After winning results from all our teams last weekend, spectacular ones at that and with the President only escaping a shout to the bar by the fact that Silv’s Thirds squad received a forfeit, all Roys teams fell short on Saturday.

That’s footy I suppose, but we don’t have to like it. In fact we really don’t like it.

Back home at Brunswick Street in near perfect conditions and with the merch stall refreshed and reloaded and featuring some irresistible new mugs on mugs, the Women Ressies were upbeat in the leadup. And although not reflected on the scoreboard, put in some amazing efforts, playing the top side and keeping them to a low score.

Coach Valastro’s plaudits went to Alice Jefimenko for an amazing effort in just her third game, Steph Amy for holding the backline together nobly supported by Nadia Conte solid in defence, and Elyse Campbell who was impressive through the middle. A nod too to Lily Prowse-McKeown for another characteristically gutsy effort and best-on-ground Naomi Wharton whose footy is improving week by week.

The Seniors got off to a great start kicking into the light but tricky breeze, and on the strength of Zara Flanigan’s goal, went into quarter time only one point down. Sadly though, in the second we couldn’t capitalise on the wind and didn’t add to the score.

The Roys turned that around in the next, registering another good quarter of footy against the breeze. But on the back of a late goal, Kew were up by two goals going into the final huddle.

Starting well in the fourth, the Roys couldn’t translate their play to the scoreboard. “This is something we’re working on changing,” says Coach Jumeau, “and something we’re determined will not continue to happen.”

On the bright side, and another indication that better things are definitely on the horizon, Jumeau pointed to the huge improvement from the first game against the ladder leaders.

“Zara was a stand out for us today,” he said. “Her inside and outside game on ball was great and it was good to see her marking the ball really well around the ground.

“We wish her all the best with her training time with Richmond AFLW.”

Pocket rocket Chloe Haritopoulos played her best game so far, finding her feet with the pace and size of senior footballers. And following impressive performances last week, Sarah Lynas and Lauren ‘Jacky Fowler’ Atkinson were great down back, as were Tess Young and Maddi Carter around the ground.

And with the midfield showing their steel all day, Simone Mooney effective on the inside and Sunday Brisbane and Gina Bennett playing good footy on the wing, the signs are looking positive for the back end of the season.

Next week it’s off to Righetti Oval to face old rivals St Kevins. We’re behind you all the way Roy Girls!

JG Gorilla