In the build-up to the Fitzroy Derby, coaches Richard and John got the two teams out in the middle to feel the history and sense of occasion that goes with playing back at the old Fitzroy ground, where the ghosts of glories past sit proudly in the old grandstand.
It was a glorious last day of autumn and the boys always feel that these kind of games have a different feel: quite a few of these two Fitzroy teams have stood should-to-shoulder in other teams in earlier years. There’s some friendly rivallries and as Richard’s Roys knew, playing in the famous home colours gives a lift when the other Fitzroy has to wear the Yarra jumper.
Not that there was much evidence of anything other than even contest in the opening few minutes. The wide expanse of the oval was a challenge and the brittle warmth of the sun helped some of the boys work up a sweat. Fitzroy 3 drew first blood, with a major but Max O pounced on a bouncing ball to register the Roys answering goal. Andre was strong in the backline and Charlie was leading well, but Richard was a little disappointed that the boys were a little handball-happy. “Just kick the thing,’’ he told them in the huddle at the first break.
There were a few comforting signs in the second quarter when Muh chased and chased his opponent from half-back to half-forward and Connor B looked like he was finding some good form. But Fitzroy 3 had more of the play and set up several smart moves in to the forward line that led to two goals. At half-time there was 11 points the difference and Richard’s Roy Boys looked to have been shut out of the game.
Now, the old-timers will tell you that footy is a funny game. Some of them will even remember famous games that were played in two halves: the first half when one team was dominant and then the second when the order of things were changed. Peterson Oval’s probably seen a few of those games in its time. And it did again on Sunday.
Something happened after half time and the Roys came out firing: first, with three behinds and then, when Connor B handballed to Sam M on the run, he coolly slotted a goal to lift the whole team. Suddenly, there was purpose, organisation and efficiency. Sebastian, who had been a livewire in the forward line, found Charlie in the goal square with a smart right-footer and Charlie drilled it. The goal post got a bit of work out, hit so often it started to twang like a banjo. But the Roys’ kept coming. Patrick took a mark behind play and then found Connor B and he converted too. The Roys had hit the front. It wasn’t just the forward line that made it work – Sam H was tenacious with his tackles and Ned was spring-heeled. He took a fine mark and goalled from the pocket.
Although Fitzroy 3 pulled one back before three quarter time, there was a sense the tide had turned. What was the difference between the first half and third quarter? Richard had the answer. “You wanted the footy so badly,’’ he said. And they did in the last quarter too.
Fitzroy 3 grabbed a goal early on, but Jaquan was tireless in keeping his forwards fed with the footy and soon Charlie and Connor B combined to register the Roys’ sixth. Josh was a rock all day, using his size and strength to push his way through packs and tackles. Ahmed delivered the Roys’ seventh and final goal that ensured a solid win. And moments later, every Fitzroy player, whether they wore the Lions’ or Yarra jumper, were linking arms and singing the song. It had been that kind of afternoon and that kind of match.
Match Report by Nick Richardson
Under 13 Blue 2 Fitzroy U-13 Blue 2 7.11. (53) d Fitzroy U-13 Blue 3 6.3 (39) at W.T. Peterson Oval, Sunday, May 31, 2009.