Runners Up 2006

The Fitzroy Under 14 Greens ended their amazing 11 game winning streak by going down to the powerful Greythorn combination in the Grand Final.
The Falcons were the best team in an extremely tight and competitive grade and we congratulate them on their season.

Our players and their families have had a marvellous year. Barry's inspirational coaching has brought out the best in each and every team member. Everyone is already looking forward to 2007.

Under 14 Green

Coach: Barry Funnell 0414 791 005 | Team Manager: Frank Mellili 0419 146 412 | Roster CoOrdinator: Frank Doherty 0418 344 347 | Players

Second Semi Final versus Greythorn

What a game!

What a win!

Round 16 versus KRC

The Roys struck a very undermanned KRC at Stradbroke Park.
Eight Royboys were rotated through the KRC lineup and every one of them performed well, although kicking big goals might just have been taking things too far. (Nice one Brendan!)

AlexH played a very consistent game, as did AlexL. Gus continued his strong form and AlecD bobbed up with 3 first half goals. A courageous Zander Ripon copped a heavy knock and had to see out the game from the bench. Tom and Nic shone at either end of the ground while ChrisC consistently found the ball.... a very even overall performance.

Bring on the finals.

Round 15 versus St. Damians

A quirky draw meant that this was only our fourth true home game for the season and also our last.
Nine players have passed their 50 game milestones this year and all nine were honoured with a pre-game runthrough banner.
Ryan, ChrisD, Tom, PK, Peter, Viv, Gus, Zander and Michael all burst through together to lead the side out onto Brunswick Street Oval for the clash with top side St. Damians.

This game was almost an elimination final. The winner would cement a place in the four, the loser would face a tough battle to hold on.

The first half played out that way with both sides running hard but neither able to achieve a break.
After half-time Fitzroy inexorably took control of the game. Constant rotations through the midfield meant that the 'Roys always had fresh legs. The backline became impassable. The forwards played to instructions to put the Saints' defenders under pressure. Every player was making a contribution.

This was a great team win.

Round 14 versus Richmond

Back at the League's Bulleen headquarters, this time we were the home team, hosting Richmond

The Tigers are as good as any team we have played this season. They have some very good players, but what makes them a tough opponent is their ability to play as a team and their willingness to be first in.

Fitzroy attacked powerfully early with multiple goals and posters. Any idea that this onslaught might break Richmond's resistance was quickly dispelled as the Tigers fought back to get within a kick, then after the break, hit the front. With Ryan forced to the bench with a painful shoulder injury, the Lions were going to have to call upon all their resources. This they did.

Playing his 50th game, Gus captained the side superbly. Matt and AlexH were both switched into the middle with specific jobs to do. Both became dominant. Tom was asked to lift his game and duly responded with a huge last quarter effort. John was switched from one end of the ground to the other to help out the desperate defenders as the game was still in the balance early in the last quarter. Persistence started to pay off for Brendan, Ollie and ChrisD who all started to take over. PK, rushed to the teeth of goal, finished truly as Fitzroy ran out to a strong win.

Round 13 versus Beverley Hills

Our Lion cousins at Beverley Hills are easily the toughest opponents we've met this season. They play a very physical game and a physical game is what is demanded by their muddy, slippery and uneven home ground at Doncaster Park. The Fitzroy team were asked to play accountable football. This takes mental effort as well well as physical courage. It was a challenge that Fitzroy were prepared to meet.

The trainers were kept busy as first Peter, then JackH were forced from the field after taking heavy knocks. Tyson, Alec, Michael and Tom also spent time in the hands of the trainers as the roys' bench began to resemble a medical emergency room.

Meanwhile, on the field, JackF, Nic, ChrisD, Viv, Ryan, Matthew and John were leading from the front. AlexL shared the ruckwork in rotation with Jordan and provided plenty of dash. PK and Brendan were cool in defence, marking repeatedly, while Zander, Guy, AlexH and Gus were fearless once the ball hit the ground. Ollie, ChrisC and Harry showed strong hands up forward.

