U15 Girls 2024

Presentation Day – 8 September 2024

It was a busy day at the office, with YJFL awards being handed out at Swinburne University in the morning and team awards at BSO in the afternoon.

YJFL Awards:
• Best & Fairest, U15Gs (Div 1): Tessa (3rd place)
• Best Female Interleague player of the year: Tessa
• YJFL Female Coach of the Year: Claudia

Team awards:
• Best & Fairest: Tessa
• B&F Runner Up: Dahlia
• Coach’s award: Lila
• Team person award: Edie

Leading Goalkickers:
• Celina – 29
• Sophie – 22
• Evie Scott – 13

Grand Final - Fitzroy vs Balwyn Tigers - 25 August 2024

Fitzroy 1.3.9 def Balwyn 1.0.6

At Ford Park for the Big One. Rosie returned just in time, and Lily was available from the 14Gs.

Balwyn won the toss and elected to kick with the big wind. Well, that was the plan, but our girls had other ideas and led 2-0 at quarter time. Lila had a monster term as the defence repelled everything the Tigers had to throw at them. In the middle Zara relished her lock down role on Roberts, negating her influence while helping herself to a heap of possessions.

In the second we had the wind, although it was blowing a gale into the scoreboard pocket. This meant numerous stoppages, enabled by groundball players like Charlotte, Lily and Zosia. And stoppages meant numerous ball ups where Tia was making life difficult for Ingram. Evie Scott snapped truly for a half time lead of 8-0.

It was back to the trenches in the third as the pressure resumed on our defence. Edie racked up the clearances, Lila and Tessa laid big tackles while Evie G zipped to one stoppage after another. However, a late, lucky goal to the Tigers narrowed the margin them to only two points at the final break.

The grinding arm wrestle continued until the end. Tessa was tackling everything; Sophie was everywhere; Abigail shut down a dangerous forward thrust; and on it went all over the ground. But Balwyn kept pushing while the wind kept howling. Then came an injury break with three minutes to go – a Balwyn girl fainted after chasing Sophie. A new trick for Sophie’s resume.

Composure followed, and then the siren. A 9-6 victory. “Premiers we’ll be this year!”

Tessa was awarded the BOG medal, but you could have thrown a blanket over the lot of them.

Goals: Evie Scott 1

Qualifying Final - Balwyn Tigers vs Fitzroy - 11 August 2024

Fitzroy 3.3.21 def Balwyn 3.0.18

At Ford Park. MCG dimensions for the top of the table clash: 16v16 and no bench. May was our sole relief, arriving during the third quarter after her U13Gs final.

The ‘fifth quarter’ opened brightly with Celina setting up a Sophie goal. From then on it was four quarters of a high-quality arm wrestle. The Lily/Evie clash continued from the previous week: uncompromising; take no prisoners. Meanwhile
Tia was dominating the ruck in the absence of Ingram, but Roberts was feasting on the taps. The second quarter continued in the same vein as our backs held firm, with Evie Scott saving a certain Parker goal with a monster tackle.

The long break saw some moves that negated Roberts’ influence. Dahlia’s first goal of the season put us in front, but they replied before the final break to take a slim lead into the last quarter. We were dominating the forward entries but couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard.

In the fourth both teams displayed great fitness (big tanks!) despite no benches, the huge ground and the intensity of the battle. Everyone was running their guts out, no matter what
their time trial ratings. Dahlia kicked her second, which proved to be the winning goal.

Two weeks in a row Balwyn did not score in the final quarter. Rebounding defence is our trademark: Lila and co were outstanding off half back.

Into the Grand Final! Who will we play?

Goals: Dahlia 2, Sophie 1

Round 14 - Balwyn Tigers vs Fitzroy - 4 August 2024

Balwyn 5.7.37 def Fitzroy 5.2.32

At Gordon Barnard Reserve against a full-strength Balwyn: the ultimate challenge. Effectively a trial run for the semi-final with U13G guests Tilly, May and Pippa.

