Round 13 – Match Report

Fitzroy 9.6.60  def  Canterbury 6.3.39

Goals: McGee 4, Zander 3, Jordan, Dom

Best: Dom, Hoddy, Jordan, Patty, Kruger, Zander

Fitzroy made it six wins from their past seven starts last weekend after a solid 21 point win over inner-city rivals Canterbury. Snapping their two-game losing streak against the Cobras while avenging their round three loss, Fitzroy were simply a class above on Sunday with Dom Pound-Palmieri best-on-ground.

Starting the better of the sides it was all one-way traffic from the outset as Fitzroy utilized the wide spaces on a heavy and muddy Brunswick Street Oval. Showcasing their skills in the wet it was Fitzroy's engine room that went about establishing a handy quarter-time lead, with Dom Pound-Palmieri and James Hodson racking up a wealth of possessions by the end of the first term.

Fitzroy were once again first on the board in the second as Alexander Croft and James McGee continued their dominating form up forward. With ninety-goals between them there is little doubt the boys make up one of the competition's most potent forward lines, despite both lads regularly lining up in the midfield or down back.

Patrick Williamson-Hill was in season-best form in the second displaying his versatility both up forward and down back, while Jordan Batten and Justin Galligan added another dimension to the side's midfield to give the Roys a healthy buffer at the long break.

However it was the premiership quarter that once again set up Fitzroy's tenth win of season 2006, with Dom putting in a strong case for back-to-back B&F awards. His fifty-metre goal on the run from inside the centre-square sparked ten minutes of complete Fitzroy domination, with Jordan Batten adding to the party with a freak goal from deep in the left pocket.

Despite a minor scare in the last Fitzroy ran out comfortable 21 point winners, snapping their Canterbury hoodoo while continuing their strong form of recent. However the real test lies just a fortnight away as the Roys attempt to complete a clean sweep of wins against all Brown sides as they take on four-time back-to-back WJFA premiers East Malvern in a top-of-the-table clash.

 Cam Nation