U14-3 Green 2021

Round 11

August 1, 2021

Fitzroy Murray 15.12 – 102
Fitzroy Wilson 5.2 – 32

The excitement was palpable. We emerged from lockdown 5.0 I think it was, a bit bleary-eyed, but looking forward to the long-awaited Derby Day at BSO! Game plans had been carefully designed over several recess breaks at Northcote High, with more foresight than a government health department. The Wilsons were possibly ready for anything.

Sure, Cic was off building a snowman, and Beau’s hitchhiking thumb was no good – but the rest of the Wilsons reported for duty, fighting fit.

Harry ‘G-Train’ Gruenert notched up his 50th game, and led the side out as Captain. He came back to the huddle pointing to the soy latte end, and just like that, footy was back.

In the first few minutes we created some opportunities but couldn’t quite hit the scoreboard. The Sherrin ping-ponged around, with some strong work around the contest by Nick sending the Wilsons into attack. Toby was providing a marking target up forward, and Jono was repelling strongly from the back half.

Despite some gallant defensive efforts from Eli and Del, the other mob started to find their mojo in front of the sticks. By the time Nick hobbled off late in the opening quarter, we were a few goals down.

In the second, after a good showing in the ruck, Elias went back and defended superbly. Daniel was thrown into the middle and made his presence felt. Eventually we found our first sausage roll, when Ned kicked spectacularly back over his own noggin.

Sim, James and Angus battled determinedly in defence, but the margin started to blow out. A couple of great overheads from Riley and Henry W helped get the ball to Daniel, who threaded a brilliant goal on the proper-siren.

In the second half, the Wilsons were determined to get some grass, mud, sweat and blood stains on the all white guernseys.

Henry W-type continued to run his guts out and compete hard. Another great game. Toby kept up his fantastic work rate, while Henry N-type and Luca started to find the footy in space. The mercurial David Hill slammed through our third major.

The trainers were kept busy… Daniel stuck a big tackle and wound up with a free kick and a bung shoulder for his trouble. Henry W-type came off with blisters from our fire-walking training exercise, and David was bandaged up like Tutankhamun.

By three quarter time, despite its great expense to the management, the scoreboard wasn’t looking too flash. But summoning the Olympic spirit from the very peak of Mount Olympus, the boys were determined to finish off strongly.

In the last stanza, Oskar defended ferociously on the last line. Harry and Angus were bringing some zip around the ball. Jono blasted a magnificent long-range goal, and Robbie danced around a couple of Murrays to put our 5th on the board.

At the end of the day, footy and Fitzroy were the winners. The Murrays had us covered this time round, but we’ll be back!

Go Wilsons!

Round 8

June 27, 2021

Fitzroy Wilson 7.9 – 51
Banyule 14.9 – 93

This was a big game for a whole host of reasons. We donned the yellow armbands in recognition of Kid’s Cancer Round, and our own clubmate Gus’ battle. It was also a big milestone game for not one, but two brave half-centurions, Marcus and Elias.

It was our first home game at Ramsden Street Oval this season. Not quite our Brunswick Street ‘House of Pain’, but we were determined to make this a ‘House-of-severe-discomfort’ at the very least. Ned was finding it hard to let go of the BSO venue, but eventually found his way to our new digs.

The boys crashed through the banner like they meant business against top-of-the-table Banyule. Good early signs.

In the first quarter, our captains led by example… Elias’ second efforts in the centre were huge, and Marcus was leading hard and creating space up forward. Oskar and Ned were competing superbly in the air and on the ground.

After a hot start, Angus took a crunching hip-and-shoulder without a flinch, but needed a spell on the pine.

Nick was sharking the loose ball superbly, and Henry W-type was in everything, with perfect field positioning.

It was Sim that hit the scoreboard first with a magnificent loooong-range goal. When Oskar followed up with a major, the ‘Roys had their noses in front at the first airhorn.

The second quarter was harder going. Banyule started to make their move with some silky ball skills.

