Under 15 Reports Archive

Match Report - Week 16

vs Bundoora - 6 August 2006

Missing some key position players for our last game of the 2006 season, it was always going to be a real test of our team's character and ability, especially away to Bundoora! But I knew that if the team played with the same intensity and determination for the whole game that they had shown over the past few months, a win was a distinct possibility.

Kicking into a slight breeze in the first quarter, our start to the game was not as positive as one would have liked. We seemed to be second to numerous contests and didn't seem to have the same run in our legs the opposition seemed to have. Only poor goal kicking by Bundoora kept us in the game, and even though we were only down by 2 goals at the break, we were playing with a real lack of zip and attack. Luckily were not made to pay for it.

In the second quarter, even though kicking with the breeze, we still did not seem to be winning crucial clearances to set up any consistent forward attacks. Our half forward line also seemed to be letting the ball out of attack too easily and Bundoora, despite kicking to the non-scoring end, went into their forward line with much more purpose and consistency, thanks to their midfield which continued to run harder and deeper into attack. The inside 50s for the first half were 19/11 Bundoora's way and clearances from stoppages were 7/5 also their way. But we were still in the game and only trailed by 2 goals at the main break, and I felt that with a lift right across the team in general attack and determination, we could still win it.

A few positional changes at half time saw us go into the second half with a slightly different forward line. That, along with an overall lift in hardness, paid dividends almost immediately. Clearances for the quarter were 6/5 FJFC's way and inside 50's were 9/5 - also our way - illustrating a lift across half back and the centreline that enabled us to drive the ball into attack.

A lift in our pressure at the ball barrier illustrated by some hard tackling and smothers saw us only 9 points down at the last break but with a real spring in our step and attack, and a great deal of confidence and self belief, which to me suggested that a win was now quite possible. I simply asked the team for 20 minutes of the most intense and determined football they had played all year. I wanted them to walk off the ground with heads held high and able to look each other in the eye and know that they had given everything possible in the body.

The last quarter was like last week - simply a truly great contest by both sides. Our fitness I knew was sound and I urged players to get the ball moving to some of our stronger marking forwards. The game seemed to be goal for goal, however we managed to get to a position with about 2 minutes to go where we were only 3 points down and the ball appeared to be permanently parked in our forward line.

A couple of strong marks from hurried attacks gave us a number of set shot from about 40 metres out, but unfortunately the kicks dropped short or were rushed through. In the last minute a FJFC free kick on the boundary line was given and with only a matter of seconds to go and facing a 2 point deficit, a win seemed possible. The kick looked excellent off the boot and seemed to be traveling through, however a gust of win sprung up and caused the ball to drift towards the post. A one point lead was held by the opposition and as the ball was returned into play the siren rang, preventing us from snatching a great victory.

I knew the team had given everything in their last game of the season and I could not have asked for any more from them. I was extremely proud of their efforts and could not find fault with their game after half time. The inside 50s in the last quarter were 6/4 our way with clearances 4 all. Unfortunately the gods who had smiled on us last week to give us a 2 point victory, did not do the same this week and the narrowest of losses was to be the final result.

I guess with any narrow loss a number of what ifs run through your mind, but today that didn't bother me. The boys responded after being challenged not only with an undermanned line up but also in the game, and as far as I was concerned, they were all winners.

\Thanks for the game and the season - SANDRO.

Final Scores Bundoora 9.8.62 defeated FJFC 9.7.61

Match Report - Week 15

vs Surrey Park - 30 July 2006

Playing in what was to be our last home game for the season against a side hanging on to a position in the 4 by the skin of their teeth, FJFC set for themselves a few goals before the game. That was to show our spectators and parents the improvements we had developed as a playing group, string two wins in a row, play four quarters of persistent and intensely competitive football, and finally, to prove we were able to more than match it with a final 4 contender.

Kicking with a strong breeze, FJFC was quickly on the board and, with our intensity and purpose, we were able to mount numerous forward attacks and set up what was nearly a 4 goal lead at 1/4 time.

In the 2nd quarter, however, we seemed to lose the hardness and intensity that had set us up. That, along with some poor decision making, we now began to lose control of the clearances and first usage of the ball. Luckily our defence, that had been so resilient and disciplined over the past two weeks, held us together and really made Surrey Park earn every score they achieved. A lift in intensity towards the end of the quarter also helped and enabled us to still be in front by a goal at the main break.

