At the end of the 18 rounds of Premier B footy in 2016, it was just four points which kept Fitzroy out of the finals for the first time at this level and had them asking what if?/p>
The trip to Parkdale was a successful one for Fitzroy, winning both Seniors (to retain the Norm Johnstone Trophy) and the Reserves (by two points), but with finals depending on the results of other games, it was a hollow victory.
With their four point win over St Bedes Mentone Tigers on Saturday, Monash Blues have taken fourth spot on the Premier B ladder and will take part in finals starting tomorrow.
Back at Parkdale in Rory Angiolellas 150th senior game for Fitzroy, the visitors won a tough, physical contest with some great last half footy; taking final honours 12.9.81 to 7.11.53.
Kicking with the wind in the first quarter, the Roys were off to a fast start, but couldnt quite capitalise on their possession with inaccurate goal kicking. Parkdale Vultures, who finish outside of finals contention too, took it right up to Fitzroy in the first half and into the third quarter.
The Roys went to the first break 5.3.33 to 1.4.10, a lead which was completely wiped out when the home side used the wind in the second quarter and kept Fitzroy goalless.
It was a messy, tough contest early in the second half with neither team taking control, until seemingly a switch was flicked in the Fitzroy midfield about half way through the third term and the flow and classy attack returned. Aiden Lambert and Rory Angiolella teamed up to get the game going Fitzroys way with the assistance of stand-in ruckman Matt Brown, who jumped into the fray after big man Matt Gaite was concussed due to a heavy head knock. No report of this game would be complete without a mention of Corbin Stevics three goals, some of which got the crowd up and about.
Who better to tell the story of this game and the let down afterwards than the Footy Almanacs John Harms and Phil Hill. They have certainly given us something to think about between now and next season 2017.
A huge thank you to all our Footy Almanac contributors and friends for adding so much colour to our post-match musings.
Looking ahead, Old Haileybury and Hampton Rovers will be moving down to Premier C for 2017, while Old Carey and St Bernards come back to join us in Premier
B. It will be the first time in the club's history playing against St Bernards.
Earlier in the day Sam Buckley, who just cant give the game away, donned the boots to see his team get over the line for his best mate Richard Willingham in his final game for Fitzroy.
The pair have achieved a lot together and this final game was no exception, with Buckley kicking one of Fitzroys four goals for the day, kicking the point that put them ahead, and donning the coachs hat to talk his young charge into slowing the game down and taking all the time available for one last kick of the day when the margin was one point. It was a rousing win by the Ressies in what has been a very up and down season. Cailean Moore, Mitch McWhinney and Luke Edwards were named amongst the best players.
