Grand Final Preview - Youth Boys 1

Fitzroy and Bulleen Templestowe meet again after an enthralling contest between the two

sides a fortnight ago in the Qualifying Final played at Ford Park. Despite some wayward

kicking in front of goal, Fitzroy prevailed by 11 points that day - 12.23.95 to 13.6.84.

It was a similar story throughout the home and away season. Fitzroy had a 7 point victory in

Round 1, and followed up with a four goal win in Round 9, giving them a 3-0 record over

Bulleen Templestowe this season.

Fitzroy only lost one match for the year - a 3 point loss to Ivanhoe in Round 10. They play

an attacking brand of football, but have also been able to limit opposition scoring through

most games they have played this season.

One of Fitzroy’s strengths is their midfield – ruckman Evan Crone gives his mids first use of

the footy more often than not, allowing the likes of Hudson Di Boni, Julian Cameron and

Harry McLennan to get the ball out of the middle and into their forward line. The Roys

evenness across the ground is one of their strengths but should they be able gain

ascendency in the midfield it will go a long way to getting on top in this game.

Small forward Billy Jones has been lively all season, and showed his class with a creative

last quarter goal in Fitzroy’s most recent match and will be a focal point again in this Grand

Final.

It will be interesting to see how Bulleen Templestowe use athletic tall Ted Fraser. He kicked

10 goals in a recent game against Balwyn playing up forward, and six goals in last Sunday’s

Preliminary Final. He enters the Grand Final with a tally for the season to 39 goals from 15

matches. He started the qualifying final in the midfield highlighting his versatility for the

team, but the. The son of recently appointed Carlton Coach Josh Fraser, Ted played two

games this year with the Oakleigh Chargers Under 18 team and would be expected feature

more prominently in the AFL talent program next season.

Bulleen Templestowe’s other weapon is Lachie Collard who missed the Qualifying Final after

being selected for the Oakleigh Chargers Under 18 team for the second time this season.

Collard has a presence on field like few others in the Youth Boys competition, and would

provide Bulleen Templestowe with a solid foundation down back should he be available to

play in this game. Talented half forward Oliver Flanagan has also played the last two weeks

at the Northern Knights, and Bulleen Templestowe will be sweating on his availability for this

game too.

Bulleen’s forward line is filled with small and medium forward options who are all capable of

kicking goals. Lucas Macheda (33 goals from 16 games), Jack Calthorpe (18 goals from 11

games) lead the way, while they also get good scoreboard contributions from midfielders

such as Aidan Moussa, and goals set up from Alexander Chondros and Benjamin Toscano.

Both teams are filled with talent across all areas of the ground, and an entertaining battle

awaits on Sunday. The Youth Boys (1) Grand Final is always one of the highlights of the

YJFL season, and this year’s edition promises no different.

Players to Watch - Fitzroy

#6 Jules Cameron - As a premier inside midfielder of the Youth Boys competition, Jules has

had another excellent year proving almost unbeatable in the contest and breaking lines with

strength and power, unstoppable even when tagged. Team focused, his leadership has

been a huge force behind Fitzroy's fantastic run in 2026.

#23 Evan Crone - As an elite touch ruckman, Evan has provided excellent delivery to his

midfield, but has been equally damaging when the ball hits the ground playing like an

additional midfielder or moving down back as an excellent intercept marker, countering

opposition attacks. Unusually strong below the knees for a tall, he has hit the scoreboard

regularly as well in 2026.

#31 Billy Jones - As one of the leading goal kickers of the competition, no player has

provided more excitement than Billy Jones. Handballs to himself, ducking and weaving

through heavy traffic, he is an opposition's nightmare kicking multiples on a number of

occasions, and appeared in many highlight reels. Coupled with incredible forward pressure,

Billy is the Wizard of YB.

Players to Watch – Bulleen Templestowe

#3 Lachie Collard – Oakleigh Chargers listed bottom ager who has been an important part of the Bulleen Templestowe team when available around his Chargers and school football committments. Also made his senior debut with the Bulleen Templestowe seniors during the year.

#6 Jack Calthorpe – Plays as an explosive high half forward. Very good in the air.

Penetrating kick and hits the scoreboard.

#17 Alexander Chondros – Wingman who is a terrific endurance runner. Gathers lots of

possession and sets up plenty of attack. Is a good user of the ball by hand and foot.

Match Details:

Fitzroy v Bulleen Templestowe

Venue: Ford Park South

Date: Sunday 30th August

Match Time: 3.15pm