Round 3 Match Report

The Fitzroy Colts 1 team headed out to Bulleen Park for an encounter with one of the dominant teams in the competition over the past few years, Bulleen-Templestowe. The first quarter was characterized by a very physical approach from both teams, particularly the Fitzroy forwards, whose defensive pressure signaled that there would be no easy routes forward for the Bulleen defenders.

Rory Angiolella, Isaac Anderson and Jesse Dimond were fierce in the midfield contests and helped drive the ball forward where Michael Cussen started the game in his customary style with some cleans grabs and bone crushing tackles. However, despite Fitzroy having plenty of possessions, Bulleen scored the first goal of the game before Ross Borland started winning the ball well at full forward with Nick Brown, using his trademark speed, and Sam West also causing problems for the Bulleen defence. However inaccurate kicking again let us down with Cuss's goal square grab, our only major for the quarter.

Will Pickering kicked the second quarter off with a goal following some nice evasive work and Fitzroy started to reap the rewards of the tremendous pressure they were applying to the Bulleen ball carriers. The Fitzroy defence, despite letting in an early goal, was playing solid football with Dylan Temple & Sam Baker rebounding creatively off half- back. Khalil Abou-Eid took a timely mark and goaled as Chris Polidoras, Ross and Browny took control of the forward line. Further goals to Rory and Ross saw Fitzroy enter half-time with a well deserved 17 point lead.

Unsurprisingly, a determined Bulleen came out strongly in the third quarter with an early goal and were intent on wresting the ascendancy back from Fitzroy however Alex Vella-Horne hit back with fine shot on goal after a solid mark in the forward pocket. This was followed soon after by a banana goal on the run by Chris Krouratis, who was proving dangerous on the forward line.

With a 23 point lead, it looked like Fitzroy might run away with the game as the hard running and competitiveness of Rory, Isaac & Jesse around the ground was proving telling however two quick goals put Bulleen right back in it before a weaving run and long goal from Will Pickering provided some breathing space for Fitzroy. Sam along with Jack Atkinson and Dylan continued to control the half-backline although a late goal to Bulleen saw the margin reduced to 13 points in Fitzroy's favour.

In the first minute of the final quarter, Alex inspired the team with a powerful high mark and accurate kick on goal. In the next ten minutes, Fitzroy had numerous opportunities to break away from Bulleen as Isaac, Chris, Nick Demelis and Browny won vital touches however a succession of points left the door ajar. Bulleen seized their chances and kicked two goals to pull the margin back to 10 points.

Bulleen continued to press forward only to be repelled by Sam Baker, Dylan and Will J whilst the steadying influence of Max Rogers kept the team together on the full back line. However, a poor kick-in with a minute to go saw Bulleen goal and come within four points before a missed shot on goal by Bulleen allowed Dylan to keep a cool head and find a loose Max Rogers from the kick-in as the siren sounded.

The 3 point win was a tribute to both the team's fierce pressure and sustained running throughout the day. We face another tough game next week against ladder leaders, Beverley-Hills.

Go Roys

Michael

Score: Fitzroy 9.12.66 Bulleen-Templestowe 9.9.63

Best Players: A great team effort

Goal kickers: Pickering 2, Vella-Horne 2, Abou-Eid, Cussen, Borland , Angiolella, Krousoratis

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