Preliminary Final   Match Report  

Fitzroy v. Preston Bullants

Fitzroy defeated Preston Bullants -  Score -  6  - 7 - 43 to 2 - 1-13

Our journey continues!

Today’s game was the culmination of a season of hard work and dedication from 21 young boys who love the game we call Australian Rules football. Their focus and commitment to each other for the betterment of the group was a wonderful thing to witness and to be a part of. These young boys have been a pleasure to coach and I thank all the parents of these children that have allowed me to enter their lives a little each week during the season.

Todays win started on Thursday at training. The players trained well and were all focussed on the task at hand, providing a ‘no regrets’ contest on Sunday. After training we gathered in the community rooms to have some food and reflect on the season through a slide show. I think this really reinforced to the boys how much they have improved throughout the season. You learn more from a hard contest or loss than an easy win. We have had our losses and our wins and have provided plenty of contests, which have taught the boys valuable lessons about each other and the team. Gradually the team has been building momentum and today’s game had some of the best contests provided from the team all year.

Preston Bullants have been a formidable opponent all year, beating us twice in closely contested matches. Today I expected another tough contest and was not let down. The Bullants where gallant in defeat and kept trying all day. We were up to the challenge and played some wonderful team football. The ball movement and run was some of the best seen all season but it was the commitment to the contest that got us over the line.

The backline was once again outstanding, providing the team with a solid wall that was never easily penetrated. Every time I glanced back there they were, manned up giving their opponents no easy kicks.

The midfield ran hard, both forward and down back to help out. What was really pleasing for me was their efforts to get back and help the defenders, this is something that we have been working on all year and to see the boys do it was fantastic.

The forwards were all creative and worked really hard to keep the ball in their area and score. The team has been able to put up a lot of good scores in the last few games and you can just see the lift it gives the team when the goals are scored.

We have one more training session and one more game left, each and every player should be very proud of their achievements this year. Win, lose or draw everyone can hold their heads high as I know everyone has given it their best shot and that is all that we can ask of you young boys.

So, the journey continues, lets enjoy the experience and each other. United, there is nothing this group cannot achieve!

Go Roys!

Bruce