- Moderator
- #1
10. FITZROY (12 points; 69.4%)
Fitzroy’s first season in Premier Men’s has been every bit as challenging as coach Travis Ronaldson expected, particularly given their injury challenges along the way.
But the Roys have been supremely resilient all season long, repeatedly digging deep late in games rather than just throwing in the towel and accepting their fate.
So it comes as no surprise that they are taking the same approach to this relegation race, continuing to struggle and fight all the way to the final siren.
Things looked bleak a couple of weeks ago when they found themselves a game-and-a-half behind the rest of the field with just four to play.
But their gritty 3-point win over OMs in Round 15 has breathed life back into their season and they will launch into the final three rounds with some genuine belief that they can still escape the hangman’s noose and remain in Premier Men’s next season.
Now just a game plus percentage behind St Bernard’s and safety, they will need to win two of their last three and hope that the Snowdogs go winless.
And whilst that seems optimistic for a team that has only won three games for the season, a closer look at their run home provides some hope. They play the two unpredictable University teams at Brunswick Street Oval, where they grow another leg in front of their rowdy faithful.
Win both of those and they may not even need to beat the reigning champs in the final round should the Snowdogs get the staggers.
One thing is for certain – the Royboys will never give up!
THE RUN HOME:
Rd.16 University Blues (Brunswick Street Oval)
Rd.17 University Blacks (Brunswick Street Oval)
Rd.18 Collegians (Harry Trott Oval)
Fitzroy’s first season in Premier Men’s has been every bit as challenging as coach Travis Ronaldson expected, particularly given their injury challenges along the way.
But the Roys have been supremely resilient all season long, repeatedly digging deep late in games rather than just throwing in the towel and accepting their fate.
So it comes as no surprise that they are taking the same approach to this relegation race, continuing to struggle and fight all the way to the final siren.
Things looked bleak a couple of weeks ago when they found themselves a game-and-a-half behind the rest of the field with just four to play.
But their gritty 3-point win over OMs in Round 15 has breathed life back into their season and they will launch into the final three rounds with some genuine belief that they can still escape the hangman’s noose and remain in Premier Men’s next season.
Now just a game plus percentage behind St Bernard’s and safety, they will need to win two of their last three and hope that the Snowdogs go winless.
And whilst that seems optimistic for a team that has only won three games for the season, a closer look at their run home provides some hope. They play the two unpredictable University teams at Brunswick Street Oval, where they grow another leg in front of their rowdy faithful.
Win both of those and they may not even need to beat the reigning champs in the final round should the Snowdogs get the staggers.
One thing is for certain – the Royboys will never give up!
THE RUN HOME:
Rd.16 University Blues (Brunswick Street Oval)
Rd.17 University Blacks (Brunswick Street Oval)
Rd.18 Collegians (Harry Trott Oval)
