U11-4 Black 2019

St Damians Parade vs FJFC U11's - Round 13 Match Report 04 Aug 2019 Watsonia

St Damians Parade Round 13 Match Report

Quarter 1:

The Roy’s team travelled out to the top of the northern suburbs to the ground at Watsonia. It was a chilly morning. Lucien as the captain, encouraged the team to mark and stick on your players. It was a slow start to the Roy Boys when Parade got off to a quick start. They kicked up to their forward line in the first few minutes and scored. Fitzroy gave a strong defence, bottling up play & making sure they didn’t get away. The Roy’s faced a classy side moving the ball down the centre.

Q1 Score: Parade 5 5 23. Roy’s 0 0

Quarter 2:

In the early part of the quarter two, the play was getting up into our forward line. Ned and Tom gave a good defense. We were threatening to score several times. Our coach Luke had advised us to get to the ball first and moved Ash and Ned into the centre. We were also told to stick your tackles and get down low.

Meanwhile, the water carriers were working hard in the back line to make sure we were not thirsty. The Roy’s chipped an unlucky point by hitting the post. Other highlights included a strong mark by Zack and a solid series of play down the wing led by Roman. Gabe was running hard and getting some tackles. Parade got a series of tackles.

Q2. Score: Parade 7 6 48 Roy’s 0 0

Quarter 3:

The Roy’s boys got their energy back from all of the oranges at half time. Luke motivated the boys and moved some players around. Harvey got a wonderful goal which was the only goal for our game. Then another unlucky point. Parade snuck in a couple of great goals. Roy’s still ran hard to come back. The Roy’s back line working hard and sneaking in some good tackles

Q3. Score Parade: Not exactly sure. Roy’s A great goal

Quarter 4:

The Roy’s were feeling a bit down after all the points scored against us, but fought on. Ash’s good marking & Zack’s attacking on the ball allowed the ball to move up towards the our forward line. Tom was running all over the ground. A few people in the forward line were socializing and making new friends with Parade St Damian. Towards the end of the game the Roy’s had given it their best. Then final siren went and everybody felt relieved that the game was over.

Final scores Parade 11 18 82 Roys 1 2 8

We will be back next week to give it our best shot for our final game.

Go Roys!

By Lewis Wilson (No 9.)

Round 12: Fitzroy 4 v Glen Iris, Alfred Crescent

After last weeks’ drought-breaking victory, this round Team 4 had the dual challenge of: a) taking on one of the form teams Glen Iris, and; b) waking up early to play at 8.30am.

No problems with the players being primed for the early start and after caffeine the parents followed suit. We welcomed Sam and Ash back from injury and had 21 players to call on for the game. Toby took the captaincy duties and we kicked to the North Fitzroy end.

Glen Iris quickly showed why they are a good outfit with two quick goals to jump us, but for the remainder of the quarter the Lions matched them in the contests and got the game back on an even keel at the break.

The player’s concentration stayed on track in the second quarter and the team held Glen Iris to a solitary point for the quarter, whilst we added 1.1. With some more luck in front of goal from Roman, Harvey and Tom could have been in front at the long break and the mood amongst the players in the half-time huddle was positive. We’d seen some great chasing and tackling from our midfield and the defence held firm, so we were hopeful of a good showing in the second half.

Glen Iris responded to our challenge though and showed why they are a strong team with some slick passing, marking and kicking for goal, creeping away from us on the scoreboard for a comfortable win by the final siren. We were in no way disgraced with the way we persisted throughout the game and it was encouraging to see some good passages of play from our boys during the game. And just as quickly as he arrived, Loui, our Hong Kong ‘fly-in’ had to head home. He acquitted himself well in both his Team 4 outings and demonstrated the tackling gene runs strong in the McLaughlin clan.

Thanks again to all the parent helpers and supporters who get behind the team each week and we look forward to our next big clash. Two rounds to go so let’s give it our all for the remainder of the season.

Stewart on behalf of Luke and Dave

Round 11 - 21 July 2019 By Frankie W-S

FOOTY REPORT, BY Frankie W-S

Veni vidi vici.

Marching into the change rooms ready to conquer Alfred Crescent, we opened the door ready to invade.

Q1: We gave the enemy something to cry about in the first quarter with 5 goals. What a team effort! Firing a catapult of goals and filling the bank. A brilliant start from Ned kicking the first goal within 2 minutes with the enemy scoring only 1 goal and a bunch of points. A 24 point lead at the end of the quarter!

Quarter time break: After a killing with a 24 point lead and advice from our excellent coach Luke, we were ready for the next stage of invasion!

