Under 13 Blue Match Reports

Results of Second Semi-Final

Fitzroy Blue 3 4--6--30 defeated Camberwell 2--9--21

OUR BEST WIN (SO FAR!!!!)

In a truly memorable game the boys came from behind to register a thoroughly deserved win.By defeating top of the ladder Camberwell they have booked themselves a Grand-Final berth. Amazing to think that both sides only managed 6 goals between them - indicative of how tough a contest it was.

With the familiar playing field of Citizens Park like concrete and a swirling gale blowing across the ground (but certainly favouring one end), we decided to kick with the wind, post a decent score then grimly defend to the end!! So much for Plan A -- we lost the toss and were forced to work really hard to move the ball into our forward 50m. Camberwell scored the first major but our boys hung on and the lead didn't blow out too far.
In the second quarter it was pretty much a battle of the half back lines - we really didn't capitalize on the advantage of the wind (perhaps expecting /hoping the wind would do our work for us!) Camberwell kept pressing our defence but some really solid work/desperate rushed behinds saw us just trailing but "in with a sniff".

The third quarter was another dour struggle - more rushed points - this time it was Camberwell who struggled and didn't really hurt us on the score board. The pressure/desperation in and around the 50 m arc was intense.

Come the final quarter - we were tantalizingly close but with so few goals scored we needed something special and the boys set themselves for a huge last effort -- there were certainly some steely glares in the 3/4 time huddle!! We had a few key players lift, inspiring others to follow suit and it was "Game-On". Our tackling was ferocious and the pressure being applied was terrific. The boys just wouldn't give up the ball/concede metres. We had a few chances to register "majors" and crept by fractions closer. Finally the elusive goal came that put us in front - a real team goal - so many had worked long and hard and were finally rewarded.

From the centre bounce Camberwell moved the ball quickly to their forward line and I feared the worst!!! Not to be however, the boys bottled up play so wel l- when an opening finally came they carried the ball forward and scored another "major" - the icing on the cake. I would rank that final quarter as our best for the season and certainly the longest 15 minutes I can remember!

It was great to see so many supporters in Fitzroy jumpers going wild (both on and off the field) when the final siren sounded. Thanks to all the families/friends who got behind the boys and wore our proud colours. I've spoken to many of the boys who said it gave them a real buzz/lifted their spirits. Certainly from out on the ground the colour and enthusiasm was awesome.

FJFC this week certainly meant Fitzroy Jumper Fan Club.

Well done to all, see you all Thursday

Greg

Round 16               

Fitzroy Blue 3    12- 13- 85     defeated  Heidelberg   3-4-22   
 
Our thirteenth win of the season and it nearly didn't happen!!  

In pretty good conditions for footy we were nearly playing a "scratch match" as Heidelberg were having trouble fielding a side. Right at the last minute player number 15 arrived and we were able to play a legitimate match. It did mean that we loaned players to the opposition and played 17 a side but that was preferable to a "walkover". A special thanks to the 8 players  who put their hands up to play for Heidelberg - at times you were amongst their best players!!! Seriously the Heidelberg coach was very complimentary on the manner in which you played, so well done to all!!

I used the game to experiment with some player combinations that had worked well at training and also rotate more players through the centre/wings - when things work out the coach is a genius!! When they don’t I have egg on my face!!  

I thought we were a bit slow out of the blocks on Sunday and failed to capitalize on some good thrusts forward.  A few of the dreaded "perfect passes to the opposition" and kicks into the man on the mark certainly didn’t help our cause. Heidelberg hung in there but we gradually crept further and further in front. The second quarter saw a bit more system in our play and pretty soon the game was in the bag. The third and fourth quarters saw us increase our lead with quite a few of the players slotting through “majors” As the final score shows we were a bit wayward with some of our attempts at goal. A solid win rather than spectacular-lets hope for a couple of really fantastic games in the weeks ahead. I think it fair to say we need to be on top of our game early to really give these finals a real  red hot go - these games will be more intense so we need contributions from all to be successful. 

Well done to all for the great effort of winning 13 games during the season. Remember  
TEAM----Together  Everyone Achieves More!!   

Cheers   Greg 

Round 15

Fitzroy Blue 3 10-9-69 defeated Wattle Park 2-3-15

GREAT TO BE BACK ON THE WINNERS LIST.

On a ground that was for a change more conducive to football than mud wrestling we came away with a well deserved win.

