Live stream: Fitzroy look to climb ladder when they face in-form Collegians in VAFA Round 7 clash

Reigning premiers Collegians have lowered the colours of Fitzroy again, but coach Travis Ronaldson will know he has something to work despite their latest loss in the VAFA. Watch the REPLAY.

Fitzroy never really recovered to challenge the reigning premiers Collegians after giving away a six-goal start, but the 40-point blowout wasn’t a true reflection of the game.

Sitting at 1-5 going into the contest against Collegians, Fitzroy stayed within striking distance for most of the day, but despite their spirited efforts lacked the polish of their rivals.

Collegian had too much strength around the contest and many different avenues to goal as they made it five consecutive wins.

But the game-high margin at the final siren probably didn’t reflect the closeness of the contest, and Fitzroy will take plenty out of the contest.

Collegians bounded out of the blocks with six unanswered goals. It was only two goals to Fitzroy’s Jack McKay, as the home side kicked the last three majors of the first quarter, which allowed them to sneak back into the contest.

But their resurgence was short-lived, as Collegians asserted their authority again in the second quarter with another four goals to take a 28-point lead into the main break.

After halftime the game ebbed and flowed, but Collegian always had the measure of the home side.

Ben Howard and Alexander Lukic both kicked three for the victors, but it was a team effort with multiple goalscorers.

McKay was the mainstay for Fitzroy with six goals and his presence always kept them within reach in a best afield performance.

REPLAYS

Fitzroy vs Collegians (Premier)

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Fitzroy vs Collegians (Reserves)

PREVIEW

The Fitzroy Football Club carries one of the most famous names in footy.

Now the Roys are writing another chapter into the club’s already rich history.

While Fitzroy officially merged with the Brisbane Lions in the AFL, the club name is well and truly alive in the VAFA.

Led by new coach Travis Ronaldson, the Roys are riding the rollercoaster which is VAFA Premier Division men’s footy for the first time.

Sitting at 1-5 after the opening round, Ronaldson’s side will next take on reigning premier Collegians on Saturday.

Catch all the action from the reserves/seniors double header LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV from midday. Check the full LIVE STREAM schedule below.

“It’s going to be another great test for our boys,” he said.

“We’re enjoying the journey. It’s a marathon not a sprint at this level of footy.

“We’re well aware there is going to be plenty of highs and lows throughout the season, we’re excited to enjoy those and tackle those when we’re confronted by them.”

Fitzroy’s connection to the VAFA dates back to 1954 when the club was officially known as the University Reds. It was Melbourne University’s third side.

A brief period of recess occurred in the 1960s before the club returned in 1972.

In 1997, the club became known as Fitzroy Reds before the latest name change in 2008 to Fitzroy.

For all the lessons experienced since then on field, perhaps there has been none bigger than what Ronaldson’s side has experienced in the first six weeks of the season.

“The biggest areas we’ve learnt from are sides can score quickly and you can’t afford to have lapses,” he said.

Travis Ronaldson says the Roys have learned valuble lessons.

“Across the first month, we were having 10 to 15-minute lapses in games and sides were putting it on the scoreboard. It was a steep learning curve for our side.

“But I feel we’ve got a better handle of that in the last couple of weeks. We’re starting to get a handle on what we need to do.

“We’re not setting targets, we just want to be improving every week. Most games we’ve got guys with less than 10 games of senior experience, so we’re seeing rapid improvement.”

While there has been plenty to like from the Roys’ young group, Ronaldson said he has been thankful for the experienced heads helping to lead the way on field.

“Max Ellis and Nathan Ligris, in defence, have played a lot of footy together and are real leaders for us,” he said.

“Tom Wilson in the middle has been invaluable. His ability to set us up around contests can’t be undersold.

“Julian Turner is a cool head up forward and he’s always directing the younger guys about how they can be better.

“We’ve had some really open and honest conversations about where we’re at. And they’ve really shown the way at training.”

The step up from VAFA Premier B has been a tough one for Fitzroy.

The last placed Roys will be the underdogs heading into this weekend with Collegians having won four on the trot.

New Lions coach Jordie McKenzie now has his side flying after back-to-back losses to start the season.

“They’ve got a talented list, we’ll be aiming to slow their ball movement,” Ronaldson said.

“Defending well through the middle will be one of the key areas for us to focus on.”

Originally published as Live stream: Fitzroy look to climb ladder when they face in-form Collegians in VAFA Round 7 clash