Jono threw himself into the contest to repel the Banyule attack. Toby and Robbie were also battling hard, but we couldn’t stop the other mob from getting a run on.

At the oranges we gathered our senses, and prepared to strike back. Daniel took his turn in the ruck and contested strongly. Quarter three was a much closer contest… with fantastic team efforts right across the field.

Beau and Robbie both hit the scoreboard with great goals – in Robbie’s case it was a brilliant run down tackle that set up the shot. But it was the selfless team acts that really impressed. Riley made an outstanding shepherd that earned him a kick, and Eli put on an excellent smother.

An ordinary team may have dropped their bundle in the final term, but the Wilsons kept fighting. Daniel was dominating anywhere near the cricket pitch, Henry N-type was rebounding strongly, and up forward Ned, Luca and Beau were creating opportunities.

Fitzroy piled on three goals in the last, including a brilliant running goal from Nick, and a magnificent snap by Beau for his second major.

Winning two of the four quarters against the short-priced Banyule outfit was a real achievement, and once again has raised the bar for the ‘Roys.

Great work, lads!

Round 9

June 20, 2021

Parade St Damians 9.12 – 66
Fitzroy Wilson 3.8 – 26

Footy was back big time in round 9, when we hit the road to take on the Parade Saints. Marcus was a late out, after his kicking practice with a door didn’t end well… but the rest of the team were fighting fit. We welcomed back playmaker Angus after a successful knee transplant.

The ‘Roys charged out behind Captain Nick, and started the game well. Elias was crashing into the ruck contest, and Nick was ferocious in the contest with a top-notch tackling display. James was showing steely determination in defence… tackling opponents well above his weight division. There was nothing in it at the first change.

In the second, the game started to open up and a couple of the ‘Aints chief-troublemakers gave us a hard time. Toby and Henry W-type were winning the hard ball, and Angus’ leg speed helped us surge the ball forward. But the other mob’s work rate put our defence under pressure. Cic’s aerial feats, and Eli’s close-checking helped restrict the damage.

For the ‘Roys, Daniel was making his presence felt with line-breaking run and a bone-rattling tackle. But the match highlight came with a magnificent coast-to-coast play involving Cic, Luca, Nick, Elias and brilliantly topped-off by Ned’s goal. The cameraman struggled to keep up with the pace of the ball movement.

Our boys started the second half with a bang. Classic forward roving by Harry G-Train got the ball forward to Ned who snagged his second major.

Robbie was using the ball with typical precision, and Henry N-type kept applying the pressure.

The last quarter the ‘Roys didn’t stop battling but we couldn’t quite get the reward on the scoreboard. Ned and Oskar continued to present strongly, with Oskar collecting a well-earned mark and goal. David put himself bravely in the firing-line and to earn a free kick, and Beau’s monster-tackle set up another opportunity.

At the final siren we came up a bit short on the scoreboard. But all-in-all another step forward, fought out right to the end with a few lessons learnt.

Onwards and upwards, ‘Roys!

Round 6

May 23, 2021

Warrandyte 13.12 – 90
Fitzroy Wilson 4.9 – 33

In round 6 we took the club Canadian canoe up to Warrandyte to take on the Bloods. We would not be intimidated by their nickname.

With some big outs, we scraped together the 18 when Henry W-type left his keys in the Torana’s ignition, and bounded onto the field just in the nick of time.

Granted, the ketchups had some likely types… so we asked for something extra in the pressure stakes today. Captain Oskar has been setting the standard in this area, so we turned to him for some inspiration before the game.

With the match underway, Toby got stuck-in at the stoppages and made it his mission to be first to the ball. The two Henrys – let’s call them Wallace and Gromit for the sake of distinction – were also tough in the middle.

Warrandyte were challenging the laws of averages and physics with accurate kicking from sharp angles. But the ‘Roys were standing up to the pressure. With some typical run’n’gun from Nick and Robbie, our boys got back into the game.

