Travelling north to Glen Iris from the sunny skies of the Peninsula, I was greeted by a beautiful autumn day at TH King Oval, in readiness to join my band of Roys who’d made the trek eastwards and meet half way.
Well, almost – I reckon I probably clocked up more miles and burnt more fossil fuels in the process. And let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like playing a game of football under high voltage powerlines....
A couple of changes to the winning team from last weekend with Dane Harvey promoted to Carlton's VFL team, McShane out injured, and Vlassopoloulos unavailable. In came Bombardieri and Butler for their first senior games for 2024 and Seakins returning from injury.
First quarter was tight and contested. Roys were applying outstanding pressure and Charlie Faubel was busy across half forward creating many opportunities.
The fabulous Charlie Faubel played his 50th game for the Roys against St Kevins
The game remained tight in the second with neither side able to gain ascendancy. The Roys lifted in the third quarter, piling on five goals with the fleet footed Johnson, Ramshaw and Staples proving a handful.
We entered the three-quarter time break four points in front.
I can't remember if it was in the second or last quarter but seeing big bustling Bill Clayton kicking a goal on the run could only be described as a thing of beauty. Reminiscent of a wild rhino stampeding.
The Roys hung tough in the last with St Kevins peppering their goal front and responded via a Wilson goal from the boundary. It was not enough in the end however as the home side reached the final bell two goals in front.
The boys can be proud of a genuine four quarter effort where pressure and work rate were exceptional. The group has come a long way in the first six rounds and must continue to keep improving as we enter the middle part of season 2024.
Ligris set up a lot of play from defensive 50m while McKay was strong around the ground. Laidlaw and Wright both had their best games for the season in a promising display while the Roys’ younger players again contributed in a strong performance.
We set our sights this week on Collegians at home – should be an entertaining contest.
Michael Gorilla
With Gorillas Guy and Garry unavailable, this week's match report is brought to you by the man himself. Known to many as the Horse, esteemed Senior Coach Travis Ronaldson has assumed the pseudonym of Michael Gorilla - in deference to past Roys coach and celebrated AFL half-forward, wingman and ruck-rover for Richmond and Melbourne, Michael Pickering.