Q2:The second quarter started off with a massive lead of 24 points. We got going with myself grabbing the ball and kicking it to a Callum lead which resulted in a brilliant goal as well as many others in the game play as well. Unfortunately with every positive comes a negative. The enemy kicked some goals now totalling around 20 points, but we were around 40!

Half time break: Yet more advice from the coach and refuelling with oranges, after which we were ready to take the road which would lead to the capital!

Q3: With a wonderful start to the quarter we scored a goal or 2, but we were tired. And as energy fails so does concentration and the enemy kicked 4 goals right off the bat! But we were not done yet and we held our own and fought back, kicking a couple more goals and nearly outscoring them that quarter.

Quarter time break: thanks to Tina we had our sugar refill. Combined with the coach’s wise words we were finally ready to go for the capital!

Q4: with the pressure on the game got a lot more aggressive. We got off to a pretty good start leading by around 20 points. But then the enemy had a massive 3 goal comeback. Everyone knew it… “next goal wins”. With the pressure rising, tempers started flaring. High contact was becoming more frequent. Even the umpire was being yelled at! But in the last 30 seconds Harvey scored a spectacular goal and we all knew the game had been won! We finally won took the capital and conquered.

Like I said before,

veni vidi vici.

Round 10: Fitzroy Lions vs Surrey Park Sharks – Match Report

By Harvey Markovic (#7)

It was one of the coldest June days in Melbourne for many years with the top temperature remaining in single digits. The Fitzroy team was severely depleted through illness and injury. To help bolster the team the walking wounded sacrificed themselves to be on field with Roman shivering though a fever out on the pitch and Tom returning from a bruising concussion in earlier weeks.

Ned led the team out onto the field against an opposition that looked a lot taller with some questioning whether we were still playing under 11’s. Something in the water in Box Hill perhaps…

During the first quarter the opposition started strong with four quick goals. The Fitzroy players were watching the ball whistle through the field and Surrey Park looked like they had twice as many players as Fitzroy. The coaches were wringing their hands on the boundary and Brett the runner was working overtime to deliver corrective feedback to the team. The centre field was under pressure and the siren could not come quick enough as Surrey Park piled on seven goals for the quarter. Fitzroy’s signature strength of tackling was neutralised by the umpires which added insult to injury and forced a rethink of our game day approach.

Luke delivered the second spray for the year (and well deserved) to the players and re-emphasised the objectives to run, run, run and get the ball!

The players responded to Luke’s instructions and delivered an impressive second quarter effort which included two inspiring goals from Ziggy in his last game before heading to Europe and a strong captain’s effort from Ned. This lifted the spirits of the players and coaches. Max and Zack’s kicking out of full back started to find Fitzroy targets which shifted the momentum of the game.

At the start of the third quarter, Fitzroy thrust the ball forward and Ziggy had another opportunity to improve the scoreboard right in front of goal. Unfortunately for Ziggy and the team, the ball sprayed off the outside of his boot and went through for a minor score. In a verbal exchange from the boundary between Ziggy and Luke, Ziggy committed to kick a further two goals to make good on the minor.

The third quarter also delivered a wonky kick into a tree on Alfred Crescent and Fitzroy players and coaches showed their environmental colours carefully scaling the high branches to retrieve the ball.

The final quarter delivered one of the most inspirational player contributions of the year with Ziggy concluding with five goals. Harvey (against coach’s orders) put his hand up to ruck a stoppage in the final minute of the game, which helped deliver the fifth and final goal by Ziggy for the team. In a player interview after the game, Harvey said “He had no regrets about his decision to ruck…given the outcome. Callum limped off the field after an eye watering corky to the thigh towards the end of the game.

Overall despite a bad start, the team pulled together and delivered three great quarters of football and an historic “bag of five” goals from Ziggy to warm Fitzroy hearts on cold winter day in Melbourne.

Go Roys!!!

Round 9: Fitzroy Lions vs Surrey Park Sharks – Match Report

By Ziggy Barrett (#22)

The team went to Gillan oval to play the Brunswick Dragons this week. We were one player short with Tom still recovering from a concussion. The field was a pigsty so the boys knew that we were going to have to get dirty, the oval was massive as well. The game was at 10am sharp. The captain this week was Jasper L. and he started off the game by saying a few words. He also won the toss, choosing to kick into the wind.

As the game started the ball had to be balled up next to the wing because of the mud. It was clear from the start of the game it was going to be a tough one with Brunswick keeping it in their forward line. Near the end of the quarter, we had it in our forward line with Ziggy (the best player in the team but not the best on ground this week) smashing out tackles and keeping the ball inside our forward line. But at the end of the quarter, the score was 15 to 1 Brunswick’s way.