Gus got us moving on the scoreboard with a clever goal to keep us in striking distance. Harry was providing multiple avenues to goal, both as a marking target and streaming past the contest. Marcus and Ned were presenting up forward to provide Fitzroy with options.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Some fantastic competitive aerial work from Daniel around the ground, and ‘Buckets’ Cic on the last line, were keeping us in it.

Sim’s ferocious attack on the footy led another momentum swing in the ‘Roys favour, in the back half of the second.

Oskar was swung into the forward line and attacked the ball like a steam train. A majestic captain’s goal was the result, and he was unlucky not to snag another.

After the main break, Jono charged into the ruck and the midfield dug deep. The backline resisted manfully, with James bringing the heat and Riley running hard up the flanks. Despite the effort, Warrandyte started to pull away on the scoreboard.

Not wanting to go down without a counter punch, the magnets were shuffled in the last. Ned went into the ruck and performed superbly despite giving away a few centimetres. Eli was super-reliable on the last line, with goal saving intercept marks and quick rebound.

Sim created a turnover in the centre, and the ‘Roys stiched together a beautiful team goal. Our lads were unlucky not to jag a couple more.

Understandably, a few of our boys were out-on-their-feet, and we couldn’t quite match the other mob’s capacity to run up and back in the last. They got a few cheapies. Whatever.

But our Roy boys can be proud of today’s effort and will be better for the experience.

Round 5

May 16, 2021

Fitzroy Wilson 7.9 – 51
Kew Comets 4.6 – 30

Round 5 put us on a collision course with the Kew Comets, for our first game in Green division for 2021.

The ‘Roys line up was boosted by some late-ins, including Gus’ long-awaited return to footy. Captain Toby led the lads out onto Brunswick Street Oval with a spring in their step.

The Wilsons had forged a fearsome reputation as fast-starters, and today would be no different. From the first bounce, Oskar’s attack in the contest created the spillages and space our mids needed to go to work.

Henry W-type and Toby were combining brilliantly to surge the ball forward. Gus showed his footy smarts from the outset, and it didn’t take long for him to take a grab, go back and kick truly to extend the ‘Roys early lead. The boys came from all directions to get around him.

Nick booted a 70 metre goal (3o in the air, 40 along the turf), and the ‘Roys were flying.

In the second quarter we kicked to the tofu-end, and into a stiff breeze. But a determined team effort saw the boys pile on another 3 goals. At the defensive end, Cic and Jono were towers of strength, well supported by James and Eli on the last line.

The second half became a real arm wrestle. The Kew boys would not lie down… and as try as we might, scoring was hard to come by.

It was great to see the team tackle-o-meter redlining, with Henry N-type leading the way and Daniel hitting the contest strongly. The Comets playmaker tried to break away down the wing, but like a scene out of a wildlife documentary, Nick chased… leapt… and brought down his prey.

When the proper-siren sounded to end the third quarter, the ‘Roys were 30 points to the good.

In a hard-fought last quarter, tackles from both sides gained a bit of centrifugal force, leading to a little argy-bargy. But the ‘Roys got back to focussing on the Sherrin, to run out 21-point victors.

Another fantastic team effort, ‘Roys!

Round 4

Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021

Doncaster 4.8 – 32
Fitzroy Wilson 16.10 – 106

This week we took a trip up the freeway to the Cattery – the Doncaster type.

It was Mother’s Day, and the air of parental expectation was swirling in the sheds. The boys seemed relatively-aware of who they were playing for, and what they had to do.

If that wasn’t enough incentive, they had Angus cheering on from his hospital bed, trying to convince the nurse he’d be ‘right to go’ by the third quarter.

After a brief wardrobe-malfunction, Captain Robbie got his kicking boots on and led the ‘Roys into battle.

Harry was the spark that lit up the scoreboard in the first, with some brilliant forward roving. Daniel was leading strongly, helping Fitzroy to pile on 4 goals  in the quarter. Meanwhile on the last line of defence, Del, Eli and Beau refused to concede a goal to the puddy tats.

