Round 5 Match Report

VS Banyule 27th May 2007

Fitzroy Colts 1 headed out to A.J.Burkitt Oval and were greeted by a dusty and sparsely grassed oval in their encounter against Banyule. A victory over Bulleen the previous week indicated that Banyule would be no easy opposition and the fierce attack on the ball by both teams from the first bounce confirmed that immediately.

Despite being up against a taller and more physically imposing ruckman, Thomas Dudgeon used his great spring early in the game to give the Fitzroy midfield first access to the ball. Jesse Dimond won countless possessions in the first quarter, continually extricating himself from packs to ensure a constant flow of football Fitzroy's way.

Two quick goals through Pete Kerr and a Nick Demelis bomb were encouraging although Banyule replied quickly with a goal seven minutes into the quarter.

The tall Banyule forwards were proving a challenge for the Fitzroy defence although Sam Baker was predictably resolute, countering several Banyule forward moves. Another Banyule goal leveled the scores before a finely judged mark and subsequent goal from Chris Krousoratis at full forward put Fitzroy 7 points in front at quarter time, a commendable effort in the face of a firm breeze.

Rory Angiolella led by example in the second quarter using his trademark strength to first, win the ball, and then secondly, break countless tackles to drive the ball forward where Will Pickering kicked two early goals courtesy of a great run from behind tackle and then a towering mark in the forward pocket. Fitzroy were now playing terrific running football with Jesse winning possessions at will, whilst Stiabhna Baker-Holland & Chris Polidoras were providing valuable drive off their respective wings. Further goals to Chris P and Michael Cussen who, after some uncharacteristic fumbles, was starting to look dangerous, put Fitzroy 33 points ahead before a late Banyule goal reduced the half-time margin to 27 points.

An early goal to Banyule in the second half signalled that they were not giving the game up however Fitzroy responded by dominating play for the next ten minutes with Rory winning everything in the middle and Nick Brown collecting multiple crumbs across half forward. Will Pickering got our first goal, roving a pack to snap truly whilst Michael Cussens now had his marking hands going including a strong mark and goal 25 metres out.

The Fitzroy defence was being tested by a number of Banyule's strong marking forwards however first gamer Chris Morton along with Max Rogers, Jack Atkinson and Dylan Temple played tightly on their opponents whilst looking for every opportunity to switch the play.

Nick Brown kicked a clever goal after some fine boundary work by Michael Cussen, after which Michael rewarded himself with another goal. A disappointing late goal still left Fitzroy well in front at three quarter time (31 points), a lead which was extended further early in the final term when Thomas Dudgeon showed what a great kick he can be by splitting the middle of the goals after a fine mark in the forward line.

Another goal to Michael Cussen and then a trick goal whilst laying on the ground reminded us how much talent Khalil Abou-Eid has. Chris Polidoras kept on winning the ball despite being on the receiving end of a number of crushing tackles whilst Will Johnson continued to put his body on the line in defence.

A string of behinds from Banyule allowed us to see Dylan Temple's fine kicking-in skills including a pinpoint 50 metre kick to Ross Borland. Another bone crunching Michael Cussen tackle coughed the ball up for Isaac Anderson to kick an easy goal and allow Fitzroy to finish the game 52 points ahead, a great result in what was a tough and physical affair.

Go Roys

Michael

Score: Fitzroy 15.6.96 Banyule 6.8.44

Best Players: Dimond, Cussen, Angiolella, Polidoras, Baker, Temple, Dudgeon, Brown, Johnson, Pickering, Baker-Holland

Goal kickers: Cussen 4, Pickering 3, Demelis, Polidoras, Abou-Eid, Brown, Kerr, Dudgeon, Krousoratis, Anderson

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