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.