In the second, the boys continued to work hard. ‘Buckets’ Cic was swung into the backline and continued to pull in some big grabs. Toby was in everything between the arcs… delivering the ball with precision. Luca was taking his chances around goal, helping the ‘Roys to a handy lead at the main break.

The moggies kept coming in the second half and were strong in the contest. But our boys were equally determined to be first to the ball, and lift the pressure-rating.

We welcomed back Oskar this week after recovering from a bung leg. His fierce attack on the footy, along with James’ rebounding defence, kept Doncaster at bay.

In the dying seconds of the third quarter, Toby flew to take a goal-saving contested mark. A big statement right there.

Henry was superb in the midfield all day, and powered ahead in the last term with some dashing runs. Nick’s fierce tackling didn’t let up for a second… another huge running effort from him.

Riley did a great job crunching the numbers all day, and reported 13 tackles, 27 marks and one hot dog with sauce. We hope to see him back on the field soon.

In what felt like a closer contest than the scoreboard suggested, the boys finished off strongly to record their third win on the trot and keep their mums happy.

Another great team performance… well done lads!

Round 3

May 2, 2021

Park Orchards 1.2 – 8
Fitzroy Wilson 23.19 – 157

This week we donned the white shorts for the first time this season, in our clash with Park Orchards at Bulleen Park.

Eli was notching up his 50th game in the famous tri-colours and the ‘Roys were ready-to-rumble for the occasion.

In a hot start, Cic hit the scoreboard within the opening minutes, only to have the fruit-pickers strike back almost immediately. Game on.

That’s when Fitzroy started to kick into gear. Jono was competing strongly in the ruck, Henry Wallace was giving the ‘Roys drive out of the centre, and Daniel was doing the damage up forward.

David kicked a goal (the first of a hat trick) from the carpark, that had to be seen to be believed.

Robbie was at his brutal-best in a first-half domination. His efforts included a bold 50 metre run that might have ended in a goal if he didn’t have to stop for a Gatorade.

Sim brought a hard-edge to the centre contests. Toby’s class with ball created plenty of quality scoring opportunities, and when the ball went the other way, our defensive unit stood firm.

Elias took up where Jono left off, and dominated the ruck to give the ‘Roys first use of the footy through the middle stages.

Angus moved into the guts, and zip-zapped his way to every contest. A desperate smother summed up the efforts of the young man.

To their credit, the plum-gatherers fought on bravely with no players on the pine. A  3rd quarter injury to one of their blokes brought us into an impromptu huddle to re-hydrate and re-focus. The Wilsons were determined to finish the game out strong.

In the final term, Henry N-type peppered the scoreboard, and Harry’s brilliant crumbing goal was straight out of the small forward’s how-to manual.

Luca was clean below the knees and provided forward thrust, where Ned-on-one-leg was proving to be a focal point.

James’ strong shepherding cleared a path for his teammates, and Eli’s clever snap had ‘captain’s goal’ written all over it.

In the end, the scoreboard reflected a great team effort from every player.

Great stuff, Wilsons!

Round 2

ANZAC Day, April 25, 2021

Fitzroy Wilson 21.16 – 142
Ashburton 2.3 – 15

This week we enjoyed the honour of an ANZAC Day clash against the Ashburton Redbacks, at our historic home ground on Brunswick Street. Club-stalwart Scott Hamilton delivered a stirring ANZAC Day address to set the scene.

Captain Angus led the ‘Roys into battle, and won the all important two-up contest to point us towards the posh end.

It was a hot footy from the opening bounce. Harry passed a late fitness test and was rushed straight onto the wing, where he got right in amongst it.

Daniel was plucking them from everywhere, including a spectacular overhead that had all eyes on the scoreboard replay.

Nic continued his great form from last week, using his penetrating kick to great effect. The back six were solid as a rock, with Cic, Sim, Eli and Jono repelling just about everything that came their way.

