What a season!
Triumphs & tears, thrillers & thrashings -
season 2005 had it all.
And while some of the boys might still be
lamenting 'what could have been' after two narrow finals losses in successive
weeks, each and every one of you should be proud of what you've achieved this
season, and the marked improvement you've shown with your football skills,
fitness, and self-esteem.
While
disappointment always accompanies a
loss, and they don't come much harsher then in a Preliminary Final, there
isn't one boy in the team who can't hold his head high and be proud of his
effort this season.
All of you have continued to mature as
footballers, and its been rewarding to see the evolution of a number of fringe
players into key members of the side.
Dom stepped to the fore this season and from
the outset showed his incredible aerial ability and punishing right boot.
Sammy & Hugh joined him on the half-back line providing both power and pace,
Sammy displaying his newfound safe set of hands, with Hugh providing plenty or
run off the back flank.
The emergence of the rock-solid combination
of Jason & Jason further strengthened the side's defence, as the boys shut
down attack after attack, running back with the ball with courage and force.
Up the other end of the ground Zander set his
sights on a massive bag of goals early in the season, kicking seventeen in the
opening six rounds before pushing further up the ground.
Utilties Dan, Oscar and Reis all added
another dimension to the side's forward line, with all three bagging a couple
of goals this year.
James Bate & Toby also provided spark off the
half-back flanks, as did Jordan batten who excelled when finals time came
around.
Stevan showed incredible skill for a
first-year player, the deadly accurate disposer of the ball enjoying a run up
forward early in the season before finding his calling deep in defence.
Luke started the season in the ruck before
pushing into a more central role, alternating between both ends of the ground.
Chris Smith also enjoyed time at both ends of the ground, his 'footy-smarts'
giving him plenty of the leather in the latter half of the season.
Michael rucked tirelessly for games on end
with little respite, and was bruised, belted and battered but definitely not
beaten.
Fin found his home on the wing just three
weeks into the season and ran hard for sixteen weeks to secure his spot. Dylan
also enjoyed a prolonged spell on the wing for the middle-part of the season,
before acting as the side's seventh defender in the season's 'crunch' games.
McGee also enjoyed a change in position,
starting the season in the midfield before pushing to full-forward and bagging
nineteen goals.
His absence meant the stable combination of
Justin, Jesse & Hoddy would run out most of the season's games, Justin's
brutal force and attack on the ball complementing Hoddy's pace and unrivalled
skills at ground level.
The emergence of Jesse as a competent rover
added further depth to the side's already strong midfield, the little maestro
tackling with a ferocity that few in the side could match.
In fact there isn't one player who hasn't
shown improvement, and not one player that hasn't contributed to the side's
success this season.
And despite not battling it out for the '13
brown' flag on that final Sunday of the season, we've had our highs, as we've
had our lows, but
the best thing is that as a side we've stuck
together and gutsed out some inspirational finishes.
There was something special about that
come-from-behind win out at Glen Iris, that will live on in my memory for
years to come.
It wasn't even the result that sets that win
apart, but how the twenty-two of you embodied that 'Fitzroy Spirit', and
showed courage, camaraderie and the will to never give in.
How you went about playing that final
quarter, how you rallied around your felled and injured teammates, and how
your persevered through adversity.
How you played the ball, played with dignity
and in a manner that upheld the club's name, and then to snatch victory out of
the hands of defeat, was undoubtedly one of the most satisfying moments of my
coaching career.
Courage, determination and camaraderie are all
words that aptly describe your on-field presence,
however just as important is your eagerness to
work hard but have a bit of fun on the track.
In closing,
hopefully season 2005 has been as rewarding
for all of you, as it has for me. I sincerely thank all those who have
assisted throughout the season, in particular Graham, Joe, Torch, Jamie,
Mark, Paul and
Phyllis, who continues to excel behind the
camera lens.
And to the boys, thanks for a
fantastic year. I never thought taking on a bunch of ratbag teenagers would have
been as fun and rewarding as it has been, and regardless of whether or not I take
the reigns again next year I wish all of you the very best in your future
endeavours both on and off the field.
Cam Nation
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