The usual slow start, but it continued to half time. Lily Parker was creating havoc up forward and their mids were on top. Four goals down at the long break and the alarm bells were ringing. It could have been more without our guests: Pippa laying tackles and May prepared to take on heavy work.

Enter the mag board. Evie Scott was swung into defence to quell Lily’s influence. This worked a treat and freed up Tessa. The Evie/Lily show was a battle of the Titans: a game
within a game. This was the move that changed the game, and the margin was trimmed to three goals by the final break. In the fourth quarter the girls threw everything but the
kitchen sink at the contest. Celina and Lila with their second and third efforts; Sophie kicked four goals on the day; and the Tia/Lacey ruck duel never disappoints.

An after the siren shot just missed the big sticks, resulting in a five-point loss. But the comeback scared the opposition, who knew the battle would resume next week. In the
qualifying final.

As the girls prepared for the fifth quarter (i.e. next week) this game was marked down as the loss we had to have.

Goals: Sophie 4, Zara 1

Round 13 - Beverley Hills vs Fitzroy - 28 July 2024

Fitzroy 4.10.34 def Beverley Hills 2.1.13

At Zerbes Reserve for the return bout. With Rosie and Abigail both unwell we needed to cover holes in the defence. Fortunately, Heidi, May and Tilly were able to join us and a reshaped, fully fit team took the field.

The game was defined by a howling wind. Hills won the toss and did not hesitate to get first use. We failed to score but held them to a solitary goal through stout defence. In the second quarter Sophie snagged a couple as we used the wind to advantage. By the third quarter the girls had increased their lead despite the wind. And in the last it was all one-way traffic, although 1.7 was an ordinary return.

This was a fine performance, a team performance. A big tackling game that frustrated the opposition, and fortunately Sophie had her eye in.

Nine in a row, but who’s counting?

Goals: Sophie 3, Celina 1

Round 12 - Fitzroy vs Park Orchards - 21 July 2024

Fitzroy 5.4.34 def Park Orchards 4.7.31

After a four-week break from footy it was back to BSO. We were joined by Heidi and Bellanfrom the 14Gs, and Amelia returned from injury for her first game since mid-2023.

Concerns about being rusty proved well founded, as it took until the middle of the last quarter to hit the front for the first time. Yes, the girls are slow starters, but have usually found their rhythm by the first break. But not this time: it was a hard slog from start to finish.

The slippery conditions suited Edie and Rosie who were in the thick of it all day. Despite the conditions there were still some classy moments, such as Evie Scott’s late third quarter goal via a Kitty handball. And in the fourth quarter, stoppage snaps from Evie Scott and Heidi: goals that won the game.

Sometimes you need to win ugly, as long as you win. Eight in a row, and the double chance locked in.

Goals: Evie Scott 2, Sophie 2, Heidi 1

Round 11 - Fitzroy vs Canterbury - 30 June 2024

Fitzroy def Canterbury (forfeited)

This game would have been played at BSO, but Canterbury forfeited.

Round 10 - Camberwell vs Fitzroy - 23 June 2024

Fitzroy 7.6.48 def Camberwell 1.5.11

An away game at last, at Lynden Park. As usual, the game started with a dour, low-scoring first quarter. But after that the usual suspects got on their bikes and the goals started to flow. Accurate set shots from Celina and Evie add another offensive weapon, on top of running goals from anywhere inside 50.

This was a complete performance all over the ground: the half-backs are purring, with Abigail mopping up if required; the onballers win most clearances, while the forwards score truly and often. And what about the second and third efforts from Lila, Tessa, Dahlia and co? Inspiring.

The girls won comfortably with plenty left in the tank – a good sign with finals looming. We’d never beaten Camberwell at Lynden Park before. Six in a row.

Goals: Evie Scott 3, Sophie 2, Celina 2

Round 9 - Fitzroy vs Beverley Hills - 16 June 2024

Fitzroy 5.8.38 def Beverley Hills 4.3.27

Back at BSO after the week off. We had a bench at last, including Zosia who was back from bootcamp. Just in time for Edie and Kitty to run through their joint 50 th game banner, although ‘run through’ is not the best description. ‘Fell through the banner (with dog)’ is closer to the mark. But however you describe it, the resultant footage was hilarious and went viral.

