Fitzroy Under 14 match report v. Glen Iris Rd. 4


The boys were fired up and ready to go in the 1st qtr at home on Sunday & drove the ball forward on many occasions thanks to JJ, Luke,Lewie & Dylan in the centre square. Both Deano & Cal marked well & goaled & Joey after taking one of several chest marks throughout the day the way they should be, unfortunately missed as did a quick right foot snap from jj on the run. We were looking for each other with several forwards unmarked & at the 1st break only inaccurate kicking kept us from breaking GI's spirit decisively.

The turnovers started to creep into our game in the 2nd qtr as GI were able to break clear more often & set up the loose man and despite the resolute efforts of the defence GI kicked 3 & went to the main break 2 goals up. Scotty emphasized accountability (i.e. manning up) while the coach swung a few positional changes. Jake & Ricky got their chance in the forward line while 50-gamer Pat continued to come to terms with the role of loose man in the backline. GI kept playing their running game which often saw them control the centre corridor and switch the ball from the flanks through an unmarked man in the centre square.

We were certainly getting our share of the ball but our footskills overall are not yet equal with theirs & it showed at crucial stages when we had the chance to move forward dangerously. Our reluctance at times in the 3rd qtr to centre the ball to the hotspot as we attacked down the cityside wing to waiting "tall timber" cost us & must change. However many players were battling hard including Ligga now on the half-back flank & Mike ,Batey & Inds on the wings. Hods was unusually quiet on their very tall CHF while Luke laid on some hard & effective bumps. Omar, still learning some aspects of the game , rushed through the ball when necessary & Nat F. passed brilliantly when moving the ball through the centre of the ground.

In the last qtr the team started to click as a couple of goals from strong marks by Ricky showed that he will be able to play at both ends of the ground. Dave H. gave us another trademark run from defence & Lewie already racking up many possessions gained a 2nd wind.

WE almost had them on Sunday boys but need 4 qtrs of courage & desire to run & reach contests & hit them & the packs harder.

Work hard This Sunday against Ivanhoe & we'll give them a hell of a shock on their smaller ground. Be there at 2.00pm for a 3.00pm start. Training is at Ramsden St. at 5.00p.m. tonight (Tuesday).