| ROUND
NINE - FITZROY v. ST.MARY'S
Sunday
1 July (A K Lines Reserve)
The
first weekend of the school holidays took a heavy toll on our team
numbers for this important clash with leading rivals, St. Mary's.
We were left with only 17 players at the start of today's game but,
fortunately, St Mary's had been reduced to that same number.
Chris
& Declan were today's captains and they led the Roys out onto
a brown-coloured ground where, despite recent rain, the grass looked
deader than Richmond's finals chances.
St
Mary's started strongly by kicking the first two goals, but Fitzroy
came back with several passages of clever team play. Murray's mark
and goal came at the end of a great passage of play and an unselfish
pass from Harry.
St
Mary's again looked strong in the second quarter and managed to
extend their lead. A great running goal from Alex M still kept us
in touch going into the main break.
The
third quarter was a hard fought affair with both sides looking good
in different stages. St Mary's scored another three, but long, set-shot
goals from Sam W & Murray meant that we were 28 points down
with one quarter to go.
The
coach stressed that we needed to out-score our opponents in the
last quarter and this proved to be the case. A magnificent individual
goal from the pocket by Declan, followed by another great solo running
goal from Alex M saw us narrow the final deficit to 22 points.
All
things considered, this was one of our best games of the season
– despite the loss.
With
the absence of several key players, others in the team grabbed the
opportunity to show what they can do. Jon showed more improvement
in the ruck and Moreno, in defence, had his best game since joining
Fitzroy. The car horns from his fan club were blaring non-stop right
throughout the game. Alex M & Paddy were starring in the midfield,
while Harry & Murray (both not fully fit) were strong up forward.
Zeb, Alex T & Sam W continued their great form in defence and
Sam H handled an unfamiliar role at Full Back by displaying lots
of smart defensive play. Hamish, Declan & the two Wills again
made strong contributions across the Centre & Half Back and
we must make special mention of Lachlan, who was clearly not well
but still made a great effort to assist his team.
We
lost, but there was plenty to admire in our efforts today.
Scores:
Fitzroy
6.7.43
St.
Mary's 9.11.65
Goals:
Murray
White 2, Alex Maloney 2, Sam Walker 1, Declan Canavan 1.
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