We faced a case of deja-vu at half time. In the earlier game between the two teams this year, we led by the same margin at the break, only to see Surrey Park literally blow us away with a 5-goal quarter and virtually seal the game. But as I told the players, that game was a turning point for the team and as a result we have become a more competitive unit ever since, and more prepared to fight out contests and help each other out. The team now had a great challenge before them - not to let history repeat itself and to use the strong breeze in the quarter to set up a win.

As the quarter developed it was clear that this game would go down to the wire, with Surrey Park fighting tooth and nail to try and nullify our usage of the ball and the breeze.Though we still seemed to have the height and aerial marking advantage around the ground, we could only manage one goal with the breeze and extend our lead by only a goal. Nevertheless, a lead it was! The team now had the work in front of them, that is, to do to Surrey Park what they had successfully done to us in the 3rd quarter and nullify the breeze factor.

A Surrey Park onslaught would follow I warned the players at 3/4 time - their finals hopes were on the line. But I was determined to see our team - that had led all day - hang on, and I urged them all not to give an inch but to fight every contest out.

The last quarter was a terrific battle with all players from both sides literally giving it all that they had. An early Surrey Park goal seemed to lift their spirits but FJFC were not to be outdone and we continued to contest fiercely all around the park. In what turned out to be a 5-minute period of pure FJFC determination, we managed to run the ball forward to take two telling marks and kick two great goals into the strong breeze at the Brunswick Street end. Up to this stage of the game only a series of behinds by either team was the best that was achieved at that end of the ground. These two goals gave us what was nearly a 4-goal lead, with about seven minutes to play. Surrey Park continued to press forward and snatched the last three goals, however a rushed behind and some telling free kicks our way saw the siren sound and give us a narrow yet deserved victory.

A fantastic and truly proud effort by all the playing group, one full of character and true FJFC guts!

Our goals for the game had been achieved, well done Roys!

*Final Scores FJFC 6.9.45 defeated Surrey Park 6.7.43*

Match Report - Week 14

Vs Bulleen Templestowe - 23 July 2006

With three games left in the 2006 season, I felt opportunities were running out for the U15 FJFC team to demonstrate the improvements that I was seeing on the training track and in recent games.

Today we faced another side that had earlier in the season overrun us in the last quarter to set up their season and now give them a chance of playing finals football. For us the finals disappeared with our loss last week, but for our opposition their chances rested on winning today and hoping that results fell their way. The team and I were determined, in our last few games, to shape the final four and hopefully create a bit of havoc amongst sides still in contention.

I knew from the first bounce that our players had come to play, attacking the football and contesting with ferocity and real purpose. With a number of players in positions to which they were unaccustomed, we seemed to have the ball on a string and continuously drove it forward to a number of dangerous small and tall targets in the forward line. A four-goal quarter was a great result and with a our backline keeping the opposition goalless, I knew that a solid platform and standard had been established for a well-deserved win.

The second quarter saw us maintain the intensity and attack I had asked for, and our lead was extended to 39 points at the main break, largely due to our tight and disciplined defence that continuously harassed and pressured every forward thrust that Bulleen Templestowe could muster.

At the brea the heavens opened, and the game that had been played in relatively dry conditions had all of a sudden changed, requiring the players to adapt their skills and approach. A wet, slippery and greasy football would await the team after half time, however our past few games in the wet, plus an emphasis on winning 1:1 contests at training, gave the coaching staff the confidence to believe that our team was well placed to go on with the game.

Bulleen Templestowe certainly came out a harder and more determined outfit, resolved to reduce the margin. But the boys were able to withstand the onslaught and continued to exert pressure whenever they gathered the ball. Our midfield, which had up this stage been dominant, continued to win plenty of congested contests and the 3rd quarter arm wrestle that developed saw no goals scored. Even more importantly, we maintained our lead and went one step closer to victory.

