Round 2   Fitzroy v Park Orchards

Size in football is not always crucial but as the bigger side on Sunday we made a boisterous beginning moving the ball often out of the centre, though not as slickly as we ultimately will. The taller players led by Dylan were sharing the ball around well as we drove it forward repeatedly early on. Nat leading like Fev was well-rewarded on one occasion but our kicking for goal was definitely under par. Only a late goal or two, especially a great snap by Cal gave us a bit of a buffer at quarter time.

Overall we were not finishing off our hard work in the middle of the field. Despite the players all knowing this, our improvement was only marginal in the second quarter although several players continued to play outstanding attacking football.

After half-time JJ went to CHF and Luke to FF and immediately Fitzroy clicked into action. A strong one-grab mark by Luke followed by him kicking further goals by being in the right place at the right time and led to us showing signs of how good we will ultimately be.

The HB line was again solid with Ricky being elusive and unselfish as was James who, despite his height and marking ability is also often able to wrong-foot opponents while he assesses options and prepares to deliver the ball downfield.

The major limitations of our effort were several unnecessary 25 metre penalties, largely because we gave the umpire lip. The umpire is doing his best boys and is often someone who was not a good player himself. It is vital that we get him onside and treat him with respect even when his decisions annoy and astonish us. Remember too that it is not only the umpire who makes mistakes onfield.

The last quarter began as something of an experiment with wholesale changes and we started with a 5 man backline although some on-ballers were told to push back when necessary. The early signs were not ideal as P.O. scored 1 or 2 goals a bit too easily. However, the last 12 minutes were impressive as we piled on 5 or 6 goals despite the game already being won.

The goals were shared amongst regular backmen including Dave and even Inds slipped down and did a Neil Crompton. Special mention must be made of Mike's return and efforts to kick to a target, Bobby's leading and sharing in the forward line and an inspiring and gutsy effort by Joey and Luke, the "Shuffle Brothers", late in the game to save a certain goal.

This week we play Kew Rovers and we will aim to dominate the first quarter to set the tone for the match. A very open forward line is crucial and several on-ballers will be told to keep right out of the forward 50 but clog up theirs. Delivery by hand and foot must be slick and precise and we have no room for backchat. Boys who find it hard to follow these team rules will be rested by Danny and myself for both their sake and the team's.

This game will tell us where we're at and I know you will all do your best for each other all day. If we play hard passionate football, continue to tackle low, S & S more and kick at least 12 goals we'll have every right to feel proud when the Final siren sounds.

Be there at Stradbroke Park at 2.00 pm for a 3pm start. See you then. Finally there is no training on Anzac Day.