Today is: .

Pre-season training schedule.

10.30 am Sunday 17th November 2013

The pre-season training has started and the schedule to the end of December is:

Monday 18 Nov – 6.30pm Fairfield Boathouse, football/conditioning

Wednesday 20 Nov – 6.30 pm Olney Oval, Yarra Bend, football

Thursday 21 Nov – 6.30 pm Princes Park, running

Monday 25 Nov – 6.30 pm Fairfield Boathouse, football/conditioning

Wednesday 27 Nov – 6.30 pm Gosch's Paddock, football

Thursday 28 Nov – 6.30 pm Princes Park, running

Monday 2 Dec – 6.30 pm Victoria Park, football/conditioning

Wednesday 4 Dec – 6.30 pm Fairfield Boathouse, running/conditioning

Thursday 5 Dec – 6.30 pm Princes Park, running

Monday 9 Dec – 6.30 pm Victoria Park, football/conditioning

Wednesday 11 Dec – 6.30 pm Gosch's Paddock, football

Thursday 12 Dec – 6.30 pm Princes Park, running

Mon 16 Dec – 6.30 pm, Victoria Park, football/conditioning

Wed 18 Dec – 6.30 pm Fairfield Boathouse, running/conditioning

Vale Ray Slocum (1937-2013).

9.30 am Thursday 14th November 2013

The Fitzroy Football Club mourns the passing of former player Ray Slocum, who played 121 senior games for Fitzroy between 1957 and 1965.

Recruited locally by the Lions, Ray Slocum developed into a wingman after being used initially as a rover and at half forward. Born in 1937 Slocum was recruited to Fitzroy from Preston YCW, from originally a Richmond supporting family, although they quickly converted to Fitzroy when Slocum played in the U/19’s.

After a couple of years in the U/19’s Slocum made his senior debut for Fitzroy in Round 11 of 1957 against South Melbourne at Albert Park. His first senior coach was Bill Stephen, the very man he would eventually replace as senior coach for one senior game eleven years later. Managing five senior games in his first year, he doubled that amount in 1958, under his U/19 coach and now new senior Fitzroy coach Len Smith, establishing himself as a definite up-and-comer amongst the Fitzroy senior listed players.

Slocum recalled that under Len Smith who coached the senior Fitzroy side from 1958 to 1962, he thrived as a footballer. “He [Smith] was great. He was a teacher. He taught us all about football and when we were playing U/19s he taught us all a lot. He was a thinker, you know, he really knew the game. He brought in the flick pass. We had a bit of success with that while we were allowed to do it. His thing in those days was the play on footy and that’s how it all started. We had to keep the ball moving.”

By 1959 Slocum had established himself in the senior team, even gaining three Brownlow votes, and played in the night premiership of that season kicking two goals as the Lions beat Hawthorn by 30 points. “Back in those days, the night premiership did mean something, so we all got some enjoyment out of that.” he later recalled.

Slocum’s career highlight, at the tender age of 23, by his own admission was the 1960 preliminary final at the MCG against Collingwood. Fitzroy lost by a kick in very muddy conditions – a game which Slocum, playing in the forward pocket, believed, could have been won with a little more luck. 1960 was also his most prolific year, where he played 20 out of a possible 24 games.

Unfortunately both for Fitzroy and Ray Slocum he was never to play in a final again, even though in Round 4 1964 against Richmond he finally reached 100 games for the club, putting him amongst a select band of Fitzroy players to have reached that milestone.

Back in those days, a senior player who had accumulated 10 years of consecutive service for Fitzroy was awarded life membership. Slocum who had an Achilles tendon injury struggled to play due to that injury. The last game of the 1966 season was a night match against South Melbourne. Whie not an official senior game for the club, Ray Slocum was named on the bench and came on for about two minutes so he could automatically qualify as a life member. Following that game he retired from senior football.

Slocum moved straight into coaching Fitzroy’s reserves. For the first year of his four year stint, he was playing-coach but retired from playing at all at the end of the 1967 season. In 1968, due to a sudden illness of Bill Stephen, it was Ray who took the reins of senior coach for one solitary match.

Ray Slocum resigned as Fitzroy reserves coach at the end of the 1970 season and went out and coached Eltham in the Diamond Valley league coaching the club to a senior premiership in 1972.

In 2001 Ray Slocum was nominated for the Fitzroy Team of the Century and was rapt to be so considered. “I thought it was an honour because for an ordinary player, as I class myself, to be put amongst those was a sheer delight. So I was rapt. It was a pleasure and a surprise. It was nice to be thought of in that manner.”  he said later on.

The Fitzroy Football Club would like to pass on its condolences to Ray's family.

30 years on from a near premiership - Fitzroy's influence lives on.

9.00 am Friday 4th October 2013

An errant paddle of a ball over the boundary line, a dubious free kick and the last snatch at greatness for Fitzroy had faded.

If the footy gods had have acted with foresight in mind perhaps the result of the 1983 Qualifying Final would have been different and we would this year be celebrating 30 years since old Fitzroy played in a Grand Final.

A four-point loss to eventual Premiers Hawthorn in the Qualifying Final turned into a straight sets exit via Essendon in the first Semi Final.

Had the Lions been winners in that nail-biter they would have gone into a second Semi Final against top-placed North Melbourne.

Fitzroy had thumped North by 45 points in Round 2, and then humiliated them by 150 points in Round 13 and they were all that stood in the way of a Fitzroy Grand Final that would have been its first since 1944.

That 1983 team was the best of the Fitzroy teams that grasped for success through the 1980s that also included a Preliminary Final appearance in 1986 and finals appearances in 1981 and 1984.

30 years have passed and sadly Fitzroy was out of the AFL after 13 of them.

However the football stories of 2013 have had a distinct Fitzroy flavour of the era, even if the connection has not been made since we are so far removed from this time.

Arguably the three most talked about coaches of 2013 that didn’t have connections to supplement regimes are products of 1980s Fitzroy.

The most sought-after coach in football (Paul Roos), the coach presiding over the fairytale rise of the season (Ken Hinkley) and the coach that takes his team into a grand final and is widely acknowledged as the coach that has the greatest influence on his team (Ross Lyon), all started their elite football lives at Fitzroy in the 1980s.

The Swans also have a continued Fitzroy connection post-Roos with assistant coach John Blakey. But it’s not just coaching where Fitzroy makes it mark.

No less than three club CEOs played in Fitzroy teams of the 1980s. Gary Pert at Collingwood, Keith Thomas at Port Adelaide and Michael Nettlefold at St Kilda (who had the aforementioned deliberate out of bounds paid against him in 1983). But it doesn’t stop there, Fitzroy cult hero Mick Conlan is CEO of AFL Queensland and was linked with a role at the Brisbane Lions recently.

Scott Clayton is one of the most respected football operators in the country and is responsible for assembling the talent-laden Gold Coast Suns as List Manager, and played at Fitzroy.

A Fitzroy captain, Matt Rendell has bounced back from the controversy of 2012 to pick up a recruiting role at Collingwood. Leon Harris is a Development Manager for AFL Victoria, Tony Woods looks after the international expansion of the game at the AFL and Alastair Lynch is a player manager and Fox Footy analyst.

All played at Fitzroy in the 1980s, but it’s not just the players. Fitzroy’s coaches during the 1980s, Robert Walls, David Parkin and Rod Austin have all had continued influence in footy, Walls and Parkin via subsequent coaching and media and Austin through a long-time role at AFL HQ in footy operations.

For a club that was removed from the AFL in 1996, it seems to be an inordinate influence given it wasn’t winning Premierships. Contrast Hawthorn during this time and the life-long gravitas Premiership success gives to its players that sets up media and other football related post-playing careers. It may be mere coincidence, but much like North Melbourne players of the 90s talk about the lack of facilities and ‘shinboner spirit’ there seems to have been an element of resourcefulness at Fitzroy that has carried on through its alumni.

There was no question that Fitzroy in the 1980s was the club without a home (three different home grounds during the 1980s), with a dwindling supporter base, and without a dollar. The poorest of all the poor cousins of the VFL.

They were fighting losing battles on three fronts, and it took significant and creative coaching efforts and innovative recruiting (think the rise of Mark Dwyer from Koroit Seniors to 10 Brownlow votes all during the 1986 season) to keep the team competitive on the field while the wolves were kept form the door off-field. Did the extra dimension foisted upon Fitzroy players of the 1980s give them a different outlook on the game, a more rounded education with a football club flying by the seat of its pants on all fronts.

Walls once fired at Kevin Sheedy about not having the full footy experience , spending his career at successful clubs while Walls pioneered in Brisbane as well as his time at Fitzroy. Being a Fitzroy player during this time must have been one of the most turbulent atmospheres that a player could ever fall into with the constant talk of financial solvency, relocation, mergers.

In a strange way this turbulence may have given these ‘Roy Boys’ a slice of the resourcefulness among football chaos along with their own drive, hard work and talent that has elevated them above the pack in the industry.

The Club itself lives on the VAFA, playing in Premier B in 2014 and has a merger agreement with the Brisbane Bears- Fitzroy Football Club (that trades as and is known by the wider footballing public as the 'Brisbane Lions').

It could be argued that the Fitzroy influence in 2013 is greater now than it has ever been since their exit from the AFL in 1996.

From: theroar.com.au

Bookings for the 2013 Redlow have closed.

11.00 am Sunday 29th September 2013

The 2013 Redlow (the Club's Best and Fairest night) will be held on Saturday 5 October from 7pm.

It will again be held at Moonlight Receptions, 622 Nicholson Street, North Fitzroy – just a couple of torpedo punts away from Brunswick Street Oval! 

Tickets are $95 per person or $950 for a table of 10. Tickets include a three course meal, beer, wine and soft drink. Dress code is Lounge Suit. It's a great night with each team's best and fairest announced as well as other awards.

So buy a ticket, put on your best evening-wear and we’ll see you at what is sure to be yet another fabulous Redlow medal night!  

Bookings closed on Monday 30 September.

Bunton named as captain of ACT Team of the Century.

11.00 am Sunday 29th September 2013

Former Fitzroy superstar Haydn Bunton Snr has been named captain of the ACT and Southern NSW Team of the Century.

Bunton, who was born and raised in Albury, News South Wales, is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever players, having won three Brownlow Medals in a career that spanned just 119 senior VFL games.

He is also an AFL Hall of Fame Legend and a member of the AFL Team of the Century.

Bunton was one of two former Fitzroy greats to be selected in the team, alongside Michael Conlan who played 210 matches for the Lions from 1977-89.

Despite originally hailing from Tasmania, Conlan played the majority of his junior football at the Manuka Football Club in the ACT, before being recruited to Fitzroy.

The entire 24-man team includes eight members of the Australian Football Hall of Fame, 22 VFL/AFL Premierships and seven Brownlow Medals in a reflection of the strength of the region over the past 100 years. The ACT and Southern NSW Team of the Century selection panel was chaired by GIANTS inaugural Head Coach Kevin Sheedy and included Brian Quade, Greg Carroll and Tony Peek.

Royboy Ross Lyon to coach in his third AFL Grand Final.

8.00 am Friday 27th September 2013

Former Fitzroy player Ross Lyon has a chance to etch his name in the history books if he can coach the Fremantle Dockers to their first AFL premiership at the MCG tomorrow afternoon against Hawthorn, who themselves will be chasing their 11th VFL-AFL premiership.

Ross Lyon played 127 games for Fitzroy betwen 1985 and 1994.

Well prepared, disciplined, hard at the contest; loyal to those around him; and brutal when the game called for it, Ross Lyon has brought those qualities to the teams that he has coached. The only thing that stopped Lyon being better than a very good performer over 127 games with Fitzroy was the thing that he could do nothing about - his body.

