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FITZROY'S WEAKNESS
IS IN ATTACK
St. Kilda Should Win At Home
Judged on their form towards the close of last season, Fitzroy
could not be given much chance against St. Kilda on the seaside
ground, but their improvement under the coaching of Gordon
Rattray suggests that a hard battle is. in store for the Saints.
I think St. Kilda are strong enough to resist, however, and
they should win after a close game.
r£HE bright spot in Fitzroy's prepara
tions was the magnificent defeat of
Northcote, Association premiers, a fort
night ago. Not once last season did the
old players combine so well, nor did
they show such individual brilliance.
The performance left the impression that
the Maroons were definitely on the up-
grade, and that any of the weaker
teams that expect to beat them this sea
son will have their work cut out,
On the other hand, however, it was
clearly demonstrated that the side has
one or two weaknesses, and until these
are rectified, Fitzroy cannot hope to
trouble some of the leading clubs. The
principal fault appears to bo lack of
cohesion among the forwards, a failing
that might prove fatal against a team
of St. Kilda s calibre.
Only two new men are in the Fitzroy
team— Morgan, from Yarrawonga, and
Hughson, from Carlton. Morgan is a
pocket forward and follower, and Hugh-
son has been conditionally selected for
the wing, pending his clearance through
the League tonight.
There is nothing wrong about the
strength of the defence now that Ryan,
Dawson and Gray are at their . top, as
fHfVSrt alnnn ehnitlrl Ua aUIa «a vi.a_
sent a solid barrier, to St. Kilda's ef
forts to get the ball to Bill Mohr. The
centre line also is in form, while the
rucks will not give anything away. If
Bunton has taken no harm from his in
jury of last week, it will be interesting
to see how he fares at his first attempt
in a League match to make a name for
himself as a follower-rover,
Early in the training period St Kilda
were not very impressive, but definite
improvement was noticeable last Satur
day, when the team gave its best display
for the season. All players were keen
to catch the eyes of the selectors, with
the result that some excellent football
was witnessed. On the form shown in
this game, St. Kilda indicated that they
will probably be too good for the
Maroons.
The side should benefit by the in
clusion of Don Hooper, whose powerful
work in the ruck, may give the Saints
an advantage from the first bounce. He
has made great improvement since last
year and should adequately fill the
vacancy caused by the retirement of
Jack Perkins. Other old players who
are in better form are Bill «Roberts and
Clarrie Curycr.
Four new players are in the St. Kilda
side. Wilson, who is to partner Hooper
in the first ruck. Is from the Drapers'
Association, Kelly is from Redcliffs,
Garvin from New South Wales, and Wil
liamson from Northcote. Williamson,
who is to receive his clearance tonight,
will play centre half-forward, and
Mackic, who usually holds that position,
will be on. the flank.
A surprise is the non-seldbtion of Cole,
who showed good form on the half-
forward line at practice. Cole has played
all his League games as a wingman, but
won interstate .selection .'-; as, .- ;a . half-
forwaWwheft with' the Assdciation.
ST. , KILDA.— Backs: » Robertson. Lloyd,
Curyer. ;. Half-backs: Sncll,' Davit, Gar
vin. ; Gsntret: Rayment, Roberts, Kelly.
Half-forwards: Macklo, Williamson, Hart-
nett. Forwards: Weiss, Mohr, Sutherland.
Followers: Wilson, Hooper.. Rover: Smith,
10th man: Gottl.:
FITZROY, — Backs: Gray, Dawson, ; Re.
Half-backs: O'Leary, Ryan, McKenzle.
Centres: Smalhorn, Stott, Nleols or M.
Hughson. . Half-forwards: McConchie,
Ream, T. Williams. . Forwards: Fittalm-
moos, White, L. Morgan. Followers: Bun-
ton, Hail, Rover: Sharp. 19th man:
MflVIIM. 1 .
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