From Atkinson to Zaghis, everyone on the Reserves team is playing a strong team game that sees Fitzroy atop the Premier C Reserves ladder a game and over 100 per cent clear of PEGS.

After a bit of a scare in the first half against St Marys Salesian last week, the team played yet another strong third quarter kicking seven goals to nil. In fact, they didnt allow the opposition to kick a goal in the second half, eventually winning 13.12.90 to 5.11.41.

Coach Bernie Carter says winning is good and helps with motivation, making it easier to rock up to training, but he modestly credits high availability of players, a number of quality senior players back at the club and Luke Mahoneys game plan for making a difference.

The change of game plan that we are implementing across the board, means were all on the same page and its good for giving players an opportunity for promotion,Bernie says.

Its also a great motivator that players know theyll be given an opportunity to step up. They can see Martin Deasey and Bernie Wright have gone up into the seniors and are being given a good run. No one is pigeonholed.

Jack (Atkinson) is a great leader for the Reserves and some of our players have really stepped up this year; players like Will Zaghis, Lachie Henderson (4 goals this week) and Sam Batterton, back from a shoulder injury, are really playing good, consistent footy./p>

There is a good vibe and its exciting for the club.

Close observers of Fitzroys fortunes will have noticed Will Pickering making a quiet return on Saturday and immediately having an impact with three goals. Thats exciting too.