Australian Football

Match Report

FITZROY'S CLOSE CALL

FINE FINISH AT GEELONG

All the best football in the game between Fitzroy and Geelong on the Corio ground was reserved for the second half. Both teams had their best sides out. Fitzroy had Teesdale playing instead of Heron, and Geelong took in Slater (still limping), Scown, Allen, Rupe Brownlees, and Johns in place of Rankin, Wilton, Tom Brownlees, Collins and Conradi.

1st Quarter

In a very tame first half it was singular that the side kicking against a fair breeze to the bay goal had the better of the play. It was a long time before Geelong opened their goal account. Bill Eason had snapped a goal, but the ball had been called back for an earlier infringement. Out of a scrimmage Allen snapped the first big point for them, and at the change, with Geelong only 1 goal 2 behinds to 3 behinds, 'Roy regarded the position as satisfactory.

2nd Quarter

Geelong's new second ruck—the two Easons and Baker—however, put in a sterling first run and Geelong more than held their own. They played the wing game, and Heinz, sent in as second rover, made a strong difference. Fitzroy did not add a point, while Healey snapped Geelong's second goal, the sequel to some dashing play by Slater, Armstrong, Baker, and Heinz. Healey missed two others at nice range, and Geelong would have established a long lead but for the towering marks of Johnson, who invariably was in front of Martini. At the interval Geelong had 2 goals 3 behinds to 3 behinds.

3rd Quarter

Fitzroy began with lightning dash in the third quarter. After a Geelong lead away and a mighty kick by Martini, which hit the very top of the goalpost, the Maroons monopolised the play. Exchanges by Barratt, Shaw, and McLennan, and a free kick to Toohey brought first goal with a lovely kick. Then Teesdale's try was taken in the goals base by Toohey, who scored again, and the points were level. Toohey figured in the next charge and a lucky screw by Norris found the opening. Martini helped by Grigg, kicked badly, and when Grigg had a shot the crowd yelled for a goal, but only one flag went up. It must have been very close. Holden was mainly responsible for the visitors' fourth goal, which Toohey dribbled from a scrimmage. All through this term Fitzroy had marked and kicked splendidly, and their close work was skilful. The quarter ended in their favour 4-4 to 2-6.

4th Quarter

It looked like a runaway when Freake, after Parratt had missed, screwed another goal, and from five tries four successive goals had been obtained. But Geelong fought it out splendidly, and with a little share of the luck. Martini, from a chance given him by Healey, was again wrong in direction. Scown, playing his quiet, solid game, came on again, and Bill Eason, with a penalty shot, placed Geelong's third goal. With fine vigour and judgment, Healey and Bill Eason set up another attack, and Martini marked prettily. He kick was once more faulty, but Healey was able to post the fourth goal from a few yards away. The visitors' lead had dwindled to 3 points, and there were 7min. to go. The crowd of 11,000 was intensely excited, and the Geelong contingent was frantic when Heinz shot the ball amongst the forwards, but the stonewall Johnson was there. Nothing could stop Geelong but their own mistakes, and a bad one was made by Healey, who had marked 30 yards out, and tried a side-pass. Lethbridge chipped in nicely, but Dalton came in again. Grigg's poor kick was marked well by Marsham at a comfortable range, but he made a wretched kick. The tension seemed to have told, and Fitzroy had a short but profitable interlude, in which McLennan was a star. It was through his telling skill that Freake was able to run in without opposition, and bag another goal, but it was not over yet. In the excitement the play had become crowded, and free kicks were being handed out liberally. In a last desperate dash Grigg, Healey, and Bill Eason broke through, and with a flying shot Orchard hit the post for the second time in the game. It was the closing chance, and in going down by 8 points Geelong were unlucky. It was a stirring finish to a very fair game, and the losers gained as many congratulations as the conquerors. It was Fitzroy's first win on the oval for seven years. The final scores were:

FITZROY, 6 goals 4 behinds (40 points).
GEELONG, 4 goals 8 behinds (32 points).

When it is said that Johnson, McLennan, and Toohey were the pick of the winning side it must be added that the team was wonderfully even. In the victory Lethbridge, Norris, Parratt, Bamford, Lenne, Cooper, and Teesdale were a solid bunch. Heaney, Freake, Shaw, and Holden were quieter than usual.

Nobody worked harder on the Geelong side than Alec Eason, who in his new place full back was quite as successful as when roving. Heinz was again tricky, and McCarter, Grigg, and Armstrong were brilliant back. Dalton's high marking was not excelled on his side, and Allen, the newcomer, shaped admirably. Bill Eason, Baker, Rupe Brownlees, and Marsham were the best of the others. Norden let the game go rather much, but was consistent.