Under 15 Section 4 Match Reports

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Match Report Round 14

Warrandyte 5 -13--43 defeated Fitzroy 4--5--29

In a truly creditable effort our boys played one of their best games of the season.Warrandyte, 3rd on the ladder(with 8 wins in Div 3) had to play their best football to win a tough contest against Fitzroy(2 wins in Div 3)
In fairly slippery conditions,both teams made handling errors but this week we showed more endeavour ,were to first to more contests,battled for the ball at the bottom of packs and had much more of a physical presence .Great to see!!
Again the backline did a fantastic job and was where much of our attack initiated.We tried a taller centre structure this game to combat the height of Warrandyte and they performed admirably all day.We opted for a "mosquito fleet" of small forwards who gave us plenty of sting up forward.Again but for some wayward bounces and unrewarded efforts we could have been closer come the final siren.
I certainly think we finished off more strongly this week and there were times when we controlled the game and ran Warrandyte ragged.

Lets hope we perform in a similar manner when we tackle Balwyn this Sunday! Well done guys .Great effort Greg

Match Report Round 13

St Mary's 15--14 104 defeated Fitzroy 8 --6--54.

In a disappointing game against the bottom placed St Mary's last week spark and endeavour seemed missing.St Mary's played a skilful running/marking game and seemed to be able to find loose players in the forward line at will.We certainly needed to man up and play much closer to our opponents rather than giving them so much latitude and first use of the ball. hopefully something we can address at training.
Unfortunately I also cant remember a game where we had so many unforced errors,dropped simple marks, executed wayward handballs and kicks and players didn't retain their footing at crucial times.We can certainly play better!
Again we had some superb contributions and memories to file in the highlights book.However as has been a problem all year too much of the burden is carried by too few.With a more even team contribution we play some terrific footy, we need to find that elusive "X factor" and be able to turn it on consistently.


Good to see the return of several players from injury- we are awaiting 3 more players and our list will be back to full strength.The season currently hangs in the balance-we are presently 5th and need to play some
great footy over the next 3 weeks.Lets be positive and really give a 1000% for the remaining games!!!

Lets really fire up for Sunday!! Go Roys !! Greg

Match Report Round 12

Fitzroy 8 -12 -60 defeated Boroondara Bulldogs 4 -8--32

In by far our best performance of the year,the boys defeated last years premiers in a convincing display of team football. This is the team that defeated us in Round 5 by 39 points,so the final result represents a 57 point turn around!! What a great effort!!

We went into the game fielding our smallest squad for the season,but ended up with winners across every line.The backline hung together resolutely and were miserly in the number of balls they let past.So much of our attack originated from desperate smothers/tackles and their willingness to work as a cohesive unit.Five or six players were rotated through the centre and each at one time or another contributed mightily to our cause.Different players bobbed up and slotted goals at crucial times to lift their team mates spirits--and the body language and talk was just fantastic!

Some of the players are really relishing having an extended time in one position rather than the rotation method from earlier in the season.I have said it before but 4 or 5 players probably had their best games to date and I am excited to think room for even more improvement exists!

As well as the teams great performance I think we were all privileged to see some fantastic individual efforts--a couple of high marks will remain etched in my memory forever,ditto probably the best "chase down" I can remember,some very slick ball handling up forward and numerous instances when we were outnumbered/undersized but with sheer determination and 2nd /3rd and 4th efforts we came away with the ball!


A great win guys -we were all so proud of you

Cant wait for the rematch with St Mary's Greg

Match Report Round 11

Beverley Hills 5-7-37 defeated Fitzroy 3- 6- 24

First impressions of Zerbes Reserve weren't good on Sunday-the centre square area was a glue pit and the smell was noticeable from inside the car.My first official act of the day was to express concern to the umpire about the safety of the surface and the likelihood of players "doing a knee".The umpire gave assurances that he would monitor the situation,but advised our runner to avoid the area-hardly an auspicious start!

For the third game in a row we had the first clearance of the game-this time however we managed to register a "major".From then on the game was pretty much a see-saw affair with neither team being able to gain real control.Beverley hills managed to sneak away to a 2 goal lead but a spirited fightback in the 3rd quarter saw us within striking distance.Unfortunately we again ran out of legs/players and couldn't pinch the lead.

