Match report: Fitzroy vs Glen Iris 25/4

As is tradition on Anzac Day, the Ode to the Fallen was read and players, officials and spectators observed a minute's silence. It was a stirring start to what would unfold as an epic battle on the footy field. The Glen Iris team had conceded only eleven points in the first two rounds of the season. The Fitzroy players were prepared for a tough game.

The match started well for Fitzroy with Lewis, Charlie and Micah providing pressure and run across the middle of the ground. Harry D-T marked strongly, passed to Charlie who kicked the first goal of the day. With hard work by Riley, Ben Mac, Hugh and Aiden presenting opportunities, Adam was able to follow up with two more goals. Although Glen Iris was able to move the ball forward, solid defence by Harry P, Harrison and Oskar limited scoring until Glen Iris kicked a goal late in the quarter. At quarter time Fitzroy led, 3.1 (19) to 1.1 (7).

The second quarter was tough and intense. The effort of every player on the ground was breathtaking. Micah and Ben Mac did not stop running, Tom, Aiden and Oskar were hard at the ball and Hugh was tireless in ruck. David, Adam and Ben Cap worked hard up forward while Lewis and Frazer kept up the pressure around the packs. Glen Iris took advantage of the breeze, scoring an early goal and setting up plenty of chances but struggled to kick accurately. Anthony worked hard across the back line and took a strong mark deep in defence. Riley and Harry P. were reliable kicking in but at the other end of the ground Fitzroy found it difficult to score against the breeze.   Glen Iris held a narrow lead going in to the main break, 3.7 (25) to Fitzroy 3.5 (23).

Fitzroy started the second half with a depleted bench (Ned suffered a corked thigh and Anthony had back pain) but plenty of determination. After a great build up through Harry D-T and Lewis, Aiden was very unlucky to hit the post, but a fantastic long bomb by Ben Mac went through the big sticks and a clever snap by Ben Cap resulted in another goal. At three quarter time Fitzroy had regained the lead 5.9 (39) to 4.12 (36).

Glen Iris snatched the lead back with a goal early in the last quarter and followed up quickly with another despite the best efforts of Riley and other back line players.   Then the Fitzroy players were inspired by some courageous shepherding by Daniel and terrific work under pressure by Riley. Hugh was able to intercept a kick in, pass to Harrison who kicked a beautiful goal. Fierce pressure by Harry D-T and Lewis followed by a brilliant mark by Oskar and a goal to Charlie put Fitzroy back in front. Unfortunately Glen Iris was able to goal once more. When the ball was deep in the Fitzroy forward line, the siren sounded to finish a truly wonderful game of football. Congratulations to all players. Final score was Glen Iris 7.14 (56) to Fitzroy 7.11 (53).