Lyon immediately made an impact at Fitzroy when he arrived for the 1985 season, playing five games to end the 1985 season under coach Robert Walls. And then his body failed him and the fall-out tested his relationship with the media for the first time.

He stood out of football for a year in 1986 after serious groin and back issues took him to the brink of early retirement. Others believed he was being courted by Carlton, who had just appointed Walls to the Blues main job.  His Lions coach at the time, David Parkin, remembers driving out to Lyon's family home to have it out with him.

"I was going there to confront him about supposedly going to Carlton, because I knew Robert Walls was talking to him," Parkin said.  "There was no doubt they were, but I took him at his word, and he said he would come back when he was ready.

"He had a personal problem I wasn’t sure of, that's why he shoved his parents into the back room, and told me: 'I don't want you persecuting me or ringing me up, but I will come back when I’m ready.”

True to his word, Lyon returned to Fitzroy a year later, with his head clear and his body repaired. His frustration with the media speculation that he was going to join Carlton lived with him for a long time.

Years later, Lyon said: "At that stage, I thought I would never play league footy again. Not that I didn't want to, but I just couldn't at the time because of my injury, so I dropped out football, and school (university) and virtually did nothing for a year. When I think about it now, it was a waste, but I was pretty down at the time, and it made me realise what I was missing."

When he returned, he committed totally to Fitzroy, and while the groin, shoulder and knee injuries restricted him, Lyon became one of the Lions’ most respected and - at times - feared footballers.

"Injuries cruelled him," Fitzroy coach and friend Robert Shaw recalled. "He never got to the point where his body allowed him to become the superstar he could have been." "But he would be in my top six toughest players I've ever been associated with. He was not only tough on the field, Rossy could be dangerous, at a time when you could be allowed to.

"He wasn't a thug or unfair, but if you happened to get between him and the ball, the consequences could be extreme."

Shaw said Lyon , who was once nicknamed 'Whispering Death', helped to guide Fitzroy through some tough times and could stop opposition with a roll of those eyes.

"If Rossy looked at you, he didn't need to say too much else," he said. "He just had the capacity to look at you and almost say 'take that as an official warning.'"

Lyon's career at Fitzroy ended in late 1994 and on the promise of good money and a part-time job (believed to be with Channel Seven) he looked to Sydney (where Paul Roos had gone to) to carry on his career. The only problem was that the Swans overshot their salary cap, so after briefly looking like he could end up on Fremantle's inaugural list, Lyon went to Brisbane, where he played two games before knee issues ended his career at 28. From there he went into coaching, coaching at Richmond, Sydney as an assistant before landing the top job at St Kilda and now Fremantle.

Not ony is there a Fitzroy - Fremantle connection with Ross Lyon, but former Fitzroy junior player Viv Michie is also currently on the Docker's senior list, making his AFL debut earlier this year in Round 14 against Geelong.

Fitzroy's short history against the Fremantle Football Club in the 1995 and 1996 season has also provided some memorable moments for both clubs.

The first came in Round 3 of the 1995 season when Fremantle 18.13.121 defeated Fitzroy 11.12.78 at the Western Oval to give the Dockers their first ever win in the AFL competition. In 1996 the roles were reversed when Fitzroy defeated Fremantle at the Western Oval to record the Lions' last ever victory in the AFL and their only victory in four matches against the club. On 1st September 1996 both sides met in the final round of the 1996 season at Subiaco Oval in what would be Fitzroy's last match in the AFL. It was left to Fremantle to farewell Fitzroy from the AFL.

Fitzroy's last win in the AFL vs. Fremantle at the Western Oval

Fitzroy's last game in the AFL vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval

 

Fitzroy Football Club turned 130 on 26th September.

11.00 am Wednesday 26th September 2013

The Fitzroy Football Club was founded on the 26th September 1883 at a meeting at the Brunswick Hotel (now the Old Colonial Inn, pictured left) in Fitzroy. The history of the Club over the past 130 years has been at times exhiliarating with nine premierships, eight Brownlow Medallists and numeorus finals appearances. However it has also experienced some devastating lows, including the 1966 season where the Club failed to win a game and was forced to move from its spiritual home at the Brunswick Street Oval and of course the events of 1996 where the Club was ejected from the AFL competition - a competition it had helped to found in 1897.

Football had always been popular in Fitzroy. The area boasted several junior football clubs, and local boys who were good enough could always play with the Carlton club. But that was not enough. In a suburb like Fitzroy, in a city experiencing undreamt of economic expansion there was a need for a senior club to bear the suburb's name - to be part of the wild nationalism that was sweeping the country, and to show wealthier, 'better' suburbs that Fitzroy had come of age.

There had long been rumours that a senior club would be formed in Fitzroy. A year before the first meeting to set up the Club was held, the Sportsman reported confidently, that some of the foremost players of Northcote and East Melbnourne intended to play next season with the new senior club, the Fitzroy Club, "which promised to take a very good position."

The VFA's rejection of the Normanby Junior Football Club's application to be admitted to senior ranks in 1882 set the scene for the formation of the Fitzroy Club. Normanby had drawn its players from the Fitzroy area, was well organised and supported and was the logical choice as the senior team for Fitzroy. Its rejection caused its officials and other prominent Fitzroy citizens to make other plans for the suburb's senior club. It was because of these events that George Toms decided to call a meeting at the Brunswick Hotel, owned by an official of the Normanby club, on Wednesday 26th September 1883, to discuss the formation of a senior Fitzroy Football Club. Sixty-eight people, including well known footballers and former Fitzroy mayor John McMahon, who chaired the meeting, attended.

According to a local press report "all seemed agreed that it was time Fitzroy awoke from its lethargy and came forward to honourably hold its own against any of the surrounding districts." Resolutions that a senior club be formed and that it be called the Fitzroy Football Club were carried unanimously. A provisional committee of management was formed and the meeting was then adjourned untl the 10th October.

Twenty four people attended the next meeting on the 10th October. The meeting accepted the provisional committee's recommendation that the colours of the club were to be a 'blue cap and nickerbockers, maroon jersey and hose'. The secretary was instructed to write to the VFA and arrange for Fitzroy to become a member. The newly formed club began enrolling its first members at five shillings each. Messrs Lindsay, Kirkam, Rogers, Nudd, Stone, McClelland, Trinnick, Elliott, Callopy and Simpson became Fitzroy's first members. John McMahon, who was also a local tailor, ordered the jerseys and stockings from England, because the colours that had been chosen were unobtainable in the colony. One hundred maroon and blue tickets were printed and a further 200 tickets were ordered. Because of the speed that the Club had been formed, the VFA changed its rules requiring a list of the previous year's financial members so that Fitzroy could be admitted and send delegates to Association meetings.

Fitzroy's first ever game was on 26th April 1884 against the Richmond Union Junior Football Club in front of about a thousand people.

130 years later and after 249 VFA matches, 1,928 VFL-AFL matches and 96 VAFA matches as well as nine senior premierships (one VFA, eight VFL-AFL), four reserves premierships (three VFL-AFL, one VAFA), three U/19 premierships (two VFL-AFL and one VAFA), the Fitzroy Football Club continues to "see it through." Long may the Club continue to do so.

Get around Nick Auden.

11.00 am Wednesday 25th September 2013

Nick Auden played for the Fitzroy Reds from 1998 – 2007. He played mostly Reserves with the odd Senior game until 2003 when started playing Club XVIII. He has played over 100 games for Fitzroy. Highlights include:
2007 – Club XVIII Captain and leading goal kicker
2003 – VAFA Club XVIII B&F Runner Up and FRFC Club XVIII B&F
2000 – FRFC Reserves B&F
1998 – FRFC Best new player
 
Nick’s first ever game of Australian Rules Football was with Fitzroy at the age of 25, and he has played all his Football in Australia with us – but he has had some international experience, playing Aussie Rules in Singapore (Singapore Wombats) and in the US (Denver Bulldogs). Nick and his family are living in the States, having moved there for work around three years ago.
 
Nick has stage 4 melanoma and needs our help to get access to a trial drug.  The Club is completely behind this and we call on all members, sponsors, players and supporters to also get behind this.  Below is a message from Nick and steps of how you can help: 

I have been working through stage 4 melanoma. Throughout this I have had wonderful support from my old Reds playing colleagues and coaches. The boys have created a couple of videos for me and sent over a signed jumper with my old number, 62.
 
I am two years in (median life expectancy is 6 – 9 months) but have now been told my cancer is terminal. I don’t accept this because there is a trial drug out there which could change the game (PD-1). It is only available on trials at the moment but the challenge is I don’t qualify. So I am seeking compassionate access. You can help me. Please VISIT www.SaveLockysDad.com to see the video and for details on how you can help (4 steps below).
 
As far as you are comfortable, I would very much like your assistance in sharing this as widely as possible. The success of our campaign hinges on getting to 2nd and 3rd level contacts so we can demonstrate critical mass. It won’t take much of your time and the Fitzroy network is broad.
 
I still look forward to a beer back in Fitzroy my old footy mates soon.
 
Well done on maintaining B grade and for getting 3 teams to finals!
 
Sincerely
Nick

4 Steps:
VISIT our site www.SaveLockysDad.com and view our video (on website, on YouTube, or via facebook)
1. SIGN the Petition (http://chn.ge/13ROWds)
2. LIKE our facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/savelockysdad)
3. FOLLOW us on twitter @savelockydad and RETWEET our tweets. (https://twitter.com/SaveLockysDad)
SHARE THIS STORY WITH ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS -- via Email, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, word of mouth. Every person counts

Memories of the Junction Oval #5: Fitzroy roars in '44.

8.00 am Friday 23rd August 2013

It wasn't a Fitzroy home game of the 1970's and 80's, but this Junction Oval moment was just as famous, if not more famous, in the annals of Fitzroy history. Approaching what is now sixty-nine years ago, just down the road from Sandringham at the Junction Oval, Fitzroy's senior side reached the 1944 VFL Grand Final which was played against Richmond in front of 43,000 fans.

Saturday, 30 September 1944 wasn’t your average Grand Final day in Melbourne either. World War II was still raging, making the MCG unavailable, so the football focus turned to the Junction Oval. (later to be Fitzroy's home ground from 1970 to 1984.)

A tram and bus strike caused transport chaos in sweltering 30-degree heat as 1500 people packed train after train for the four-minute journey from Flinders Street to St Kilda. Even before game time twelve people were taken away by ambulance as sections within the capacity-plus crowd of 43,000 climbed trees, fences and roofs in search of a good vantage point. Still, it was a day that Fitzroy people will treasure forever, even with the club these days removed from the VFL-AFL competition. It was the club’s eighth premiership in the VFL, ninth overall (and remains to this day the club's last senior premiership).

The Gorillas, as they were unofficially known as (although most people still called them the 'Maroons' or just 'Roys'), had finished second after the 18-game home-and-away season with 13 wins, a meagre 0.1% behind top side Richmond. They beat the Tigers, under captain-coach Jack Dyer, by 11 points in the second semi-final to qualify for their first grand final since 1923.

Since their last premiership in 1922, Fitzroy hard fallen on hard times. However piece by piece Fitzroy's secretary Percy Mitchell had rebuilt the Fitzroy side at the beginning of the 1940s. He assembled a team of exciting youngsters and surrounded them with experienced players that he recruited from other clubs. The jigsaw was complete by 1942 when Fred Hughson accepted the offer to be captain-coach of the team - an offer that shocked Hughson but one he accepted.

