Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Thursday 1 April 1954, page 16


Fitzroy

ruck

in form

By PETER BANFIELD

I Burly Fitzroy follower Norm Johnstone showed he was gaining form by having his best training run for the season last night.

Recently some officials have been worried by his

lack of form.

However, he had regained much of his touch yesterday and stayed on the oval .ha v-ing a solid workout for more than an hour.

He also is close to his best playing weight. Now 15st. 81b. he is well below his weight for the same stage last season - 16st. 61b.

Don Furness, who could not train on Monday be-cause of a knee injury, was able to resume and will take part in this week's practice

games.

Gaffney fit

Jack Gaffney also has thrown off the effects of a leg injury.

Graham Wycroft, Colling-wood seconds, and Bill Moore, Preston seconds, both made their first appearances at the ground.

They had received per-mission to train with Fitz-roy and will play on Satur-day..

Jim Chapman, son of for-mer club captain Charlie Chapman, who last night re-ceived a - League permit to play with the side, and Brian Pert continue to be the club's best recruits.

Both appear certain to gain a place in the final list and could go close to gain-ing selection with the senior side in early rounds.

Chapman is a follower from Melbourne High School Old Boys, while Pert has had previous experience as a half-forward flanker with Preston District.

Captain Alan Ruthven continued to show out well, while Keith Webb, who was 21 yesterday, celebrated by training brilliantly.