All that stood between us and a victory was our willingness to play no-nonsense football in the now trying and heavy conditions. The early stages of the quarter were a slog and I urged our team to create contest after contest to wear the opposition down and, hopefully, kill the game. However in an inspired 10-minute burst we well and truly put the game out of the oppositionÕs reach with simple disciplined knock ons and rugby-like tactics that saw us scramble through 3 goals.

The win was ours and the players now had a 4 quarter effort to be truly proud of. A hard- nosed and never-say-die attitude typified by our defence that only conceded 1 goal for the game - a truly fitting result.

Next week we face Surrey Park. In the earlier game this season, though beaten, we began to turn things around and saw a change in attitude and approach to the ball that we have been able to grow on since. Next week we can show our supporters, in our last home game, the giant strides we have taken as a team against a top four side

.GO ROYS * Final Scores FJFC 10.10.70 defeated Bulleen Templestowe 1.11.17*

Match Report - Week 13

vs St Mary's - 16 July 2006

The last four games of the year were going to present opportunities for FJFC to demonstrate the sort of progress and improvement that I believe our players had made from the start of the season. Playing against sides that had overrun us and been more committed than we were, my pre-match address focused on making sure we did not lose concentration and that our intensity matched that of the opposition for the whole game.

Playing in heavy and trying conditions, the game didn't start off as promising as one would have hoped, with St. Mary's being far too skillful and elusive around contests and through their midfield.

At 1/4 time we were perhaps fortunate to be only some 2 goals behind and I pleaded for a much more accountable and determined effort across the board. A number of players simply didn't bring the appropriate game to match the conditions, one that required players to be first to the contest and to show courage and ferocity. A number of errors under pressure resulted in turnovers and indecisiveness that enabled St. Mary's to gain a 3 goal 1/2 time lead.

An improvement in intensity was required after 1/2 time if we were to get back into the game. In addition I made a number of positional changes that gave some quieter and fresher players an opportunity in different positions. I also "put the acid" on our mid fielders to try and get us back in the contest.

The third quarter started slowly for us. With St. Mary's matching us for spirit and seeming to find more avenues forward and with more purpose, the game was beginning to get out of our reach. An opposition goal extended their lead to over 4 goals and it now required us to stand up and be counted.

And to their credit that's exactly what the players did! We now began to be the harder team, making the ball our focus. Players put their bodies on the line in the traffic and we were rewarded for our tackling and desperation, slamming on 3 quick goals to go in 7 points down and with our tails up!

The last quarter was going to be tougher than the game had been all day - St. Mary's & FJFC finals' aspirations were on the line and the side that could lift their work rate the most in the heavy conditions for the last 20 minutes of the game was going to be rewarded with a win.

It wasn't for lack of effort or endeavor that we fell short by 21 points in the end, but more a lack of physical strength and presence where it counts. The more powerful and harder running St. Mary's midfield that had troubled us all day and was ably led by a running ruck man who kicked 3 skillful goals, got them over the line - St Mary's 7.11.53 to FJFC 5.2.32.

An improved effort today from the first time the two teams had met, we were not overrun and we didn't give up. Well done boys.

Next week another opportunity against Bulleen Templestowe to show the progress and improvement that I believe is evident in so many of our players.

Go ROYS!!

Match Report - Week 12

vs Beverley Hills - 9 July 2006

In what was going to be Will Gairns' last game with the team before he leaves to attend a school residential camp for term 3, it was hoped that the players could send him off with a victory. Unfortunately it was not to be and despite being in a position to win, FJFC players, supporters and coaching staff had to endure another 2nd half fade-out and yet another loss.

The game actually started quite poorly for us - kicking into a stiff breeze we seemed unable to win any clearances around the stoppages or make any significant inroads forward. However just like flicking on a switch, things appeared to turn around and we began to win more of the contested ball, with many of our forwards beginning to contribute. We quickly kicked 2 handy goals into the breeze and led at 1/4 time, thanks also largely to the terrific efforts of our tight and disciplined backline.

In the second quarter our mid fielders lifted and were more disciplined around the ground. We also began to find more avenues to goal with our wingman kicking goals to create some havoc and enable us to increase our lead to two goals at the main break. Such a small lead was never going to be enough against a side that was sitting 2nd on the ladder and had unexpectedly been beaten last week, and at the main break I urged our players to lift their workrate and intensity to match the expected lift I knew Beverley Hills would deliver.

