark and again the pressure was on Kew who finally cracked when a misdirected kickout from full back was marked in the pocket by Orien. He made no mistake with the difficult set shot. At this stage the game was won but the Roys refused to ease off and Jacob demonstrated the level of commitment and playing for the team when he took a great mark on the last line of defence running strongly with the flight of the ball.

Goals: Hugh 4, Tom G, Fragos, Orien
Final Score: Fitzroy 7.6 48 to Kew Rovers 2.10 22
Next and final game: Ivanhoe Bulleen Park (away)

Game 14 V St Marys

In what turned out to be an exciting game of football, Fitzroy drew with a team positioned higher on the ladder. And the Roys could easily have won. Greensborough Park is nestled into a hillside and as such provided good cover from the strong northerly wind. Rory and Nicholas were captains today but it made no difference that St Mary’s won the toss as neither end had a real advantage.
In the first quarter Fitzroy players attacked the ball really well. Jacob took a couple of strong marks early. Rory played with excellent determination and held a great one overhead. As usual, Orien did the hard work in and under and Michael B really stood up gaining a number of valuable possessions. Juan Pablo had a few useful touches, as did Matthew but it was when Hugh was called to play on from a disputed mark, that Fitzroy scored its first goal, the only one by either team for the quarter.
In the second St Marys came at the Roys hard and Fitzroy had to defend for much of the quarter. Sean and Nicholas were very solid, and Andrew probably played his best game of the season so far, gathering many hard balls, and either banging onto his boot or running it out of the backline. These and other defensive efforts by Paddy, Fragos, Michael B and again Rory were really frustrating St Marys who just couldn’t get a reward for their efforts. Unluckily for the Roys however, a couple of frees close to goal for the attacking team let them in with two goals. And at the main break there was one kick in it.
In the third quarter Juan Pablo stepped into the ruck and he played strongly as required. Ben L showed some class with a nice tap on to Paddy for a run through the centre. Sean again impressed with his mental strength and continuous effort, showing just why he is one of the team’s most reliable backs. Luke also did some very good work. One handball he fired out to Jacob was full of class, and down the field the ball reached Ben C who rarely wastes an opportunity and bounced through the team’s second major. Half way through the quarter Andrew came back onto the field and he was straight into the action – hard at the ball – showing everyone how its done. St Marys though did get one goal back at the end of the quarter.
So at the start of the last Fitzroy was one goal behind. The atmosphere was tense, coaching staff, parents, brothers, sisters and supporters all willed the boys to put in 15 minutes of hard effort. And the players did their part. Everyone in the team tried hard. Players like Stefan, Simon, Levi, Liam, Tom K, Evan, Nicholas, Mark, Thomas G, and Thomas S all kept focused and played for the team. There was plenty of good shepherding, talking, hard ball gets and good running all around the ground. Midfielders put in the extra effort and ran back into defence when the St Marys was threatening, and forwards even moved up the ground to give the backs something to kick to. It was a great effort all around, and finally it was Rory who held a strong mark in the hotspot and kicked straight under pressure to level the scores. From then on, the Roys continued to play strongly but were unable to get the lead before the final siren sounded. Still it was a very solid performance, and the club songs were sung with real spirit afterwards.

Goals: Hugh, Ben C, Rory
Final Score: Fitzroy 3.2 20 to St Marys 3.2 20
Next game: Kew Rovers Citizens Park (home)