Hughson was greatly admired at Fitzroy as a man and as a footballer. Fearless, he always protected his smaller team-mates and a had a booming kick, setting an official world record wth a drop kick in 1943 at the Brunwick Street Oval in 1943 in a game against South Melbourne. Hughson's leadership was inspirational and his teams played with great spirit and loyalty.

Yet Fitzroy still started slight underdogs in the ‘big one’ for 1944 after Richmond ruckman Les Jones was granted late leave from the army to take his place in the side after he was initially ruled unavailable. A rumour swept the football world that defender Leo Monaghan was on his way back from army service to play with Fitzroy, although there was no truth in this.

The late Clen Denning who played in the back pocket that day, recalled that "We wanted to beat them, we weren't frightened of them. We'd played them in the Preliminary Final in '43 and they beat us; so in '44 we hit them before they hit us. We learned a lesson. They'd hit blokes. We wouldn't let them do that again in '44."

Fitzroy captain-coach Fred Hughson, deeply admired and respected by his team, bravely kicked into a strong north wind in winning coin toss. From a scrambly start Fitzroy kicked the first goal, when Ken Sier popped the ball through after dodging a pack of players. Pursuing the ball 'like bees' Fitzroy swamped every Tiger move and scrambled the ball forward. Nearing the end of the first term, Richmond had only a seven point lead and desperately needed goals to put it in a safe position to fight the wind assisted Fitzroy in the second quarter. Hughson was delighted to restrict Richmond to a one-goal lead by the fist change.

From the start of the second term, Richmond attacked aggressively and got a much needed goal from a long kick which bounced through. Disorganised play and long shots at goals only resulted in behinds for the Maroons. Richmond was spoiling Fitzroy and hugging the boundary on the outer wing. Clen Denning flattened Jack Dyer, after Dyer tried to flatten him. It wasn't until about the fifteen-minute mark that Fitzroy's Stan Wright kicked his team's first major score for the term. Soon after, a shot for goal by Bruce Calverley was touched and scores were level. Within minutes Sam Dawson broke out of a pack and passed to Alan Ruthven, who slammed on Fitzroy's third goal and put them six points in front. Without wasting time Bruce Calverley gathered the ball and goaled from a long runnig shot. The underdogs led a fierce physical battle by two goals at halftime.

During the half time break, the wind dropped. When the game resumed both teams were once again doing their best to smother the ball. The scrambly play continued until Keith Stackpole marked in front of goal and made no mistake. Realising the challenge they faced, the Tigers responded with two quick goals. With both backlines in devastating form, further scoring proved difficult. Finally Jack (Tangle) Symons (who had played with Richmond the previous season) broke out of a pack and snapped Fitzroy's sixth goal. Fitzroy led by 11 points at the final change and were going into the final quarter with the wind.

By midway through the last term, Richmond had pegged Fitzroy back to a nine point advantage and was looking dangerous. But Fitzroy steadied. Calverley took a handpass from Ruthven and passed to Sier who goaled. Randall replied for the Tigers. Stackpole snapped the Maroon's eighth goal and later Wilson was able to respond for the Tigers. The game was still far from over, but neither side could capitalise in front of goal.

Finally Sier goaled again, minutes before the bell, and put the game firmly in Fitzroy's grasp. The Maroons ran out winners and premiers by fifteen points.

The diamond jubilee premiership (it was Fitzroy's 60th year of competition in the VFA and the VFL) had been won by a determined team of 'tradesmen.'

Fred Hughson paid tribute to the brilliant form of individual players and added: "The only thing that gave victory and the premiership is that the main strength is the players' team spirit and teamwork. They played magnificently." Bert Clay was outstanding in the ruck, Bruce Calverley dominated in the midfield, and Ken Sier and Keith Stackpole were dangerous up forward. Hughson at fullback kept ‘Captain Blood’ Dyer to one goal in a telling contribution. Many observers rated winger Calverley best on ground and the Sun-News Pictorial noted that he was a driving force through the game. Calverley's Grand Final performance was a personal triumph as he collected a loose elbow early in the season and suffered a fractured cheekbone.

The Fitzroy heirarchy obviously disagreed with the media and presented centre half back Norm Hillard with a special trophy as "best player" in the Grand Final while Noel Price won a medal for 'most determined' in the Grand Final. Despite those individual accolades, Hughson explained his team had won because it had players "who would bleed for Fitzroy … really bleed. It wasn’t just for the money, it was for love. Love of the club, pride in themselves. It was a fantastic feeling".

Fitzroy's celebrations were all the more intense because the previous week, the Seconds had also won the Flag. The Maroons' seconds had defeated Collingwood at Victoria Park. It was the Seconds' first premiership since 1911 and by an incredible co-incidence the Seconds also won by fifteen points! 1944 was also the only occasion in Fitzroy's history where the Club achieved the double of a seniors and a reserves premiership in the one season.

Generous supporters donated the extraordinary sum of £375 to be divided among players and staff, and later that evening officials, players, trainers and supporters gathered at Brunswick Street Oval for a premiership dinner-dance, celebrating the premiership double of the seniors and reserves. The Mayor of Fitzroy, Keith Parlon, announced that the premiership pennant would be flown from the Fitzroy Town Hall for a week to mark the magnificent victory. Fitzroy's unofficial poet laureate Norm Byron wrote a special song (to the tune "It's a great day for the Irish") and copies were sold for three pence each to raise funds for the club.

The Final scores in the 1944 Grand Final were Fitzroy 1.2, 4.8, 6.10, 9.12 (66) defeated Richmond 2.2, 3.2, 5.5, 7.9 (51) by 15 points.

Goals: Sier 3, Stackpole 2, Calverley, Symons, Wright, Ruthven.
Best: Calverley, Hillard, Price, Hughson, Hearn, Clay.

1944 Teams
Fitzroy
B: Clen Denning Fred Hughson (c) Alan Fields
HB: Laurie Bickerton Norm Hillard Arthur O'Bryan
C: Bruce Calverley George Hoskins Noel Jarvis
HF: Stan Dawson Stan Wright Noel Price
F: Maurie Hearn Ken Sier Keith Stackpole
Foll: Bert Clay Jack Symons Allan Ruthven

Reserve(s): Dan Murray (father of Kevin Murray)
Coach: Fred Hughson

Richmond
B: Max Oppy George Smeaton Charlie Priestley
HB: Bernie Waldron Leo Maguire Bill Perkins
C: Leo Merrett Fred Cook Bert Edwards
HF: Arthur Mooney Brian Randall Les Jones
F: Bob Bawden Jack Scott Fred Burge
Foll: Jack Dyer (c) Bill Morris Bill Wilson
Reserve(s): Keith Cook
Coach: Jack Dyer

Umpire - Eric Hawkins

Memories of the Junction Oval #4: Fitzroy scrapes into finals as Bernie kicks another ton.

8.00 am Thursday 22nd August 2013

For many Fitzroy supporters, 1983 was the season that got away - the one where Fitzroy could have broken their thirty-nine year premiership drought.

1984 started with some promise given the results of the previous season, but surprisingly to many, after nine rounds the Lions were last on the VFL ladder wth just one win. Halfway through the season the Lions were languishing in 10th position. They were going nowhere, had nothing to look forward to and were playing an indirect and quite often sloppy brand of football.

The turning point, according to coach Robert Walls, came after the split round six weeks before when Fitzroy were thumped by Essendon at Windy Hill. After that Walls said they set themselves a target. I said let's try for five wins out of the next six games and some of the guys said, 'let's go for six'.

By the time of last home and away in 1984 (Round 22), Fitzroy had improved to seventh (courteous of a six game winning streak), a game behind Geelong (fifth) and Footscray (sixth), but with a superior percentage.

They had defeated Hawthorn by 10 points in Round 17, Melbourne by 32 in Round 18, Collingwood by 42 in Round 19, Geelong by 38 in Round 20 and North Melbourne by 54 points in Round 22 to come within a game of participating in the finals. But only if the result from two other matches - Collingwood vs. Footscray at Victoria Park and Hawthorn vs. Geelong at VFL Park fell their way.

The first inkling that Fitzroy would play finals in 1984 came early in the first quarter of the game. By then the relatively small crowd of 15,000 that had come to watch the last game at the Junction had grown bored with proceedings on the field, after Bernie Quinlan (pictured above with Robert Walls after the conclusion of the Round 22 match) had notched up his second successive century of goals.

The progressive scores from other grounds only went up on the scoreboards at the end of each quarter, but by that time everyone knew that out at VFL Park, Geelong was finished - Hawthorn had played its part. All that remained was for Collingwood to beat the Dogs at Victoria Park and Fitzroy would somehow, improbably, be in the finals.

A massive buzz went through the crowd six minutes into the final quarter. The ball was up on the Fitzroy half-forward line and the transistors around the ground were at full volume when Ron Andrews kicked a goal at Victoria Park, effectively ending any last chance Footscray had of beating Collingwood. Then shortly after, Richard Osborne put the ball through the sticks for Fitzroy and the crowd went up again. This time there was wild cheering from the Fitzroy faithful. When the final siren went, the curtain finally went down on the Junction Oval as a VFL-AFL venue.

It was fitting that Osborne should have been in control of the ball when the news came through that the Lions were in the Final Five. For he, more than any other helped put together Fitzroy's 57 point victory over St Kilda. Osborne had 23 kicks, kicked five goals, took nine marks and four handballs.

There were many others who played smiliar games up in defence. The Lions had Michael Reeves to deflect the odd St Kilda forward thrust. He put up a creditable performance on young St Kilda forward Tony Lockett who kicked four goals.

And then there was Doug Barwick. In the absence of Micky Conlan who was out of the senior side due to a toe operation, along came Barwick, Conlan's physical understudy who grabbed his chance of the big time.

While Barwick had played well all year, he played few better games than this match. He only had eight kicks - perhaps a small amount for a player of his calibre - but the way he used them he might as well have had 80. He booted four goals and was most notable for his strength in the packs and the 'Conlanesque' feature of his running play.

After the match, coach Robert Walls dropped his normally guarded and reserved approach to journalists to grin from ear to ear and say he couldn't believe it. The Lions were in the five after everyone has written them off. Once again Fitzroy were the glamour side and with perhaps the best running team in the League, they were widely considered to be capable of winning the Flag, even from fifth position.

Alas. It was not to be. Fitzroy, having stumbled into the Five, played fourth placed Collingwood in the Elimination Final at the MCG and was no match for the Magpies who won by 46 points to yet again end a premiership dream. Fitzroy champions Garry Wilson and David McMahon both retired after this loss.

With Fitzroy's last match at the Junction an era had come to an end and while there was to be one more superlative season in 1986, some in hindsight considered it the beginning of the end for Fitzroy's participation in the VFL-AFL competition.

Watch the video below to see Bernie Quinlan kick his 100th goal for Season 1984 at the Junction Oval, the second time he has achieved this feat.

Memories of the Junction Oval #3: Bernie kicks the ton.

7.00 pm Tuesday 20th August 2013

'Superboot'.

No one word better sums up goal-kicking superstar Bernie Quinlan than the popular nickname he inherited at Fitzroy.

Quinlan was a wonderful player at Footscray, but it wasn't until he made the move to Fitzroy in 1978 that he won the acclaim as a genuine powerhouse of the VFL. He is as decorated a player as any who has pulled on the Fitzroy guernsey. The only honour that eluded him during his long career was a premiership medallion.

The son of Fitzroy reserves player Frank Quinlan, Bernie played his early football at Traralgon in Gippsland and was zoned to Footscray. He made his VFL debut in Round 12 of 1969, ironically against Fitzroy, when he was days short of his 18th birthday, and kicked four goals.

A centre half-forward by trade, Quinlan was moved to full-forward later in his career and caused opposition defenders a world of headaches.

