Match Report

FIZTROY VS. COLLINGWOOD. NOTES BY OBSERVER.

There was, as usual, fairly keen interest in the game between the neighbouring clubs played at Fitzroy.

In the first quarter the football was not good. The play was crowded, the men bumped a good deal, as often as not by accident rather than design, and the result was a monotony of free kicks. Both sides showed lots of determination, but this style of play seemed to suit Collingwood rather than Fitzroy. Later on the play opened out, and improved considerably, the noticeable defect being indifferent kicking.

In the last half it was fine and determined, but never brilliant. Collingwood were generally the faster side, and did quicker work when in position, while their high-marking was also a bit superior.

In the third quarter it looked for a while as if Fitzroy would match them. They got within 10 points, then came to a full stop. The last quarter was very keenly played, though there was interruption when Millen, Wraith and Debrigh came into violent collision, and were stunned for a time. The two first named were unable to take any further part in the game. Toohey and Bamford, for Fitzroy, made a fine effort to recover their lost ground, but failed, and, after an even finish, Collingwood won on the merits. Scores: - COLLINGWOOD - 11 goals 12 behinds (76 points), FITZROY - 8 goals 14 behinds (62 points).

In the absence of McHaile, Wilson captained the team, and played in the centre, where he was of the greatest value to the winners. Amongst their forwards both the Lees were in first-rate from, Dick Lee getting four goals, while C. Lee's high-marking was his best points. Saunders, one of their new forwards, also shaped admirably, and got two goals, both snapshots. Other men who were prominent in Collingwood colours were - Brown, Green, Pannan (on the wing), Laxton (roving), Dobright, and Drummond.

Fitzroy had two new players in Kennedy and Strawbridge. Both are young, and as yet hardly strong enough for League football, though they unquestionably know the game. Kawrie, following and forward, played admirably. Toohey (half-back), Bamford, Millen, and Freake were also of great assistance to the side. Freake, who has been out of recent games, got two goals. There was a big crowd at the match, quite 10,000 people watching it.

1917 'LEAGUE MATCHES.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 28 May, p. 10, viewed 19 August, 2015, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1621077