Game 13 V Camberwell

Unlike last week, there was some disappointment after this week’s game against Camberwell. During the first quarter Fitzroy looked a real chance and kept up with the competition leaders. In fact the Lions dominated the play and captains Orien and Nicholas should have been proud. There was some good teamwork, particularly on the forward line and Matthew snapped a great goal from a boundary throw in. Ben C and Hugh were unlucky not to get goals from their shots too. The centres and half backs formed excellent defensive lines and Camberwell had real trouble pushing forward, let alone scoring. Tom K, Sean and Paddy all played very well, and scores were even at the first break.
The next three quarters however were less enjoyable for all. Camberwell attacked hard, both physically and sadly verbally. They ended up winning most of the contests. Our backs were under constant pressure, and while there were some very good efforts - Orien, Andrew, Juan Pablo, Michael, Fragos, Luke, Nicholas, Liam, Ben L, Levi and Rory to name a few, the Roys could not manage another goal for the game, while the Sharks steadily built their score. In the end Camberwell ran out easy winners. They awarded a medal to Rory for being best player from the opposition.
One lesson from this game is that the only way* to retaliate to harassment is to play better football. Thats what they don't want!
Hopefully this week on the training track will help the team regain focus so that we can put on a good show against St Marys who beat us too easily in Game 7. Fitrzroy is certainly a better team now.

Goals: Matthew
Final Score:Fitzroy 1.7 14 to Camberwell 6.17 53
Next game: St Mary's at Greensborough Park (away)

*Umpires and coaches should be told when there are instances of unsporting behaviour, so these can be kept out of the game.

Game 12 V Kew T

Fitzroy played its best football for the season to beat Kew T and erase the disappointing loss of Round 8. All the players can be proud of the performance on Sunday, and if they can repeat such a display during the rest of the season, every other team will worry. The main features of the game were that everybody contributed and everybody worked together. There were no passengers in the team. Each player took responsibility for his position and did what was needed. There were great efforts all around the field. Players consistently beat their own opponents and sometimes even took on two or more opposition players but still won. There was talking and shepherding, hard running and good tackling. The skills were also good: kicking, handballing, picking the ball up off the ground and marking it out of the air. Everything just seemed to click. Clearly Fitzroy was focussed this week. The game showed just how good this team can be. We all hope that such spirit and focus will continue through to next week, but whether it does or not, this victory over Kew T will be proudly remembered. Well done.

Goals Hugh 5, Ben
Final Score Fitzroy 6.5 41 to Kew T 3.1 19
Next game: (17 July) Camberwell at Citizens Park 11:30am

Game 11 V Kew M

No report

Goals: Jack, Simon, Hugh
Final score: Kew 12.10 82 to Fitzroy 3.4 22

Game 10 V Canterbury

Q1
The start of the ski season brought snow to the mountains, a chill wind to Citizens Park and a cold start for our boys in a game some of them had been confident would mark a return to the winners list. While it had rained overnight the ground was in good condition.
The quarter started as an arm wrestle in the mid field with both teams applying pressure but soon it was clear that bottom placed Canterbury had come to play and Fitzroy would need to be at their best to come out on top.
There were some good passages of play from Fitzroy. Evan was making good use of handball to better positioned players, Andrew attacked the ball hard and shepherded well and Rory kicked in beautifully from a point
Unfortunately the lack of teamwork on the forward line let down the good work to get the ball down there while some loose defence let the opposition in for a mark and goal.
Fitzroy 0.0.0 v Canterbury 1.0.6

Q2
The cross ground wind appeared to get stronger and colder as play got under way. The boys tried hard but good work to get the ball forward resulted only in a point. The kickout went out of bounds untouched resulting in a free kick to Mark who kicked another point.
Evan was again in the thick of play linking the handpass to Tom K who passed to Rory. Jacob was great in defence as he spoiled some strong chances for goal time and time again. Hugh passed to Luke for a nice mark..
But Canterbury attacked hard in the second half of the quarter and a few seconds of loose play in defence allowed them in for another goal.
Fitzroy 0.2.2 v Canterbury 2.2.14

Q3
The third quarter saw the ball on Fitzroy’s forward line for the Lion’s share of the time with Jacob playing well further up the ground this time. Fitzroy were able to get the ball up for two marks in front of goal but both were narrow misses for minor scores. Mark was good in and under and Sean played well at half-back.
There were still too many Fitzroy players content to be second to the ball while Canterbury only got the ball down to their forward line a couple of times in the quarter but managed points on both occasions.
Fitzroy 0.4.4 v Canterbury 2.4.16

