Fitzroy Junior Football Club Under 10 Team 1 Gold 2015: Round 2

For the second game of the season, Fitzroy played the well regarded (and physically large) Camberwell team at home. In his pre-match address, John emphasized the importance of playing in front and the concept of ‘second, third & fourth’ attempts at getting the ball. Team captains Stanley and Mason led the team out on a cold, wintery Melbourne morning. Fitzroy won the toss and elected to kick with the wind (eastern end of the ground). Kyle got the team off to a flying start with an impressive center clearance. Channeling Cameron Ling in his heyday (only better), he sped past three opposition players before kicking the ball deep into the forward line. In a very even contest, both teams had the ball in their forward line but tight defense meant that goals were hard to come by. Lachie was leading by example with his focus and persistence in obtaining the ball and his tenacious tackling on the wing. Josh and Yianni both took strong contested marks in the last line of defense for Fitzroy, ably supported by first-gamer Joe Martin. Noah Dekker continued his good form from the previous week, bringing the ball down on the wing with two early marks and some accurate kicking. In taking a terrific contested mark (the first of many), Laird showed the class that he was to demonstrate all day, a one man army in defense. Max was working hard as Centre Half Back, using his pace to bring the ball forward in a couple of exiting passages of play. In the forward line, Jack marked and kicked to Kyle, who narrowly missed a goal for Fitzroy. At the end of the quarter, scores were Fitzroy 2 points to Camberwell’s 4 points. Scott addressed the players at quarter time and emphasized the importance of manning up, moving the ball quickly on the half forward line and 2nd, 3rd, 4th attempts at getting the ball. The efforts of Laird, Stanley & Mason were called out by John. The second quarter saw Fitzroy kicking into the wind (CBD end) with first gamer, Noah Cameroux, drawing early praise from the coaches for his efforts in the forward pocket. Lachie was again doing his opponents no favours with his strong tackling. Although neither side had scored a goal by midway through the second quarter, Fitzroy’s concentration lapses around ‘manning up’ in defense were causing concern in the coaches’ box. Kyle and Lucas teamed well with some sharp handballing and Tom Markam took a strong mark. Leo, Josh and Alex were working hard in the last line of defense as the Camberwell boys began to apply pressure, scoring two goals for the quarter. Scores at half time were Fitzroy still on 2 points with Camberwell 2 goals, 4 points. At half time, John praised the impressive work being done by Joel and Max in the ruck and asked the team to outline their opportunities for improvement. The themes of improved concentration, tighter ‘manning up’ and playing in front were emphasized, as was clearing the ball from the center. The third quarter started with Tom Ward working hard to get the ball out of the packs and Darcy getting the better of his opponent on the half forward line. Sam Clarke was showing class on the half forward flank and Alex took a strong mark in the back pocket. Noah Dekker, Kyle and Lachie continued to demonstrate their tenacity in winning the ball for Fitzroy (2nd, 3rd, 4th attempts) and Joe Martin saved an almost certain goal with a mighty punch of the ball in the back pocket. Jack marked and handballed to Darcy, streaming past him on the half forward line. ‘Manning up’ continued to be a problem however and Camberwell made the most of their opportunities, kicking a number of goals to be well ahead at the end of the quarter. Scores where 3.14 (32) to 0.2(2). Scott addressed the team and praised their tackling and intensity in going after the ball but emphasized the importance of ‘manning up’ and keeping heads up (to be aware of the ball). The efforts of Max and Yianni in the back line were praised, as was the continued outstanding performance of Laird (who was doing an amazing job with countless marks and possessions). Sadly, the final quarter was all Camberwell’s way. In heavy rain, Sam Ward was tackling hard, Dom was working to create opportunities and Will was tenacious in getting the ball (2nd, 3rd, 4th attempts). Yianni was outstanding in the last line of defense. At the end of the game the scores were Fitzroy 2 points to Camberwell 5 goals 20 points (50). Laird was awarded the opposition player award for his awe inspiring performance (best on ground?). In his post-match address, John praised the boys for their efforts against a very strong team, in particular in the first quarter. He emphasized the role of each boy as a critical link in the ‘bike chain’, a metaphor for the team. Tom Ward and Yianni were awarded the footy cards for their strong performances and for doing everything the coaches had asked of them. With that, the boys were home for a hot shower.

Final scores -

Q1 Fitzroy 0.2.2 Camberwell 1 0:04:04
Q2 Fitzroy 0.0.2 Camberwell 1 2:04:16
Q3 Fitzroy 0.0.2 Camberwell 1 1:10:32
Q4 Fitzroy 0.0.2 Camberwell 1 5:20:50