Under 12-1 2009

Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5 Game 6 Game 7 Game 8 Game 9 Game 10 Game 11 Game 12 Game 13 Game 14 Game 15

Game 4

Fitzroy 0.0 2.1 2.1 2.2 14

Glen Iris 3.4 4.4 8.6 11.11 77

Fitzroy hosted Glen Iris at Ramsden St on a beautiful sunny Mother's day. In contrast to our last game at this ground the conditions were ideal for showcasing football skills. Fitzroy had only 19 players available, one of whom was a bit proppy. Aiden was captain for the day, and Fitzroy were kicking to the uphill, but slightly breeze favoured northern end. Lucien was given the role of tagger to Glen Iris' gun no 3, a role which he accepted with relish.

Glen Iris dominated the first quarter, playing a modern style of football, of preferentially kicking to players in uncontested situations. Fitzroy only managed to move the ball forward of centre on two occasions in the quarter. Accordingly it was the defense who saw most of the action, with cameo efforts from Declan, but also a disturbing tendency to clear into the corridor.

The second quarter started in the same fashion with goal to Glen Iris. Ongoing forward pressure by Glen Iris was thwarted by sterling efforts from Harry J., Declan, and Harris in defense. Then there was a transformation in the game, and slowly but surely Fitzroy started to assert itself. A forward thrust by Otis lead to a rushed behind, then with the ball in contest Aidan handballed to Lucien, whose bouncing kick registered a goal. Andrej and Aidan combined beautifully to carry the ball down the wing, before Chas kicked the ball to the pocket where Noah picked up, evaded his opponent, and snapped over his shoulder for a miraculous goal.

If the boys were feeling upbeat at half time about having won a quarter then the third quarter was a sobering experience. Glen Iris re-asserted themselves and moved the ball forward with impunity to add 4 unanswered goals. Chas covered a lot of ground faithfully following the ball but there was no scoreboard joy for the 'Roy boys in this term.

Coach Michael was frank in his assessment at the last break: the quarter had cost us the game, but he asked the boys to be first to ball in the last quarter.

The boys responded in the final term with notable contributions from Robbie, Andrej, Angus, George, Aiden, and particularly Aidan, but apart from a behind to the latter it did not register on the scoreboard. If we didn't already know it then this match has made us realise that we are playing in an elite competition.

We await the release of the remaining fixtures to learn of our opponent in the next round. Go 'Roys!

"Chicken Smallhorn" (the ghost of Fitzroy past)