Q4
Fitzroy were still in with a chance but a quick goal to Canterbury made the task much harder. Jacob to Luke provided some good football and Andrew was giving some dash at half back. However it seemed that every time our players kicked the ball forward of the centre it fell into the arms of an opposition player only to be sent back as quickly.
Canterbury, sensing victory, pushed forward putting the defence under renewed pressure until they broke through for another goal. It could have been more but for some good work from Nick, Andrew, Tom S and Tom K.
Finally the siren sounded for the end of the game and Fitzroy had to concede the points to a team which was prepared to go in harder for the ball.
And we couldn’t blame the umpiring because Bruce Edwards was one of ours and did a great job of filling the role as there was no league umpire assigned to the match.
Fitzroy 0.4.4 v Canterbury 4.5.29

Goals: 0
Final score: 0.4.4 to 4.5.29
Next game (26 June): Kew M (away)

Game 9 V Ivanhoe

Fragos and Mark were captains this game and Fitzroy put in a reasonable effort playing the top team in the competition. The Roys attacked the ball well and over the entire game the two teams had about equal possession of the football. The final scores could have been closer but Ivanhoe’s better team work, especially shepherding and moving the ball quickly was the main difference between the sides.
In the first quarter Liam produced some really good work and along with Andrew they managed a number of clearances from the backline. Michael applied himself strongly and did a great job forcing the ball along the wing. Sean showed excellent spirit with a long chase. His strength of mind, in that he never gives up is a real asset to the team. Tom K had very good quarter gathering many possessions and showing his skill.
In the second term Ivanhoe broke away with three goals. The first came from a Fitzroy defensive lapse where the Ivanhoe player was allowed to play on too easily after taking a mark. Also there were boys in black on their own around the hotspot. The Fitzroy defenders needed to play their opponents tighter. Nevertheless there were some good efforts by the backs. Evan took a strong mark and Paddy, as usual, showed great strength and determination.
Immediately after half time the Fitzroy forced the ball forward and Orien scored two quick goals by attacking the ball hard and playing in front. Both his majors came from play around the goal mouth were well deserved. At that time, victory for the Roy boys was a real chance. Unfortunately though, some Ivanhoe boys then began to play the man and the tactic worked. Some Fitzroy players got sucked in and lost focus on the game, and Ivanhoe scored two late goals while there were arguments going on around the ground. From then the game was probably out of reach for the Reds.
Still there were plenty of efforts worth mentioning. Rory played very well all day especially at Full Back, and his big kick outs really helped keep the ball out of the opposition’s scoring zone. Thomas G, Nicholas and Griffin made an impact on the game. Ben C took a number of good marks. Tom S played showed real leadership like a General in defence, and Luke was his usual hardworking self, gathering many touches. Fragos has developed into a very good ruckman who does invaluable work helping his team mates around the packs. Mark and Jacob went in hard and both took knocks during the game but are expected to be right to take on Canterbury in a fortnight.

Goals: Orien 2
Final score: 2.4 16 to 9.6 60
Next game (19 June): Canterbury (home)

