Game on!

100, originally uploaded by Go Roys!.

See all the pics at http://www.flickr.com/photos/51972732@N05/sets/72157624601023253/

It's All Come Together At The Perfect Time

Well, what a fitting end to such a memorable season...

Our boys were outstanding today. They were so relentless at the contest and they were really focused on the task at hand. We certainly got a sense of the boys savouring every moment. We felt that they rightly deserved to end the season on a high and today's emphatic result was well earned.

Each single boy contributed today and to see them all sing the song with such passion and gusto was a little overwhelming for me. I can say that each and every boy has developed as both a footballer and an individual over the season and that is the biggest reward we (the coaching group) could ever expect.

The emotions (ups and downs) one experiences in life can be reflected on the sporting field. Our boys have experienced the highs and lows, the heartbreak and exhilaration. I hope they realise that when things get tough, they have each other to lean on and that they will be there for each other in the future. One of the most pleasing aspects of the season has been the spirit amongst the playing group which has impacted the parent group. There have been many friendships forged that will last a life time and a special bond with this group. Hopefully, we have the opportunity to do it all again.

I would like to thank, you, the parents, for giving us the opportunity to coach this special group. I would like to thank all the support group, Taub, Bruce, Leon, Misha, Vince, Glen, Andrew, Fitzroy nurses Association, George (sugar daddy) and all those who have been more than willing to get involved.

We hope you all can make it next Saturday to have some more fun, say thanks, reflect on the year and celebrate our success.

Thanking you all once again....

GO ROYS!!!!!

Silvano

Round 15: Tough Day At The Office

We ventured to Heidelberg knowing it was going to be a tough morning. Apart from a sore head and the need for a few more hours' sleep, we knew we had our work cut out for us.... Oh, and by the way, the boys had a football game to play.

We were welcomed to Warrigal Park with the visitor's change-rooms being located 3 bus stops away from the ground with the ambiance of a WW2 bomb shelter.

The ground conditions suited our game plan, kicking long and running into space, however a taller and older opposition showed us the benefits of playing 2 seasons together. They outplayed us in patches and applied some scoreboard pressure.

Nevertheless, our boys refused to throw in the towel. We continued to make a contest, fight for the ball and play for each other. Although the scoreboard indicated a significant loss, I thought that our endeavour and spirit shone through. There were a number of great passages of play from ball usage, to physical pressure, to team work. They gave their all for each other and the made an extra effort for their mates, Cooper and Finn who played their last game of the year.

On reflection we could not expect anything more from our boys. They gave everything they had.

This coming game is our last of the season, so we'd like to end on a high. We'd like as many family and friends to attend our final game at Alfred Crescent and let's make an extra effort to show support for our boys.

I encourage everybody not to think about next year just yet. Let's enjoy the week ahead and Sunday's game.

We have a fitting end to the season with a game against Ashburton, who we match-up quite well for a more even contest. They will be looking to end their season on a high just as we will........ another challenge for our boys to ponder and respond to.

We're planning a team get-together at season's end, and we'll send out the details soon. It'll be a great chance for the boys have to reflect on the year and enjoy each others company.


This Sunday, August 8th is a home game against Ashburton (Rnd 4 down 7 pts last time we met). Rostered Week Off for OLLIE,CHARLIE F, COOPER and FINN


Keeping the faith..... GO ROYS!


Silvano

PS. If this message makes less sense than the previous ones, I blame FJFC trivia night....

Ollie on Tour: Is There Something You're Not Telling Us?

Ollie Rocks a trilby in Ibiza, originally uploaded by Go Roys!.

After all of Silvano's warnings about late nights and wild women, look what Ollie's gone and done! ;)

A message from Chris, Ollie's mum:

Good to hear there was a win on the weekend. Ollie in Ibiza! we are having a ball and currently in Barcelona.

Round 14: Never Underestimate The Opposition

See all the photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/51972732@N05/sets/72157624576471480

Our boys learnt a valuable lesson this morning... that being no matter what people say, where teams are on ladders, or what one's opinions are, on any given day anything can happen on the footy field.