In the second half, Marcus moved up forward and made an immediate impact, leading strongly and hitting the scoreboard.

Beau took a big grab and slammed through another goal, his first for the club and one of two for the day.

Dave ‘Dusty’ Hill just keeps putting himself in good positions and getting the rewards. That set-shot ball spin is quickly becoming a trademark. Wouldn’t surprise me to see some of the under 9s copying it this week.

Perhaps the biggest move on the whiteboard this week was to move the hydration-station into the same postcode as the player huddles. Clarkson-like ingenuity from the coach.

We even had a shirtless man (who wasn’t at peak levels of awareness) put his toes over the boundary line, which technically qualifies as a streaker. How many U14 games can lay claim to that?

There was also some pretty good footy being played while all this was going on. With the scoreboard well in hand the boys could have dropped off the pace, but ‘complacency’ and ‘packing-up early’ don’t get a look-in on ANZAC Day.

Daniel came out second-best in a heavy collision and decided it was time for a little lay down. Seeing their mate on the turf made the lads even more determined to fight right to the end.

Team acts were a highlight… including pressure acts from James, strong body work from Del, and the Henrys trademark aggression times two.

Eli picked up a front-and-centre rove, and then snapped truly to put the icing on the cake.

Back in the sheds, ANZAC Day Spirit award well-deservedly went to Elias, who worked tirelessly for his mates all day. He’ll be heading off to Dirty Apron cafe on Ramsden St this week for an ANZAC cookie or two.

Well played, Wilsons!

Round 1

April 18, 2021

Fitzroy Wilson 7.9 – 51
Glen Iris Hanger 8.4 – 52

And we’re back! After what has seemed like a lifetime, we were fortunate enough to be playing footy again, starting with a round 1 clash against Glen Iris. A huge thanks to all the club people behind the scenes that had managed to keep the fire burning through 2020, and get us to this point.

A few things had changed since we last played a game for points… some new faces to the club, the boots were a few sizes larger and the advertised position of scoreboard attendant now asks for an IT degree… but as soon as the boys caught a whiff of liniment in the nostrils, it was like they hadn’t missed a beat.

While the ‘Roys were suited-up and raring to go, the other mob arrived in dribs-n-drabs like they were dropping in for a cuppa with a sick aunty. On-field numbers were reduced to 15-a-side.

Cic and Jonathan had gone through 534 sleepless nights stranded on 49 games, but finally today they were leading out Fitzroy as co-captains and half-centurians. What a way for Jono to make his debut for the club! Great game, young man.

Angus was an unstoppable force in first quarter, running rings around his opponents and kicking multiple majors. Henry N-type was throwing around Glen Irismen like they were rag dolls. The mids were working well together, with Henry W-type particularly tough in the clinches. Fast start.

Meanwhile, Oskar managed to capture all the action while on crutches, and holding a four’n’twenty in his non-preferred. Great photos, Oskar!

A dramatic goal on the proper-siren kept the visitors in touch at quarter time.

The second quarter was a hard-fought affair. With legs moving faster than his torso, Riley came off seeking a hip-replacement and one of the Glen Irismen went down with claret from the snoz. This was becoming a war of attrition.  

Cic was magnificent in defence, marking just about everything that came his way. Robbie’s run out of the backline, and Nic’s penetrating boot were providing opportunities. The ‘Roys put on a couple more majors, including a team-lifter by Del.

In the third quarter the other mob started to get on top. It took some resolute defence to keep our noses in front by 3 points in front at the last change.

In a tense last quarter where scoring was hard to come by, Luca booted a beautiful un-goal… Oh Lord Newry, give me strength! In the frantic last minutes the ‘Roys worked hard to lock the ball in the forward 50, but repeated attempts to wrestle back the lead were to no avail. At the final proper-siren only a measly single point separated the teams.

A great contested game, played in good spirit and an excellent springboard into the season.

Go ‘Roys!