Round 7 - Fitzroy vs Kew Rovers.

The Indigenous round game against Kew Rovers was played in clear, chilly conditions with a fluky wind designed to keep things interesting. During the pre-game warm-up, John urged the boys to keep up the positive momentum they gained from the previous weeks win and to stay focused for all four quarters of the game. Back in the rooms, he talked with the boys about respect. He stressed the importance of showing respect to other cultures or those with differing beliefs, to the opposition players and to the umpires out on the field (noting that the boys were a respectful group). Team Captains, Darcy and Leo, led the team out and won the toss, electing to kick to the non-CBD end of the ground. The game started in sensational style with Laird clearing from the centre and Noah Cameroux taking a strong mark to kick the team's first goal. Shortly after, Lucas followed up with another strong mark and was unlucky to miss kicking the team's second. The consistent Sam Ward was winning possession and and kicked with pin-point accuracy to the talented Max, staging a welcome return to the team from injury. Fitzroy were off to a very positive start. The Kew Rovers were also showing some form however and Joe and Sam Clarke were having to work hard in defence, ably supported by Tom Ward and Mason. With seconds to go, Jack broke free and kicked forward to Kyle, who amounts a sea of opposition players, weaved his magic to kick another goal. John spoke with the boys at the quarter time break about the playing in front and manning up. The second quarter started with Laird winning a free kick for his tackling and narrowly missing kicking for goal. Noah Dekker was winning praise from the coaches for his efforts, and the ever reliable Lachie was stepping up to his usual high work rate. Stanley, Isaac and Kyle where teaming in style on the half back flank and Finn was hard and committed at the ball, winning possession after possession. Yianni used his strength to break free from the contest and came close to booting the leather off the ball as he propelled it forward. The Kew Rovers were not giving up however, managing to kick a goal on the siren to level up the scores. The third quarter commenced with Tom Ward demonstrating commitment, speed and skill on the forward line and Noah Cameroux taking another strong mark. Consistent play makers, Mason, Sam Ward, Stanley and Darcy were all having an impact and Tom Markham was fearless in his attack on the ball. Dom and Isaac where terrific in the ruck and co-captain Leo, was leading by example.  The quarter ended up in Kew's favour however, presenting a final quarter challenge for Fitzroy, behind in score and kicking into the wind. At the break, John and Sav spoke with the boys about the importance of running in the final quarter and of playing strategic football during the stoppages in Kew's forward line. The final term was initially a tight contest, with both sides trying hard to obtain the advantage. The decision to move Jack into the forward line proved to be an inspired one however and he immediately started creating opportunities, including that in which he kicked his first ever goal. Lucas was looking dangerous, marking and kicking strongly and the mercurial Alex, beloved for his ability to kick accurately with both feet, was playing hard at the ball. Having shown commitment in the forward line all day, Will took a spectacular mark and following up with kicking a goal. Noah Dekker took another terrific mark and narrowly missed kicking another while Laird was in cracking form (as he has been all season). The momentum had now shifted Fitzroy's way and the action was all on their forward line. The game ended with Fitzroy coming from behind to win what had been a very entertaining and tightly contested game. Both team's came together in a show of unity for the Indigenous round and awarded medals. Finn won the opposition team medal for his fine performance and Jack was awarded the Joe Johnson medal for his tenacity. Back in the rooms, Gerry talked through the stats and the lolly bags where awarded to Laird and Isaac, both popular winners for their strong performances throughout the season. The team song was duly sung, a fitting end to the day and acknowledgement of the team's first home ground win for the season.

Round 6 - Heidelberg vs Fitzroy

Having come off five losses on the trot, the week started well for the boys with guest coach, Sav, sharing his knowledge of playing at an elite level and taking the boys through an AFL style training session (which they really enjoyed). Energized, the boys took to their pre-game warm-up against Heidelberg with gusto. Speaking with the team, Paul stressed the importance of taking a positive attitude into the game and looking out for their team mates. Joel was out injured for the game but had offered to take on the role of assistant match report correspondent. Back in the rooms (and with the smell of disinfectant heavy in the air), John instructed the boys to have numbers at the ball and to play in front. Team captains, Sam Clarke and Lucas led the team out, won the toss and elected to kick toward the CBD end with the wind. The first quarter started well for Fitzroy. Darcy, Stanley, Laird, Sam Ward and Mason settled into play, demonstrating the consistency with which they've played all season. Tom Ward and Noah Dekker were getting plenty of touches and Sam Clarke was leading the team by example, hard and effective at the ball. At quarter time, Fitzroy had kicked a point and held Heidelberg scoreless. Dom, Lucas and Darcy were Joel's three best players for the quarter. Joel particularly enjoyed the passage of play in which Darcy played wide on the correct side and kicked to Lucas. The second quarter started in barnstorming style, with Laird taking on three opposition players, winning the ball and kicking with pin-point accuracy to Darcy. Noah Cameroux, skillful as ever, was coming into the game, Lachie seemed to be everywhere and Jack was contesting in the air, punching the ball away in the windy conditions. Leo was demonstrating what an improved player he's become, calm under pressure and effective with his disposal. Sadly, Sam Clarke's wonderful game came to and end, the recipient of an unfortunate tackle (which caught the attention of team manager Sean). He was clapped off the ground. The quarter ended with neither side scoring. Joel's best players were Darcy, Kyle and Jack. Joel also noted Laird's superb intervention early in the quarter. Back in the rooms, John was delighted with how the boys had played in the second quarter - the best they'd played all season. Dom's tireless efforts in the ruck were noted. The third and premiership quarter saw Fitzroy kicking with the wind and continuing to play in the positive style that they'd done in the first half. With the ball in Fitzroy's forward line, Darcy took a superb mark and then kicked a goal for the team. Shortly after, Yianni, playing in front, kicked the ball off the ground for Fitzroy's second goal. With Heidelberg on the attack, Jack, Sam Ward and Darcy teamed to move the ball forward, while Lucas executed an artful 'Tom Hawkins' style tap across to a team mate, to move the ball along. The quarter ended with Fitzroy in front and with Heidelberg still scoreless. Joel's best players for the quarter were Darcy, Kyle and Laird. He noted Alex's accurate kick to Darcy, who then scored a goal. In his address to the team, John urged the boys to remain focused and not to underestimate Heidelberg (who were sure to come out strongly, kicking with the strengthening wind). The final quarter was played entirely in Fitzroy's back line, with the team under pressure. Laird, Finn and Will were superb in defence however,  and Noah Dekker was at his hard tackling best. Heidelberg were unlucky to miss two set shots at goal and Fitzroy managed to hold on for their first win of the season.  Joel's best players for the quarter for Laird, Darcy and Dom. The opposition team medal was awarded to Kyle. Back in the rooms and following some confusion as to when to sing the team song, Dom and Leo were awarded the lolly bags, Dom for his efforts in the ruck for the whole game and Leo for having his best game for the season. The team song was duly sung and the team dispersed, delighted with their first win of the season.