Unfortunately right from the start, their midfield seemed to find an extra gear going forward and they began to trouble us with their harder run and more effective use of the ball. Our backline, which had been excellent all game, suddenly found the relentless forward attacks from the opposition difficult to repel. In response, we seemed to be under the pump all over the ground and our 2 goal lead was quickly whittled down. Some costly free kicks and penalties seemed to give Beverley Hills the upper hand, the 3/4 quarter time lead and plenty of confidence. Despite the 7 point 3/4 time deficit that we faced, I had faith in our ability to turn things around and wrest control back to win it for 'Gairnsy'.

The last quarter opened with two quick drives forward. However 2 behinds resulted, obviously not the result we needed. The rest of the quarter simply developed into an arm wrestle, with FJFC attacks constantly being repelled by Beverley Hills' counter attacks. Unfortunately we could not find any new avenues to goal nor anyone prepared to step up and grab the game by the scruff of the neck. Yo their credit, Beverley Hills had fought their way back into the game and kicked two very late goals to give them more breathing space and also the 4 points.

I felt particularly sorry for our backline who had played tight accountable and disciplined football all day and had given us launchpads for many attacks. However once again, our inability to capitalise on their fine work was most disappointing. In fact kicking only 3 behinds in the second half as opposed to 5.4 from the opposition, probably was more damning from our point of view than anything I write about the game.

Another frustrating loss in a winnable game, yet the positives are what we will harp on at training this week. With 4 games to go in the season, hopefully a 4-quarter effort is not too far away for FJFC.

Final Scores Beverley Hills 7.7.49 defeated FJFC 4.7.31

Match Report - Week 11

vs Kew Rovers - 2 July 2006

The objective against Kew Rovers today was simply to be much more intense, accountable and determined than the FJFC side that had lost to them in round 2 by 105 points. Unfortunately, in the end the might and strength of the opposition was too much for us to handle and they ran out convincing victors, but by a significantly smaller margin than the dark day in April.

The 1st quarter started off in a very positive manner for FJFC with the team playing with the sort of passion, intensity and purpose that was demanded before the game. Playing in wet conditions didn't seem to deter us, even though much of our training this year has been in dry conditions. Of particular significance was our ferocious tackling and hardness at the ball which allowed for many goals and scoring opportunities to be created.

We went in with an 8 point lead at 1/4 time and a full head of steam. However, in the second quarter our back line was put under tremendous pressure as attack after attack was launched by a Kew Rovers team that lifted, took over in the midfield and drove the ball forward to a multitude of scoring options. Our inability to play accountable football was also playing into the opposition's hands and they went in at halftime with a 23 point lead.

A blast at the main break about the need to play tighter on opponents and to win more of the contested football highlighted the possibility that another whitewash was on the cards.

The second half was a better effort from our players and despite the final margin being 45 points, I was far happier with our willingness to be more competitive. However areas that still seemed to let us down, and were more pronounced in the challenging and sloppy conditions, was our general inability to maintain possession and hit targets with disposals going forward. Unfortunately against quality opposition with stronger bodies, turnovers often end up with more opposition scoring shots and it did hurt us badly in the end...but I guess that is an area we as a team have to continue to improve on in the remainder of the season!

Spirits were generally high after the game and we were well aware of the areas that had let us down today. Next week we face Beverley Hills - a side that defeated us narrowly by a point in round 3 and have been unbeaten so far this year. A great challenge awaits us against another top side. Hopefully a 4-quarter effort in intensity and concentration will deliver us the 4 points! Keep working hard at training Roys and remain positive.

Final scores Kew Rovers 10.10.70 defeated FJFC 3.7.25

Match Report - Week 10

vs Glen Iris - 18 June 2006

Today's game provided the U15s with a great opportunity to achieve a number of objectives. Obviously a chance to win 2 games in a row for the first time all season, an opportunity to maintain our good form over the previous month, and finally, to test ourselves against a side higher up the ladder with similar finals aspirations to ours.

