Match report round 12 versus Glen Iris

 

It was wonderful to see Riley back out on the paddock, making his presence felt across the back line. And welcome back Owie. We're looking forward to your expert assistance with the scoreboard during the next few home games.

It was also a relief to have Rory back from injury and Hugh back from his trip to China. We're back to full strength!!

However, Glen Iris always plays well at home and despite Fitzroy having a full team and two on the bench, this week proved to be no exception. A strong breeze was blowing straight down the ground, favouring the eastern goals. Glen Iris took advantage and kicked three goals with the wind in the first quarter, even with determined hard work by Fitzroy back line players Riley, Oskar, Fraser, Harrison and Harry P all trying to limit the scoring opportunities.   Charlie, David, Ned and Aiden showed strength and speed across the centre of the ground and Daniel was able to deliver Fitzroy's first goal, a quick low kick that took everyone by surprise. At quarter time, Glen Iris had a handy lead of 17 points, 3.5 (23) to 1.0 (6).

This reporter was optimistic it was a three goal breeze and that by half time scores would be close or Fitzroy may have even snatched the lead with some accurate kicking. Unfortunately that wasn't to be. Instead both teams added three goals to their tally. Glen Iris played a loose man in defence all afternoon. On most occasions when the ball came forward of centre for Fitzroy, he was there to intercept and send it straight back to the Glen Iris forwards. It was frustrating, but didn't rule Fitzroy out of the game. Ahmed kicked a brilliant goal on the run, Anthony kicked truly from a set shot after taking a strong mark and some excellent teamwork resulted in a goal to Aiden. At half time, the margin was still 17 points, 6.7 (43) to 4.2 (26).

In the rooms at half time the Fitzroy players encouraged each other to look for team mates, play intelligent football instead of just kicking to the packs and apply some physical pressure. Good intentions and they all tried hard, but the rest of the game belonged to Glen Iris. Ben Mac, Lewis, Micah, Tom and Harry D-T continued to work hard across the centre and along the wings. Harry P was dragged up the ground by his opponent which left Fraser in unfamiliar territory at fullback but Fraser kept up the pressure until the end of the game and played very well.   Ben C kicked a couple of goals during the second half but overall the Roy Boys outclassed.  

Final scores were 11.10 (76) to 6.5 (41), a very convincing win to the Glen Iris boys who played excellent footy and deserved the win.