Game 8 V Kew T

Although bitterly disappointed at their one point after the siren loss, Fitzroy U10 Gold should be proud of a really good performance at Victoria Park. The team played with much improved determination, almost achieving an unlikely 111 point turnaround from the previous game against Kew T. Congratulations to Evan and Sean who were captains this week. They both played well.
In the first quarter Kew T scored two goals, but the Roys defended strongly. Paddy, Sean and Tom S were fearsome and hard at it in the backline, and Matthew had some very good touches.
In the second, with a light southerly, Fitzroy turned the game around. Thirty seconds in Hugh scored after the ball was forced forward from the centre bounce. Soon after he had a second courtesy of some good work by Tom K and Andrew and a nice pickup and pass by Orien. A third came when again Orien used the ball smartly and Luke and Oliver worked together well. Fragos was winning in the ruck, Paddy was solid in defence, and the ball was being moved quickly. The Reds were everywhere. Evan, Simon and Ben L were playing great footy, but it was Juan Pablo who notched up the team’s fourth goal for the quarter, scoring out of the pocket. 4.3 to 2.0 at half time.
There were some great efforts in the third. Luke dominated at ground level and also held a good mark. Brendan stood up in the last line with a spoil and chase. Tom S took a good mark in defence where Andrew was also playing strongly. Tom K made a great smother. Still, Kew T pressed and got two late goals. There was one point between the teams at three quarter time.
In the last term Matthew won Fitzroy’s second free kick for the game and, as everyone stopped to think what to do, he played on quickly and passed nicely to Hugh who slotted it through the big sticks, putting the team in front. Kew T then forced the ball forward to the goal square, won its umpteenth free, and scored to go one point up. From the next bounce Fitzroy charged forward and scored a behind. Only minutes to go and scores were level.
From then the Fitzroy team fought with great effort. It was desperate stuff. Every player showed fantastic commitment and all the parents and supporters felt great pride. This was the strongest and most impressive effort shown this year. Unfortunately though, luck was not the boys in maroon and blue. In the most controversial decision of the game, the umpire paid a point to Kew T when many thought the final bell had rung before the kick. It was the point that won the game for them. Emotions ran high, but as is always the case, right or wrong the umpire’s decision was final, and just as it must be, the team graciously congratulated the opponents. Very well done all.
One of the greatest things that players can get out of football is the ability to work as a team: different people striving for a common goal; growing together as individuals in a group; sharing joy and sometimes sadness. The young men in U10Gold are now a better, stronger, tighter team.

Goals: Hugh 4, Juan Pablo
Final score: 5.4 34 to 5.5 35
Next week: Ivanhoe (away)

Game 7 V St Marys

Perhaps it was the relaxing autumn sunshine and playing at home at Citizens Park, but Fitzroy took it too easy against St Marys this round and were given a football lesson.
St Marys started the game strongly by kicking two goals. Immediately the pressure was on the Fitzroy backs who fought hard but could not team up well enough to force the ball forward. This was despite several good efforts: Stefan made a strong straight run in defence, Brendan defended valiantly on the last line, Ben L attacked the ball well, and Matthew put in some great tackles. Tom S who was captain kept his head over the ball and played strongly. There was a chance at the end of the quarter when Sean made a great break from the middle, but he was beaten to the kick by the siren.
In the second quarter Rory who was also captain had a big job trying to get some control from centre half forward. He contested well but had limited opportunities. Luke impressed with good tackling in the middle, but overall it was the defence again under pressure. St Marys were getting more of the ball. Still, Jacob stood out. He marked well in the backline and ran strongly, gaining possessions right up the ground.
After half time Fitzroy gained some control in the centre. This gave the forwards a bit of a sniff and then it was the opposition defenders under pressure. This was a welcome improvement that paid off when Hugh was able to score the Lion's first goal.
In the last quarter the players gained confidence and determination and showed their commitment to team. Sean set a good example. He tackled strongly and was rewarded with a free kick that he converted into a major with a nice shot from the forward pocket. Ben L continued his strong defensive game spoiling his opponent well, and Jack took a good run and kick from the backline. There was some good talking and some useful handballs, smothers and one very good shepherd (by Orien?) that allowed Evan a clean break away. Luke too got in some run time down the wing, and Ben C showed his ability with a nice mark. Mark showed strength and running, and Orien stepped up and played well.
Still, when the final siren sounded, Fitzroy was well beaten and will want to be much stronger in the future. The team must win more ball and use it better to get the points next week.

