VAFA Premier C: Fitzroy claims historic flag against Old Geelong

FITZROY capped a year to savour with a historic VAFA Premier C grand final victory over Old Geelong on Saturday.

Tim Michell

2 min read

September 17, 2018 - 9:58AM

Moreland Leader

Ted Clayton pumps his firsts to celebrate a goal in Fitzroy’s premiership win. Picture: David Crosling

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FITZROY capped a year to savour with a historic VAFA Premier C grand final victory over Old Geelong on Saturday.

The Roys claimed their first flag since the Reds and Old Fitzroy’s merger, storming to a 16.11 (107) to 5.7 (37) win at Trevor Barker Oval.

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The 70-point triumph was the first premiership for the Old Fitzroy faithful since 1944, while the Reds last enjoyed the ultimate success in 2005.

The dominant display was the perfect ending to Luke Mahoney’s first year as coach after Fitzroy earned promotion to Premier B in the major semi-final.

“Our inside game and our pressure was super the whole day,” Mahoney said.

“That was certainly an area we needed to be better than them at. With the conditions, that was always going to favour that type of footy.”

Fitzroy players enjoy the spoils of their historic premiership win. Picture: Phyllis Quealy

Roys legend Rory Angiolella was adjudged best afield, while 18-year-old Donovan Toohey was superb across half-back.

Mahoney lauded the influence of Angiolella, a Roys stalwart who delivered a grand display on the biggest stage.

“He leaves it all out there. For him to be able to get best on ground, but just the premiership medal, was a great achievement for him,” he said.

“He’s put in a lot of work at the club over the last decade.

Sunny Brazier roars after kicking one of his three goals in the decider. Picture: David Crosling

“There’s a core group of senior guys that have been toiling away for the club now for that sort of period. I was really rapt for them to get premiership success.”

Toohey, the great grandson of 1913 Fitzroy premiership player Jim Toohey, had “some really important moments” in defence.

“He showed composure and toughness beyond his years. For him to perform like that on grand final day was a big effort,” Mahoney said.

Nathan Jumeau bagged four majors for Fitzroy to cap an outstanding year. Picture: David Crosling

Seven foot ruckman Matthew Gaite, defensive trio Thomas O’Donnell, Bill Clayton and Tom Biscaro and forward Nathan Jumeau (four goals) were also influential.

The Roys have never played Premier B finals, a statistic Mahoney plans on changing when they return to the VAFA second tier next year.

“That’s got to be our aim for next year,” he said.

“We’ve got a really good crop of kids coming through, they are good footballers and they will only improve again next year.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how they go in that sort of division.”