Going into the 2nd quarter the boy’s objective was to get a goal. We started off the quarter like the 1st but this quarter Harvey was pushing from back and managed to get it in the forward line many times and finally it paid off with the ball sailing towards goal, getting tapped by the Brunswick full back moving towards goal, and then Will jumped up and kicked it in midair. It scored us our first goal. Frankie had a fall in the mud, getting covered. The midfield was doing an amazing job but at the end of the quarter the score was 27 to 7 Brunswick’s way.

At the start of the third quarter we knew we had our work cut out for us with Jasper L. in the back line stopping a lot of goals. The midfield was trying their best but number 40 was very fast and hard to keep up with. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Roys were down in the dumps because the score was 41 to 7 with no scoring from Fitzroy in that quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter the boys were determined to do their best and score a few more goals but everybody seemed to be tired because the ball was not coming any were near our forward line. There were a few efforts that resulted in their backline stopping the play, but our backline was stopping lots of goals because of Jasper L. and Josh. But it wasn’t enough in the end because the final score was 64 to 7.

I think that Harvey was best on ground with some amazing effort but that was the end of the round. See everyone next week.

Round 9: Fitzroy Lions vs Surrey Park Sharks – Match Report

By Ziggy Barrett (#22)

The team went to Gillan oval to play the Brunswick Dragons this week. We were one player short with Tom still recovering from a concussion. The field was a pigsty so the boys knew that we were going to have to get dirty, the oval was massive as well. The game was at 10am sharp. The captain this week was Jasper L. and he started off the game by saying a few words. He also won the toss, choosing to kick into the wind.

As the game started the ball had to be balled up next to the wing because of the mud. It was clear from the start of the game it was going to be a tough one with Brunswick keeping it in their forward line. Near the end of the quarter, we had it in our forward line with Ziggy (the best player in the team but not the best on ground this week) smashing out tackles and keeping the ball inside our forward line. But at the end of the quarter, the score was 15 to 1 Brunswick’s way.

Going into the 2nd quarter the boy’s objective was to get a goal. We started off the quarter like the 1st but this quarter Harvey was pushing from back and managed to get it in the forward line many times and finally it paid off with the ball sailing towards goal, getting tapped by the Brunswick full back moving towards goal, and then Will jumped up and kicked it in midair. It scored us our first goal. Frankie had a fall in the mud, getting covered. The midfield was doing an amazing job but at the end of the quarter the score was 27 to 7 Brunswick’s way.

At the start of the third quarter we knew we had our work cut out for us with Jasper L. in the back line stopping a lot of goals. The midfield was trying their best but number 40 was very fast and hard to keep up with. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Roys were down in the dumps because the score was 41 to 7 with no scoring from Fitzroy in that quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter the boys were determined to do their best and score a few more goals but everybody seemed to be tired because the ball was not coming any were near our forward line. There were a few efforts that resulted in their backline stopping the play, but our backline was stopping lots of goals because of Jasper L. and Josh. But it wasn’t enough in the end because the final score was 64 to 7.

I think that Harvey was best on ground with some amazing effort but that was the end of the round. See everyone next week.

Round 9: Fitzroy Lions vs Surrey Park Sharks – Match Report

By Ziggy Barrett (#22)

The team went to Gillan oval to play the Brunswick Dragons this week. We were one player short with Tom still recovering from a concussion. The field was a pigsty so the boys knew that we were going to have to get dirty, the oval was massive as well. The game was at 10am sharp. The captain this week was Jasper L. and he started off the game by saying a few words. He also won the toss, choosing to kick into the wind.

As the game started the ball had to be balled up next to the wing because of the mud. It was clear from the start of the game it was going to be a tough one with Brunswick keeping it in their forward line. Near the end of the quarter, we had it in our forward line with Ziggy (the best player in the team but not the best on ground this week) smashing out tackles and keeping the ball inside our forward line. But at the end of the quarter, the score was 15 to 1 Brunswick’s way.

Going into the 2nd quarter the boy’s objective was to get a goal. We started off the quarter like the 1st but this quarter Harvey was pushing from back and managed to get it in the forward line many times and finally it paid off with the ball sailing towards goal, getting tapped by the Brunswick full back moving towards goal, and then Will jumped up and kicked it in midair. It scored us our first goal. Frankie had a fall in the mud, getting covered. The midfield was doing an amazing job but at the end of the quarter the score was 27 to 7 Brunswick’s way.

At the start of the third quarter we knew we had our work cut out for us with Jasper L. in the back line stopping a lot of goals. The midfield was trying their best but number 40 was very fast and hard to keep up with. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Roys were down in the dumps because the score was 41 to 7 with no scoring from Fitzroy in that quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter the boys were determined to do their best and score a few more goals but everybody seemed to be tired because the ball was not coming any were near our forward line. There were a few efforts that resulted in their backline stopping the play, but our backline was stopping lots of goals because of Jasper L. and Josh. But it wasn’t enough in the end because the final score was 64 to 7.