Goals: Hugh, Sean
Final score: 2.0 12 to 14.9 93
Next week: Kew T (away)

Game 6 V Camberwell

After four consecutive victories, Fitzroy's winning streak has been ended (for now) by Camberwell. The undefeated Sharks were always going to be a difficult assignment at their home ground. The Roy boys made a reasonable effort but were unable to keep up the pressure for all four quarters. Now the challenge is to learn from this game and improve.
Once again the weather was perfect (for cityfolk) - cool, sunny and dry. The football though was tight and scruffy for much of the match.
The first quarter, as we have become accustomed, was a tough arm-wrestle. Neither team scored a goal, but given that Fitzroy was kicking up the hill, the Lions probably had the edge, and certainly the Sharks were worried at the first break. Highlights of the quarter included an excellent mark to Rory in the last line of defence and another good mark to Tom K. Both grabs were early contenders for the day's most spectacular.
In the second quarter Camberwell scored two goals, both from Fitzroy kickouts. This was despite good kicks from full back as per the team plan. This week we will need to improve this aspect of our game and ensure that we play super tight until the ball is out of the opposition's scoring zone. One example of the sort of commitment required was shown by Mark who made a strong and brave smother in the pack pocket. Tom S also defended strongly. At half time the score was 0.2 2 to 2.6 18
The third quarter was Camberwell's. But several Fitzroy players, especially the boys who were in the backline really put their hands up as leaders. Luke had a good fly on the wing and almost held the ball long enough - but didn't get paid. Paddy showed himself to be super committed - attacking the ball, running in straight lines, and putting fear in the oppositions faces. He also tackled very well. The highlight though came from Mark who, running with the flight of the ball leapt fearlessly into a pack and held a great mark - undoubtedly this week's most spectacular. Fragos too stood up strongly on the last line. Michael, Evan and Brendan also put in good efforts. Nevertheless, Camberwell got five majors for the quarter, including a couple of quick ones at the end, which probably won the game for them.
In the last the Lions came out focussed and hard, and convincingly won the quarter. There was good teamwork in the midfield and Tom K kicked well for the team's first goal. Then Oliver showed nice class with a smart snap for the second. Jacob too was turning it on and getting lots of the ball until he received a shirtfront - an incident that concerned all parents - which took him out of the game. The third goal came from Luke who showed good skill snapping truly from the hotspot. Sean and Orien also put in well. Despite losing the game, the strong finish showed that Fitzroy can beat Camberwell next time.
Tom K and Hugh were captains for this game and both played well. Camberwell generously awarded Hugh with a medal at the end.

Goals: Tom K, Oliver, Luke
Final Score: 3.2 20 to 8.9 57
Next Week: St Marys (home)

Game 5 V Kew Rovers (A powerful display)

Fitzroy played its best football of the season to run over a competitive Kew Rovers at Stradbroke Park. The weather was perfect and with little wind and sunny skies there was plenty of quality action for the crowd to enjoy. The Roy boys played with discipline, purpose and spirit, sound teamwork and good talking. Captains Michael and Jacob lead a great on-field display.
The game started tightly in the midfield, Juan Pablo making his presence felt by taking some good, strong marks. The first goal came after the ball was booted long to the square, where Nick read the bounce perfectly and got a six pointer from his first kick. At the end of the quarter this was the difference between the teams; 1.2 to 0.2.
The second quarter opened with some awesome play. At the first bounce Fragos dominated and knocked it cleanly out to Rory who kicked long to Matthew for a scintillating goal - less than a minute in. The spirits built as Tom S laid some good tackles, Andrew showed leadership in the backline and Jacob began to control the middle. Rory and Matthew continued their good teamwork in the forward line, and Rory put the ball right the hot spot at the top of the goals square where Jack took it and goaled. Luke tackled very well and had a run through the centre, finishing off with a nice pass to Rory. Still we couldn’t goal again and when Kew Rovers snapped a lucky one midway through the term the pressure was put back on Fitzroy. However Andrew stood up and was outstanding defensively, he tackled Kew Rovers’ best player and continually repelled the ball from the backline.
In was in the third quarter that the shackles were broken. Jack scored again, another clever one off the outside of his boot, then Juan Pablo showed the value of putting in a second effort. After kicking into the man on the mark, he attacked the ball, regained possession and handballed out to Hugh who goaled easily. Then, following a Fitzroy point, Juan Pablo marked the kickout, went back and scored one for himself. Three goals to Reds for the quarter, and none to the opposition. Great work.
In the last, Luke kicked a good goal following a centre break, Tom K put in an excellent shepherd allowing Ben C to get one, and then Ben C put the icing on the cake steering through his second from a tight angle following a mark in the pocket. Hugh put the cherry on top through a great individual run, taking three bounces out of the centre and slotting a goal to finish.
Special thanks to our Mums