Each team we play against has an opinion about us, and this generally sets the tone for the game. I felt we came into today's game expecting just to turn up and the result would take care of itself. Well, we were in for a surprise with Surrey Park sending us a clear message.... "We are no walkover, we are capable of playing good footy". They showed us what determination, team work and spirit are capable of.

It was up to the boys to respond, it was up to the boys to make a commitment, it was up to the boys to show everybody (more importantly themselves) what type of football we are capable of.

In a game of two halves, our boys chose to get up off the ground and demonstrate what they a capable of with a solid 3rd quarter and a dominant last quarter ... even though this was not reflected on the score board due to some inaccurate kicking. However the structure was solid and all 23 boys contributed to their role and responsibilities and we all should be proud of the character they showed in the second half.

Next week when we play Heidelberg, I wonder what Fitzroy team will turn-up ... again a real challenge. All we ask of our boys is to play to the standard they are capable of, in the right spirit and for each other.... the score has been and will remain irrelevant.

Keeping the faith..... GO ROYS!

Silvano

PS apologies to those who may have been offended with my reference to the Fitzroy Nurses Association at 3 quarter time.


NEXT WEEK ----- SECOND LAST GAME!!!!!
Warringal Park
Venue Address: Beverley Rd
Heidelberg
Map Reference: 32 C4

PLEASE NOTE 11:30am Start time, WHITE SHORTS..... BE AT THE GROUND AT 10:45am.... A good result for those attending the trivia night the night before

News Just In!

Round 13: Football Played the Way It Should Be. Hard & Fast!

I think I’ve developed an intolerance to losing after a bout of gastro post the game ... this being reason for my delayed match review. This gave me plenty of time to think about the game and what more we could have done to end up with a different result on the score board. Clearly the boys gave their all, they put their bodies on the line, ran themselves ragged and stuck to the game plan. We cannot ask for more.

It was a physical affair at Alfred Crescent with our little warriors certainly boxing out of their weight division. It was suburban football at its best with two teams committed to giving their all until the final siren. The score board did not reflect the manner in which the game was played and level of competitiveness displayed by both teams.

The only real difference was St Marys' physical size. We matched them on skill, on attitude and on effort. Our boys deserved to walk off the ground with their heads held high.

A strong breeze to one end of the ground was a factor in the scoring as we started the game with a rush of scoring opportunities and conversions. St Marys were up to the challenge by using the wind to their advantage in the 2nd quarter to go into half time at a stalemate.

We spoke of choices and decision making throughout the morning and set (for the 1st time) expectations on our boys. We expected them to run the game out, kick long and move the ball quickly. In the 3rd quarter we placed some score board pressure, but St Marys' height became a factor as they were able to out-mark us during critical stages of the game.

With a couple on minutes to go, the score board was all square. With St Marys kicking with the wind, they kicked a goal and another straight away to seal the game.

It was pleasing to receive some feedback from the opposition coach. He commented on how much we had improved in skill and how quick we were ... that type of feedback was pleasing to receive on behalf of our team.

From Round 11, our aim was to improve in every game for the remainder of the season. So far, we're on track......


This week: Surrey Park In Surrey Park, WHITE SHORTS.
Be at the ground at 9:15am

Venue Address: cnr Canterbury & Elgar Rds, Surrey Hills

Phone: 98987282
Map Reference: 47 B11

Go Team!!

Even if we narrowly missed out on having Ollie (thanks Kate and Photoshop for including Charlie F), this is a pretty fine looking group.

Double-click on the photo to see them close-up and see all the pics at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51972732@N05/sets/72157624499515936> and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51972732@N05/sets/72157624385048879/

Good luck on Sunday, RoyBoys!

Photos from Round 12

Have a look at all the photos from Round 12 on http://www.flickr.com/photos/51972732@N05/sets/72157624483868896/

Round 12: Toll Roads, Top End of Town, The Roys Show Grit & Determination

We travelled to the "other" side of the Yarra to "go at it" with Glen Iris who, last time, taught us the importance of a strong start (at Alfred Cresent... kicking 4 goals 1st quarter).