Equipped with arguably the most lethal right boot our game has ever seen, he made an art form of comfortably kicking goals from anywhere within a 60m range of the big sticks.

Quinlan reached the peak of his powers in the twilight of his career, winning the 1981 Brownlow Medal at the age of 30, finishing Runner-Up in Fitzroy's Best & Fairest award over three successive years, and leading the Club's goal-kicking in every season from 1981-1985.

With 576 goals from his 189 matches with Fitzroy, Quinlan's name will be forever immortalised in Club folklore.

To many aspiring forwards in the eighties and nineties and irrespective of their football allegiances, Bernie Quinlan was their hero. To many Fitzroy supporters he was a footballing god.

Quite apart from his Brownlow Season in 1981, he is chiefly feted by Fitzroy supporters as the only player in Club history to boot over 100 goals in a single VFL season and it happened at the Junction Oval in front of an adoring home crowd in Round 21 1983 against Fitzroy's arch-enemy Collingwood.

A twenty-six point loss to Footscray the week before the game had put Fitzroy under extreme pressure to maintain either second or third position and the 'double chance' in the then Final Five finals system. It had to both defeat an improving Collingwood and an unimpressive Richmond in the last two rounds to secure third or second spot.

Despite the predictions of some commentators the Lions rose to the challenge against the Magpies. Apart from the pressure such a game would impose on the players, there was also the added pressure of Quinlan trying to kick two goals to give him 100 for the season.

The game at the Junction Oval was to do much to restore the Lions' dented pride. Players approached the game as if it was a final. Through fierce tackling and precision foot and hand passing the Lions overran the Magpies midway through the second quarter and by half time had a handy twenty-three point lead.

In the third term Collingwood had the aid of the breeze, but through tenancious play by Fitzroy's defenders it was kept goalless until well into the quarter. When the goal came, it was the first the Magpies had kicked since the fourteen minute mark of the first term.

In the final term Fitzroy reduced Colingwood to a pathetic rabble and at the 17 minute mark, a goal by Quinlan made him the first Fitzroy player to kick 100 goals in a season. Quinlan was about seventy metres out from goal when he took a beautiful pass from Bradley Gotch. With a mighty kick Quinlan finally notched up his century. It was a classic Quinlan goal - one which will live long in the memories of those present. As soon as the goal umpire signalled a goal, thousands of young fans leapt the fence and ran onto the ground to congratulate the champion. In fact two sections of the picket fence were broken as people streamed onto the ground. The game was stopped for about four minutes and the electronic score board flashed '100'. Quinlan became the first player to play 300 games, win a Brownlow Medal and kick 100 goals. Quinlan said later that when he was about to take his kick he thought "Blow the century, I'm going to kick the case off it." He also said that the game had been a nightmare as he struggled to get the two goals he needed.

His ninety-ninth goal had come late in the second quarter (also from a pass from Brad Gotch) and at the twenty-seventh minute mark of the third quarter Quinlan looked certain to notch up his 100th. Quinlan had taken a strong mark about thirty metres out from goal and was on a slight angle. As he lined up, children started climbing the fence, eager to congratulate their hero. There seemed little doubt that he would goal, but instead he kicked out of bounds on the full!

After kicking his 100th goal, Quinlan kicked another to give him three for the game. Reaching the century was a great relief for Quinlan and Fitzroy coach Robert Walls. Quinlan described it as a 'bloody relief' and confessed that during the last quarter he doubted whether he would reach the century. "I thought I wouldn't do it. I thought I'd be waiting until next week." Walls said: "I think Bernie was very happy to get the 100 goals, because in the last three games people thought he'd get them. Now that he has got it, I'm sure he's happy and it'll take a bit of the pressure off him."

With Collingwood accounted for by sixty four points, Fitzroy went on to defeat Richmond by 34 points in the last home and away game, securing the double chance by finishing third behind Hawthorn and top of the ladder North Melbourne. Despite an avalanche of goals from Quinlan in the final quarter (he kicked 5) of the Qualifying Final against Hawthorn, Fitzroy fell short by an agonsing four points. They then lost the following week's First Semi-Final against Essendon by twenty-three points ending their season. Quinlan finished with 116 goals for the season, - still an all-time Club high.

Watch the footage of Bernie Quinlan's efforts to kick the final two goals for his ton at the Junction in 1983 - one of Fitzroy's greatest moments at the Junction Oval.

 

Check back at the Fitzroy website all this week to re-live more famous Fitzroy moments at the Junction Oval

Memories of the Junction Oval #2: Fitzroy smashes the top of the ladder team.

8.00 am Tuesday 20th August 2013

In many ways 1983 was the highlight of Fitzroy's modern history. Not having won a VFL-AFL premiership since 1944, Fitzroy supporters felt that 1983 might be their year to break the long premiership drought.

While the premiership dream was not to be realised, the Club had a very successful season with the Seniors, Reserves and Thirds all making finals for the only time in the Club's VFL-AFL history. One of the highlights of the season was the Round 13 Fitzroy vs. North Melbourne match at the Junction Oval on June 18th.

A ladder-leading Fitzroy had opened up a two game lead over second placed North Melbourne by Round 10. However two losses against Footscray (Round 10) and Hawthorn (Round 12) saw them replaced by North Melbourne at the top of the ladder. The Round 13 clash between Fitzroy and North was a case of 3rd playing 1st.

After their 33 point loss to the Hawks the week before few commentators gave Fitzroy much chance of toppling the Kangaroos. North had emerged as favourites for the flag and the game against Fitzroy was billed as a 'mini grand final'.

Before the game on 18th June few of the crowd of 19,770 could have guessed they were about to witness one of the most remarkable games in modern football history.

After their loss to Hawthorn the Lions took no chances in their preparation of players for the game. Indeed coach Robert Walls told the team they were to treat the game as a grand final. The Lions were expecting a hard game as three weeks earlier North had demoslished the reigning premiers. Carlton, by 111 points.

From the first bounce every Fitzroy player contributed his all to wining the ball and beating his opponent. By the ten minute mark of the first quarter, Fitzroy had scored an impressive 5 goals 2 behinds to 0. However most spectators were aware that a thirty-two point lead could be wiped out in a very short amount of time by a team such as North.

By quarter time Fitzroy had added a further 2 goals and North 2 goals and 2 behinds. If there was a rally by North Melbourne during the game, it must have come during the second term when the Kangaroos added 6 goals 1 behind to Fitzroy's 5 goals 5.The remainder of the game seemed to defy reason. No team could have played as well as Fitzroy did in the second half. In a tour de force of football brilliance Fitzroy inflicted the greatest defeat suffered by any team on the top of the VFL ladder.

Although North scored just two goals 7 behinds in the two remaining quarters, Fitzroy piled on 21 goals 8 behinds.

Fitzroy's final score of 34 goals and 16 behinds was the third highest score in VFL history to that point. It was 18 points short of the League record of 36 goals 22 behinds set by Fitzroy in 1979 against Melbourne and at that time just 2 points behind the second highest score, kicked by Richmond against St Kilda in 1980.

For Fitzroy the game was full of fine individual and team performances. One of Fitzroy's best was nineteen-year-old Richard Osborne, who in only his ninth game was given the task of holding North's captain wayne Schimmelbusch. Osborne was able to take Schimmelbusch out of the game and still make a significant personal contribution to Fitzroy's record.

But the best player for Fitzroy and the best man on the ground was Matt Rendell. Fitzroy coach Robert Walls had advised ruckman Matt Rendell to drop into the hole behind centre half-forward and instructed the Fitzroy players to kick to him; the plan was to foil North Melbourne ruckman Gary Dempsey's practice of marking in the last line of defence. It worked so well that Rendell kicked eight goals, while Mick Conlan and Bernie Quinlan both kicked seven. "Everything just clicked," said Quinlan, who denied a suggestion that he often tried to boot the ball into the Junction Oval scoreboard.

One of the most remarkable individual performances was that of rugged Michael Conlan. Conlan had managed only one kick by half time and was disgusted with his form. However Robert Walls took Conlan aside and reasured him that even the best players could start a game poorly. Walls told him that he had once failed badly in the first half of a game and ended the game with a bag of goals. Conlan says that Walls' advice was the tonic he needed. Conlan came back on the ground at the start of the third term determined to win the ball. And win the ball he did. In the last two quarters Conlan had 13 kicks and kicked 7 goals.

Fitzroy's performance against North Melbourne that day was arguably the most skilled and professional in the Club's history. Indeed given the calibre of the opposition, it may have been the best performance of any VFL team. Certainly from Paul Roos' perspective it was one of those rare games that was fun from the time the ball was bounced until the final siren sounds.

The magnitude of the defeat made some pundits claim no VFL team could be 150 points better than another VFL team. No team could be that good. But Walls disagreed. The evidence was on the score-board - 220 points to 70. "We did it and you have to be good enough to do it," Walls said. "That's why I'm not saying it was fairytale stuff. The players are wearing a lot of bruises - and they did it." Paul Roos agreed. "Sure we had big wins aginat poor opposition, but to win by over 100 points against a premiership favourite is nearly impossible. This proved just how good a team we were when everyone was playing well."

The win bosted Fitzroy's percentage by 11.4% to 133.8% and restored it to the top of the ladder. The loss caused North's percentage to fall by more than 17 points and it slipped to third.

Truly one of the great Junction Oval moments.

Check out some footage from the first quarter of the match below.

Watch the World of Sport interview the following day discussing the 150 point victory with Robert Walls and Barry Cable and later on, an interview with best on ground Matt Rendell.

Check out the Fitzroy website all this week to re-live more famous Fitzroy moments at the Junction Oval

Memories of the Junction Oval: The Fog Game.

9.00 am Monday 19th August 2013

Surely there has never been a more bizarre game of VFL/AFL football than the match between Fitzroy and Carlton at the Junction Oval, St Kilda in August 1971.

Needing a solid win over the Lions to keep their faint finals chances alive, Carlton trailed by 15 points as the second half of the game began – just as the bright sunshine was obliterated by an enormous wall of fog that rolled over the ground from nearby Port Phillip Bay. The fog was so dense that suddenly, players only metres apart couldn't see each other, and were forced to rely on their ears as much as their eyes in an effort to find the ball.

The photo to the left is one of AFL football's most famous images. It features the late Jamie Shanahan (in the No. 38 Fitzroy jumper on the left) and Carlton's Geoff Southby (No. 20) staring into the dense fog.

Geoff Southby recalls that game. "I found my way to Full Back and to Paul Shanahan, who was as amazed as me by the fog. We could barely see 25 metres in front of us. The game continued with players, coaches, umpires and spectators completely confused by the incredibly restricted vision. The game should have been called off but it continued."

Meanwhile, the scorers and time keepers caught just brief glimpses of the play, and had to use the emergency umpire to relay the scores.

In the end, Fitzroy’s local knowledge gave them the edge. While the Blues groped around in the murk, the Lions finished all over them. Late in the final quarter, the ball came bouncing past Carlton ruckman Peter Jones who had dropped back into defence. 'There it is!’ he shouted - and a Fitzroy opponent pounced on the ball and goaled.

Fitzroy won by four goals, and Carlton missed the finals by 2 points.

Check out the Fitzroy website all this week to re-live more famous Fitzroy moments at the Junction Oval

Fitzroy returns to the Junction Oval!

10.00 pm Saturday 17th August 2013

For the first time since 1984, the Fitzroy Football Club will return to the Junction Oval (also known as the St Kilda Cricket Ground) this coming weekend for a game of football, when they take on the Old Melburnians in the final home and away game for Season 2014.

Fitzroy's home ground from 1970 to 1984, the Junction Oval was the original home ground of the St Kilda Football Club. The Saints played home games at the venue until 1964.

