Fitzroy claim crucial victory over VAFA Premier B relegation rivals Monash Blues at Brunswick St Oval

Fitzroy earned some breathing space in the VAFA Premier B relegation battle with a crucial win over Monash Blues, avenging the club’s “worst performance of the year” loss to the Blues.

Sunny Brazier celebrates a goal for Fitzroy. Picture: David Crosling

Fitzroy’s fight to avoid relegation received a boost in Round 10 with victory over Monash Blues.

The 16-point win at Brunswick Street Oval brings the Roys level with Old Geelong and Old Haileyburians in seventh and eighth respectively.

The Blues remain bottom of the VAFA Premier B ladder, a game behind.

It was also an important game to avenge the club’s “worst performance of the year” when it was smashed by Monash in Round 5.

Monash almost pinched the win, hitting the lead in the final quarter, but a late Roys burst sealed a crucial result.

Fitzroy coach Luke Mahoney addresses his team. Picture: Peter Casamento

Roys coach Luke Mahoney said the Round 5 defeat had been a major motivation during the week.

“It was an important win and a big turnaround from when we played them (last),” he said.

“On all the stats we do that was our worst performance of the year, so it was a big focus.

After being headed late, Mahoney was proud of his team’s response after a number of close defeats.

“In the last five games, we’ve been in the game at three-quarter-time and we’ve won two and lost three,” he said.

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“We could have easily had those games as wins but with a young group we’re having drop offs during games.

“That’s what was pleasing about (Saturday), we were certainly challenged — they hit the front — and our guys responded and dug deep.

“We’ve had patches in games where we haven’t been able to arrest momentum and it’s cost us a couple of wins.”

Ted Clayton was prolific in midfield and kicked three goals while Nathan Ligris and Jack Hart were excellent in defence.

Playing his second VAFA match of the season, Sunny Brazier kicked three goals and had a big impact in midfield late in the game.

Ted Clayton fires out a handball. Picture: Peter Casamento.

Playing his second VAFA match of the season, Sunny Brazier kicked three goals and had a big impact in midfield late in the game.

“We were lucky to have him this week because Northern Blues had the bye and it’s development round for the Northern Knights,” Mahoney said.

“He played really well up forward and actually went in to the midfield in the last quarter and had a couple of important stoppage wins to get us back on top.”

Fitzroy must now refocus with premiership contenders Old Scotch and University Blacks waiting in the next fortnight.

The Roys were beaten by 98-point by Old Scotch in Round 1 and Mahoney said his team was looking forward to the challenge.

“The message after the game was ‘what have we got to lose’,” he said.

“We’ll be throwing everything at them, they gave us a big lesson in Round 1 but I think we’ve improved since then.”

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