We had 22 players present on Sunday-with 4 of these unavailable on the 13th July it is definitely a case of all hands on deck! Hopefully we will soon have some players returning from injury/holidays to boost our playing stocks.Certainly I believe some of the next 5 rounds are "winnable" and finals are still within reach.

Well done Guys Greg

Match Report Round10

Surrey Park 15-17-107 defeated Fitzroy 4- 7- 31

In a game that was almost a carbon copy of our previous game Fitzroy was beaten on the day by a much suprerior side.The first forward thrust of the game was ours but we failed to register a score-after that it was pretty much one way traffic! .Again try as we may we were unable to contain a side prepared to play on at all costs and run the ball from their backline,playing undoubtedly the best team football we have been pitted against.
We probably had 5 or 6 really positve passages of play that could have/should have been scores but for whatever reason we couldn't get the ball over the line --so frustrating!

Injuries to key players have seen a couple of our boys really rise to the occasion and play their best footy for the year. However as I have said on numerous occasions we neen a more even contribution from all players to be competitive at this level-on Sunday we had far too many players with 5 or less possessions.The challenge is there for these players to really find something and contribute in our next game

At present we are 4th on the ladder so the next few rounds will define our season.With holidays/injuries etc we look like having 23 available next game.Please let me know if you are not available.Again on Sunday we had a late withdrawl and a "no show" which makes planning pretty difficult.

See you all at training Greg

Match Report Round 9

Mt Waverley 15 -17-107 defeated Fitzroy 4 -7 -31.

In a much anticipated round against the league's top side , the boys had a great first quarter and went to the first break leading by 5 points. Little did we know that the "downhill" end was where most of the scoring was to take place! Mt.Waverley scored seven unanswered goals in the second quarter despite our best efforts to contain them - the boys in the backline certainly racked up possessions as the ball was kicked in time after time. Again we were in the position where the opposition was much taller and stronger and by the third quarter we simply ran out of legs. Mt Waverley controlled the game across our half forward line and try as we may we couldn't penetrate their line and they cleared the ball with long accurate kicking and solid marking. To the boys credit they hung in there and in the final term managed to register a few "majors" against the flow of play. I can't help but be proud of the guys who give 110% for the team each week and are absolutely worn out when the final siren sounds.

This coming weekend will be another challenge as we take on Surrey Park (currently 2nd on the ladder). At present we retain 3rd position by percentage with a few teams nipping at our heels, so it should be an exciting match!

Well done guys Greg

P.S On Sunday we fielded 22 players (the smallest number for the year) - with long term injuries, illness, holidays and other absences our once mighty list of 32 is just a memory. The school holidays are fast approaching and I would appreciate knowing if players are available 29th July and 13th June (first and last Sundays of the holidays) as we may be struggling for numbers. Thanks to those who have already let me know.

Match Report Round 8

Fitzroy 13 - 8 - 86 defeated Balwyn 6 - 6 - 42

Great effort by the boys to register our first win in Division 3. Playing a similar structure to last week (though with only 1 player extra across the backline) paid dividends on Sunday. Rather than rotate players through 3 different positions a game we are trying to establish a strong,stable goal to goal line. The boys are becoming more familiar with what is expected in a certain position and more confident in the players around them.
We had winners across all lines during the game - desperate saves at full back with some intelligent guarding of the square,great marking and rebound from those at centre half back, inspiring ruckwork and centre clearances coupled with some ferocious tackling from our onballers, our half forwards contributing about 8 goals and a forward line that kept presenting all day! A much more even effort - exactly what we are trying to achieve.
I commented last week that a few boys played their best games of the season- and can make the same observation this week. The number of players absolutely worn out at the end of the game was testament to their efforts.

Well Done Guys, a much better team performance, cheers Greg

Match Report Round 7

Warrandyte 9 - 9 -63 defeated Fitzroy 5 - 4 - 34

In a very bruising encounter, the boys probably had their best team game for the year.Against highly fancied and generally taller opponents many of the boys found that bit extra,with 4 or 5 playing their best games for the season. Five injuries during the game meant the bench was working overtime as we tried to find a balanced cohesive structure. At times we played 2 extra players in defence to try and counter their talls - this while effectively reducing Warrandyte's scoring opportunities left us undermanned up forward. Again, we failed to make the most of fairly limited opportunities to score - a couple of easy goals missed and easy turnovers - with players not handling the ball cleanly or missing targets/kicking straight to the opposition certainly cost us. To those further up the ground working so hard to bring the ball forward. this can be a bit frustrating/demoralizing At training we have spoken about the PUP factor (panic under pressure) - sometimes taking that extra split second before disposing of the ball can make all the difference. Many of the drills at training have tried to simulate game day pressure to reduce these errors.