Fitzroy moved to the ground in 1970 from Princes Park, but the ground had a connection with Fitzroy long before 1970. The ground hosted a total of six finals series matches including two semi-finals, one preliminary final and three grand finals in 1898, 1899 and 1944. Fitzroy won all grand finals played at the venue.

The Junction became Fitzroy's home away from home. Forced to move from the Brunswick Street Oval in 1966, the Club had looked at a move to St Kilda in time for the 1967 season. However despite the St Kilda's Crcket's Club's eagerness to have Fitzroy as a tenant, a large number of the cricket club's mebers and supporters had quashed it, as had happened to earlier plans for Fitzroy to take over the Preston Football Ground. Instead Fitzroy negotiated a move to Princes Park as a co-tenant with the Carlton Football Club. By 1969, after three unsuccessful seasons, the Club was negotiating for the second time a move to the Junction Oval. Fitzroy's plans to go to St Kilda prompted a Supreme Court writ from Carlton which claimed that Fitzroy in 1967 had agreed to play at Princes Park for twenty-one years. The writ failed and with the VFL's blessing and further failure to reach agreement with the Fitzroy City Council over a possible return to the Brunswick Street Oval, Fitzroy made the move in time for the 1970 season.

The ground quickly became identified with Fitzroy. A grandstand formerly known as the G.P. Newman Stand after a St Kilda cricketer, was re-named the Kevin Murray Grandstand (after one of Fitzroy's finest ever footballers) on the 25th March 1972 before the final pre-season practice match of the season.

In their 15 year tenure at the ground Fitzroy played 135 games for 75 wins, 59 losses and 1 draw.The record attendance for a Fitzroy home game was 27,202 versus Collingwood in the opening round of 1981. Their last match at the ground was against former tenant St Kilda on 1st September 1984. On that occasion Fitzroy 24.20.164 defeated St Kilda 15.17.107 by 57 points in front of 15,156 fans.

The Fitzroy players and supporters embraced life at the Junction Oval. Former player, captain and coach Bill Stephen said it was a superb ground, a home team ground in a lot of ways. "It had a dull bounce...because it was so sandy and so well grassed - the ball would hit the ground and it wouldn't come up like a normal ball." Paul Roos who made his senior debut in 1982 and spent three seasons playing on the ground said "I've got great memories of the Junction Oval. I really enjoyed training there, the surface of the ground was really, really good and I remember in the middle of winter most other clubs were struggling to get on their grounds because they were so muddy. It was located in a good area with other grounds surronding it and I remember on game day walking through the car park, all the cars and the buzz of the people, then walking down the stairs into the change rooms and knowing that when we'd run out we'd pretty much have a full crowd every week. It was a very initmate ground, the atmosphere was great and very, very Fitzroy."

Fitzroy bade farewell to the Junction Oval in fine style with a 57 point thumping of original ground tenants St Kilda in Round 22, 1984 - a match in which Bernie Quinlan reached one hundred goals for the second year in a row. Why Fitzroy left was because of then VFL's ground rationalisation policy where clubs either had to share a ground or be solely entrenched in their ground if the facilities were up to a certain standard. Several other VFL clubs had left their original home grounds to play at either the MCG, VFL Park, Princes Park, Victoria Park or the Western Oval. Fitzroy certainly preferred to stay at the Junction Oval, but the VFL deemed the faclities not good enough for League standard in particular the amount of available seating. Even though new Fitzroy chairman Brian White declared in the Annual Report that the "Junction Oval...does not have the faciliites available to attract large crowds or meet sponsor requirements", t Paul Roos labelled it as the beginning of the end for Fitzroy in the VFL-AFL competition stating in 1997 that: "This as much as anything, was a huge factor in Fitzroy's struggle to survive. The move away from the Junction for match days was perhaps unavoidable but it was disastrous to our training and administration."

Fitzroy then moved to Victoria Park for the 1985-88 seasons and then to Princes Park from 1987-1993. The Club spent their final three years in the AFL, out at the Western Oval, before finally returning to their origianl home of the Brunswick Street Oval in 2009 as part of the VAFA.

The Junction Oval is now used by Old Melburnians Football Club as their home ground. In commemoration of Fitzroy's time at the ground the Old Melburnians and Fitzroy will hold a joint lunch in the Moreton Pavilion at the corner of Queens Street and Fitzroy Street in St Kilda beginning at 11.30 on 24th August. Fitzroy Football Club legends Kevin Murray and Laurie Serafini, who both played at the ground for Fitzroy in the VFL-AFL will be the guest speakers. Tickets cost $75.

Download the flyer from here for full details

For all of this week, in celebration of the Club's return to our old home ground in close to 30 years, the Fitzroy Football Club website will revisit other favourite Fitzroy moments from our 15 year tenure at the Junction Oval.

Fitzroy avoid relegation.

11.30 am Sunday 11th August 2013

Fitzroy has avoided relegation to Premier C for Season 2014 with Saturday's victory over last season's Premier C Grand Final opponent Parkdale. Instead it will be Parkdale who, together with the Werribee Tigers, that will most likely be making the journey back to Premier C for Season 2014.

Saturday's match was do or die for both teams. A Parkdale win would have seen them advance to within a game of Fitzroy with two rounds to go. And with a superior percentage and a match against bottom team Werribee in the final round, Parkdale would have been in the box seat to leap-frog Fitzroy and possibly push them into the relegation zone. Instead with two rounds to go, Fitzroy's 28 point win has given them a three game break over Parkdale. Parkdale still has a chance to avoid relegation to Premier C, but must heavily defeat Werribee in the last home and away round and hope that eighth placed Caulfield have big losses against Old Haileybury and Ajax.

At the other end of the ladder, the Final Four has almost been decided with Old Trinity, Old Melbournians, Old Brighton and St Kevins occupying the top four places. Fitzroy's opponent this coming week, Ajax still has a slim chance of making the Final Four but only if St Kevins lose both their final two home and away games and Ajax win both of theirs.

Old Carey will be returning to Premier B in 2014, with one of University Blues or Beaumaris joining them. From Premier C, Mazenod are heavy favorites to replace Werribee in Premier B next season with Old Ivanhoe, Monash Blues and Marcellin also staking claims for the other position.

Fitzroy started off the game brightly against the Vultures kicking three goals to Parkdale's five points. The Vultures fought back in the second quarter, adding two goals while restricing the Roys to one goal and the margin to just eight points at the main break. Whatever was said in the sheds at half time worked. The Roys added six goals to three in the third in what proved to be the match-winning quarter. The last was a closely fought affair with each side adding one goal only, but the Roys courtesy of their third quarter effort had done enough to take the points.

Final scores were Fitzroy 11.6.72 defeated Parkdale 6.10.46 by 28 points.

Goal Kickers for Fitzroy were: D. Bisetto 3, D. Patcas 2, W. Pickering 2, M. Kyroussis 2, G. Hesse, J. Dalton
Best Players for Fitzroy were: J. Dalton, D. Bisetto, L. Baker, S. Baker, R. Angiolella, A. Green

The Fitzroy Reserves returned to the winners list scoring a comfortable 55 point win over the Parkdale reserves.

The final score was Fitzroy 17.18.110 defeated Parkdale 5.5.35.

Goal Kickers for Fitzroy: J. McGee 6, T. Hudson-Bevege 3, J. Beech 2, N. Brown, C. Polidoras, A. Franklin, J. Cowan-Clark, D. Kynigopoulos, A. Ley
Best Players for Fitzroy: M. Racovalis, J. Turner, J. McGee, B. Farley, T. Hudson-Bevege, J. Meakin

 

Robert Walls Dinner on 4th September

1.30 pm Monday 5th August 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Historical Society is pleased to announce details of our night to thank and wish Robert Walls “bon voyage” in his next phase of life beyond football, overseas.

The Society wishes to thank you for your previous support in helping to establish our Museum at the Etihad Stadium and you are invited to attend our last function for 2013.

As you would already know Robert was a great player and coach for Fitzroy and a friend, and we have thought it fitting to acknowledge his contribution to the club by having this special evening for him. Robert also coached the Brisbane Bears.

Former Club Players Scott Clayton and Matt Rendell will be in attendance, plus other players.

The Historical Society is back at the Fitzroy Bowling Club for this event.

DATE: Wednesday 4 September

TIME: 5.30pm for dinner. 7.30 the formalities start.

VENUE: Fitzroy Bowling Club, 578 Brunswick St, Nth Fitzroy

COST: $10 member. $20 non member. Pay for your meal/drinks. Meals @ around $15.

Bookings essential. Please contact:

Effie Cook
effiefcook@hotmail.com
0408 147 549 

Louise Maniatakis
louise_maniatakis@live.com.au
0401 047082

 

Banking on a legend

10.30 am Friday 2nd August 2013

Father-sons are an enduring football fascination, a tingling prospect that the next generation could rise above the pressure of comparison and revisit or even outstrip the feats of the old man. To find your team in possession of a progeny of Ablett or Watson proportions is every footy fan's dream.

In 1981, Fitzroy boasted an offspring even more unique.

While questions about their dads have dogged Gary Ablett jnr and Jobe Watson since before they laced a boot, neither will ever know what it was like to be Chris Brent. For a solitary season in 1981, the 18-year-old in the No.10 jumper in Fitzroy's under-19s had a unique reply to the stock query: ''What did your dad do?''

To say your old man kicked more than 1000 goals and was possibly the greatest player of all time was one thing. That he played in the big league when he was just 15, won three flags and finished up playing more than 300 games was hard to top, too.

But only Chris Brent could say his father robbed the Glasgow to London mail train of £2.6 million in cash, lived in hiding in Australia and wound up in Rio de Janeiro as one of the most famous criminals on the planet.

Sterner stuff

Gary Pert was a 15-year-old who within a year would be playing seniors, but in 1981 was in Fitzroy's under-19s squad. Two things have stayed with him about Chris Brent: he was very talented, and even more resilient.

''I watched games when the crowd was quite offensive, the stuff they'd yell out to him, especially at critical times when he was kicking for goal,'' Collingwood's chief executive recalls. ''I remember thinking to myself how difficult that would be every week, going out and getting that sort of abuse, how inappropriate and difficult and offensive it was.''

Brent's hopes of ignoring the stick about his father's part in a heist that took place 50 years ago - August8, 1963 - wasn't helped by proximity - as the team's full-forward, he was right in the firing line.

Yet he was good enough to kick 91 goals for the season, a Lions' under-19s record that placed him second in the competition goalkicking behind another sharp-shooter with a famous name, Melbourne's David Cordner, who kicked 111.

''He was a big, burly full-forward, a real traditional type of player,'' Paul Roos, another soon-to-be famous teammate, remembers of an 185-centimetre, 80-kilogram teenager who had a strong presence on the field. ''He was a very good player from my memory, good, clean hands, a nice kick for goal.''

Tale no Biggs deal

After coming home one August day in 1963, when Brent was about four months old, with a bag of cash holding his share of roughly £120,000, Biggs was eventually caught, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, had a spot of plastic surgery in Paris, a stint in Adelaide (where he was joined by wife Charmian and their children), and had settled into the anonymity of Melbourne's eastern suburbs of the late 1960s when Interpol began to close in. He boarded a passenger liner at Port Melbourne in late 1969, and wound up in Brazil.

A decade later his son was on Fitzroy's radar as a junior, kicking bags of goals in the Doncaster area. Roos recalls playing against him for Beverly Hills in the under-12s. Coincidentally, after Monday night's On The Couch, he regaled Mike Sheahan, Gerard Healy and Alastair Lynch with the story of seeing Dean Dugdale take the ball in the back pocket for Doncaster Heights, run bouncing all the way to the forward line and kick to Brent, who marked and goaled.