I think that Harvey was best on ground with some amazing effort but that was the end of the round. See everyone next week.

Round 9: Fitzroy Lions vs Surrey Park Sharks – Match Report

By Ziggy Barrett (#22)

The team went to Gillan oval to play the Brunswick Dragons this week. We were one player short with Tom still recovering from a concussion. The field was a pigsty so the boys knew that we were going to have to get dirty, the oval was massive as well. The game was at 10am sharp. The captain this week was Jasper L. and he started off the game by saying a few words. He also won the toss, choosing to kick into the wind.

As the game started the ball had to be balled up next to the wing because of the mud. It was clear from the start of the game it was going to be a tough one with Brunswick keeping it in their forward line. Near the end of the quarter, we had it in our forward line with Ziggy (the best player in the team but not the best on ground this week) smashing out tackles and keeping the ball inside our forward line. But at the end of the quarter, the score was 15 to 1 Brunswick’s way.

Going into the 2nd quarter the boy’s objective was to get a goal. We started off the quarter like the 1st but this quarter Harvey was pushing from back and managed to get it in the forward line many times and finally it paid off with the ball sailing towards goal, getting tapped by the Brunswick full back moving towards goal, and then Will jumped up and kicked it in midair. It scored us our first goal. Frankie had a fall in the mud, getting covered. The midfield was doing an amazing job but at the end of the quarter the score was 27 to 7 Brunswick’s way.

At the start of the third quarter we knew we had our work cut out for us with Jasper L. in the back line stopping a lot of goals. The midfield was trying their best but number 40 was very fast and hard to keep up with. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Roys were down in the dumps because the score was 41 to 7 with no scoring from Fitzroy in that quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter the boys were determined to do their best and score a few more goals but everybody seemed to be tired because the ball was not coming any were near our forward line. There were a few efforts that resulted in their backline stopping the play, but our backline was stopping lots of goals because of Jasper L. and Josh. But it wasn’t enough in the end because the final score was 64 to 7.

I think that Harvey was best on ground with some amazing effort but that was the end of the round. See everyone next week.

Round 8: Lions vs Brunswick W

By Ziggy Barrett (#22)

The team went to Gillan oval to play the Brunswick Dragons this week. We were one player short with Tom still recovering from a concussion. The field was a pigsty so the boys knew that we were going to have to get dirty, the oval was massive as well. The game was at 10am sharp. The captain this week was Jasper L. and he started off the game by saying a few words. He also won the toss, choosing to kick into the wind.

As the game started the ball had to be balled up next to the wing because of the mud. It was clear from the start of the game it was going to be a tough one with Brunswick keeping it in their forward line. Near the end of the quarter, we had it in our forward line with Ziggy (the best player in the team but not the best on ground this week) smashing out tackles and keeping the ball inside our forward line. But at the end of the quarter, the score was 15 to 1 Brunswick’s way.

Going into the 2nd quarter the boy’s objective was to get a goal. We started off the quarter like the 1st but this quarter Harvey was pushing from back and managed to get it in the forward line many times and finally it paid off with the ball sailing towards goal, getting tapped by the Brunswick full back moving towards goal, and then Will jumped up and kicked it in midair. It scored us our first goal. Frankie had a fall in the mud, getting covered. The midfield was doing an amazing job but at the end of the quarter the score was 27 to 7 Brunswick’s way.

At the start of the third quarter we knew we had our work cut out for us with Jasper L. in the back line stopping a lot of goals. The midfield was trying their best but number 40 was very fast and hard to keep up with. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Roys were down in the dumps because the score was 41 to 7 with no scoring from Fitzroy in that quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter the boys were determined to do their best and score a few more goals but everybody seemed to be tired because the ball was not coming any were near our forward line. There were a few efforts that resulted in their backline stopping the play, but our backline was stopping lots of goals because of Jasper L. and Josh. But it wasn’t enough in the end because the final score was 64 to 7.

I think that Harvey was best on ground with some amazing effort but that was the end of the round. See everyone next week.

Round 7: Fitzroy 4 vs Balwyn Tigers, Balwyn Park, 10am

By Ziggy Barrett (#22)

The Roys went to Balwyn this round to face the Balwyn Tigers. The captain for round seven was Eamonn. As the team got ready some of the boys noticed that Balwyn’s change rooms (which had a green carpet leading on to the field) were in a better position then the Roys’ rooms, which were behind the bins. As the boys went on to the field they noticed that Balwyn even had a banner.

