What is it about away matches? Why are they always colder than home games? It was dark and bleak out Greensborough way: the oval sloped away and a bitter wind blew. And St Marys, a club to rival our own for size and numbers, are always a tough opponent.

But the Roys started brilliantly. Perhaps being on school holidays helped. Or maybe it’s because the two clubs have such a healthy rivalry. Whatever the reason, Fitzroy was fast, furious and free: they ran the ball, they looked for each other, and they pushed the ball in to space.

Atticus was in towering form, kicking the first point of the game, and then latching on a loose ball for the Roys’ first goal. Nick N’s tackling was focussed and intense. Sebastian squeezed his opponent dry and Jaquan took a strong mark in a hot contest. Atticus goalled again and then Lucy swung on to her right foot to snap the Roys’ third for the quarter. And St Marys hadn’t troubled the scorers by the first break.

Soon after the resumption, St Marys got their first, but Jesse J found Charlie with a penetrating kick that Charlie converted to a goal. St Marys started to move the ball more quickly and their tall forward line won more of the contested ball. Two quick goals followed from accurate snaps. But the Roys were still in it. Nick B was relentless, pushing in and around packs, scouting for the loose ball, while Sam was quick to spoil and follow up the rebound. Enver showed the reward for being first to the ball, with a free kick that put the Roys deep in to the forward line once more where Jesse W was a dangerous presence.

At half-time, the difference was only seven points to the Roys’ advantage but there was a sense that the momentum was shifting. Sure enough, St Marys goalled moments in to the third quarter. It became a tough contest, as the Roys fought hard to hang on to their lead while St Marys pressed hard. Elia was unstoppable across the half-back line, latching on to the loose ball and running it out of defence. Adam was his able ally, who keeps running and jumping, no matter what stage of the game. Kent was sent down to defence for the quarter and took a couple of calm and strong marks. Yet St Marys snatched the lead with another goal, and suddenly the Roys were chasing. Josh, who had rucked tirelessly, and often roved his own taps, was nimble with his pick-ups and sent the ball forward only for St Marys to send it back out.

There was only a goal in it at three quarter and coach Terry reminded the Roys that the wind had gone. The match was there to be won. And when the Roys threatened with a point early in the last, there was some hope. Lewis took a big mark on the forward line and Charlie too, but St Mary’s grabbed another goal to increase the lead. The Roys added another point, and then St Marys came again. Just as St Marys seemed destined to extend their lead, Patrick swooped in the last line of defence to cut off a pass but time was fast running out for the Roys.

With St Marys’ boy nicknamed Mango getting plenty of the footy and the Roys struggling to retain possession, it was always going to be a hard task and in the dying moments of the game there was no joy for the visitors.

ENDS