While the Swans would soon discover how hard it was to make an impression with the Sydney media, in August 1980 the Sydney Morning Herald ran a story in its sports pages headed ''Lions want Chris Brent''.

Once he arrived at the Junction Oval, Pert says his famous back-story wasn't talked about because it didn't matter. ''It had nothing to do with him. It wasn't important to his teammates - what was important was whether he was a good guy and a good footballer. And I remember he was both.''

Roos remembers being aware of who he was, but says it wasn't something teenagers would have been overly intrigued by. ''You weren't going to go to an encyclopaedia and look up the Great Train Robbery.''

A typical conversation about it, says Roos, would have gone something like, ''That's Ronnie Biggs' son.''

''Who's Ronnie Biggs?''

''The Great Train Robbery.''

''What's the Great Train Robbery?''

Sneaking off early

As a good crime drama should, elements of the story have emerged over time. Doug Searl coached the Lions that season (and to three grand finals either side of it). At a 1982 premiership reunion last year, he was bailed up by an old teammate of Brent's.

''Why did you give him special treatment, let him get off the track early and not have to run laps?'' Searl was asked.

Told that Brent would peel off from the pack and sneak up the race after the first of several mandatory laps at the end of training, the coach was dumbfounded.

''I said, 'Mate, I didn't know he was doing it!' That's how stupid I was. He got away with it, so good on him.''

He remembers Brent kicking 10 one day against Carlton at Princes Park.

''Every now and then you'd get an under-19s player - Stephen James was the same at Richmond, beautiful pair of hands - some days he'd just get it that much, you'd think, 'Jeez, he's had it a lot'. You'd look up and he's kicked 10.''

Mystery ending

Biggs is soon to turn 84 and seeing out his days in an English nursing home, no longer able to speak after suffering multiple strokes. The Great Train Robbery inspired movies, books, songs and theatre; despite his relatively minor role in its execution, it brought him lifelong fame.

While Charmian continues to live in Melbourne, and featured in a follow-up Australian Story on the ABC last Monday night, none of Brent's old teammates, or officials from Fitzroy or his Doncaster Heights junior days contacted by Fairfax Media, know what happened in Brent's football career after 1981.

''I'd expect he would have gone and played some footy, because he was quite talented,'' says Roos.

He adds a line that for many years crossed the minds and lips of police around the world. ''Who knows where he ended up.''

Peter Hanlon - The Age - 21st July 2013

 

Reds Ball - Countries of the World - Saturday 3rd August

10.30 am Sunday 21st July 2013

On the 12th July 1986 the Fitzroy Football Club discovered Kylie!

On this day in 1986 a little known artist by the name of Kylie Minogue who was just a humble actress on Neighbours performed "The Locomotion" at a Fitzroy FC benefit gig with John Waters which paved the way to a rather successful music career.

Fitzroy have discovered a lot of star performers over the years and Kylie is no doubt one of them. In fact she would be up there with some of the club's greatest and most succesful recruits of all time despite never playing a game.

The club has entered discussions with Kylie to see if she will perform for us pre-game at Brunswick Street Oval, The Reds Ball and The Redlow. We should be so lucky.

Even if Kylie can't make it to this year's Red Ball, that's not stopping any other Fitzroy fan turning up to the 2013 Reds Ball on Saturday 3rd August at the San Reo Ball Room in Carlton North. With a theme of "Countries of the World", the possibilities are endless.

To book tickets E-mail Us and we will get you a spot for one of the biggest events on the Fitzroy FC callendar for 2013!

Hurry tickets will sell fast.

 

A ghost of seasons past

10.30 am Sunday 21st July 2013

It was a long time ago. The Australian government of Prime Minister Robert Menzies blocked equal pay for women, and reintroduced national service. Dawn Fraser was named Australian of the Year. Eddie McGuire was born, opened his mouth and made a noise for the very first time. Melbourne fans celebrated winning not just a game, but a premiership. Luther King won the Nobel Peace Prize. Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston to become the world heavyweight boxing champion, and soon became Muhammad Ali. The first Mustang growled off the Ford production line. Goldfinger hit the movie screens, the third of what is now 23 Bond films, and counting. The Rolling Stones released their eponymous first album. The Beatles - kicking with the wind and off to a flyer - filled numbers 1-5 on America's Billboard singles chart, a first for any band or artist. Can't Buy Me Love was No.1.

Meanwhile, at Brunswick Street Oval, Kevin Murray wondered if anything could buy him a win for his beloved Fitzroy. Just one.

History beckons

What happened in the muddy, miserable winter of 1964 - or more precisely, what didn't - has never come to pass in a season of AFL football since. Even in an age where the strugglers were left to fend for themselves without the help of draft picks and bailout packages, only 12 of the competition's 68 previous winters had finished with a team rooted to the bottom without a single win (Hawthorn in 1928 and '50, North Melbourne in 1926, '31 and '34, Melbourne in 1919, the studious but struggling University teams of 1913 and '14, and St Kilda's battlers of 1897-99, and 1902). Which, with seven games to go, puts Greater Western Sydney - played 15, lost 15 - on the brink of history.

The year from hell

Giants coach Kevin Sheedy's 779-game career (251 played, 528 coached) was still three years from beginning; Murray's was in its 10th year. He would finish as one of the great Fitzroy warriors, a footballer good enough to win a Brownlow Medal and a place in the AFL Team of the Century, tough and durable enough to play 333 games (more than 400 counting state honours and two seasons in the WAFL) while battling a chronic back injury.

Now 75, he remembers 1964 being ''extremely hard'' at best, ''shattering'' at worst. Murray says Fitzroy had just lost a raft of stars and stalwarts with around 1000 games between them, picked up some discards from other clubs, and turned out a team each week of committed triers who did all they could to scrape a win. They lost two games by a point, and six of the 18 by less than 20, but couldn't break through. ''It was very sad for the team, everyone tried hard and a couple of times we went close,'' says Murray, who started as captain-coach the previous season, and missed the Lions' only win that year because he was captaining Victoria in Perth (the Lions beat eventual premier Geelong, whose coach Bob Davis was at the helm of the Big V and powerless to influence the result).

He recalls being 10 points ahead of Carlton at Princes Park before being overrun. ''It played on your mind a lot, you'd go back into your shell.'' At the old Western Oval they led Footscray by 31 points at three-quarter time, but nagging at him was Ted Whitten's ploy at the coin toss, which back then wasn't overseen by an umpire. ''I went over with EJ, he flipped it up in the air, I said, 'Heads', and before it hit the ground he said, 'We're kickin' that way,' and walked off.'' The Bulldogs stormed home with the wind to win by eight points. Desperate times called for desperate measures.

Hosting premiership fancy Collingwood one Saturday, Murray told his ruckman Russell Crow that their only hope was if he went out and ''stiffened'' a couple of Magpies. ''They still beat us - Crowy went out and hit the wrong couple of blokes!''

A timely escape

''There was naturally a lot of pressure - as the weeks progress everyone wants your head if you're not winning games,'' Murray recalls, grateful that he had staunch support from chairman of selectors Tony Ongarello. For a 24-year-old captain-coach who only took on the job when Len Smith fell ill because nobody else wanted it, the weekly disappointment might have been his undoing. Instead, it opened a new path, and ensured his legend crossed the country.

Ernie Joseph, a long-time club official, told Murray midway through 1964 he had a reform group that would overthrow the committee and install Bill Stephen as coach, and he could stay on as a player. Murray and Joseph didn't get on, and he signed to play the 1965 season as captain-coach of East Perth. ''I didn't want to leave Fitzroy, but it was a blessing in disguise,'' he said. ''I hated leaving - I'd been with them 10 years, my father had played in the '44 premiership, my two brothers Ron and Dan had played in the thirds and seconds, we'd been part of Fitzroy for years. But when I went to East Perth, even though I'd had success individually before I left Melbourne, I decided my whole life as a footballer was starting again.''

Murray had been told that if you stood at the bar of a WA pub with one suitcase, the bloke next to you would invite you home for tea. ''But if you go there with two suitcases they reckon you're a smartie from the east come to rob them.'' He knew he had to put in. ''And I put in real hard.'' In 1966 he captain-coached the WA state team. ''I'd had some success with East Perth, and those two hard years I had at Fitzroy held me in good stead.''

No sooner had he left Fitzroy, than the Lions finally won a game, avenging that Western Oval heartache against Footscray in round two of 1965. Stephen, who'd played Murray as a 16-year-old in 1955, was coach, and from the other side of the country he was rapt for him. ''I was pleased for him and the players, they wouldn't have wanted to go through the year like we had.'' His own next win in a Fitzroy jumper didn't come until round eight, 1967 - getting on for five years after the previous one, in the second-last game of 1962.

'Attack the ball'

Murray acknowledges the tough job Sheedy has bringing on a start-up team in Sydney's west, but he thinks they're getting closer to the light. ''Hopefully they can win a game, because I'd hate to see them go through a season like myself and my teammates went through in '64, because it was shattering. ''My advice to them is just make sure you're positive about what you're doing, just believe in yourself and keep plodding on, listen to the coaches, attack the ball and it'll turn around for you, believe me.''

His beloved Lions have changed form, but remain as close to his heart as the Brownlow Medal that's draped permanently around his neck. He has seen too many bottom teams cause late-season upsets to consign the Giants of 2013 to the fate of Fitzroy of '64. ''I think GWS can do that before the end of the season - as long as it's not against the Brisbane Lions."

Greg Hanlon - The Age
Picture: Ian Currie Herald Sun

Postscript: Fitzroy in 2013 is also a long way from their poor 1964 season, yesterday notching their fourth win for the season against sixth placed Old Haileybury. This week they play bottom of the ladder Werribee and a win here will likely put some breathing space between them and ninth placed Parkdale, only a game (and with better percentage) behind them.

First Historical Society dinner to honor Bill Stephen

8.30 pm Monday 3rd July 2013

The Historical Society are pleased to announce details of its first annual Museum Dinner, which will pay tribute to one of the true gentlemen of the game who gave outstanding service and dedication to Fitzroy – Bill Stephen.

Bill commenced his career with the Club in 1947, playing 162 senior games alongside no less than 92 senior teammates. He later enjoyed a number of successful coaching stints with Fitzroy, which spanned more than two decades and saw him shape the VFL careers of 147 senior players and countless other reserve-grade footballers.

The evening will include entertaining interviews with not only the great man himself, but also many of his former teammates and pupils. Among the main topics of discussion will be some of his greatest highlights – including the Royal Game played before Her Majesty the Queen in 1970, Fitzroy’s record-breaking match against Melbourne, and the 1979 Finals Series.

Former Fitzroy President Leon Wiegard will host the event, on Wednesday 31st July, which will also feature a range of rare and exclusive memorabilia items available for auction and as raffle prizes.

Tickets are $65 per person and includes a three course meal, as well as tea and coffee (drinks at bar prices).

Special Pre-function Tickets
A limited number of pre-function tickets are available for $115 per person, and include pre-dinner drinks with the past players in attendance, a complimentary photograph with guest of honour Bill Stephen, and priority seating inside the function room.

This will be a great night for all Fitzroy members and supporters, so get along to the Veneto Club on Wednesday 31st July.

Details:
Date: Wednesday 31 July 2013 
Venue: Veneto Club, Bulleen Road, Bulleen
Time: 7pm

DOWNLOAD BOOKING FORM.

Please contact Museum Committee members Arthur Wilson (03 9432 6213) or Bob Forrest (03 9801 1596) for further information.

Fitzroy Major Raffle drawn!