A howling gale blowing from one end proved a bit of a challenge. Depending on where you were standing on the ground,it was strong enough to blow our smaller players backwards and yet there were protected areas with only the slightest breeze. The position of the centre circle was "interesting"-at a guess at least 25 off centre! Great kicking one way but weird the other-imagine charging in at the ball up, a clean takeaway from the centre,beautiful bounce and then a long kick sideways to the goal--quite a few guys commented on the phenomenon. Certainly a ground where local knowledge would be an advantage!!!

Winning the toss, we decided to kick with the wind and after a pretty scrappy start, kicked away to a 2/3 goal lead. Wattle Park stuck to their guns and constantly pressed forward. For a while it became a real battle of the half backlines. Some dogged, determined and darn fine play turned defence into attack time and time again.Wattle Park managed 2 goals with the wind when we made the basic mistake of leaving the goal square vacant - had someone stayed back they were both stoppable--something to discuss again!

With the wind in the third quarter the "mosquito fleet" rediscovered their sting. Great ruck work saw us with first use of the ball and the speed with which it was moved forwards often caught Wattle Park out of position. Again some clever switches of play/unselfish passes provided opportunities up forward and we kicked away to a commanding lead.

The plan for the final quarter was to deny Wattle Park scoring opportunities with the wind and shut them out. To the guys credit, continued hard running/ sustained pressure achieved the desired outcome and they even increased the lead, scoring a couple of "majors" into the wind. Little wonder some of the boys were pooped when the siren sounded - fortunately there was still enough energy left to belt out our song!!

Sundays win has ensured us double chance in the finals. There are still a couple of interesting games that will decide the final positions. If Bev Hills wins we can retake top spot by beating Heidelberg. If Camberwell defeats Bev Hills, Kew can sneak in by defeating Doncaster. Fitzroy Blue 2 are also an outside chance if both Bev Hills and Kew are defeated (so we wish them luck!!!) Whatever happens St Mary's looks set to remain 3rd

Great to see more of the boys "switched on" on Sunday but we can still improve. Hopefully we are all set to "peak" at the same time in the games ahead!!!

Round 14

Fitzroy Blue 3 0-3-3 defeated by St Mary's 6-15-51

In a disappointing game our boys were simply outclassed by a team both too big physically and far too skillful. Our "mosquito fleet" were unable to get their normal freeflowing game happening because of the fierce and constant pressure being applied by the opposition. To give them credit, they battled on time and time again in the centre square "glue pit " only to confront a wall of opponents. Forward scoring thrusts were pretty scarce as is indicated by the scoreline. Our backline did a great job given the ball was in their half for most of the game - without some really desperate play at times the lead could have blown out much further.

Probably the most frustrating aspect of the game for me as coach was the number of times we kicked straight to the opposition and the turnovers really hurt us. Oppositon pressure can be blamed to a certain extent - but even in some of our recent easy wins when there hasn't been the same degree of pressure it has been a concern. Pre-match it is always something I stress yet the message isn't sinking in.Something to work on at training I guess.

Last minute player withdrawls meant the team needed rejigging and it was difficult to find a balanced combination - when 2 of our players were injured during play we were left without a bench so it made the situation even more difficult.
Im sure, given the spirit the boys have shown in previous matches, that they will bounce back from this set back even stronger and more determined. With 2 matches to go and then the finals approaching we've got plenty of opportunity to play some great footy.

Looking forward to next weeks game. Look out Wattle Park!

Greg

Round 13

Fitzroy 3 7-6-48 defeated Beverly Hills 5-6-36

One of our best team wins for the season!

Against some very tough opposition our boys came away with the points through sheer hard work and determined effort.

With drier conditions than we have experienced for a while, our "GET IT AND GO" style footy was the order of the day. Time and time again forward thrusts started at the half back line and some clever switching of play/great use of the centre corridor saw us in front at quarter time.

We were headed in the second quarter but the boys were playing uncompromising footy - really tough in the clinches against larger opponents. Our body language was still really positive and given the heart these guys have displayed week in/week out I was supremely confident.

Sure enough in the third quarter we wrestled back the lead and from then on it was a terrific effort from all to stay in front.The last 10 minutes of the final quarter were pretty tense as Beverly Hills literally threw everything at us!! To their credit our guys just refused to surrender the lead and ended up victors by 12 points

It was certainly a game I would love to see again - shame we dont have it on Video!!!

