Round 9: Fitzroy Vs Heidelberg
It wasn't pretty but after a few tentative shots at goal in the 1st qtr following Ned's initial effort to get the centre clearance and a couple of strong grabs by the 50 gamer of mayoral pedigree, we finally found our way thru the big ones. Probably the highlight of the qtr was Jacquan's sudden surge of speed in the Fwd line and nailing of a great goal on the run in imposing fashion. It was a sight to see and many of us began to smile on the inside knowing that we had glimpsed a flash of the damaging footballer that he will become. Jesse was on fire in the 1st qtr setting up several fwd moves from the wing. Despite getting caught once he soon showed his class by kicking diagonally from the MerriCk side of the ground to the far HFF where 3 free Lions were ready to pounce. For a split second , even the great George Adamson would have got a big kick out of seeing 3 cubs ranging free across Ramo as if it were the Serengeti ! Heidelberg were not so excited so the moment did not last very long.
Thru lack of discipline we let Heidelberg in for a couple of easy goals both of which bounced thru. There's nothing wrong with following the bouncing ball as our desperate defenders did but it should only happen at home when you're watching an old Warner Bros cartoon on TV. In future one of the back 3 must always be on that line !
The 2nd qtr was one of our best for the season. Against all odds and with Jacquan, Macca, Ahmed, Max H. and Hugh off the ground - all of whom had certainly put in in the 1st qtr - we slammed on several goals uphill. At one stage and with a 3 goal lead it almost looked like we'd broken Heidelberg's spirit , judging by their body-language, particularly that of their potentially lethal bigger players, one of whom looked like he'd been shaving and driving for years. There were many highlights in this remarkable qtr, none more so than Ala's brilliant centring snap from the pocket. He found Connor on the line and the big, burly skipper made no mistake. Mo and Mu played crucial roles in defence on a flank and in the BP and continue to set a telling example with their constant desire to get to the bottom of pax and get quick HB's out.
Loose man Atticus patrolled the HB-line like a wily coyote and was crucial in repelling several concerning attacks. Seb followed in Jacquan's footsteps up fwd and kicked a timely goal. He too showed that he was intent on stepping up a notch and revealing his true colours. If the twins make sure they continue the trend next week then St. Mary's may well be in for a surprise. A late goal to the Bergers after a clever but ultimately hurried clearing kick by Atticus meant that we still had a game on our hands. Most pleasing of all was the fact that we were outnumbering Heidelberg when the ball was in dispute or in pax. That can only mean that boy-for-boy we were covering more territory than our opponents.
In the 3rd qtr we did all the attacking but couldn't buy a goal. Connor and Charlie had more trouble up forward flying against each other and their team-mates than their opponents and we will rectify that situation ASAP. Only a goal on the run from our prancing Pakistani prince gave us breathing space. It was also no surprise when the Bergers goaled easily against the run of play late in the qtr - something which so often happens if we don't slam thru goals after doing so much work so often to get it down there. Max Hodder played an inspirational qtr taking a couple of powerful one grab marks up fwd and even turned his confused opponent inside-out once by quickly turning on to his left foot and then kicking with his right.
Hot Pie Pat was given the keys to the FWDline in the last qtr and didn't disappoint. He started taking more marks and running hard and more thoughtfully in to space.
Atticus prevailed again across the HBline and the obviously talented Andre sped away from his opponents and opened up play with several pinpoint HB's. He was also involved in a couple of classic 1-2 HB's which made the afficionados realize that slowly - ever so slowly - the team is starting to gel.
Macca and Nix were a little quiet but often rebounded the ball under pressure after unexpected but vital interceptions. The ever responsible Kieran's involvement was similar and when he captures the ball a bit more cleanly he will cut a path thru hapless opponents like Sammy "The Weaver" Howard who must have been born in the Year of the Snake.
Although both Wills were a little rusty, they certainly created something out of nothing at times and I'm sure Will A. gained something out of singing the club song for the 3rd time in the rooms despite the pain he endured late in the game.
Not many goals were scored in the last qtr but with midfield prime movers Josh and Digby off the ground the effort of the whole team to soldier on was outstanding.
Unlike last week our win was raw rather than ugly and astute judges can sense that certain manouvres are becoming embedded in the way we play. We are certainly heading in the right direction and with an increase in G&D and HBG's and a more open FWDline, the 10 goal barrier will finally be broken. As Charlie's fellow 50 gamer, Max O'Reilly knows, either he or the skipper will one day do it themselves.
The top 3 teams would be stupid to assume that the Blue 2 Fitzroy boys will be a pushover in the next 6 rounds. It is exciting to have climbed into the 4 but that only need be a stepping stone if staying there means enough to everyone in the team.
Thanks to all the parents who do so much each week to allows the boys focus on the game esp.Nix's mum Anne this week who was clearly B.O.G. around the boundary line.
Training starts at 5pm at Ramsden on Thursday again and we hope to enjoy and learn from some of Terry's film of the day. Remember boys wear all your Fitzroy gear and send thru a phone call or email to Pam or myself if you can't make it also giving us a brief reason why.
This Sunday it's St. Mary's at Ramsden Street at 1pm.
Report by coach Richard.
Under 13 Blue 2 ( Round 4 ) 10 May 2009