In our pre-game "consultation", we spoke about our game plan, the ground and our opposition. The boys had a greater incentive this week with Charlie Faubel (former skater come basketballer come Burke & Wills explorer) and Ollie "I need to experience Europe before I'm too old to appreciate its real beauty" Brown's last game for the season. We thought that the trip to Glen Iris was enough travel for a lifetime.... apparently not.

Our boys started off with a bang, dominating the 1st quarter with a strong breeze. In a return 2nd quarter, Glen Iris reminded us that we were up for a real challenge.

At half time we put the challenge to our boys to stick with the game plan, run, go for the long kicks and remain focused on our individual opponents.

Up by a few points at 3 quarter time, the challenge was set. We drew on Charlie and Ollie's last game and "toll road charges" to draw inspiration. We realised that it was the determination of the team to work together to score 2 goals against a strong wind, that set us up for a memorable victory.

We acknowledge that some individual efforts contributed, but the spirit of the team won the game. As we look back on the team sheet, it did not take us too much time to realise that all 24 boys got us over the line. A well-earned win and we are so proud of the boys.

We all wish Charlie, Ollie and their families a safe and enjoyable trip, and we hope they come back more "cultured" than the rest of us!

THIS WEDNESDAY, Team Photo. Club jumpers and BLUE shorts @ 4PM SHARP.... Make-up optional

NEXT WEEKEND IS A HOME GAME: , July 18th against St Marys
Rostered Week Off: OLLIE, CHARLIE F, HUGO, MAX, HAMISH M

Round 11, Brunswick - A Lesson Learnt in the Bog

On a huge ground (that was part swamp, part potato field) our boys had to dig deep, have faith and grind out a win that was not pretty, but was certainly effective.

In our pre-game meeting, we discussed the challenge ahead of us. Long and quick movement of the ball was the plan, as was avoid the centre of the ground and use the space to our advantage.

Brunswick stung our boys into action with a 2-goal start before the boys switched on and moved the ball quickly. The second and third quarters were great as we started to dictate terms by following the game plan.

However, in the last quarter, Brunswick taught us a valuable lesson ... that being, the game is never over until the final siren.

The post game dive in the swamp was a Malcolm Blight inspired move that saw the coach (yours truly) on the receiving end of a couple of side glances from those responsible in keeping the "whites" white at each household. Perhaps my incorrect e-mail referring to blue shorts instead of white, would have been a stroke of genius in hindsight.

Another inspired move if (anybody noticed) was I asked the boys to pull their socks up and tuck their jumpers into their shorts after half time.... not a good look! (I need stop getting creative).

We are now trying to set challenges to each boy:
- shifting their focus off themselves and onto their team mates
- the way they share the ball
- their commitment at the contest and their genuine care for each other
It's great to see and we're all very proud of them.

Our aim for the remainder of the season is to better our performances against opponents we played earlier on in the year.

Enjoy your week off! As mentioned after the game, we don't want to open up the local paper and read about any of our boys being escorted out of Crown Casino at 4am, with a "lady of the night" on their arm.

GO ROYS

Silvano

Round 9, Heidelberg - Wet, Cold, Muddy

Melbourne weather lived up to its reputation this morning, with rain, showers and some sunshine all in one hour.


We had some late withdrawals due to illness and an opposition with only 15 players which meant we had to play 15 vs 15. Some boys had a little less game time, however this could not be avoided.


We started strong in the first quarter kicking the first goal, however their height and kicking proved to be a significant factors, which contributed to the final score. But, the score board only told half the story. Our boys showed character and grit and held their heads up even though we were against a stronger opposition. The lesson learnt was not matter how tough things get, you just need to get up and go again.

NEXT WEEK
Next week (Round 10) there is no game, however we will be training on Wednesday night starting @ 4pm and the following week is a bye. We will provide details of the plans for the next few weeks.

I hope you have all, by now, have thawed out by now....

GO ROYS!

Silvano

Round 8, Richmond - The Roy Spirit Shines Through... Inspirational Last Quarter

WOW WEE, what a last quarter...