Eamonn won the toss and decided to kick down the slope. As the siren went and the ball was bounced Luke had gotten Ned (who had an injury and couldn’t play) to count how many times Fitzroy was outnumbered in contests. In the first few minutes of play it was clear that it was going to be a tough game. With our defence we had stopped a few goals but at the end of the 1st quarter Fitzroy was scoreless. Ned told the team that the boys had been outnumbered in seven contests and Luke’s message to the team was we need to run hard to every competition and for the midfield to run back to defend.

In the second quarter the boys proved that they were a team that would push hard with Gabe stopping lots of goals with his marks. The midfield were getting the ball in to the forward line and the forward line keeping it in there. Max scored the first goal for Fitzroy. The boys were feeling confident going in to the second half. Ned had told them that they had outnumbered Balwyn four times. Luke’s message was to work together and tell team mates to call out things like your hot.

The boys went in to the second half positive that they could win the game. They only needed a few goals to lead the game. The boys were pushing the ball up to the forward line and it paid off with Ziggy (the best player in the team) scoring a goal after being told to come off. Ziggy was jogging towards the bench when Gabe kicked it and Ziggy ran and got the ball around the fifty. He ran and took two bounces before kicking it.

But at the end of the quarter the boys needed four goals to draw the game.

In the fourth quarter the Roys went hard and came out with some great play, keeping the ball in the forward line, which led to a great goal by Roman. Tom in the backline bumped heads with a Balwyn player and got one of the biggest eggs on his forehead I’ve ever seen. Callum had a close shot in the goal square but the pressure got to him and he ended up with a point.

At the final siren the Roys had lost by eleven points. It was a close game in the end and I think the boys could’ve won. Great effort, see you next round.

Round 6: Indigenous Round – Fitzroy 4 vs Parade St Damians, Alfred Crescent, 10am

Round 6 is Indigenous Round and since 2011 the Fitzroy Junior Football Club has recognised our Shared History during Indigenous Round alongside the coinciding round in the AFL. The Fitzroy Football club is known as the club where in 1904 the first known aboriginal player Joe Johnson, played football. In 1935 the first Aboriginal Victorian State representative also played for Fitzroy, (Pastor) Doug Nichols.

After some words from Luke to both teams to outline the significance of this round, we were set to play the ladder leader and undefeated Parade/St Damians. Alfred Crescent handled the recent rain well and conditions were excellent with a slight (but cold) wind favouring the playground end. Ziggy had captaincy duties and we kicked into the wind in the first quarter.

After a rugged start to the game, quickly it became apparent Parade had some height and skill in their team by adding two goals and having most of the play. Our backline was working overtime with Max getting plenty of kick-in practice and Jasper Brown shaking off his sore ankle with some dash off half-back. Parade brought a very physical style of play, nothing like Team 4 had experienced before, and a few of our players were caught off guard by some solid contact in and around contests. To our boys’ credit they didn’t shirk away from this and kept their focus on playing the ball. By half time, despite it feeling like a close contest around the ground, Parade’s finishing skills had set up a formidable four goal lead.

Luke’s message at half-time was to get more players to the contest, even things up, and help teammates through shepherds. Pleasingly we saw more examples of this in the third quarter and by rucking the ball forward towards goal square our resident goal sneak Ned, aka ‘’Neddy Betts’’ got our first goal, cementing his habit of opening our goal account each week. At the other end our defenders were keeping Parade on check, Max saving a certain goal with a timely smother and Lucien tagging his player out of the game.

At three quarter time Parade had maintained a comfortable lead and Team 4 could have been forgiven for dropping their heads and work rate, but they set themselves a challenge of winning the quarter. The boys played out of their skins and turned on a spectacle. It was like watching a highlights package with Harvey seemingly running the length of the ground, bouncing, dodging and (unfortunately) hitting the post with a shot on goal, but then shooting truly on the run a few minutes later; Cormac taking a goal-saving mark in the backline; and Gabe and Josh planting some bone-shaking tackles to win free kicks. But it was Ziggy who provided the crème de la crème. The captain, and today he became the ‘’Candyman’’, playing on from a mark in front of goal, selling the candy to the man on the mark and slotting through a sensational goal. Great to watch that as well as the ensuing team celebration. Come the final siren we’d won the quarter and shown some grit and determination…with a fair bit of flair on top!

So, for the third week in a row we’d been tested and beaten by a more skillful opponent. Going up a division will continue to challenge us and despite not being able to maintain our early season winning ways, today we were very pleased with the players composure in the game’s physical clashes and the lift in effort in the last quarter when called upon.

As part of the Indigenous the club awards a medal to two players (one from each team) who demonstrate: Endurance, Tenacity, Courage, Loyalty and Pride and Team 4’s worthy recipient was Gabe Mackenzie for his fantastic game in the midfield. Many more of the Team exhibited these traits throughout the game which helped pay tribute to the spirit of Indigenous round.