With injuries and absences whittling away at our numbers our squad is down to 26 - as mentioned at training, given that a couple of boys are likely to be unavailable each week, most boys will play each of the remaining games! Instead of mass rotations we may be able to field a more consistent structure and play boys in the positions to which they are best suited - a bit of a luxury we haven't had to date.

Though we had a defeat, it was certainly "honourable"- I believe if we had played with that intensity the previous week perhaps the results would have been different. On Sunday we play Balwyn,who had a good win and will certainly provide a tough contest
Looking forward to Sunday's challenge.
Well done guys.
Greg

PLEASE parents - if you know your son is unavailable through injury, family commitments or is just plain tuckered out, let me know ASAP

Match Report Round 6

Fitzroy 2 7-5-47 defeated by St Mary's 7-11-53.

The boys started well, aided by a strong breeze and a sloping ground that certainly favoured one end. At quarter time we had the luxury of about a 4 goal lead. Try as we may in the second quarter we were unable to stop St Mary's having a carbon copy of our first quarter and the score was pretty much level at half time. Our third quarter was disappointing andSt Mary's played the conditions much better by playing a very tall defence and denying us many scoring opportunities. Frustratingly, we had plenty of the play but just chose poor options, time after time hitting an opposition player on the chest and causing an easy turn over. To the boys credit they went up a gear in the final session and actually won the quarter. Right to the final siren sounded I thought we might pinch a win (or at least a draw) I'm putting this game in the book as one we could have won and am looking forward to the rematch.

Pleasing to see a big improvement from some players this week - as I have stated we can only be successful if all players lift. Too often,even when in the clear we had players fumble/not handle the ball cleanly first time or panic and kick the ball straight to the opposition.We need to "think team" and work harder for each other. Expecting another tough game next week

Cheers Greg
N.B.
Injuries/absences are beginning to be a factor now each week. On Sunday we played 4 reserves and next week 5 have already been guaranteed a game. The heavy sporting commitments some of the boys have during the week (and particularly on Saturday) are also beginning to take some toll. I believe we had at least 3 players too sore/unfit to contribute on Sunday - might be time to consider giving them a break.

Match Report Round 5

Boroondara Bulldogs 13-11-89 defeated Fitzroy 7-8-51

In our first real challenge for the season we didn't come away with the points,but learned heaps that will stand us in good stead for the rest of the year.

In the first and second quarters, we were extremely competitive as was reflected by the scores at half time(but for a few fickle bounces and indecision on the forward line we could actually have gone to the break with a 4/5 goal lead)

The third quarter was a tough struggle with Boroodara exerting continued physical pressure on our players and they gradually started to control the game.At 3 quarter time there were only a few goals separating the teams and we were still in with a chance.

Unfortunately,we were overpowered in the final quarter as their taller players took control of the game and set up many scoring opportunities.But for the outstanding efforts of a couple of our backline players, the final scoreline would have been even less flattering.

A few things we will be addressing at training will include accountability( I feel we had too many players loose from their man/position),centre clearance strategies,looking downfield to honour the leads of our forwards and better disposal options whilst under pressure.

At training on Tues.-we began a self assessment program (where the boys rank their match day effort from 1 to 5 ) Pretty daunting to rate yourself in front of your peers but all gave a pretty realistic account.Most agreed that they played below par .As I explained if all the "1's" become "2's" we have improved by 100%.Certainly, now that we have gone up a division, the boys appreciate we need all players contributing at a higher level to be successful.

Looking forward to next weeks game

Match Report Round 4

Fitzroy 28-22-190 defeated Heidelberg 0.1.1

Our fourth combination of the season with squads A,B and D together with 4 replacements from "C" taking the field.

