Round 11 – Match Report

Fitzroy 1.4.10  def by  Warrandyte 3.1.19

Goals: Zander

Best: Dylan, Justin, Jordan, Kruger, Hoddy

A gutsy display by onballer Dylan Patcas couldn't prevent Fitzroy from slumping to their third defeat of season 2006 last weekend, as Warrandyte avenged their round two loss with a narrow nine point victory at Brunswick Street Oval.

With the conditions doing little to aid either side it was Warrandyte that proved the better in the wet, holding off a gallant and injury-depleted Fitzroy side to record their sixth win of the season. Kicking 1.4 to the visitors 3.1 Fitzroy were unlucky at times, missing several chances in front of goal in the dying stages of the game.

Dylan Patcas was best on ground for Fitzroy revelling in the wet conditions and a rare return to the midfield. Dylan's ability to mark and move the ball in the wet stood out on a miserable day, as did Jordan Batten's attack on the ball and Justin Galligan's aerial marking ability. Jordan continues to impress running off the wing for Fitzroy, his pace added with a fearless attack on the ball catching most opponents off guard.

Michael Kruger also continued his strong form from recent weeks, the YJFL ruckman once again dominating the majority of ruck contests in all parts of the ground. James Hodson was also at his attacking best, controlling the midfield while feeding the ball forward on multiple occasions.

On a quiet day for forwards Alexander Croft notched up his fiftieth goal of season 2006, a significant achievement for a player that has started in just ten games this year. With five rounds to go Zander needs just eight more majors to double his tally from 2005, with many already scrolling through the club's record books to find where Zander stands amongst FJFC's best.

Sitting atop of the ladder but at 8-3, Fitzroy still face a considerable challenge if they plan to be playing football post-July. With fixtures against the inform East Malvern, Canterbury and Camberwell in the coming weeks, the boys in Red & Blue will have to be at their best in the coming month if they have any aspirations of playing finals football.

 Cam Nation