A pattern is emerging whereby first quarters are low scoring arm wrestles. Are they slow starts, or more a matter of wearing the opposition down before the scoring opens up? It’s probably the latter and certainly against Beverley Hills, a team that is renowned for unrelenting pressure.

After the first break the girls kept the scoreboard ticking over, but the Hills were never far behind. The hard-fought victory was special: we’d never beaten them before.

A couple of special mentions. First, Evie Scott’s three goals were proof that she has found her groove as a key forward. Second, Rosie’s ability to force stoppages is a boon for her
teammates, as it gives them a chance to regroup and find best position.

Goals: Evie Scott 3, Kitty 1, Celina 1

Round 8 - Fitzroy vs Balwyn Tigers - 2 June 2024

Fitzroy 15.10.100 def Balwyn Tigers 2.1.13

BSO again: somebody up there likes us. The Tigers used to be the Jets, but it’s the same team that had only lost one game in 3.5 years. They were without several of their best players, so we had the novel experience of lending players (two) to the opposition each quarter.

Charlotte and Kitty were the first players lent to Balwyn and had the temerity to kick a goal at one end (Charlotte) and save a goal at the other end (Kitty). Whatever happened to the rich tradition of being useless? It seems our girls are not prepared to lower their standards.

Fortunately, the team woke up and the goals started to flow, via Sophie, Evie Scott, Zara, Celina and Alex. We led by eight goals at half time, and by 13 goals at the final break. Just went through the motions in the last quarter but still managed to crack the ton.

Sure, Balwyn were without stars such as Lacey and Lily, and we’ll get a better picture of where we stand in the Round 14 rematch. But still, an 87-point victory over the three-peat premiers is not to be sneezed at. And Charlotte kicked half their score.

Goals: Celina 7, Sophie 3, Zara 2, Evie Scott 1, Alex 1, Rosie 1
(Evil goals): Charlotte 1

Round 7 - Fitzroy vs Canterbury - 26 May 2024

Fitzroy 12.3.75 def Camberwell 3.3.21

At BSO for Indigenous Round, wearing the Indigenous guernseys, and playing a late game with a yellow footy. Tia was back (for three quarters), and Canterbury had a few more players this time.

It was a strange game. We didn’t score in the First; kicked four in the Second (three to Sophie); and only one behind in the Third to hold a slender lead. Tia departed at the final break, Dahlia took the ruck, and the coaches moved the magnets around. Then the lights came on (literally) and the girls ran riot. Eight goals in the final quarter: six to Celina while Alex snagged two – her first goals ever. Alex knows how to celebrate.

Brigid’s twilight photos show the girls running in packs, and that’s how it was – the girls had flicked the switch. Celina was awarded the Joe Johnson Medal by the Canterbury coach, but you could have thrown a blanket over the lot of them.

Goals: Celina 7, Sophie 3, Alex 2

Round 6 - Fitzroy vs Park Orchards - 19 May 2024

Fitzroy 7.9.51 def Park Orchards 4.5.29

At BSO again, against a much taller Park Orchards. We welcomed Celina back from injury but still had a few missing. Fortunately, a couple of U13 Girls were able to play the first half with us, and Tilly and Alice acquitted themselves well.

The girls got off to a bright start with Sophie and Celina hitting the scoreboard. It was important to be well up at half time and Zara goaled in the 2nd quarter to give the team a four-goal lead at the long break. Park Orchards are good, so it was pleasing to see the girls go further ahead in the 3rd despite the departure of our guests. Taking a five-goal lead into the ¾ time break was no mean feat, and proof of how well the girls were playing.

The last quarter was a bit of an arm-wrestle until the opposition snapped a couple of junk time goals in the dying minutes. But percentage is irrelevant these days and we had every reason to be pleased with an all-round team performance.