Go the Mighty Team 4!!

“We help each other

We respect each other

We try our best

ALWAYS!”

Stewart on behalf or Luke and Dave

Round 5: Glen Iris H vs Fitzroy 4, T H King Oval, Glen Iris

Our steady improvement this season was rewarded during the week when the League promoted Team 4 up a division from Red to Black, which as far as colour goes would please an accountant and hopefully also a pleasing sign for Team 4. We were set to match Glen Iris, whom we had two close tussles with last season, and like our previous game against Brunswick this would be a yardstick to measure our development.

Toby did the captaincy honours and the game started in slippery conditions. Whether it was due to the early 8.30am start, or the shock election result the day before, we seemed a little flat from the outset and Glen Iris quickly jumped us with two goals. The Gladiators were looking dangerous with their quick ball movement but late in the quarter we started to find the ball a bit more with Fin getting amongst it in the midfield and Gabe giving us some dash off half-back.

The Gladiators lifted their running game in the second quarter and did an excellent job in getting numbers to the ball – Will at one contest battling against 4 opponents on his own to force a ball up. The Fitzroy coaches were contemplating asking for a headcount as it appeared Glen Iris always outnumbered us, but they were simply just out-running us.

By half-time the Gladiators had added another goal and kept us scoreless. We needed to lift and Luke’s message in the rooms at the break was to ramp up our running and intensity around the ball. The boys took this to heart and in the third quarter we really got back in the contest. Toby was doing well in his new role as ruckman, and Roman was playing his usual rugged style in the midfield winning plenty of footy. Our composure in front of goal let us down though and we missed several shots by rushing our kicks. We’d got the game back on even terms with our ground play, but like last week’s 3rd quarter against Brunswick we let ourselves down in front of goal.

In the last quarter we finally broke through for a goal to Eamonn and in one great piece of play we transitioned the ball from a defensive kick out to our forward line through a long kick from Will and a long run from Tom. But although we matched Glen Iris for most of the quarter their running and slick ball movement cut us up where it mattered – the scoreboard. Come the final siren they had a comfortable win. The positives for Team 4 though were that we were able to play a much better second half, and with more composed kicks in our forward line we feel we can convert more opportunities. Some work for us at training this week!

Thanks again to all the parent helpers and supporters who get behind the team each week and we look forward to our next big clash.

Stewart on behalf of Luke and Dave

Pics for Round 5 vs Glen Iris are ready and uploaded to Flickr: Here

Round 4: Brunswick Dragons vs Fitzroy 4, Gillon Reserve Brunswick

Today was Mother’s Day Round, so before we get to the match report, firstly, a big thank you to all the mums who play an integral part in getting Team 4 to training and on the ground each week. You’re the best – absolutely can’t happen without you!

Today felt like a landmark occasion for Team 4: after a great start to the season this was going to be our biggest test (on surely the biggest ground as well) against the in-form Brunswick Dragons. Last year’s contest revealed a gap in the teams larger than length of Gillon Oval itself, with Brunswick giving us a football lesson, and today Team 4 were eager to test our improvement against them.

The large expanses of the ground called for direct ball movement and Luke’s instructions from the outset were to play down the middle of the ground – “up the guts’’ in the old coaches speak, ‘’corridor football’’ in the new vernacular.

Captain Harvey called truly at the toss and took the wind advantage, kicking to the ‘’Fitzroy end’’. The first quarter was frenetic, the ball sling-shotting between ends at a rapid pace. Both teams threatened to be the first to light up the electronic scoreboard, but neither could convert opportunities, tantalizing the scoreboard operators. Nothing to be recorded though …both teams locked on 0-0-0 at the first siren. A fantastic start for Team 4, showing we’d come a long way in 12 months.

But Brunswick weren’t thwarted by the deadlock, jumping us at the start of the second quarter in adding two quick goals, then later a third, bringing us back to earth, and literally ‘’ïn the earth’’ for those who landed in the boggy centre-square cricket pitch. The Dragons got into a groove and played their home ground to perfection, stretching our structure and legs to equal degrees. Our defence was under sustained pressure with full back Jasper L doing his best impression of an octopus, seemingly getting a hand or foot to every Dragon kick towards goal, and Gabe doing his own impression- a lawnmower, by mowing down plenty of Dragons with his tackling. Our defensive efforts were eventually rewarded upfield when we got back in touch on the scoreboard, Ned slotting through our first goal just before half time.

