Round 8 – Match Report

Fitzroy 10.10.70  def  Ashburton Green 5.8.38

Goals: Zander 6, Jason 2, Kruger, McGee 1

Best: Kruger, Zander, Jason, Dom, Sean, Jesse

Fitzroy recorded their second win over Ashburton in as many weeks last Sunday, comfortably defeating the club's 'green' side by 32 points. Dominating from the outset Fitzroy continued to build on their form from the previous week, kicking four goals to one in the first term to set up a match-winning lead.

For the first time this season the boys in blue and red were tactically supreme, repeatedly clearing the ball from the centre while opening up the forward line for Zander Croft and James McGee.

Zander was in stellar form from the opening bounce bagging the first four goals of the game during a damaging fifteen minute spell. McGee provided plenty of support off the half-forward line, while the run of skipper James Hodson, and on-ballers Justin Galligan and Dom Pound-Palmieri, provided our talls with plenty of chances up front.

Enjoying a comfortable buffer at the first change Fitrzoy went for the jugular in the second, continuing their game-plan from the first term with great success. Sean Dillane proved his strength at full back while providing plenty of run out of defence, as did Raph Lloyd and Hugh Lanphier-Walsh who are quickly developing into specialist half-back flankers.

Fitzroy kicked on in the second half and despite rotating a large number of players they never looked threatened.

Michael Kruger recorded his first best-on-ground performance this season, the side's big ruckman dominating all aerial contests while continually feeding the ball forward at stopages. It was a welcome return to form for one of Brown divisions top ruckman, who even crept forward and slotted a major towards the end of the last term.

Jason Hewitson was also in season-best form, kicking two goals but more importantly disposing of the football with pinpoint accuracy. Jesse Radonic also showed glimpses of the form that won him the 'coaches award' in 2005, Jess revellling in his return to the midfield and racking up a number of touches.

Already half-way through the season the boys are continually developing as players and as a team, and look well set heading into the second half of Season 2006.

Cam Nation