The game itself had to be modified from the start, with Glen Iris unable to field a full team. This was frustrating for us as it denied a number of FJFC players valuable game time and also prevented us from running the game structure and organisation we had planned for. Our start, however, was solid with 4 goals coming from our forwards after hard work and endeavor upfield. Unfortunately, some sloppy defence allowed our opposition to goal twice and make the scores closer than they should have been. And even though we goaled early in the second quarter, Glen Iris seemed to lift their efforts and with some poor concentration and accountability on our part, were allowed to fight back and gain in confidence with numerous goals. The lead at half time was less than a goal and we now had a dog fight on our hands.

It appeared that playing with 15 a side suited the Glen Iris boys better than our team, with their on ballers and mid fielders seeming to relish the open spaces and being more effective with their disposals and use of the ball. Some indecisive play in our back half and failure to play accountable football around the ground was starting to hurt us and we appeared to lose the intensity that has typified our style of play of late.

Glen Iris went into the 3/4 time huddle in front by 2 points, their tails up and the challenge set for our players to lift! I asked our playing group for a greater commitment all over the park. The opportunity to play in and/or shape the finals was at stake! What then followed can best be described as a great endorsement of our boys' character and determination. Playing a far more determined and accountable style of play, we began to win the ball more regularly and, within a few minutes, had numerous shots on goal and wrested back the lead. Players ran harder to assist and create opportunities for teammates. This was typified by our second goal of the final quarter which simply wiped out any Glen Iris hope of a victory. It saw FJFC run the ball from deep in the backline via a series of 1% efforts including shepherds, blocks, kicks to leading players running to space, handballs to players at the front of packs and then direct delivery to our leading forwards. The result was not only a great team goal but a true reflection of the improved determination that also saw our backline restrict the opposition to just 1 point for the quarter! I asked for action and the boys delivered.

We have now won 2 games in a row, and continued on with the good form and development shown over the past month where we have won 3 games and lost narrowly by 4 points and we still keep our finals chances alive.

Go Roys! Final scores FJFC 11.8.72 Glen Iris 8.7.55

Match Report - Week 9

vs Greythorn - 4 June 2006

'Action not words' was the key point behind my pre-game address to the players before this crunch game against Greythorn. A victory today was essential if we were to keep our finals dreams alive. After a solid month of football with little to show for all their fine efforts, today was also an opportunity to exorcise the disappointment of last week's narrow loss as well and a further opportunity to improve as a team.

The game started off in a similar vein to last week, with our hard-nosed midfield winning the ball at will and giving our forwards numerous opportunities to score. Inside 50m for the first 2 quarters were 11 and 6, with our scoring efficiency at time around 60%+. But our goal kicking woes still prevented us from putting even more scoreboard pressure on Greythorn. More pleasingly however was our hardness around the ground, especially at the opposition ball carriers. The 1% drills we religiously do at training on a weekly basis was clearly on show for all our supporters to see and the whole team should take credit for their willingness to harass and pressure the opposition. It definitely created numerous turnovers, loose-balls and scoring opportunities.

From a coaching perspective, the second half was frustrating to watch as we struggled to capitalise on our opportunities. The 3rd quarter saw us enter the forward 50m area 12 times but score an incredible 1.6, with a number of players not playing the disciplined football that had set us up in the first half. Greythorn, who had taken up the challenge by this stage, quickly took the initiative, and posted 2 late goals to give them a sniff of victory and provide the FJFC coaching bench with an eerie sense of deja-vu. Greythorn continued to keep up the pressure and the momentum began to swing their way when they goaled early in the last quarter. Were we going to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory again?........NO ......

To the credit of this determined team they quickly wrested back control of the game's tempo and our dominant forwards kicked the last 2 goals of the game to earn the players their appropriate reward for their training efforts over the past months - the 4 points. Today the players delivered the actions to back up their words, and the finals still remain in our radar as we enter the 2nd half of the season.

Well done boys!

Final scores FJFC 8.11.59 defeated Greythorn 4.8.32

Match Report - Week 8

Vs Camberwell - 28 May 2006

When can you consider a loss a victory? The answer to this question, I'm sure, could be debated for hours on end, but in the game today against Camberwell, stupid as it may sound, those who saw the game may have witnessed a result that was as close as you will get to a victory from a losing side.

