Round 1 of the Premier B competition kicks off on Saturday with Fitzroy travelling to take on St Bedes/Mentone Tigers at Brindisi St Oval, Mentone.

The Fitzroy seniors tuned up with an excellent hit out against Premier Division club, University Blacks, last Saturday at Brunswick Street Oval.

Senior Co-coach Michael Pickering said the game hellip;was a terrific opportunity to test our game plans as well as playing selected players in a different positions, to assist our flexibility during the season.

Our ball movement was very good at times throughout the game as was our defensive set-ups although Blacks powerful running game was difficult to counter early, especially off half back, providing them with numerous scoring opportunities,Michael said.

The Blacks eventually got away to a 24-point win, after leading by 11 at three quarter time.

Fitzroy fans should look out for new players Jordan Spriggs (from the Otway Districts) and Pete Baccanello (from South Australia), who showed some promising form in the final practice match.

Tom Cheshire and Nick Marshall also played very strong games leading into Round 1.

The coach says we will tackle St Bedes this week, needing to continue working on our skills under pressure as well as our general ball movement.

If youre keen you can read VAFA Premier Bs season preview by David Chalmers, in which he names St Bedes/Mentone Tigers as his tip for the premiership. Should be a good test for Round 1.

And if you'd still like to become a Fitzroy member, it's not too late. You can complete a membership application online.