Goals: Jack 2, Hugh 2, Ben C 2, Nick, Matthew, Juan Pablo, Luke
Final Score: 10.10 70 to 2.5 17
Next Week: Camberwell B (away)

Game 4 V Doncaster Heights (Three in a row)

On an excellent day for football, Captains Levi and Ben L had the honour of leading the team to its third victory on the trot. And this game demonstrated just how much the spirit of the group has developed.
Following on from Friday's Fun Night at Don Bosco's, where the players (and parents) had enjoyed a great evening together developing athleticism and camaraderie, everyone was fired up to perform for the game. So on Sunday, most people arrived early and were rewarded by seeing an inspirational victory by our training mates, Under 10 Blue. Well before the start of our game, as hoped, all players had signed in, and all parent jobs had been taken. Special mentions should go to gentlemen Geoff who took on the long white coat, Kyle on the whiteboard and Glenn the runner - just a few of the people who help U10 Gold off the field. But it was on the ground where the game was won.
Kicking with the wind in the opening quarter, there were some great passages of play. Ben C passed to Hugh on the tip of the goal square for our first, and then Ben C bagged two goals for himself. One was from a payback pass from Hugh, and the second after a stream of great handballs, the final one from Liam S. It was teamwork at its best, everyone protecting their mates, using the ball well, and doing it for the group. Also in the quarter Tom K laid a great tackle on an opponent and then almost scored a major (the ball bouncing the wrong way right on the goal line), Fragos ran well, and the defenders stuck to their men. The ball hardly got past our half backs Michael, Sean and Levi, and at quarter time it was three goals to nil, but we still had to kick into the wind.
For the second quarter, the coach put Matthew and Orien into the middle, Brendan into the ruck and Andrew to the half back line. The moves paid off and the Reds defences were again rock solid. The ball was relentlessly pumped into our forward line and had it not been for the finishing, the game could have been over by half time. As it was however, no goals were scored in the second quater and at the main break, the scores were 3.13 to 0.0. Some other highlights of the half were a great mark to Ben L, a stylish three bounce run from wingman Tom K, and another nice overhead (as we have come to expect) from jumping jack Orien. Andrew, Evan and Stefan all played solid defensive roles, staying close to their men and starving them. Paddy, also showed true Fitzroy strength and spirit with some strong tackles and shepherds.
In the third term Tom K provided the first goal. He broke left, dodged then swung back onto his right foot and kicked a good long one from centre half forward. Moments later Matthew gathered the ball nicely in the pocket and kicked to the goal line where Orien put it through easily.
In the last quarter Doncaster Heights were desperate for a score and they attacked hard, but Fitzroy always had their measure. Mark showed outstanding pace with a long run down the wing, leaving everyone in his wake. Hugh too, after a good mark, broke free and took a couple of bounces. And Evan took a strong mark at half back. Doncaster Heights, through some determined play did manage to score four points in the quarter.
Congratulations to everyone who played and everyone who came to support. Football is about putting yourself on the line for the good of the team and Under10Gold is going from strength to strength.

