Fitzroy Junior Football Club Under 10 Team 1 Gold 2015: Round 12

Fitzroy’s rematch against Beverly Hills was played in abysmal conditions. It was the wettest Melbourne day in 25 years and freezing polar vortex weather conditions had settled over the state. In his pre-game address, John, making a mockery of the cold in his usual shorts and tee-shirt, stressed the importance of the boys getting off to a strong start and not giving Beverly Hills a ‘sniff’. Noting the ‘absolutely sensational’ football weather, he instructed the boys to play in front and to kick the ball long. Team Captain, Darcy, led the team out. Out on the ground, Lance urged the boys to spread out around the packs to create opportunities for clearances. Heeding their coach’s request, the first quarter started with the boys playing strong, assertive football. Lachie attacked the ball to get his first kick of the day while Laird and Mason won early free kicks for the team. Sam Clarke was applying pressure while Noah Cameroux, back from injury, took a strong contested mark at Centre Half Back. Noah Dekker applied an impressive tackle, metres away from the delighted coaching panel while Sam Ward was winning praise for his intelligent play. With the ball in Fitzroy’s forward line, Lucas, Yianni and Max all managed to kick minor scores. Moments later, Lucas was rewarded for his second, third efforts by kicking the team’s first goal (much to the elation of his teammates). Jack, in barnstorming style, won the ball in defence and kicked forward to Stanley, while Tom Ward, dangerous on the forward line, kicked for goal (before following up shortly after with another kick). At the quarter time break, Paul was delighted with the boy’s performance, praising in particular the endeavors of Tom Ward. Team Statistician, Gerry noted that the boys had managed five inside 50’s while the Fitzroy defenders had not let the ball into the Beverly Hills forward line once. The second quarter started in increasingly wet conditions. Beverly Hills, keen to demonstrate their improved form, started the second quarter much more strongly and the Fitzroy defence was under immediate pressure. Kyle, showing leadership on the field, took a strong mark while Max, Noah Dekker and Darcy were all working hard to clear the ball from defence. Sam Clarke attacked the ball and kicked forward while Laird was keeping up his impressive work rate to create opportunities. Will was impressive at full back, repelling a number of attacks at goal. Jules was in outstanding form. Channeling his inner Gary Ablett Jnr, he won possession of the ball again and again in what was to be one of the most dominant quarters of football by a Fitzroy player all year. Both teams were finding it hard to kick up the ball as conditions worsened. Beverly Hills were looking dangerous, with loose players in their forward line.. The second quarter ended with Beverly Hills being rewarded for their persistence and kicking their first goal, with seconds remaining. At half time, Gerry noted the contrast in team’s performance between the two quarters, with Fitzroy not as effective at being first to get the ball. John noted the boys had not ‘manned up’ enough but urged the boys to stay positive and to start the next quarter with confidence. The third quarter started in bitterly cold and wet conditions with both teams locked in a desperate scoring stalemate. Doing his best to break the impasse, Joel was winning the ruck duals and smothering the ball, while Alex and Mason were working hard in and around the packs. Jack and Kyle were teaming well in defence while Stanley was winning the ball and kicking forward. Darcy and Sam Ward were working effectively as a pair while Lachie and Sam Clarke were giving their in defence. Despite Beverley Hills attacking for most of the quarter, the Fitzroy backline was resolute and in the challenging conditions, conceded only one minor score. At the three quarter time break, the boys huddled together in driving rain as Gerry praised the teams outstanding efforts in defence. In his address, John urged the team to ‘want the ball’ in the last quarter and win the game (with only one point the difference on the score line). The final quarter started with Will taking a terrific mark in the last line of defence. Tom Ward, Kyle and Sam Ward were taking marks and getting kicks while Laird and Noah Dekker were tackling hard. With the ball in the Fitzroy forward line, Stanley and Lucas were unlucky to miss scoring goals but kicked what were to be two very valuable minor scores. Jack was shepherding his teammates while Kyle, Darcy and Alex worked desperately to create opportunities. The game ended in thrilling style with Fitzroy getting home to win the game by one point. Laird was awarded the opposition medal for his outstanding efforts and the boys thanked Beverly Hills for being worthy opponents before running back to the rooms. Having survived what may be the worst weather conditions they’ll ever play in, the boys sang the team song, cold but delighted to have held off the much improved Beverly Hills team. No footy cards were awarded as everyone had turned their attention to getting home and having a hot shower.

Final scores:

Q1: Fitzroy 1.06.12 – Beverley Hills 0.0.0

Q2: F 0.0.12 - C 1.4.10

Q3: F 0.0.12 - C 0.1.11

Q4: F 0.2.14 - C 0.2.13