This was a tremendous team effort against a talented and committed opponent.

Round 12 versus Ivanhoe White

We were at YJFL headquarters' Number 1 ground, the long, wide oval at Bulleen for this return fixture against Ivanhoe. The 'Hoes were one player short 'til half time and Alec and Michael played a quarter each in the All Black. Alec layed a fierce tackle on Brendan and Michael managed to make our running half backs think twice! Jordan was back for his first game after a long injury layoff and he shared the ruck with PK.

A strong wind and Ivanhoe's determination in close kept the game tight and low scoring. At half time the 'Roys were in front but only just. The coach demanded more accountable efforts from all players and threw the side around to try and break the stalemate. Ivanhoe had the wind for the third quarter but Gus dominated across half back, cutting off Ivanhoe's attacks and creating rebound. Ryan took over when moved onto the outer wing in the final term. The Roys' consistent hard running and teamwork was able to wear the opposition down in the second half.

The Lions ran out comfortable winners in the end but a gritty undermanned Ivanhoe outfit had kept them honest.

Round 11 versus Macleod

Heavy overnight rain had become a steady drizzle in time for the opening bounce at Macleod. Playing football was hard work but the Lions relished the conditions, rattling on the first 3 goals of the game. The Eagles were stunned into action and hit back to snatch the lead at quarter time.

Injury and illness had reduced the Fitzroy squad to a bare minimum. There'd be no rests, no rotations. This game would have to be slugged out to the end.

Despite the atrocious conditions, nether side went on the defensive. Macleod like to run on ahead of the ball and use slick handball, they didn't let the wet stop them from sticking to their style. The Lions also stuck to the gameplan that has served them well so far this season.

At three quarter time it was anyone's game. Once play resumed it was the Lions who stepped up to claim it.

ChrisD, Peter and Ollie gave tireless 4 quarter efforts. Nic, Ryan and Guy were cool and determined in defence. AlexL and Gus took turns sacrificing their own games and ran their hearts out to try and contain the Eagles' champion, Lachie. Tyson, who was captaining the side in honour of NAIDOC week, led the team strongly from the centre. Alec and Michael continued to put themselves in harm's way to assist the work of the bigger forwards.

All over the ground, the Fitzroy players ran and attacked relentlessly to overwhelm the gutsy Macleod side and close out the game.

Round 10 versus Waverley Park Hawks

The Hawks don't actually play at Waverley Park, so there was no colour telly to be won by patrolling the wide wings.
Columbia Park has almost no wings at all and a cramped, tight and physical contest ensued.

Tommy "hollywood" Dyson played his 50th game and celebrated by taking a couple of big grabs and peppering the goals from all angles.

The Hawks kicked the first goal very quickly and tho' the Lions steadied and took control, Waverley were able to keep in touch 'til three quarter time.
On the small ground forward lines were very congested and there were no easy kicks.
The Hawks' disciplined defence meant that shots at goal were always under pressure.

Brendan, Zander, JackH and Guy led the Fitzroy defence, shutting down most attacks and rebounding strongly and quickly.
JackF and Tyson provided terrific attack on the ball through the midfield.

John, Nic and Harry kept on presenting on the forward line, either marking or bringing the ball down for the crumbers, ChrisC, AlexH and Ryan.
Ollie and Viv were tireless and Michael gave the crowd the most entertaining duel of the day matched against Waverley's speedster wingman.

A powerful final quarter saw the Lions break the game open and run out to a comfortable win.

Round 9 versus Kew Rovers Combined

The combine wear Red jumpers and there was definitely a guernsey clash at Brunswick Street for this one.
KRC are the most precise foot passing side we've met so far this season. They were able to quickly move the ball from one end of the ground to the other the instant they were given any space.

After an early goal to Kew, Fitzroy were able to quickly wrest back the lead. Teaming well all over the ground, the Lions attacked repeatedly throughout the game. Poor kicking for goal though kept the scores low, even as the 'Roys continued to extend the margin.