7.00 pm Monday 17th June 2013

Thank you everyone who sold and bought tickets in the Club’s first major raffle.

It was a great success and we’ll update soon the money raised from the ticket sales.

Last night, Saturday 15 June, the draw was conducted at the Fitzroy Community Rooms and the lucky winners are:

First prize – Arthur Hobson, ticket number 2620

Second prize – Paul Diacogiorgis, ticket number 1509.

Third prize – Peter McNally, ticket number 2697

Fourth prize - Stewart Murrihy, ticket number 948

The Club would like to also extend its thanks to the sponsors of the raffle who are:

• CTS Travel Services, Altona who donated first prize, a 7 day holiday to the Gold Coast for 2 (includes airfares and accommodation), valued at $2,500
• Channel Nine Footy Show who provided second prize, a table for 10 people at the Channel Nine Footy Show in 2013 valued at $1,000
• Brisbane Lions who donated third prize, 2 tickets to the 2013 Toyota AFL Grand Final Series valued at $1,100 (Code OSAFL 13/16)
• The Fitzroy Shop, who donated fourth prize, a voucher for the Fitzroy Football Club Shop valued at $350
• Moonlight Receptions who sponsored the printing of raffle tickets. Moonlight Receptions can be found at 622 Nicholson Street, North Fitzroy

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this raffle such a great success.

Vale Norm Johnstone (1927-2013)

6.00 pm Saturday 7th June 2013

The Fitzroy Football Club mourns the passing of Club great Norm Johnstone, who sadly passed away early on Friday morning (7th June) aged 86.

Johnstone was a rugged and reliable ruckman who was also a noted goal-kicker on occasions when he would venture forward.

He played a total of 228 games and kicked 185 goals in 14 seasons with Fitzroy from 1944-57, predominantly in the Number 17 guernsey. Johnstone played in four finals and was awarded 39 Brownlow Medal votes.

Despite being built like a tank, he could move quickly over the ground and never shirked the issue. His forceful style of play was known to spread many packs during his day.

Johnstone played his early football for Cheslea under 17's receiving several offers from other VFL clubs, most notably Carlton, before Fitzroy secretary Percy Mitchell persuaded both Johnstone and his mother to don the maroon and blue guernsey of Fitzroy.

Johnstone made his senior debut for Fitzroy in their 123 point win over Geelong in Round 11 of Fitzroy's premiership year, 1944. He was described on his selection in the Argus as "the young Chelsea giant."

Johnstone's large build, standing 183 centimetes tall and weighing 92 kilograms and run straight at the ball approach gave him a reputation for toughness and a nickname of "The Tank." He was reported for striking three times in his career in 1946, 1947 and 1954, but was cleared each time.

"I went in to get the ball and if anyone was in my way it was their bad luck. I was pretty fast and not so much a big man, but a solid man. I didn't worry about anyone; I just went for the ball. If you got in my way, over you went." he said in an interview in 2001.

Even Richmond Legend 'Captain Blood' Jack Dyer recognised Johnstone as one of the toughest players of his era, saying that he enjoyed hurting the opposition.

He was notorious for arriving late for the coach’s address, but was a great team man and was Vice-Captain of Fitzroy in 1950, 1951 as well as 1954 to 1957.

Norm Johnstone was also renowned for being one of the few players that kept famed Essendon goalkicker John Coleman goalless when moved onto him after he had kicked a bagful on Tommy Meehan! That contest made headlines in that Saturday night's Sporting Globe.

He won Fitzroy’s Best and Fairest in 1947, having missed only one of Fitzroy's 22 games and represented Victoria in two games in 1948. He won the Club’s goal-kicking in 1955 with 32 goals, his three goals against Carlton in Round 14 bringing up his 150th career goal. "I used to change from the ruck into the forward pocket. The ball would come down and I was a pretty good kick and I would always kick two or three a week."

He played his 200th game in the 19 point win over South Melbourne at Brunswick Street in Round 3 of 1956. An indication of Johnstone's longevity is that he played with Dan Murray early in his career and played with his son Kevin Murray late in his career.

He kicked two goals in his last senior game for Fitzroy in Round 18 of 1957 in the 24 point win over Geelong at Brunswick Street. Upon retirement he coached Seaford for two years. His three sons all played football, with son Jim enjoying success with Mordialloc in the VFA. His grandson Travis Johnstone was the number one draft pick for Melbourne at the end of 1997 and later transferred to the Brisbane Lions.

Johnstone was named in the forward pocket in Fitzroy's Greatest Team from 1944 to 1993. In 2001, he was further honoured by being named in Fitzroy’s Team of the Century.

Fitzroy Football Club to this day play for the Norm Johnstone Trophy against the Parkdale Vultures in the VAFA. Last weekend, Fitzroy reclaimed the Trophy when the Seniors defeated the Parkdale Vultures by 3 points at Norm's old stomping ground, the Brunswick Street Oval. The Trophy now takes on special significance for Norm's beloved Fitzroy.

The Fitzroy Football Club extends its deepest condolences to the entire Johnstone family.

A Word from the Coach.

4.45 pm Friday 6th June 2013

It has been an exciting but challenging start to life in Premier B for Fitzroy Football Club! While the Senior and Clubbies teams have had it tough early in the season, the Reserves, Thirds and Under 19’s teams have acquitted themselves very well and are currently all sitting in the top four.
 
The Senior team has a disappointing 1-6 win-loss record to date, but have certainly played some very good football at different times and were finally rewarded on Saturday with a hard fought victory down at Werribee. The early part of the season has demonstrated the high levels of intensity and skill required to be consistently competitive in Premier B and while injuries have not helped us, with a number of our senior team missing some or all games, the playing/coaching group are working very hard to bring to games the required intensity and game style that will bring us further success on top of Saturday’s win.
 
One highlight of the season has been the opportunity to provide a number of Under 19 players with the chance to experience senior football in Premier B. Luke Baker, Dylan Leech and Jacob McCormack have all shown they have much to offer at this level with more of our youngest players to be played in our Seniors as the season progresses.
 
This week’s game versus Parkdale sees a renewal of the strong rivalry that emerged between the clubs last season. Parkdale has also struggled with the transition to Premier B so the game takes on extra significance in light of our close positions on the ladder and also provides an opportunity for us to reverse the result of last year’s grand final.
 
The next month sees us play Parkdale, Old Melburnians and Caulfield Grammarians at home and Old Brighton down at Brighton Beach – all very winnable games and an opportunity to strengthen our ladder position before a difficult home stretch of mostly away games in our fight to finish as high as possible in Premier B in 2013.
 
On behalf of the players and coaches, I want to thank all our loyal members, friends and family whose continued support of the club is always warmly appreciated.
 
Go Roys.
Michael Pickering – Senior Coach.

 

Seniors win second game of season by seven points.

4.45 pm Saturday 1st June 2013

The Fitzroy seniors have acheived their second win of the season following on from last week's solid win over Werribee.

Parkdale who were their conquerors in last year's Premier C Grand Final made a good start in the first quarter of their clash this afternoon leading by 22 points at the first break. However in the second quarter Fitzroy fought back kicking 5 goals to Parkdale's three to close the gap to 13 points. The third quarter was a dour affair with Fitzroy managing to add two goals to Parkdale's one to further close the gap to three points. In the final quarter Fitzroy peppered the goals without a large reward but kicking two major to Parkdale's one was enough to hold on for a great seven point win.

Final scores were Fitzroy 10.12.72 defeated Parkdale 10.5.65 by 3 points.

The win means that Fitzroy stay in touch with the seventh and eighth placed sides with a good chance of climbing out of the relegation zone by season's end. The bottom two sides in Premier B will be relegated to Premier C for the 2014 season.

The Fitzroy Reserves have continued on their winning way scoring a comfortable 51 point win over last season's Grand Final opponents Parkdale Vulture reserves on a soggy Brunswick Street Oval.

The final score in the reserves was Fitzroy 10.13.74 defeated Parkdale 3.4.22.

 

Fitzroy's 1989 Reserves premiership team re-unite

11.00 am Tuesday 14th May 2013

The Fitzroy-Brisbane Lions Historical Society in Melbourne recently wound the clock back 24 years ago to reunite the players, coaches and officials who were part of Fitzroy’s 1989 reserves premiership.

It remains the last premiership of any type that our club won prior to the club's exit from the AFL, and is remembered fondly by the old ‘Roys faithful.

The match was played at the MCG as the curtain-raiser to the VFL senior Grand Final between Hawthorn and Geelong, which many still consider to be the best ever. But for Lions fans, it was their own team’s stunning come-from-behind win in the earlier match – coincidentally against the Cats’ reserves – that will forever be associated with that particular day. Fitzroy made their way through to the reserves Grand Final against all odds by defeating the more high-fancied Essendon and Carlton reserves sides.

Their dream run looked to have come to an end midway through the third quarter, with Geelong holding a comfortable seven-goal lead, before a brutal melee erupted. The incident ultimately helped kick-start the Lions who went on to record a remarkable two-point victory. The match would also serve as the last hurrah for some of the Club’s all-time greats – including Michael Conlan, Leon Harris and Ross Thornton – who decided to hang up the boots at the end of the 1989 season. Around 150 Historical Society members and guests joined Conlan, Thornton, Harris, Mark Scott, Chris Waterson, Graham Osborne and many others at Etihad Stadium last Thursday night to take a trip down memory lane. Please find below some of the stories from Fitzroy’s reserves premiership – as they were remembered 24 years later:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROBERT SHAW (COACH) On what triggered the turnaround after half-time “Two words – Robert Bolzon. Geelong had two very good players. Darren Morgan, who had kicked five goals in the first half, and he failed to see out the game. And they also had a very good first rover called Gary Cameron, and he failed to salute the judges at the end of game too. One was courtesy of Robbie Bolzon, and the other courtesy of Darren Wheildon. So Geelong were forced to play two short, and we caught them. But seriously, I remember Graham Osborne did some inspirational stuff in the centre of the ground, including a long, long goal just before three quarter time which brought us back to within 30 points. Back in those days 30 points was insurmountable, whereas nowadays you can cruise past it. I guess the old blokes took over then, guys like Leon (Harris), Michael (Conlan) and Ross (Thornton). They really took over.” On the crowd at the MCG “The game was played on a very special day, because it was when Gary Ablett kicked nine goals against Hawthorn, which still goes down as one of the great Grand Finals. And from about halfway through the third quarter and the last quarter, we got to play in front of around 100,000 people.”

CHRIS WATERSON On playing at the MCG “I think we played four finals in a row at Waverley, from memory. It was a lot of hard work to get there. Of course, when you’re 19 you’re used to going to the MCG to watch a Grand Final – you don’t ever expect to go there and play in one. It was a great experience. I remember thinking halfway through the first quarter that we probably weren’t going to win, but that it was still a great experience. And then, all of sudden, it just happened...”

MICHAEL CONLAN On whether he was involved in the third quarter melee “Certainly not. At that stage of my career, being 31 years of age, I was well beyond that. When it did start to happen, I admit that I started to feel sorry for the guys getting hit. Our players did become quite aggressive, and it certainly changed the game. I cringed a little bit at some of the punches that were thrown, and it sent a shock through Geelong. It certainly sparked a bit of enthusiasm for the rest of our players, and then fortunately we went on and played football.”

MARK SCOTT On how Fitzroy qualified for the Grand Final “I think we played Bulldogs in Round 22, and really had to win it to get in (the Finals). For the first final, we had about six senior guys come into the side, and I don’t know about the rest of the guys, but there was a bit of a feeling that it could have been our last game. Then we beat Essendon in a pretty rough sort of game that we weren’t supposed to win. They had some really good players, so it was a really tough game. I remember going to training the next week and there was a different attitude. It was almost like ‘we weren’t finished just yet’. It was brilliant.”

