Brisbane v Essendon is on the telly as I put my claws to work on this article. I’m not particularly interested in it, the telly that is, and Mrs Gorilla is knitting a Bombers beanie. Why, oh why, given my Fitzroy/Collingwood heritage?

I’m ‘expecting’ a great granddaughter in a couple of months, her Mum and Dad both support the Presbyterians, baby shower next Saturday. This young baby will need some education. She doesn’t need a Bombers beanie.

The Roys fronted up today for another do or die at the Brunswick Street Oval, this time against Uni Blues. It’s a simple scenario for the Roys, we have to keep winning to avoid relegation, and hope a result or two goes our way. As I noted last edition, we won’t die wondering. We can’t.

Perfect conditions, a little overnight rain, but the surface in good condition bar the cricket pitch area. Hipster Hill, diehards on the terrace, intelligentsia in the stand, you know the scene.

Four VFL boys plus Anthony Johnson come in for McKay, Kewell, Wilson, Haward and Poole. Grace from the Bullants, Harvey and Heath Ramshaw from Carlton, and Toohey from Coburg added much needed class.

The Twos stormed home in the last to post a four-goal victory. I can’t really pick a standout best player, probably a good sign. Maybe I wasn’t watching closely enough.

The Roys Ones shaded the first quarter to lead by two points at the change. The Blues had what appeared to be the scoring end, so not a bad result. We had their measure in general play, just a few mistakes in defence conceding unnecessary goals. Ball movement was great to watch.

Faubel was on song despite having trouble finding his way to the ground at the required time. At this point in the game he also had trouble finding the big sticks. Clayton was terrific in the ruck, Toohey kicking the ball to perfection, the Ramshaws, Johnson and Seakins providing run and carry, Hart, Grace and Laidlaw pesty up forward.

The Blues were under the pump. Good. I don’t think we’d ever beaten them. Maybe only played them twice.

The second stanza promised dominance, and while the Roys left the arena four goals to the better at half time, the margin could have been more. We had kept them in the game I reckon, despite the handy lead. The Blues key forward Stewart was a handful.

Midway through the second Corporal Winstanley left the ground pointing to his nether regions. Clearly, he’d taken a wack. And I suppose inexperience can often pose a problem in dealing with such an injury.

Bravely, he re-entered the hallowed turf later on to show his mettle. I provided sage advice to the Corporal and his family after the game to assist in his recovery. Ice doesn’t cut it, frozen peas a no, heat and exercise works a treat. He’ll be available next week.

The third quarter was our worst of the game. It was like the Roys were sitting back waiting for something to happen. In the meantime, the Blues whittled the lead back to a solitary goal at the final change. Nerves emerged.

Coach Ronaldson, resplendent in Roys’ top, tan chinois, RM boots and a physique similar to mine in aspiration, wasn’t a happy camper at the final huddle. But he grasped the moment, was clear in his expectation, and roused both the players and supporters from their slumber. At least, I hoped he had.

I was doubting myself 10 minutes into the last. The Blues had done all the attacking and snuck to a seven-point lead. The worry beads were getting a dead set workout.

At any rate, the players stood up. With fierce attack on the ball, Faubel slotted three more to add to his tally, a potent match winner. Experienced heads, if you count blokes in their early to mid 20s as experienced, came to the fore, and to the joy of all, well nearly all, the Roys came off the ground to rapturous applause.

We had lived to fight another day. And fight we will, not like nonsense pretend political aspirants, but like those who care deeply for their club.

Very happy scenes in the after match, Mums and Dads proud of their young men, rusted on supporters loving the chat with their Royboys. Even Tom Holmes was entertaining Stevie and Gary with his views on the world. Or at least the Fitzroy world as they know it.

Next week at home again, this time the other Uni side, Blacks. For the Rouge et Noir Cup. More importantly, for the right to fight another day.

We wish Lefty Leaver Ligris all the best on his honeymoon, five months after the event, your back pocket will be well looked after till you return.

Go Roys.

Guy Gorilla

Images courtesy Phyllis Quealy