At half-time Luke re-jigged the structure. The big ground was testing our endurance so fresh legs in the midfield were called for. Zack hurt his hand and was out for the game, so we were stretched for manpower, but Eamonn, Harvey, Will and Tom rose to the challenge, getting plenty of ball into our forward half. We couldn’t get the scoreboard operators pressing the ‘’goal’’ button though, adding just 4 points to our tally. Frankie, Jasper B and Sam all gave their best in snapping at goal and on other days their kicks might have gone through truly. We were so close in effort, but on the scoreboard (at least), so far.

Again, in the last quarter we had the ball in our attacking zone for most of the quarter but just couldn’t get it through the big sticks. Brunswick’s disciplined defence and adherence to positioning held firm, leading to a late goal against the flow of play that led them to a comfortable victory.

So, in the wash up, we can feel a sense of achievement that we matched Brunswick for much of the game in endeavour, but their run and positioning eventually exposed us on the larger ground, something we hope to learn from for our next encounter. As coaches we were very proud of our effort and improvement. Plenty to be excited about for the rest of the season.

And speaking of the season, well at least the next bit anyway, I’m going to be away after Round 6 (26 May) for a family holiday, so putting the word out for a volunteer/s to write the match reports for about 6 games. No experience necessary, all training provided, good pay and conditions….and its easy work – the game and the team provides the story, you just have to write it, and these days spellcheck mops up spelling or grammatical stuff ups. Money for jam. Get in touch if you can help!

Go the Mighty Team 4!!

Stewart on behalf or Luke and Dave

Round 3: Fitzroy 4 vs Bundoora Bulls, 1pm, Alfred Crescent

Our second home game of the year, and after two excellent performances to date we had the late game timeslot today of 1pm…we were the ‘’headline act’’ so to speak, and this would also be a test if Team 4 could sustain our steady improvement. Luke threw in an added challenge by re-jigging the structure, trying players in different positions.

Pre-game in the rooms Luke discussed the homework set for the players pre-season, namely creating the Team 4 values that would underpin teamwork in the group. To the boys credit they gave great thought to this task and three key values emerged:

We help each other

We respect each other

We try our best

ALWAYS!

With these words ringing in their ears, the team set about living these values on the ground. Captain Jasper Brown won the toss and kicked with the wind to the North Fitzroy end. Bundoora were a couple of players short, so in the spirit of participation, two Team 4 players volunteered to play for the opposition each quarter to even up the numbers.

Bundoora had a distinct size advantage and matched our rugged tackling with their own brand of physicality. In a bruising affair both teams struggled to score early in the game until Ned followed the usual team 4 script by kicking our first goal, with Will quickly adding another. What was pleasing to see was the number of shepherds being applied by the team, adding another dimension to our game.

Bundoora fought back in the second quarter with their attack on the ball to outscore us for the quarter, including a ‘home goal’ from Eamonn who was on loan to Bundoora for the quarter (he later kicked a goal for us to even up the ledger so all was forgiven, and he certainly lived the value of ‘’trying our best…ALWAYS!). The physical nature of the game took its toll on Cormac who copped a knock to the head an sat out the rest of the game as a precaution – wishing you a speedy recovery and return next week champ.

At half time we held a slender lead, but in the third quarter our fleet-footed players in Tom, Gabe, Jasper L, Zack, Ziggy and Lewis (relishing a run in the midfield) started to move the ball quickly and we added 5 goals for the quarter – our best return yet in 15 minutes of footy. The number of shepherds and spoils also rose in the quarter, allowing our running game to flow. The team was truly ‘’helping each other’’ in line with one of the values.

Throughout the game, one area where Bundoora held the advantage was in the ruck, and in the final quarter Callum showed us his new trick by running and jumping into the ruck contests to win tap outs in our favour, allowing us to add another three goals to our tally. This included a snap from Josh that somehow found a way through a flurry of opposition arms and legs for an amazing goal. It capped off a solid game from Josh and he was a worthy recipient of Fitzy.

So, in summary a very pleasing day out for Team 4. We were matched, perhaps for the first time, by a team that could tackle as well as we did, but by adding the new element of consistent shepherding we still allowed our fast ball movement to flourish. There were also passages of play that showed our developing foot and marking skills. Looking forward to seeing more of this in coming rounds.

A special mention to the players who volunteered to help the opposition with numbers: Finlay, Lucien, Sam (twice!!), Eamonn, Harvey, Frankie and Ziggy – you played in the game in a fantastic spirit.

See you all next game and come on the Mighty Team 4!

Stewart on behalf of Luke and Dave

Round 3 Flickr Photos Here

Round 2: ANZAC Round - Fitzroy U11.4 vs Park Orchards, Alfred Crescent

In our first home game of the year we hosted Park Orchards for ANZAC round, both teams in good form after winning round 1 games comfortably. We welcomed another debutant in Jasper Brown, who’s good pre-season training form earnt him the key position of centre-half back.

