Australian Football

Match Report

FITZROY FIRST HALF

SEVERAL PLAYERS INJURED

Fitzroy began their match with Melbourne on the M.C.C. ground with such brilliancy that spectators were early predicting an overwhelming victory for them. After the interval, however, Melbourne had much the better of the play, and the onlookers had an interesting game. There were five changes in the Melbourne team, the most notable absentee being Lilley, who has an injured leg. Bacquie, who filled one of the places, had transferred from Carlton. On the Fitzroy side Pattison, of the police team, made his first appearance. Fitzroy in the half simply played with Melbourne, combination and accurate kicking for goal being the main features of their play. The Melbourne men worked hard enough in defence, but lacked system, while their kicking was much below league form. Fitzroy piled up 10 goals before half-time, and though Melbourne, mainly owing to individual effort, had many chances, they only got 2 goals for 12 shots. In the second half Fitzroy fell away, and Melbourne improved considerably. So well did they play that only on one occasion was Fitzroy able to make a forward move and score goals. In the second half Melbourne added 41 points to Fitzroy's 16.

1st Quarter

Fitzroy, kicking towards the railway goal, immediately took command. Shaw dropped the ball to Freake, who was bustled to the wing, but he got a fine angle goal. Melbourne got two behinds at the other end, and then Parratt snapped Fitzroy's second goal, which was followed by the third by Freake. Melbourne played without system, and Fitzroy added two more goals quickly, Martin being most prominent in their ruck. At quarter-time the scores were Fitzroy, 5 goals 6 behinds; Melbourne, 5 behinds.

2nd Quarter

The second quarter was a repetition of the first, Melbourne playing wildly, and generally into the hands of an opponent, while Fitzroy, still kicking accurately, added five goals from six kicks, to Melbourne's two goals and five behinds. It was noticeable that Melbourne more than held their own on the wings, but the forwards were weak. At half-time the board showed—Fitzroy, 10 goals 7 behinds; Melbourne, 2 goals 10 behinds.

3rd Quarter

The general play in the third quarter was much in favour of Melbourne, who, however, failed to take advantage of the openings. For 10 minutes they kept the Fitzroy back defending, and should have had several goals from easy shots. Then Fitzroy made desperate rally, and got two goals in about two minutes. These goals proved to be their last, as the Melbourne backs, playing solidly, and with determination, held them in check. In this term Wilson, of Fitzroy, was off the field with a broken finger. The balance of the quarter was in favour of Melbourne, and two goals were added by Best and Bacquie. At the last change the scores were:—Fitzroy 12 goals 7 behinds; Melbourne, 4 goals 15 behinds.

4th Quarter

In the last quarter Melbourne again prevailed, and just after the start Bacquie met with an accident, as reported elsewhere. Melbourne, kicking accurately for the first time in the game, got four goals without a behind, and defended so successfully that Fitzroy failed to get a goal. At the finish Fitzroy gained the victory by 20 points, the final score being:

FITZROY, 12 goals 11 behinds (83 points).
MELBOURNE, 8 goals 15 behinds (63 points).

For the winners Bamford (half-back) was most consistent and towards the finish Cooper did well. Martin handled the ball probably more than any other player on the side, but he rather spoiled his fine play by unnecessary roughness in the last quarter. Toohey and Freake were hard and successful workers amongst the forwards, and of the others, Shaw (roving), Wilson (until hurt), and Holden played best.

On the Melbourne side McKenzie and Incigneri were again the star players. McKenzie, who played such a fine game when opposed to Prince on the previous Saturday, had a speedier man in Millen to meet in this game, and he had much the better of him. Incigneri was accurate and consistent. His running and kicking were splendid. McDonald held his own with Holden. Evans worked hard in defence, as also did Lugton, who was always reliable. Hendrie, Allen, and Gordon in the ruck were generally in the thick of it, while Bacquie (until hurt) played a useful game. Norden umpire well.

FOOTBALL (The Argus, 26 June, 1914)

The independent tribunal yesterday evening dismissed the charge laid against Jack Evans (Melbourne) for charging Harold McLennan last Saturday.