U13 Mixed Sharp 2023

Headed to the south east to play Surrey Park on a windy day. Spirited effort by the boys, against the team that beat us last time, 131 to 0. We started well, with a ripper opening goal that started from half back and linked through many players. After that, it was a tough day in the office for the boys against a dominant team with the physical edge. Great to see the boys battle hard all day with their heads held high.

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We ventured to Ashburton this week, a pretty ground with a leafy countryside vibe. The Roys started well, matching Ashburton early, however our opponents size, skill and organisation finally got the better of us, scoring a few quick goals to end the first quarter. Ashburton continued their dominance through the next three quarters, however it was great to see the boys continue to fight right to the end, hitting the scoreboard with their first major in the final quarter. Tough day in the office for our boys, but they kept their heads up high all day.

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We played hosts to the other “lions” team, Beverley Hills Lions. It was a hot contest early, with the Roys matching our opponents for the first quarter. Beverley Hills took control in the second, booting six goals to our one. In the third they also kicked another five, with Beverley’s teamwork, experience and hunting in packs shining through. A tough day for our kids, but despite the big margin, we enjoyed several play highlights, with a number of boys demonstrating growing confidence in attacking the game and using their developing skills.

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Big match against 2022 rivals, Templestowe. Our opponents won the toss and started with the breeze, booting six unanswered goals. Through the second and third terms we were able to break even with our bigger and dominant opponents. In the last quarter, our boys showed spirit to out score Templestowe, however, in the end Templestowe’s fast start got the better of us. Lots of great character showed by the kids on a day that didn’t start well. Congrats to Xavier for winning the “Joe Johnson Medal” for the Indigenous Round, demonstrating the five the principles of endurance, tenacity, courage, loyalty and pride, as chosen by the Templestowe Coach.

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Professional tackling coach, Malcolm Bangs, led our special session with the entire U13 squad. In freezing weather, Malcolm ran drills to empower our coaches and kids with strong and varying tackling techniques, body/contact work, and what to do when you are being tackled. Awesome session! Lots learned.

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An away game this week at Glen Iris. Set on Mother’s Day it was always going to be a good game…. and it delivered! After the first quarter scores were even. The second quarter was Fitzroy’s and we took the lead into the long break. The third quarter was all Glen Iris as they took full advantage of the wind booting three goals to none. In the last, the Roys out scored the opposition however just fell short by one goal! Well done boys, awesome effort in another close game. (Happy Birthday Miles!)

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We ventured north for our first away game against St Marys. And what a ripper game it was… Epic! The game was close all day, with both teams very well matched. Great to see the boys holding positions and spreading from contests, trusting one another as the lead changed throughout the match. In the end, the Roys were able to hold on for a 1 point win during a frantic last quarter. Well done kids, that was a total team performance!

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Awesome to see the Sharp kids on the training track together as an actual team! First time together after the whole U13 squad was split in two. Onwards and upwards for this bunch of boys. Looking forward to seeing them grow and develop through the season.

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Home game at the iconic Brunswick St Oval. The early start against Hawthorn saw us also battling dewy and slippery conditions. The Roys played well in the low scoring affair. At half time there was only 4 points in it. The third was another even quarter, however, in the last Hawthorn was able to slot a few goals to our one which saw them run out winners. Well done Roys, we’re starting to gel as a team.

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