A great win boys - the true fighting spirit of the "Old Roys" was certainly in evidence!!

Greg

Check out the YJFL website for ladder and coming games-top 3 sides look set to qualify but depending on results, 4 sides could grab the last place .

Round 12

Fitzroy 11-7--73 defeated Banyule 1-4-10

On the hallowed turf of the original Roys our guys again did us proud. Conditions were pretty fair weather wise and the ground in good shape (apart from a couple of muddy areas like plasticine!). The width of the ground is pretty awesome - it seemed to take forever to walk from the dressing rooms to the coaches box. Keeping that in mind the order of the day was to really concentrate on using the centre corridor - going the long way home is about an extra 20 kicks! Centre clearances were again a feature and from memory we had 5-5-35 on the board by quarter time. Probably a little too wasteful given the amount of play we had. In the second quarter the wind really picked up and the team did really well to deny Banyule a goal given they had a gale at their backs. The game developed into a tug of war between the half back lines, with our guys breaking free every so often to post another major. Banyule to their credit stuck to their guns and in the final minutes managed to score a goal. All in all a good team win with contributions across the board.

The next 2 games (against Beverly Hills and St Mary's) promise to be exciting. In previous encounters the results were very close.We have moved to top position on the ladder - a fantastic achievement. Given the state of the ladder and the draw/games yet to be played a few contenders can still sneak into the finals but it looks certain that we will be taking part.

All parents are urged to keep the guys from climbing fences (and anyhing else they are likely to fall off) ban skateboarding/rollerblading etc etc and avoid all contact with germ laden friends and relatives. Encourage yoga, reading, listening to music and anything else passive you can think of. It would be so great to have a full, healthy squad for the exciting weeks ahead!!!

Well done again guys- fantastic free flowing football. Greg

Round 11

Fitzroy 3  12-9-81 defeated Doncaster 0-0-00

I give up asking for  dry weather on the weekends – the weather gods obviously take NO notice!

In wonderful conditions for a game of pass the bar of soap, the boys proved that they could adapt to the slippery conditions and were simply far too classy for the opposition. In both the first and second quarters they slammed on 5 goals and denied Doncaster even the remotest chance of scoring. Quarters 3 and 4 saw me rejig the positions and we continued to dominate play. Our players attack on the ball was much fiercer than that of the opposition and on numerous occasions a single Fitzroy player beat 2 or 3 opposition players in uneven contests. I have remarked previously on how amazed I am at the size of the “tickers” in some of our boys – they run all day and throw themselves repeatedly into situations where angels would fear to tread. Lads, I dips me lid to you! Some of the one per centers today were fantastic – shepherds, pack clearances, full stretch dives to knock a ball free – they may not go down as possessions but they are critical and a sign that the team is playing good footy.

A fantastic thing about today’s win is that there is still room for improvement – we had 3 players missing today. They would have been handy to give our guys a bit of a rest as the conditions were very trying. When I think back to last year, I can’t believe the improvements so many of you have made.

Boys, well done!!! A comprehensive victory.  Greg

Round 10

Fitzroy 3 9-3-57 Defeated Fitzroy 2 3-3-21

In and another great exhibition of team footy, the boys enjoyed a well deserved win. The first quarter was a tough tussle with neither team giving an inch. Scores were pretty even at quarter time. In the second and third quarters our boys’ game went up a notch and they kicked away to a handy lead and from there never looked threatened. The final quarter was similar to the first with some great passages of play and desperate footy from both sides.

Again we had contributions from across the board – our backline stood up well under some pretty fierce pressure and continued to pump the ball forward. The centre/on-ball players were again fantastic against generally larger opponents. Their desire to win the ball and keep attacking was inspiring. Our forwards shared the goal kicking duties with 5 or 6 players kicking goals.

Several players were given specific tasks today – something a little out of the ordinary – and their contributions had a big bearing on the final result. It is really pleasing to witness the improvement of some of last years U12blues – with a few games under their belts they are starting to display their football skills and are an integral part of the team.

Congratulations guys on a job well done! Greg

Round 9

Fitzroy 7 -8-50 def Kew Rovers 6-6-42

ANOTHER HEARTSTOPPER!!

Going into Sunday's Match I was quietly confident - looking at Kew Rovers previous form I thought they were fortunate to be 4th on the ladder. (Little did I know of their policy to drop kids back from their Gold team in critical matches) Instructions to the boys pre-game were for 4 goals a quarter and the ball not to pass the half back line!! (Talk about optimistic/cocky!!)

