Kangaroolz
Debutant
Fitzroy vs Parkdale
I wish I were a writer, a real writer. I wish I knew how to put the right words down to convey to you the beauty of what happened on a wet muddy Melbourne Saturday at Ramsden St.
It had been an emotional week for Bruce and his family having lost a father and grandfather very suddenly, it was going to get tougher too. Bruce’s father resided in WA and had not been to a game this year. His connection to the team was entirely through his son and grandson but the boys donned the black armbands as a sign of respect which was a gesture greatly appreciated by the coach and his family.
The Fitzroy U19s have had some really amazing matches lately. They have played some beautiful, skillful football; they have won some games against the odds. Each week, I marveled at them and thought, “wow, this was a special win” Turns out this is just how this team goes about it. It’s their MO.
Parkdale had come to play. They needed this win to give themselves a chance at a top 2 finish. They were at full strength with a bevy of stars back from their tour of duty in the Seniors. They played great football, probably better football on the day but it wasn’t enough because from siren to siren Fitzroy played for each other and for their coach. When the team plays as a team, when they are committed, when they are in it together, that is hard to beat.
Strathy, still driving from Strathmerton each week, was yellow carded when defending a teammate. The four reluctant heroes: the two Jacks, Eddie and Dieter who stepped in to give us the numbers. One of the Jacks (Ford) succumbing to our injury curse. Our captain, Daz, back after a prolonged absence, was a welcome sight. Sam Dalton, copping one, which had him helped off bleeding profusely but he would not shut up until the coach let him back on. (after passing the concussion test). Matters who has now placed himself in the team elite with another excellent performance. Evan Evagora playing his heart out in the ruck. Dylan Leech once again putting his body on the line at every contest. Joe Hill, taking the brunt of the opposition’s attention (including the crowd). Bakes, showing his class even in the mud. Ligris was an absolute rock in the back line as were Meltzer and Sawyer. Fraser and his incredible goal will now be known as the Canon. Callum Ryan – when the moment came, he kicked the sealer! Menzies, his knee a disaster not only kept going but also was influential at every chance. Lynch and Simcoe both making a difference and Edwards, for who the black armband meant the most, has found another level over the last few weeks when the team has needed it the most.
It was a mighty win….a win that defines a season. We knew this u19 Fitzroy side had the talent to achieve great things. We now know it has the heart and soul to match.
GO ROYS!
I wish I were a writer, a real writer. I wish I knew how to put the right words down to convey to you the beauty of what happened on a wet muddy Melbourne Saturday at Ramsden St.
It had been an emotional week for Bruce and his family having lost a father and grandfather very suddenly, it was going to get tougher too. Bruce’s father resided in WA and had not been to a game this year. His connection to the team was entirely through his son and grandson but the boys donned the black armbands as a sign of respect which was a gesture greatly appreciated by the coach and his family.
The Fitzroy U19s have had some really amazing matches lately. They have played some beautiful, skillful football; they have won some games against the odds. Each week, I marveled at them and thought, “wow, this was a special win” Turns out this is just how this team goes about it. It’s their MO.
Parkdale had come to play. They needed this win to give themselves a chance at a top 2 finish. They were at full strength with a bevy of stars back from their tour of duty in the Seniors. They played great football, probably better football on the day but it wasn’t enough because from siren to siren Fitzroy played for each other and for their coach. When the team plays as a team, when they are committed, when they are in it together, that is hard to beat.
Strathy, still driving from Strathmerton each week, was yellow carded when defending a teammate. The four reluctant heroes: the two Jacks, Eddie and Dieter who stepped in to give us the numbers. One of the Jacks (Ford) succumbing to our injury curse. Our captain, Daz, back after a prolonged absence, was a welcome sight. Sam Dalton, copping one, which had him helped off bleeding profusely but he would not shut up until the coach let him back on. (after passing the concussion test). Matters who has now placed himself in the team elite with another excellent performance. Evan Evagora playing his heart out in the ruck. Dylan Leech once again putting his body on the line at every contest. Joe Hill, taking the brunt of the opposition’s attention (including the crowd). Bakes, showing his class even in the mud. Ligris was an absolute rock in the back line as were Meltzer and Sawyer. Fraser and his incredible goal will now be known as the Canon. Callum Ryan – when the moment came, he kicked the sealer! Menzies, his knee a disaster not only kept going but also was influential at every chance. Lynch and Simcoe both making a difference and Edwards, for who the black armband meant the most, has found another level over the last few weeks when the team has needed it the most.
It was a mighty win….a win that defines a season. We knew this u19 Fitzroy side had the talent to achieve great things. We now know it has the heart and soul to match.
GO ROYS!