Going into the game with only 18 players (as a result of injury and suspensions) and actually playing a whole half with only 17, simply meant that a real show of commitment and passion was required to meet the challenge - players had to simply 'step up'. And to the whole team's credit that is exactly the way they set out to play from the very first bounce of the ball. With our midfield dominating and creating havoc from stoppages, our forwards were given numerous opportunities to expose the opposition's lack of strength and height in defence. Around the ground (and remember we played with 17 players) our super commitment and intensity at the ball and at contests was proving a decisive factor which enabled us to lead at both the 1/4 and 1/2 time breaks.

The second half saw us challenged by a more competitive Camberwell unit and their first 2 goals gave them a a significant lift in confidence and seemed to put us on the back foot somewhat. However this was the most committed and united team that has taken the field this year for FJFC and we quickly wrested back control of the game by kicking the next 3 goals through the run and delivery of our midfield and the urgency and desperation of our key forwards.

A 10 point lead was ours at 3/4 time and a win awaited us if we could break the game open. My requests to kick the first 1-2 goals of the last quarter were nearly delivered and 3 strong marks, once again by our dominating tall-marking forwards, unfortunately only delivered 3 behinds, which simply kept the opposition in the game longer than they actually deserved. The cruel irony was that after having control of the game for so long, the opposition were still within striking distance. A quick entry into their attacking zone was marked and converted and their confidence grew again. A number of rushed behinds saw our lead slowly diminish to 2 behinds. Another opposition drive forward in the last few minutes of the game saw a mark paid and a 15-metre penalty awarded for dispute. The resulting goal gave them the lead and they held on for a gut-wrenching loss. Camberwell 8.8.56 to FJFC 7.10.52.

Football can be a cruel sport when you lead a game for 78 out of 80 minutes, have by far the more effective forwards, a dominating midfield and overall a more desperate and committed team than the opposition, and still lose the game! It was extremely difficult for all concerned to see these positives through the tears, disappointment and the jubilant celebrations emanating from the opposition team!

For the 3rd consecutive week, the positives from the game far outweighed any negatives. Today's loss could be considered a victory in some areas, however the bitter taste of this loss is still hard to stomach. We'll move on and learn and be better, tougher and more committed as we prepare for the opposition over the next few weeks.

Match Report - Week 7

Vs Bundoora - 21 May 2006

"Another opportunity and challenge awaits next week to put into practice what we have learned and take a few more steps forward." These were my final words in last week's match report and I'm pleased to report that the team did learn from last week's game and recorded a well-earned win.

Playing with a forward line containing a number of good marking and goal kicking targets, FJFC were able to kick long and with a great deal of purpose and direction. The game started slowly for FJFC and Bundoora put two major scores on the board before FJFC lifted and began to win the ball and drive it forward, scoring a few late goals into the breeze.

The match was there for both teams to take. Trailing by 2 points at 1/4 time, a lift was needed around the ground if we were to register our second win for the year. The second quarter certainly saw a marked lift in our attack and usage of the ball and we were able to kick goals quite easily through our run from defence and our midfielders lifting their workrate.

A deserved and significant 20-point lead going the major break was our reward for a solid half of good attacking and relentless football. My address at half time highlighted our need to learn and improve and to avoid another second-half fade out - that was the challenge set. Intensity had to be maintained and clever and effective usage of the football was also needed. The third quarter is best described as scrappy, with many of Bundoora's drives forward resulting in behinds and, luckily, some poor clearances by our defence were not capitalised on. Our backline seemed to be under a lot of pressure and we struggled to get the ball out of Bundoora's forward line as regularly and with any purpose. However the latter part of the quarter saw FJFC able to wrest control of the ball with a few decisive clearances and attacks, and we managed to kick valuable crumbing goals to allow FJFC to maintain a 19-point lead at 3/4 time.

The scene was set and a 3-goal lead was no sure guarantee of a victory, the whole side needed to lift their intensity and fight out the game, contest to contest. With Bundoora kicking the first 2 goals it appeared that my address had fallen on deaf ears, however that was to be their last score. FJFC wanted this victory more than their opposition and after the disappointment of the past month, ie, narrow defeats, second-half fade outs, inaccuracy in front of goal, the team was finally rewarded by quickly wresting control of the ball, picking up the tempo and kicking the last two goals of the game to win the game by 16 points.