Things went pretty much to plan at first - tough hard footy with our boys winning heaps of the ball. Half time came around and the score was in our favour to the tune of 5 or 6 goals. The third quarter has been our worst in the last few games - whether it be from fatigue/failure to switch back on after the break/player rotation - I'm not sure but I asked for the first goal and a really big effort to reverse this 3rd quarter trend.

Again it just didn't happen - to Kew Rovers credit they played much better football and got within striking distance. Body language from some of our guys certainly wasn't looking too good.We made some crucial skill errors - dropped simple marks/kicked into the player on the mark and kicked staight to an opposition player time and time again. Early in the 4th quarter they managed to edge in front (and I must admit I was beginning to think we had blown our chance).

To the boys credit they dug really deep and scored 2 goals against the trend of play to give us probably our best victory. This is the first we have ever had to come from behind to win (particularly after squandering such an early commanding position).

A good final result - but not great for the coaches ticker!!

With the dreadedflu/cold bug affecting more than a few players and injuries to others we were pretty short on the inter change bench - this meant that a majority of player played all 4 quarters and I tried to leave players in their preferred positions/leave forward line/backline reasonably unchanged - that perfect balance still eludes me..

cheers Greg

P.S. Thanks to all those who attended Sunday's Reporting Night - we were well represented!

PPS Haven't received notification of any holiday absences yet - hope that means everybody is available

Round 8

Camberwell 4 -4- 28 defeated Fitzroy 2 -4- 16

How many times can it rain on the weekends??? In pretty miserable conditions our game against Camberwell was a very tight contest.But for a couple of wasted opportunities the result of the game could easilly have been in our favour - on a positive note no other team has been so close at the end of a game so it shows that the boys are well and truly in the hunt!

A few recurring skill errors cost us dearly - the most obvious being:
1. failure to pick the ball up cleanly/at first attempt
2. not reading the flight of the heavy ball/being out of position as it continually dropped short and;
3. kicking the ball straight to an opposing player!!!!!!!

Whilst the weather conditions contributed to our problems in certain instances, unforced errors/turnovers were an area of concern. Still at least these have been identified and can be targeted at training.

Again each player had a minimum of 3/4 on the ground -- fielding a balanced/ competitve team for all 4 quarters can be challenging -- I'm still searching for that perfect combination!! A lot of positives can be taken from the game and as I said Sunday - looking forward to a re-match!!

Great effort, looking forward to this weeks game

Greg

PS. With school holidays rapidly approaching I'm sure some of our crew have travel plans. We play games on the first and last Sundays of the holidays. If you know for sure that you are unavailable please let me know A.S.A.P

Round 7

Fitzroy3    26-11-167 defeated Banyule 0-0-00. ( What a great boost for our percentage!!)

What an awesome display!! Two weeks ago I wondered what the boys were capable of in dry conditions -- talk about excede expectations!! The final score speaks volumes on just how one-sided the match was. Certainly the highest score kicked this season (and the largest winning margin I can remember from a Fitzroy team!!)

In the pre-match address I asked for 3 goals a quarter and we had 15 on the board by half time -- the official scorers (and my magnetic board) were having trouble keeping up!!

Repeated clearances from the centre gave all our forwards opportunity to move into space and either find a team mate in better position or score themselves. A real exhibition of the "Get It and Go" style of footy we have been persevering with at training. Banyule were always under pressure and their few forward thrusts were quickly bottled up by our backline. Their instruction this week was to deny Banyule shots on goal/not let the ball through the"Wall" at half back - they certainly succeeded!!

All players received at least 3/4 on the ground and where possible changed from the front half to the back (or visa versa. )As you would appreciate this can be a logistic nightmare at times in terms of fielding a competitive/balanced team.

A very difficult game to award votes, so many worthy recipients - boys with career best form - inspirational quarters from a few players and others who contributed 120% all day!! Scary to think that there is still room for improvement!

Cant wait for Sunday's game against league leaders Camberwell!

Fantastic effort again guys
Greg


P.S. Special thanks to those boys who played for Banyule (or volunteered to do so). Without you "evening up" our game could not have gone on.