We came into this game needing some of our players to step up and to contribute more than what they had in the past. This is was they exactly did.

The game started at a slow pace, with Richmond jumping us in the first 2 quarter through long kicking. Our boys took some time to switch on. Signs began to shine through in the later stages in the 3rd quarter. We were outstanding in the last quarter, moving the ball forward at every opportunity with effective results. To start the last quarter down by 3 goals and to then win was fantastic. The boys really deserved it. We all sang the song with great gusto and passion. Wonderful result and a game for the ages.

(big breath....)

We do it all again next week.

Round 7, Camberwell - Book Ends... Great 1st and 4th Quarters

Our boys were set a challenge this week to play against the top side and leave the ground with our heads held high.

During the week, we worked on longer kicking and kicking into space. We also spent some time on understanding the game and our strength and improvement opportunities.

I asked the boys to make their own commitments and set their own expectations and for them to demonstrate responsibly. We understand this is not something that can be realised and delivered in 5 minutes, it is a lifelong journey, and is something that is often experienced on the football field.

The team fought out a tough encounter. We could have excused if the boys if they dropped their heads and gave up, but no they did not. They continued to not give up, not throw in the towel and keep on trying. This is a special group, no doubt, they are learning about mateship, about each other and about themselves. We are proud of their efforts and intentions. The team delivered in spades the challenges that were set out for them. They walked of the ground with heads held high, they showed sportsmanship and courage.

Well done boys!

Round 6, Doncaster, - Tough Game... but plenty of fight in the Blacks

Big ground, bigger opposition and our boys showed bigger heart.

In a physical encounter in Doncaster, the FJFC Blacks wore the Fitzroy
jumper with pride with a solid display of football.

Yes, the opposition were taller, older and the ground was big, however
we came into the game with a game plan which the boys stuck to. Long
kicking, own the corridor and hold their positions.

There were some bruising encounters, a few tears, however our boys
showed skill and composure beyond their years. We are seeing continuous
improvement in our boys. They are starting to bond as a unit and are
starting to understand what team work is about. One of the pleasing
observations is that the boys are gracious in defeat and they certainly
deserve to taste victory a few more times before the season's end. We,
as a coaching group, remain committed to bringing out the best in all 28
boys who represent the FJFC under 10's team.

This week is an important game as we play Camberwell 3 at home. They are
a team that is expecting to win, but they will not be expecting the ROAR
from our Lions at Alfred Crescent.

Let's make it a special effort to get friends and family to support our
boys for this game.

GO ROYS!!!!

Silvano

Round 2, St Marys - Strong Finish

There is some fighting spirit in this team!

The boys started off quite flat, it may have been from the excitement of the Pies winning last night, I can understand that.

Some real belief in our team appeared in the middle of the third quarter, I think our boys realised that focusing on being first at the ball is the difference between teams, not the physical size of your opponent. Next week's challenge is whether we are able to start the game the way we finished.

Our boys were strong and brave, everybody received a bump or a knock, however they continued to push on and finish strongly. SUPER EFFORT!

GAME DAY:
We are all starting to get into the groove as to the routine on game day. One area that requires attention is the first aider. I am aware that there are a few mum's that are nurses. I ask that you help out, the more we get better in sharing game day responsibilities.

Thanks to Bruce, Vince, Leon, MIsha & Taub for your efforts today.

Mums and Dads, if any of you get the chance during the week, can I ask you get a footy and have a kick in the park so our boys can continue to develop skills.

See you all on Wednesday night.


Go Roys

Silvano

This is us!

After 3 seasons of Auskick, we thought it would be a good idea for our boys to play together in 2010.

While we thought the boys were reasonable little footballers, the main thing was that they have fun, reinforce some good friendships, make some new friends and learn a lot more about the game …and provide an excuse for their parents and/or guardians to get together.

We planned to enrol the boys into a “Tackers” competition (U9s with modified rules) but the Fitzroy Football Club didn't field a Tackers team, so it looks like we'll have two years in the u10s.