In an overwhelming display Fitzroy proved far too good for Heidelberg (who to their credit tried hard all day.) Again our dominance started in the centre with some of the quick clearances terrific to watch. Any attacking moves were shut down by a defence who did a great job---- at times it looked pretty vacant down back, as everybody wanted a part of the "goalfeast". Understandable, but something we will need to watch in the coming weeks! Blustery conditions resulted in some wayward shots at goal or the "magic 40 goals" may have been r eached which would have meant Pizza for all on Thursday night.Another super win Guys, now things will get tougher!

For those of you who haven't read the YJFL website-we ended up the only undefeated team with a massive percentage of 984.75%---I am not sure how much of this we take with us but our 4 wins will take us to the top of the Sect 3 ladder for a while (the other teams having won only 2 games)

A true test of where we are comes this Sunday when we play Boroondara Bulldogs (a team dropping back from Sect 2).

Match Report Round 3

Fitzroy 21-10-136 defeated Doncaster 0-1-1

First game together for the boys from Squads A, C and D (plus 4 of those rostered off). The difference between the 2 teams was obvious right from the start with our boys showing much more determination and commitment to winning the ball. A 6 goal to zero first quarter pretty much set the tone of the match. Our second quarter wasn't as intense and I think some of the guys "cruised" a bit already thinking the game was in the bag. Not a mind set you can afford to adopt against a really good side!
The 3rd and 4th we picked up the pace with again many options to goal (for the 3rd game in a row probably 12 or so goal scorers). Some free flowing football again at times was really impressive.
Still room for plenty of improvement - moving the ball quickly/accurately, being prepared to run on/create space, 2nd and 3rd efforts in contests - all things we need to do instinctively if we are to progress as a team.

Convincing win guys, well done to all, Greg

Thanks to Chris S and Max W for their great efforts with the water bottles.

Don't forget to check the YJFL website for all results.ladders and fixtures.At present we are top of the ladder with a massive 674.14% (and looking to hopefully add to that against Heidelberg!!!)

Match Report Round 2

The Coach's Word

Fitzroy 21-14-140 defeated St Mary's 5-6-36

Round 2 saw a "new look" side take the field for Fitzroy with 8 players rostered on for their first game. Plenty of options for the coach to try players in different combinations. I don't think many players lined up in the same position for more than 2 quarters - at least 12 midfield rotations,3 or 4 rucks and players swapped from one end of the ground to the other - a great learning experience for the boys.!

The boys were up and running early, with no sign that this was their first game together. Lots of hard running was the order of the day with again much of our scoring opportunities originating from hard work in the backline.Again we had many options for goal with 10 players registering "majors" - a feature of the game was the unselfish manner in which the game was played with the boys constantly sharing the ball/looking for a player in a better position. But for a few "posters" and some unlucky bounces our score would have been even greater. Being quite a warm day, the fact that we had a full bench with fresh legs was quite a factor. In the end St Mary's who had no substitutes simply ran out of legs.

Great to see the guys rostered off,at the ground,supporting their mates.Special thanks to Murray and Alex who acted as waterboys all day - your efforts were appreciated

Great effort again guys, Keep it up ! Greg

Match Report Round 1

On Sunday 13th April, Fitzroy 2 played their first game of the season against Greythorn. Given our limited preparation(only 2 training sessions) the boys performance was fantastic! We had several new players make impressive debuts and some of our "old stagers" had their best ever game for the club First use of the  were ball at centre bounces,some great in and under clearances from congested situations, tight desperate defence and accurate kicking for goal were all features of the match.Time and time again dash from defence "broke the lines",then accurate passing set up shots on goal.By my tally I think we had 10 or 11 goal scorers-talk about plenty of avenues to goal! It certainly was a great team effort- at some stage each player did something"special"-a crucial tackle,desperate knock on,shepherd  or fearless contested mark.All contributions that make a coach (and supporters proud). It was so great to hear the Fitzroy song belted out after the game (though as some wag suggested for some it had been so long since the last win they couldn't remember the words!) With 24 players available, each player had 3/4 on the ground and 1/4 on the bench. Many were thrown forward/centre/back for possibly the first time to show their wares and didn't disappoint.

Great Effort Guys! A special thanks to Bill Power, our hard working Team Manager for getting us up and running at such short notice. Unless you have actually experienced this role you do not realise how much needs to be done each week for us to take the field.