Goals: Sophie 4, Celina 2, Zara 1

Round 5 - Fitzroy vs Camberwell - 12 May 2024

Fitzroy 5.11.41 def Camberwell 3.10.28

Back to BSO for another crack at Camberwell. Sophie was back from injury, while Bella, Heidi and Lily joined us at quarter time following their U14Gs game. It was Mother’s Day, the sun
was shining, and we were treated to a ripper of a game. Eve timed her 50th game to perfection.

We’d learnt a few things since the previous encounter. Learnt more about how to play our home ground. Holding shape and structure, and rebounding from defence. Better marking
(against a tall, marking side), better kicking to position, and relentless pressure. And Evie G’s second half run-downs, which her teammates can now see coming.

Millie, Sophie and Eve kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely, keeping our noses in front. And when Abigail kicked a comedy goal (nutmegged the full back) it became a matter of
resisting the Sharks’ forward assaults. And we did, grinding out a memorable victory.

Another team we’d never beaten before. Only a month later and the rebound from half back is now a big positive, with Lila, Edie, Lily, Tessa, Dahlia and others taking turns to do the job.

Goals: Millie 2, Sophie 1, Eve 1, Abigail 1

Round 4 - Whitehorse vs Fitzroy - 5 May 2024

Whitehorse 5.5.35 def Fitzroy 3.6.24

At Springfield Park to play Whitehorse with only 13 fit players. This gave Whitehorse the power to lend us three (unhelpful) players per quarter.

Zara is turning into a running machine, showing the benefits of a summer on the track. Throw in some ruck work and you’ve almost got a new player. Yes, in the second quarter we
had Abigail rucking in the middle while Zara even had a go around the ground. Unlikely options but they created a contest and that might be enough.

Another brave effort by all the girls but there were too many holes to cover.

Goals: Eve 2, Zara 1

Round 3 - Fitzroy vs Canterbury - 28 April 2024

Fitzroy 11.7.73 def Canterbury 3.6.24

Back to BSO for ANZAC Round. Canterbury was also short on players, so it was 12 v 12 on the big, wide ground. And yet it was a fine spectacle with the open space suiting the girls – particularly the runners.

Celina kicked seven (four in the first), teaming up beautifully with Eve and Evie Scott to show
that we are now a free scoring team. Millie was everywhere with Alex giving her a chop out in the ruck. And how about Evie G’s run-down tackles in the second half? We’ve got a new
weapon.

We’d never beaten Canterbury before. The tide is turning.

Goals: Celina 7, Eve 2, Evie Scott 2

Round 2 - Beverley Hills vs Fitzroy - 21 April 2024

Beverley Hills 5.8.38 def Fitzroy 3.8.26

Beverley Hills at their Zerbes Oval. Millie was back and the sun was blazing. But Rosie was injured in the warm-up, Tia and Celina were restricted by niggling injuries, and Kitty and Zosia went down during the game. Yet we managed to stick with them with solid defence holding firm. Tessa and Dahlia know when to drop back for the old one-two: support the
defenders then rebound into the middle. Top stuff.

The attrition rate was so high that Evie Scott (still recovering) pulled on the boots near half time and was sent close to goal. This gave us more forward power and when she kicked truly before the final break there was only a goal in it.

But we couldn’t cover the injuries in the last and Beverley Hills got the four points. Another brave performance from the girls.

Goals: Celina 2, Evie Scott 1.

Round 1 - Fitzroy vs Camberwell - 14 April 2024

Camberwell 7.8.50 def Fitzroy 6.10.46

For our first game on Brunswick Street Oval (BSO) we were joined by some handy recruits (Dahlia, Celina and Rosie) as well as Heidi from the 14Gs. We opened brightly with Sophie
and Celina creating havoc up forward and strong performances all over the ground. The Sharks are top-shelf opposition and realised they had to dig deep to keep up with us.

When Rosie snapped her first goal late in the 3 rd quarter it looked like we were on our way to victory. But then the injuries started to mount up with some proppy players in the middle and across half back. Camberwell’s talls got to work in the final quarter and they were able to snatch the lead. Although the ball was locked in our forward line for a few final frantic minutes we couldn’t will the ball through the big sticks.

Goals: Sophie 3, Celina 2, Rosie 1.