As the teams lined up for the traditional ANZAC ceremony pre-game, it was clear Park Orchards had a height advantage. A ‘’long kick and mark style’’ game wasn’t going to work in our favour so Luke’s message to the team was to take the game on and move the ball light lightning!

Our Captain Callum won the toss and kicked to the playground end. Wind and drizzle blew in at the first bounce making ball handling difficult for both teams, but towards the end of the first quarter our attack on the ball and trademark tackling paid off with a late goal to Ned, giving us that lead at the break. Round one captain Roman continued his good start to the year by showing his strength in attacking the ball and breaking tackles, and Zack added to our midfield grunt by kicking long into the forward line.

In the second quarter the players really got their jets on, playing on at all costs, and testing their bouncing skills on the spongy Alfred Crescent surface. It didn’t always come off but when it did it was electric – creating opportunities to score in our open forward line. Ash got on the end of a nice pass from Max to goal and Tom finished some hard work in the midfield with a goal on the run. Complimenting the running game, the defence remained disciplined and kept Park Orchards goalless for another quarter.

The mood at half time was buoyant. Momentum in football is key and we had it today. In the third quarter despite some fierce resistance from Park Orchards we kept our attacking style going…Will at his full back kick-ins was playing on, bouncing, and Jasper was kicking across goal in defence (giving the coaches minor heart palpitations mind you) but it all came off. The players began to take the game on even more, feeding off each other’s confidence. We capped off this good work with another two goals in the quarter through Max and Sam.

At three quarter time we had built an insurmountable lead. To test our focus and keep them boys on task, Luke threw down the challenge to grow our lead through tight defence and attacking football. To the boys’ credit they stuck to these instructions and added to the scoreboard with four more goals. At the final siren it was another Team 4 first: our first consecutive wins. Woo-Hoo!!

From the coaches’ box we were delighted about lots of things about the game, the result rewarding but really a by-product of the players development. We’re most pleased with the team’s focus in sticking to the game plan for the whole game (a true ‘’four-quarter-effort’’ in footy clichés), that they took risks in attacking play or trying new skills (whether it be a bounce or a non-dominant side kick), and a showing of commitment with their attack at the ball. They did ANZAC round proud.

Finally, a special mention too to the young umpire in one of his first games who did a fantastic job adjudicating – a bright future awaits him and hopefully Team 4 as well.

Thanks to all again for your support.

Go the mighty Team 4.

Stewart on behalf of Luke and Dave

Round 2 Photos

Round 1, FJFC U11.4 vs Richmond

Finally. Footy is back!

A year after the birth of Team 4 in the Under 10s, 19 players have returned taller and stronger for Under 11s in 2019. We also welcomed 3 new recruits in Jasper Brown, Sam Hugo and Gabe Mackenzie, the latter two making their debuts this round.

With a solid pre-season behind us the boys were eager to get into the real deal, the coaches were tweaking the game plan for the rule changes, and the parents had diligently signed up for the myriad of parent roles. Season 2019 – we were ready.

And it showed on the day with a flying start in the first quarter leading to solid win against the tigers on the magnificent re-surfaced Kevin Bartlett Reserve.
Some Lions highlights on the day:

• Three goals into the wind in the first quarter, one a cunning dribble kick from Will deep in the forward pocket. He quickly had a second with a clever toe-poke in the goal square.
• An attacking follow-up in the second quarter with two goals with the wind from Ned and Tom, and our back-line holding the Tigers scoreless.
• Toby showing he only has eyes for the ball with running mark with the flight.
• Clever kicking out from full-back by Ziggy to capitalize on the new rule
• The ‘engine room’ aka midfield of Tom, Harvey and Eamonn giving us plenty of drive forward and all scoring a goal each
• Our trademark tackling (some things don’t change!!)
• The players taking on board Coach Luke’s instructions to take the game on.
• Awesome first up games from our debutants Sam (who scored a crucial last quarter goal to seal the game) and Gabe (who showed of his pace throughout the game and has earnt the nickname of ‘The Flying G’ amongst team mates).
• Some great words of encouragement from both team’s coaches after the game
• A feeling of gratification in hearing the team song belted out with such gusto, and the way the boys welcomed the new players into the fold

So, a great way to kick off the season and we head into the upcoming rounds with much optimism that the players can continue on their development path and enjoyment of the game.

Thanks to all the parent helpers for getting us on the ground and supporters who urge the kids on from the sidelines.

See you all for round 2…ANZAC round.

Go Lions

Stewart on behalf of Luke and Dave

Late Mail..
Here are the Round 1 Photos and our PreSeason Photos.