We learned. We trained well. We improved. We took another step forward, and We Won!

Final scores FJFC 10.2.62 defeated Bundoora 5.16.46

Match Report - Week 6

Vs Surrey Park - 14 May 2006

In a much more competitive and spirited effort, FJFC took the contest right up to the more fancied Surrey Park outfit for 3 quarters and certainly played the game in a style that truly reflected their abilities and potential.

Unfortunately some costly mistakes in the premiership quarter cost us dearly and we were unable to win the 4 points, but certainly won the accolades of the supporters and respect of the opposition.

The game started in wet slippery and greasy conditions and the FJFC team that took the ground lived up to their pre-game commitment to be tough, aggressive and fierce at the football in all contests. The attack and intensity of players certainly had Surrey Park on the back foot and it enabled the side to control the game for a significant period of time in the first half, allowing us to go in at half time with a 5 point lead.

A few positional changes had to be made at half time to allow for injuries and to try and play struggling players back into some touch. Our second halves this year have historically been poor and it was beginning to look the same again this week, with the opposition quickly gaining plenty of drive through their midfield and many elusive forwards simply reading the game better in their forward line. This allowed them to mark, often uncontested, for easy goals and an imposing 3/4 time lead.

However a strong finish in the last quarter saw the FJFC not give up at all and the players did themselves proud to take the contest right up to Surrey Park to not only gain praise from our coaching staff but also the opposition coach in their presentation. For our players as the winter fast approaches and the games become more and more a slog, their minds must surely turn to when our next victory will arrive. However the game each week tosses up great lessons in life and we all need to learn from these defeats to make the victories taste even sweeter.

Today the lesson was that a simple 10 minute lapse in concentration and intensity, when we were forced to make some positional changes and experiment with players in defensive roles, probably cost us the chance to snatch a win.

Life is always throwing us up opportunities and challenges - football does the same. We may be asked to play out of position and be required to show our adaptability and ability to meet the unknown. Hopefully the painful message will not be lost on our players and makes us a more determined unit in weeks to come.

Another opportunity and challenge awaits next week to put into practice what we have learned and take a few more steps forward. I can't wait - I hope the players feel likewise.

Final score, Surrey Park 9.11.65 defeated FJFC 7.3.45

Match Report - Week 5

Vs Bulleen Templestowe - 7 May 2006

Unfortunately a second half fade out saw the team get overrun by Bulleen Templestowe on a wet, slippery and cold Peterson Street Oval. Kicking with a stiff breeze in the first quarter, the game began with many promising signs as FJFC were able to win their fair share of the contests around the ground, enabling us to lead for all the half.

Our mid fielders were doing a good job of getting the ball forward and set up two invaluable goals into the stiff breeze in the second quarter. At the other end our back line battled hard to pressure and force the opposition into many hurried kicks and errors in front of goal, preventing Bullen Templestowe from kicking away in the second quarter. FJFC were thus able to go in at half time with a 12 point lead and with a quiet degree of confidence.

After half time, however, the opposition lifted their intensity and commitment at the ball - especially into the breeze - making inroads into our lead through sheer determination and hard work. Our inability to find another target in the forward line was also beginning to become telling, and as we went into the 3/4 time huddle all players were asked for a lift across the ground to give us a chance at our second victory for the year.

As the last quarter panned out, the back line, which had fought bravely all day to withstand opposition forward attacks, could hold on no longer, and a game that was level pegging with 5 minutes to go turned into a 13 point loss with the opposition winning, 5.12.42 to 4.5.29.

The team's lack of forward targets and commitment in the second half, meant we only scored 1 point in a half of the game. This was frustrating, disappointing and simply not good enough at any level or standard of football. However the game provides us with another chance and challenge next week against Surrey Park, and an opportunity to get things right!

We will once again hit the track, work hard, and try to recapture the form that enabled us to win in Round 1, ie play 4 quarters of committed and honest TEAM-oriented football.

Sandro

Match Report - Week 4

Vs St Marys - 30 April 2006

Facing a number of winnable games over the next 6 weeks, and following the disappointment of a one point loss to Beverley Hills the previous week, Fitzroy would have been feeling reasonably confident going into the game against St. Marys. However, as we were to find out by the end of the game, turning a winnable game into a win and getting 4 points requires a determined attitude and approach to the game that we lacked for a majority of the game.

