Round 1 – Match Report

Fitzroy 6.16.52  def  Bundoora 3.2.20

Goals: Zander 4, Hoddy 1, Blake 1

Best: Hoddy, Zander, Luke, Jordan, Dom, Patty, Justin

Fitzroy kick-started their 2006 campaign in convincing fashion last weekend, defeating reigning Green Division premiers Bundoora by 32 points.

Playing at Fitzroy’s traditional home ground for the first time in three years, the fourteens were impressive from the outset as James Hodson collected eight touches within the first five minutes before slotting the season opener.

Wasteful at times but with a lot of the ball Fitzroy added to their lead shortly after as Alexander Croft kicked his first of four majors for the afternoon.

FJFC debutants Sean Dillane, Patrick Williamson-Hill, Raph Lloyd and Zac McArthur were all amongst the action early, as Fitzroy’s midfield continued to move the ball productively through Dom Pound-Palmieri and Dylan Patcas.

Holding onto a narrow lead at the first change Fitzroy continued to assert their dominance in the second as Jordan Batten and Luke De Nittis worked themselves into the game. Fin Wilkins provided plenty of run down the left wing while newcomer Patty hung onto a number of grabs deep on the forward flank.

Inaccurate but still impressive Fitzroy took a healthy lead into the long break and when Blake converted shortly after the result was beyond doubt. After a three year hiatus Blake rediscovered his prowess in front of goal, nailing a set shot after a brilliant piece of play down the right wing as the ever-present Hoddy combined with Luke De Nittis.

The cohesion between the Roys players was apparent from the outset, and despite a large number of positional rotations the fourteens continued to gel and maintain the intensity deep into the last quarter.

A positive result after a disappointing end to 2005, Fitzroy displayed plenty of promise for the new season while showing off a number of talented new recruits.