AlexL was moved onto a wing and he made it his own, winning every contest, even when he was outnumbered. Peter's consistent roving was a highlight and Ollie, when thrown onto the ball, was able to take over. Guy and Gus continue to improve each week with their great ability to read the play.

Overall, the team played very well to instructions, sharing the ball at every opportunity to run out clear winners.

Round 8 versus Ivanhoe Black

Ivanhoe Park is one of the most attractive grounds in the YJFL and we've had a series of close, see-sawing battles with the Hoes on their home turf over past seasons.

That was not to be this time as the 'Roys were able to dictate terms against an undermanned Ivanhoe side.
JackH, Zander and Jordan combined to lead the backline to its tightest effort for the season.
JackF and Matthew cleared the centre repeatedly and Michael was the day's ball magnet on his wing.
PK was presenting through half forward to create the switch of play, ChrisC was dazzling in front of goal.
Tyson and Alec were not so dazzling, both of them put in the hard work to earn set shots, only to miss!
AlexL showed a lot of dash at half back. Both Gus and Nic played with courage, returning to the field after copping knocks.
Tom's efforts to constantly run and present were terrific.
ChrisD provided the highlight of the day with a superb tackle in the goal square. The well earnt free was calmly converted.

Ivanhoe would not give up but in the end it was a comfortable win gained through the Lions' consistent teamwork.

Round 7 versus SFX Whitehorse Colts

Back at Brunswick Street this week. The first dry day in weeks, but plenty of dew on the ground made for a slippery start.

SFX play with a lot of run off half back and they're never afraid to square the ball up and go through the middle. They are also a very physical side and the 'Roys had yet another tough and relentless match.

Both ChrisD. and AlexH. enjoyed time in the forward line with regular goals. At the other end JackH, Zander and Nic were combining well and sticking to our defensive system. Neither side could break clear.

Ollie and Brendan increased their influence as the game wore on and JackF always looked dangerous. Jordan, Tyson and PK shared the heavy work in middle while John and Tom continued to present at half forward.

It seemed nothing could separate the two desperate sides. Then, early in the last quarter Viv, who'd been BOG, was forced from the field after a bonecrunching clash in the goalsquare.
From this moment on the game changed as the Lions lifted all over the ground. Guy and Matthew were impassable at halfback, Peter and Gus kept driving the ball forward and Fitzroy were able to storm over the top for a hard fought win.

Round 6 versus Greythorn

A rematch against Greythorn after only a couple of weeks was played as a Fitzroy home game on long wet grass at YJFL headquarters on the Yarra flats at Bulleen

This game was an armwrestle, with both coaches trying to gain a tactical advantage and all players attacking fearlessly.

The conditions were as difficult as any encountered so far this season and on the cramped ground there were no easy kicks. The players from both teams threw themselves at the ball and although scoring was difficult, both sides chose to attack.

Peter and ChrisD both bounced back courageously after taking heavy knocks to be consistent and effective players for the whole game. Nick was impassable when playing in the backline. Ryan, Matthew and JackH were also consistent and able to get the better of their opponents. Ollie, Viv and Brendan were tireless. John, Tyson, Harry and AlexH worked hard all day, Michael and AlexL kept using their pace to make contests.

The intensity was like a final.

At the last break there was nothing in it with both sides tired but determined.
After more trench warfare the Falcon's irrepressible champion Sam was able to break clear in the middle and his long kick cleared the pack and bounced, slipped and slithered to line to give Greythorn a break.
Fitzroy counterattacked relentlessly but several chances to snatch back the lead went wide.
Greythorn won this one but there's plenty of roar left in the Lions.

Round 5 versus Ivanhoe W

Another wet day and the ground was muddy and slippery

This didn't stop either side from playing attacking footy and both teams were on the scoreboard quickly in the first quarter.

