The Fitzroy senior team needs to quickly re-find the form which saw it score a fantastic win over (then) ladder leaders Beaumaris just two weeks ago.
Following Fitzroys 55 point loss to Old Scotch on Saturday, the make-up of the VAFA Premier B Finals will be decided in this Saturdays final round, with Fitzroy facing a game against Parkdale it simply must win and then having to hope St Bedes Mentone Tigers can defeat Monash Blues.
Unfortunately last weeks result not only puts finals in doubt but also takes fate out of the teams hands. If Monash and Old Scotch win, they will make up the four, with Fitzroy half a game out on 5th.
This is the scenario as the team travels to Gerry Green Reserve to compete not just for finals but also to retain the Norm Johnstone Trophy, which is on the line each time Fitzroy and Parkdale meet. Fitzroy holds the trophy.
In front of a large crowd at Brunswick Street Oval last week, the team delivered a performance it would rather forget against a hard, tough Old Scotch team which seemed faster and first to the ball for much of the day.
Fitzroy held strong in the first quarter and should have been further in front kicking with the wind to lead 3.5.23 to 2.1.13. At half time it was still tight on the scoreboard with Old Scotch leading by seven points, before piling on eight goals to one in the second half.
Peter Baccanello was named Fitzroys best, maintaining his poise, finding space and hitting targets, with Max Allen and Al Green also rating mentions from the coaches after the game.
Co-coach Michael Pickering said Old Scotch just proved too strong on the day and he hoped Fitzroy would get another opportunity to play against them this year.
Our focus is on winning and then all we can do is just wait and see what happens with other results
Lets get a big Fitzroy crowd down to Gerry Green Reserve and cheer the boys on for the final home and away game of the season. Wouldnt it be nice to play Premier B finals?
And make sure you are out there early to cheer on one of the clubs stalwarts, Richard Willingham, for what is rumoured to be his last game in Fitzroy colours in the Reserves, starting at 11.40am.