Goals:Ben C 2, Hugh, Tom K, Orien
Final Score: 5.16 46 to 0.4 4
Next Week: Kew Rovers (away)

Game 3 V Canterbury (a hard fought win)

On yet another unseasonally warm day for footy, Fitzroy managed to overcome Canterbury B in a tough, hard fought game. The win was due to teamwork and persistence especially in and around the tight packs. The Roy boys combined better in-close. They talked, shepherded and kept their heads over the ball when it counted.
The first half was an arm-wrestle. The strong wind made judging marks difficult and on the ground, both teams were going in hard. Simon opened the scoring with a classy gaol, but soon after Canterbury got one back and at the first break there was only one point separating the sides. The tight contest continued throughout the second quarter. Neither team could get a break. Tom K was outstanding in the middle. Evan attacked the ball well and Jack had a good shot that hit the post, but neither team could score a major and by the main break Fitzroy still lead by less that a kick..
It was in the third that the game was broken open. Orien, carrying on from last week, dodged and weaved and snapped truly for a ten point break. Ben C, in the forward line, took this week's spectacular mark, and Tom G kicked a good goal. Canterbury did get one back late, but going into the last Fitzroy had the break.
Thanks to every player who came, Fitzroy a full team this week, and the freshlegs in the last quarter were telling. The midfield, including Rory who played well in ruck, started to dominate. In the backline the hard men like Paddy and Brendan, and ball movers like Jacob and Tom S ensured Canterbury could never get through the defences easily. The full back and half back lines played excellent team football, shutting down and then running off their opponents, and the midfielders worked together. For most of the quarter the ball was being forced into the Fitzroy forward zone, and about ten minutes in Hugh put through the sealer. Canterbury then made a few thrusts forward but it was too little too late and they just could not overcome the focussed and skilled lions.
A great effort by a fast developing team. Well done to captains Stefan and Juan Pablo who demonstrated leadership at both ends of the ground.

Goals: Simon 1, Orien 1, Tom G 1, Hugh 1
Final score Fitzroy 4.5 29 defeated Canterbury 3.1 19
Next week Fitzroy 1 V Doncaster Heights G at Citizens Park 11:30am
Usual training Wednesday and Saturday at Ramsden St

Game 2 - V Park orchard (an awesome victory)

U10 Gold had its first win of the season this week clearly outclassing Park Orchard at Ramsden St Oval. The Roy boys had winners all over the field and held the opposition scoreless for the game. By the last quarter, players like Simon, Jacob, Tom K and Hugh had so much confidence that they were gaining posessions at will, and streaming out of the backline and kicking long to the hot spot where Andrew and first gamer, Orien were pulling in a series spectacular marks. Another oustanding player in the forward line was Juan Pablo who finished with four goals for the day.
Fitzroy kicked with the northerly wind in the first quarter and immediately gained the ascendency through a dominating midfield. Lead by Captain for the day Luke, the onballers teamed up well and relentlessly pumped the ball forward. It was only a matter of time before Ben C steered through the first major and then Hugh had snapped the team's second. One highlight of the quarter was the support teamates gave eachother and this was demonstrated by a shepherd by Ben L which was so thumping that it shook the coaches box.
The second quarter, despite being into the wind, was mainly fought out in a crowded Fitzroy forward line. Luke passed neatly to Rory for the first. Orien snapped another and then Juan Pablo got two in a row, one before half time and then the first after the long break. Also in the third term Frago's converted after grabbing one out of the ruck, and Ben C showed his class with a neat blind turn for another. Tom K also contributed a six pointer in the third quarter.
By the last quarter, even kicking into a strong wind made no difference to Fitzroys total domination. Victory was in sight, and there was plenty of run still in the legs. The backline was focussed and rock solid. The ball did not get pass them for the entire match. The midfielders were hunting in packs and teaming up well and the forwards were in control both in the air and at ground level. A pass from Andrew to Sean for a gaol was a highlight, as were some great marks.
Congratulations to Luke and Brendan who were successful captains this week. A fine team effort was the key to the win. Well done to all players who contributed.

Games 1 - V Kew - No report

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