Parkdale are on struggle street. Winless for the season, seconds short of numbers, a young, undersized list. I don't say this to demean them, more to explain the context of the game. We cannot afford to take any opposition lightly.

A beautiful Fitzroy winter's day, couples hand in hand, but safe in the knowledge that masks will protect them from disease and evil. A howling gale across the ground. The Ressies demolished Parkdale 180–8 in an even team performance. This should hopefully stand them in good stead come finals time. Luke Minahan in for his first senior performance after a protracted injury, and the roaming Nathan Jumeau returned. Clearly, they are both handy near goal.

In the ones, Hart and Harris, key forwards from the previous game against Ajax, were out injured, and Rory Patterson was a late withdrawal. Donovan Toohey, Jock Green and Tom Wilson were included, handy replacements. Some shuffling of the deck chairs meant Big Bill Clayton went forward. Meaningfully.

Favoured by the wind in the first quarter, we were pretty ordinary to be honest. Maybe failing to adjust to the conditions, maybe a little lazy in the cerebellum. Jack Dalton was in every pack, Matt Kyroussis was dominating his wing, Darcy Bennett supreme in the ruck, and Wrecking Ball Laidlaw doing damage. He has a career in demolition. But 23–4 at the break was not a true reflection of an otherwise even contest. Ligris and Max Ellis were rocks in defence and cut off numerous Parkdale entries.

The second quarter was an even affair, we built on our lead slightly, 41–19 at the half.

It was either a coach's nudge, or a realisation from the playing group, but the third quarter revealed the full potential of the side. The hands of Bennett and Jack McKay in the centre square, the bullish belligerence of Toohey and Ted Clayton and the artistry of Harrison Grace on the deck, quick movement into the forward line, and an 8-goal quarter ensued. Big Bill dominated the air, Nino Lazzaro used his smarts and the Wrecking Ball was a real pest to the opposition. Much better, 94–31.

Parkdale showed great ticker in the final quarter, but by about half way through, the game was winding down. Max Davie was still running hard at the end, and Wilson kicked his first for the club, a ripper on the run. 133–64 at the final siren, the song came over the P.A., and the skipper was chaired off by his mates.

A couple of observations. If we can keep our current midfield group together, most sides will be threatened by this Fitzroy unit. Two talls, a swag of young, athletic, talented mids led by Ted Clayton, Grace and Toohey, and great depth. Lazzaro, Laidlaw, Dalton, Davie.

In the bowling club after the game, the opposition coach reiterated this, saying that we were projecting upwards, a terrific midfield group, a strong spine, depth, and passion. We should be aiming to finish fifth this year (the top four is all parcelled up), and lay the foundation for 2022. He was very gracious in his summation, hit the nail on the head really.

So, we take on Beaumaris this week, on our own patch, with the challenge of taking a top four side down. Sixth plays second. Let's do it.

Guy Gorilla.