| COACH'S
MATCH REPORT:
Fitzroy
5-2- 32 pts Def by Park Orchards 5- 4- 34pts.
Roaring
Roys Go Down In Thriller
Fitzroy
Under 13s have gone down to Park Orchards by two points in a most
remarkable game of football this afternoon.
Trailing
by five goals at three quarter time and with a howling gale at their
backs, the Roys peppered the goals in a heart breaking final quarter
and conclusion to a superb season of junior football.
The
game started well for the Roys when Laurie and Tom combined to clear
the ball beautifully. Max Lanskis held off his snowboarding trip
(22 degrees here, snow up there?!) and rewarded us with a fine mark
early while Paddy was terrific in his endeavour. However, although
Ben looked to provide spark along with Gabe Newnham, the Roys just
couldn't get going.
Despite
Liam Oliver outgunning his opponent in a near best on ground performance,
John outstanding off half back and Sam Gill and Dieter beating their
opponents, the Roys looked unexpectedly flat.
Dylan
gave us drive out of the ruck and at centre half forward but was
unable to carry his team mates with him.
A
pumped up opponent lead Fitzroy to the ball and carried the footy
at great pace. We were in terrible trouble at the main break, down
by almost four goals without having registered a major. Fitzroy
supporters were looking grim.
The
second half brought out the best in this team. Incredibly, we began
to man up and the game immediately changed complexion. Laurie imposed
himself on the game, Will threw himself at the contest (amazing
given his recent injury woes), Nick Gibbons was as tough and as
talented as they come, Boycey brave and Trevor hard running. Our
defence held firm with Finnian at his dashing best and Ben rebounding
well for us.
When
Liam kicked brilliantly from a set shot into the wind for our first
goal, we celebrated as a team. We were back.
For
the next ten minutes Fitzroy held our courageous opponents with
all its will. The typical August wind was worth several goals and
Fitzroy staved off Park Orchards, holding them to two late freakish
six pointers which were greeted by thunderous roaring from their
crowd. This told the story of a stressed opponent, desperate to
take advantage of its prior dominance.
And
then there was the final quarter. Goosebumps still. Nick McMahon
dodged and weaved, outplayed the terrific number four and drove
the ball forward. His twin brother, Tom took on the previously damaging
number six and two others. He beat them all and drove the ball forward.
Sam Gritzalis was on the receiving end and set us alight, superbly
splitting the big sticks. The roar was deafening (or it was just
my heartbeat).
Then
Abraham stunned us all with a final term worthy of the famous Teddy
Hopkins. His first goal of the season sent the crowd into rapture.
He was magnificent in his battle throughout that whole last quarter.
The
impossible was about to come true. The Roys were unstoppable. All
momentum had swung our way.
The
opposition had one answer. Flood. All Park Orchards players were
positioned in Fitzroy's half of the ground. This didn't stop the
tide. Dylan took one powerful mark after another and almost put
the Roys in front only to have the ball deviate dramatically from
its true course; a Fitzroy point resulted.
Roger
was magnificent in taking several towering marks, playing on and
thumping the leather forward.
Then,
one of those truly magical moments occurred. The smallest and least
experienced player on the ground, Tony picked the ball up out of
a pack looked to dish off the handball, found no one, blind turned,
spun out of the pack, was tackled by a relative giant and somehow
got boot to ball, we watched the ball travel in slow motion as it
sailed towards goal, carried by the breeze and appeared to be touched
on the line. The goal umpire, animated and in good viewing position,
rushed back to his rightful position and signalled….wait for it…gooaaallllll.!!!!
Three
minutes to go. Park Orchards were brave, Fitzroy brilliant. Another
flying shot at goal from the ‘Norm Smith' medallist, Vella-Horne…Point.
Another shot at goal…out of bounds.
Park
Orchards cleared the ball but only as far as the remarkable gadget
man, Laurie. He marked too far out to score and correctly, cleverly,
courageously played on and threw the ball onto his left foot. As
the ball sailed out of bounds the siren went. Two points short.
Oh, the agony.
And
so the ride came to a skidding halt. In defeat, Fitzroy were wonderful.
We witnessed passion displayed through tears, pride shown through
straight backs and unwavering gazes and dignity shown through humble
acknowledgement of achievement.
P.S.
Thankyous
and season wrap will be presented at the end of season function,
yet to be announced.
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