Under 12-2 2009
Coach: Chris Bain 0410.301.221 chris.bain@computershare.com.au or
kemerton@netspace.net.auAssistant Coach: Justin Healey 0439.334.922 jheals@optusnet.com.au
Manager: Steve Turnbull 0425.729.591 geordiesteve@optusnet.com.au
Training: Tuesdays, 4.10pm - 5.50pm, Ramsden Street.
Clash of the Titans!
The forlorn cry heard from the opposition's huddle at quarter time -"Don't kick it to the big bloke!!!"- summarised the status of the blockbuster of the round - Fitzroy at home against the all conquering Glen Iris.
The reference to the 'big bloke' was Ollie who had taken the game by the scruff of the neck in a manner reminiscent of South Melbourne's Barry Round from years gone by. Combined with the frenetic tackling and uncompromising pressure from the rest of the team, an early lead was established and a pattern set. The task from quarter time was not to relinquish that lead by lapsing in concentration and effort. Showing a maturity beyond their footballing years, Fitzroy stuck to their Tommy Hafey game plan of tacklin', harassin' and runnin' to space that was in stark contrast to the mark and kick style of play that the tall timber of Glen Iris appeared to be employing. Many 'Holding the Ball' decisions were given in favour of the 'Roys that were obvious from 100 metres away and duly paid by the ump.
Aided by some luck but also due to the sustained Fitzroy pressure contributed to Glen Iris kicking six consecutive behinds in the quarter. At half time, the Royboy's rallied to the coach's demand for a sustained effort. With Sam unstoppable at half back and the continued dominance of Ollie in the ruck and the skill and flair of Fitzroy's mosquito fleet ('lil Nik, Michael E, and Lucas) and the discipline and determination of James B, Aidan, Sean et al the Lions went into the last change with what appeared to be an unassailable lead. But with the spectre of the gut wrenching loss at Greensborough a few weeks ago still fresh in his mind, supercoach Bain exhorted the supporters to give Churchillian support to the home side and when Sean took mark after game saving mark that thwarted any suggestion of a Glen Iris triumph, the home side ran out winners by a whopping 11 points, 4.6 to 2.8.
Best players: It may be a cliche but the entire side banded together for this one. However, in Orwellian terms where some best players were better than other best players, special mention must go to Sam, Ollie, Michael, Sean, Jamie, Jay, lil Nik, Lucas, Adam, Aish, Pos, Aidan, with the smother of the day being effected by Marty, and leading directly to a goal for the Roys.
Next week is Kew whom we owe for a defeat in round 3. Bring it on!!
- Chris Bain