Simply put, we were slow to adapt to the wet and slippery conditions and were met by a more determined and skilled opposition that attacked the ball harder and used it more effectively.

After receiving a blast at 1/4 time for their poor efforts, to their credit the players responded well and seemed to have gained control of the game, quickly turning a small deficit at 1/4 time into a 17 point going towards 1/2 time. We began to move the ball forward with more purpose and direction and our run out of the midfield picked up. However right on the stroke of half time poor discipline in the backline saw a 50m penalty awarded and the lead cut to 11 points. This gave St.Marys enough confidence to think they were back in the game.

The third quarter started with early goals by the opposition and they began to gain control of the game again, although some clever play in the goal square saw us goal and go into the 3/4 time break with a small 6 point lead.

The team required a lift from everyone, and our intensity and attack on the ball that had got us the lead in the 2nd quarter had to return. But it was not to be. St. Marys were able to easily win many more contested balls and run the ball skillfully and easily into their forward line to outscore and overrun us, eventually winning by 26 points.

Unfortunately for the players, the right attitude and intensity was only evident in short bursts by too few, and until we can play consistent and determined football, and use the ball effectively, many winnable games will be lost. It is frustrating but we will and must persist to improve in areas of fitness, intensity and skill level. Training is the place to change it all.

Match Report - Week 3

Vs Beverley Hills - 23 April 2006

A much improved team performance and effort after the Round 2 clash against Kew Rovers especially given we were lining up against one of the top sides in the Section 1 Under 15 competition.

Fitzroy played catch-up football all day but were never more that two goals behind Beverley Hills.

Both defences dominated which meant that kicking goals was always a hard task, made harder by the strong breeze which blew across the ground for most of the game.

The teams were evenly matched with Beverley Hills' running players and Fitzroy's talls on top. Tackles and inside 50's were about even for each team.

The final quarter saw Fitzroy come from 2 goals down to finish strongly but lose the game by a single point.

The team can take a lot from this hard-fought and sprited game and really build on this for the rest of the season. Well done to the team. Fitzroy 5.8.38 Beverley Hills 5.9.39.

Captain for the day: Tom Biscaro
Statistics: Liam O'Brien & Elliot Dunton

John Dunton

Match Report - Week 2

Vs Kew Rovers - 2 April 2006

Kew Rovers 18.17. 125 defeated FJFC 2.8.20

What a difference one week can make in football! Having things all our own way in Round 1, to come out and be crushed by a stronger, more determined and better skilled Kew Rovers outfit was a shock and a huge lesson for all our players.

The standard was set early in the game by the opposition, and their relentless running and effective usage of the football set the standard that hopefully our players can strive for in the remainder of the season.

All indications during training and before the game were quite positive, however once the game began our inability to win the football in general and use it effectively played into our opposition hands as we continually turned the ball over and presented them with more chances to score.

However, there is and will always be next week and another opportunity to make amends. The positives we as a team can take out of the game came quite clearly from the players themselves in their honest assessment of their efforts after the game. When asked simply "Who could play better?" all team members responded that they could, making one quite optimistic that we as a team can use the break wisely and prepare for another challenge against last year's runners up, Beverley Hills.

As I said to them afterwards "We can't play any worse than what we did today and the season is still young".

Sandro

Match Report - Week 1

Vs Ivanhoe Juniors 2 April 2006

The under 15s made a pleasing and victorious start to their season winning quite convincingly against an undermanned Ivanhoe side. The team had worked quite solidly on a number of specific team and individual skills and strategies during the off season and it was pleasing from a team perspective to see them being implemented in a real game situation. Many team goals and objectives were achieved with statistics indicating players generally prepared to use their bodies to win the ball and use it effectively. Our poor conversion in front of goal however was the only disappointing aspect of our game, and it is something that I am sure will improve as the season settles down. The team having a full bench players to rotate around the ground also allowed many players an opportunity gain a break, and to develop various skills by playing in various positions on the field. With big games coming up in the next two weeks against Grand finalists from last year, Kew Rovers and Beverley Hills, hopefully our winning form will continue.

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