The Lions had learned a lot from encounters with quality opposition. The game plan and team structure was refined and the players all had specific instructions to follow. The coach was delighted with how hard the entire team worked to stick to the plan. The rewards came as Fitzroy ground out an unmatchable lead over the determined Ivanhoe side.

Matthew, ChrisC and Michael all persisted in playing to the coach's instructions. Tyson was given a very challenging job and became a dominant player. Brendan, Viv and JackF were reliable as usual and Tom, JackH and AlexL all put in tremendous performances when assigned to roles in the backline. 50th gamers, Peter and Zander also played terrific games.

Overall, the team put plenty of thought and concentration into building on the lessons of the season so far.
They won well, but know that Ivanhoe will come at us hard next time.

Round 4 versus Macleod

Our first game for the season at headquarters, Brunswick Street and it was raining, hard.

Both teams and the umpire met the challenges of wet weather football extremely well and the game was tight, hard and fast.

For the second week in a row long bouncing goals from the opposition created what became a winning break. The Lions were unable to convert their share of the ball and a better rate of entry into the fifty metre arc into goals.

Viv Michie, playing his 50th game was unstoppable in the midfield. Peter Mellili was able to consistently win contests on the forward line in the most difficult conditions and against taller, stronger opponents. The tackling and willingness to commit to the contest was outstanding from the entire team; Tyson's efforts in the midfield in the final quarter were a perfect example. Chris Chiriou lifted his workrate to be a fine contributor and Gus made an immediate impact on return.

Macleod's more direct approach in attack got them a deserved win and we congratulate them. But the Lions showed discipline and commitment, going down fighting to the last.

Anzac Day round versus Greythorn

The two teams lined up before the start of the match for a minute's silence to honour the fallen. It was a quiet and sombre moment, reminding everyone that footy, after all, is only a game.

Every game against Greythorn over the past three seasons has been tight and competitive and this was no different.
A three week break had left the team rusty, but keen to get back into it. Greythorn were quick to assert their powerful direct style of play and the Roys were counterpunching right from the start. But counterpunch they did.

The team refused to be rattled by Greythorn's ferocity and held their nerve in sticking to the discipline of the game plan. The coach asked for particular efforts from Ryan, Chris D. and PK. Each player responded with grit and determination, increasing their workrates and contributing strongly and consistently.

In the end Greythorn's early lead and straight kicking was too much to overcome and they deserved their win.

The Lions tho' had done everything asked of them, attacking fearlessly at all times they were still in with a chance until late in the final quarter.

Round 1 versus St. Mary's

Matt and Brendan played their first games in Fitzroy colours and Jack Hammet was nominated as Captain. Matt was a terrific contributor, never beaten in a one-on-one contest. Brendan relished the challenge after being moved to full back. Jack played a superb Captain's game, coordinating the defenders and providing fierce attack on the ball.

The team has been training to play a particular style of football and right from the first bounce they combined to put this game plan into action.

Jack and Brendan led the defence and created heaps of run out of the backline. After the first quarter break Jordan was thrown onto the ball and rucked for the remainder of the game against a series of taller opponents. His strength and endeavour at the stoppages was excellent and he also dropped back to help out across the half-back line.

Alec Deasey was given very specific instructions for the game. He stuck to the task and was rewarded with a heap of possessions inside fifty and a good goal.

Tommy Dyson played a ripper game, constantly presenting, winning the ball in the air and on the ground and quickly moving it forward. One of Tom's passes onto the chest of the strong leading Tyson was an absolute gem.

All the forwards stuck to the game plan and the hard working midfielders were able to drive the ball in with confidence. The very high number of marks taken inside the fifty metre arc by both the talls and the smalls made a huge contribution.

The game was beyond St. Marys' grasp but their application was a lesson in how to handle this situation. They never gave in, stringing together fine passages of play right up to the final siren.

"It is my mission here...
to introduce you to a wide variety of physical scourges, torments, and piteous bloodsweats."

Flann O'Brien , At Swim-two-birds

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