Round 6

Fitzroy 11-10-76 defeated Wattle Park 2-4-16

Another well deserved win in less than ideal conditions. The boys were generally first to the ball all day and contested fiercely against an opposition who kept us honest. Players in the cente gave us great service and set up much of the play down field. We again had across the board contributions which is very pleasing. Players were shifted from their "normal"/preferred position to give to give them experience playing at different ends of the ground. This probably explains Wattle Parks rally in the third quarter!! but at least some more of our guys had the opportunity to worry the scorer. All players received at least 3/4 of a game on the ground - a policy we will endeavour to continue.

The continued emphasis at training will be on aspects of TEAM PLAY - ie moving the ball quickly to a team mate (rather than trying to do too much as an individual). A couple of sparkling passages down the Grandstand wing were sensational and just the style of footy we are encouraging -- hopefully each week we will see more and more. It was also fantastic to see the "huddle" work from the kick out fullback - ets hope it continues.

Policy for deciding who starts on the ground will remain the same - if we dont sight a player at training (or receive some sort of contact/explanation) they start on the bench.

Looking forward to next weeks game against Banyule, well done guys

Greg

P.S. Thanks heaps to all those who continue to help on game day - the more people who share the tasks around the easier it is for all involved. Particular thanks to the "tidy-up crew" who have swept and cleaned up when we have had last game.

Round 5

vs Heidelberg. Fitzroy Blue 3 8-5-53 defeated Heidelberg 0-2-2

The weather gods smiled on us today and we played footy in pretty fair conditions. Certainly with the amount of rain that fell during the night I half expected the game to be called off or changed to water polo!! For the second week in a row the ground itself resembled a rice paddy and to the boys credit they adapted very quickly. It was a hard slog most of the day with the ball spending much of the time in the bottom of rugby style scrums. The willingness of our "mosquito fleet" to burrow in time after time is quite amazing - they all have such big "tickers" and do themselves and the team proud. Again today we had some breathtaking passages where the ball was cleared from congestion and moved quickly almost the length of the ground -- so great to watch (and hard for opposition to counter!!) I would love to see what some of these guys could do on a hard ground with a dry ball.We will persevere with the "grab it and go " approach at training and on match day-I honestly believe we have the personal to play this skilfull style of footy. Well done to all players - again contributions right across the board.

Greg

Round 4

Fitzroy Blue 5-2-32 defeated Beverley Hills 4-5-29

With 5 of our players missing through a variety of reasons, today's game was always going to be difficult- we again needed to "tweak" the side to find some sort of workable combination/balance.Add to that wet conditions and a very slippery ball and we were 2 goals behind in what seemed no time at all. To the boys credit they adapted pretty quickly to the situation and by quarter time had pinched a narrow lead. A real see-sawing battle developed with neither team being able to post a large score/gain a break on the
opposition. With solid hard work and a refusal to give in the team ended up 3 point victors in a very exciting finish. Again we had contributions right across the board with some great performances over 4 quarters and some cameos/acts of individual brilliance.

When the team is able to move the ball quickly, kick accurately and mantain possession, they look fantastic. A great win guys --well done to all!

Greg

P.S. 3 wins from 4 matches will hold us in good stead once the new fixtures/ladders are worked out - keep your eye on the webpage for details as they come to hand.

Round 3

Fitzroy Blue 7-5-47 defeated St Mary's 6-2-38


What a fantastic team effort by the boys to post their second win of the season.Against a dogged team who stayed within striking distance all day the Blues battled on and thoroughly deserved their victory.

Today we had contributions right across the board with some skillful passagesof play,gritty tough in and under, desperate tackling and marking under pressure --all positive signs.It would be fair to say that several of our players had their best games for the club.

We will continue to persevere with "the wall" as a defensive ploy across half back-I think today it was quite effective at times. Likewise the huddle kick in stategy(it really hurts when we work so hard in the field of play then concede an easy goal from a kick in)We will also work on accurate kicking to position to maintain possession--when we were able to "get it and go",it was exciting to watch.

Well done to all players - Greg M

Round 2

Warrandyte 11-9-75 def Fitzroy 3-1-19

After last weeks great start.todays loss to Warrandyte was disappointing.Though competitve at different stages throughout the game a lack of height and no interchange bench contributed to our defeat. Missing several players our re-jigged side was under constant pressure and at the end of the game their tall players were still tall and our "mosquito fleet" had run themselves ragged.

Skill errors proved costly at both ends of the ground -certainly some key areas to address at training have been identified.We have plenty of potential among our playing groupand I am sure with time they can develop into a cohesive and competitve unit

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