Don’t miss the Historical Society’s annual dinner on Wednesday 31 July at the Veneto Club in Bulleen, when they honour Fitzroy great Bill Stephen.

You can become a member of the Historical Society for just $20, which goes towards helping preserve the wonderful Museum located at Etihad Stadium.

Tatura RSL to auction Kevin Murray signed jumper

9.00 am Saturday 27th April 2013

The Tatura RSL will be auctioning a Kevin Murray signed heritage Fitzroy jumper.

This one off “expression of interest” for an AFL football jumper signed by Mr Kevin Murray, 9 times Best and Fairest for Fitzroy Football Club, Brownlow Medalist, AFL Hall of Fame and AFL legend is kindly donated by Kevin to assist the Tatura RSL in its project to erect a statue in Honour of Private Robert Mactier V.C. and to improve the War Memorial.

The “expression of interest” is open now and closes at 5pm on Sunday the 30th of June 2013, there is a reserve on this one off edition.

The framed jumper measures 110cms high by 80cms wide.

Please send by email to emla53@mcmedia.com.au or by post to:

Tatura RSL
c/o P.O. Box 427
Tatura 3616 Victoria

with your full contact details and bid amount.

For more information 0418 393 525 or the above email address.

As this is a Not for Profit Project only those who are genuine need bid.

Reserves go down by three points as seniors struggle.

10.00 pm Tuesday April 23rd 2013

An inaccurate Fitzroy reserves team have suffered a heart-breaking three point loss in their reserves game against Old Trinity in Round 2 of Premier B.

Meanwhile in the seniors, Fitzroy failed to score against Old Trinity in the first quarter and at half time remain goalless. The third quarter saw a a much more competitive effort as both Fitzroy and Old Trinity kicked three goals. The highlight for Roys supporters at the ground was a fantastic mark by Luke Ablett. At three quarter time Old Trinity have scored 11.13.79 to Fitzroy's 3.6.24 to lead by 55 points. The final score was 5-9-39 to Old Trinity 14-19-103. Best for the day were Mat Kyroussis, Luke Ablett, Daniel Bisetto, Jack Dalton, Tom Cheshire and Luke Baker who was playing his first Senior game – Luke is a member of the Under 19s.

The Reserves took Old Trinity at Brunswick Street Oval after the unfurling of the 2012 premiership flag. The first half of the game was a close one with the scores at the main break Fitzroy 5-10-40 to Old Trinity 7-6-48. In the third quarter Old Trinity were kept scoreless whilst Fitzroy put on 20 points (3-2). The last quarter was a changing one and with inaccuracy again a problem for Fitzroy in front of goal with the final scores Fitzroy 8-17-65 to Old Trinity 10-8-68. Goal Kickers were Chris Doherty and Chris Polidoras with 2 each and 1 each to Antony Harbor, Dan Morgan, James McGee and Max Oliver. The best were Chris Doherty, Cheyne Evans, Mike Lee, Cameron Ball, Chris Polidoras and Antony Harbor. This Saturday the Reserves will take on Old Brighton at Brunswick Street Oval at 11.40am.

The Thirds unfurled their premiership flag at Ramsden Street Reservel before their game against Old Trinity. The first quarter was even and Fitzroy took the lead in the second quarter with the score at half time Fitzroy 5-3-33 to Old Trinity 2-2-14. The boys came out after the main break and didn’t look back, putting on another 7 goals, finishing the game Fitzroy 12-9-81 to Old Trinity 5-7-37. Goal kickers were Philip Carydis, Luke Novello, J. Murray and Bryce McAdam all kicking 2 each, and 1 each to Adam Franklin, Sam Buckle, Stephen Pang and Harry Kemp. This week the Thirds take on Old Brighton, Bright Beach Oval at 11.40am.

The U19s travelled down the Nepean Highway to take on Parkdale Vultures. Fitzroy had a great start kicking 4 goals to none in the first quarter with Parkdale fighting back in the second quarter to bring the half time score Fitzroy 6-3-39 to Parkdale 5-5-35. Unfortunately Parkdale kept on the roll adding 7 goals in the last half to our 3, bringing the final score to Fitzroy 9-9-63 to Parkdale 13-11-89. The goal kickers were Dylan Leech leading the way with 4, Angelo Garcia 2 and 1 each to Jacob Fraser, Jules Meltzer and Otto Ishak. Best players were Edward Bryan, Dylan Leech, Jacob McCormack, Joe Hill, Josh Sawyer and Nick Gibbons. This week they take on Old Carey, Carey Sporting Complex at 2pm.

The Club XVIII took on De La Salle in the 2pm game at Ramsden Street Reserve. De La Salle started out strong in the first quarter and didn’t look back. The final score was Fitzroy 1-5-11 to De La Salle 22-17-149. The only goal kicker was Sean Zurek and the best players were Sean Zurek, Stephen Smit, Chris Fergin, Rod Harmeston, Elias Barnes and Nathan White. This coming Saturday they take on Oakleigh back home at Ramsden Street Reserve, 2pm.

Fitzroy seniors lose but Reserves notch up win

4.50 pm Saturday April 13th 2013

Fitzroy's reserves have got the club off on a winning note as they have defeated the Ajax Reserves by 22 points, in overcast conditions. However Fitzroy's seniors have suffered a significant defeat losing by 93 points to Ajax. Final scores were Fitzroy 4.11.35 to Ajax 18.20.128.

With co-captain Rory Angiolella and last season's Best and Fairest winner Josh Vanisstart missing from the senior line up, the task of winning was always going to be more difficult. After a solid start in the first quarter where the Roys were competitive and only trailing by 14 points, the second quarter was a different story. Ajax piled on 6 goals to a solitary point in the second quarter to lead by over 50 points. Matt Kyroussis was Fitzroy's only goak-kicker in the first half.

Fitzroy were much more competitive in the third quarter kicking three goals to Ajax's four and with more accurate kicking could have kicked another couple of goals. Against the wind in the last quarter, Ajax peppered the goals kicking 4.9 in the last quarter while Fitzroy could only manage three points, going down by a margin of 93 points.

The announced senior team boasts seven new faces from last season's Grand Final team with Max Allen, Alister Green, Michael Racovalis, Daniel Bisetto, Greg Hesse, Alex Ricco and Cailean Moore coming into the side. Sam Baker is captaining today's team by himself as co-captain Rory Angiolella is out for this week.

A new year, a new season and a new grade it seems like just the other day that we were at Sandringham watching two out of three of our senior teams take home premierships.

After a hard summer of pre-season training and a good series of practice games the boys are revved up and ready to go for season 2013.

With the club's promotion to the Premier B level, the highest level Fitzroy, Fitzroy Reds & University Reds have ever been in, means new challenges; new teams and a few old rivalries with other clubs from years gone by will be renewed. The season will be challenging but the players and coaches are up for the challenge ahead.

Don't forget also that the Under 19s vs. Uni Blacks - BSO - 2pm and the Clubbies vs. Old Geelong - Como Park, South Yarra, 2pm

On Sunday 14 April the Thirds vs. AJAX - Gary Smorgon Oval, Albert Park at 2pm

Ins & Outs for 2013

Outs
Scott Cations has hung up his boots and we've seen some players from across all teams move onto other clubs. James O'Reilly had indicated that he was hanging up the boots, but he's looking at running around a few more times this year.

Ins
Daniel Bisetto who has recently been playing with West Preston Lakeside Football Club in the Northern Football League. Daniel is also a former Calder Cannon, played for Fitzroy’s U19s in 2009 and has also played with the Coburg Tigers in the VFL.
Alex Ricco, former Northern Knights player joins us from Northcote Park in the Northern Football League.
Alister Green is joining us from Toora & District Football Club in the Alberton Football Netball League.

Sneak peak at a hip boutique - The Brunswick St. Oval

10.00 pm Friday March 29th 2013

If we're not mistaken, AFL impresario Andrew Demetriou this week admitted that those daggy old suburban stadiums that modern football outgrew might not be such a bad option when it comes to games in Melbourne that are now attended by two men, a dog and a John Denver impersonator humming Tumbling Tumbleweeds. The ground formerly known as Princes Park was floated as an option, along with Punt Road Oval, which last hosted VFL/AFL football in 1964.

Surely, an obvious choice has been missed, although not by some in that inner-suburban hipster belt north of the Yarra, aka Fitzroy.

''Certainly, the door would be open,'' Peter Hille said of a return of top-flight football to Brunswick Street Oval, where he watched a famous old team called Fitzroy play from 1954 until its last game at the ground 12 years later. Hille was the driving force behind University Reds moving to Brunswick Street in 1991, and oversaw their morph into Fitzroy Reds before the 2008 merger with the old Fitzroy Football Club created a new team called, well, Fitzroy.

He has a glorious vision of Brunswick Street as the ultimate boutique stadium. Advertisement What's more, he's full of the sort of ingenuity that sloshes around in the AFL's marketing department, and can see the amateurs getting right behind the concept of VAFA-AFL double-headers. ''Yes, we could certainly have an AFL game as a curtain-raiser to a Fitzroy game.''

ALL THIS, AND LAWN BOWLS TOO!

Templates abound for transforming parks into stadiums in the name of sporting fun and games. At Greenwich last July, 23,000 temporary seats were built around an enormous trucked-in sandpit so posh people could watch other posh people prance around on - and fall off - horses in the equestrian at the London Olympics. The planets have aligned for a similar venture right in the heart of Fitzroy.

Instead of pulling down all of those temporary grandstands at Albert Park and shoving them in storage for the winter, why not truck them across town? Granted, a mountain of scaffolding just outside their front doors isn't exactly the peaceful vista the residents of Freeman Street are accustomed to, but Hille is certain the locals and their footy club buck the trend of blind self-interest when it comes to football.

''You'd easily get 200 in the old grandstand,'' he says of Brunswick Street's infrastructure. ''There's a few plane trees, but we'd work around that without demolishing any of them. You could rig something up over the bowls club, which would give you both a view of the ground, or if you're not that interested there's a fabulous view of the city.''

His imagination suitably limbered up, he can see a Headingley-like, double-sided grandstand offering views to the rear of the Fitzroy Bowls Club. A string of temporaries would line Freeman Street from the cricket nets to the heritage-listed members' entrance and ticket box, with more seating springing up next to the tennis courts. A weekly rush would be on to get one of the prized standing room spots behind the Brunswick Street end goals, although some protective netting would be required, ''because you don't want the ball landing in the No.112 tram and ending up in Preston''.

FITZROY WITH THE LOT

Selling the merits of Brunswick Street Oval is not something Hille has to be bulldozed into. ''We've got magnificent access to coffee and food - the culinary choices would be unmatched,'' he said, picturing trendy food trucks dotting the paths of Edinburgh Gardens. A Geelong-like deal on pourage and catering would, inevitably, be a modern reality of the ''business'' of football, ''because it costs a hell of a lot to run a club in the amateurs''. The neighbourhood's colourful arts community, a regular feature at Fitzroy games, would be an added attraction. ''I'm thinking buskers, torch dancers, the laughter of families through the trees of the gardens, barefoot bowls at half-time …''

Fitzroy president Joan Eddy is a diehard North Melbourne fan, so the Kangaroos would be most welcome visitors. And, with a Swans premiership player in Luke Ablett running around in Fitzroy colours, an appearance from the reigning premier would be a must. ''Luke would be thrilled with that reconnection, I'm sure.''

Really getting into the swing of the idea, Hille says Fitzroy would be happy to honour the best player on the ground just as the best Roy Boy of the week is rewarded - with a voucher from Little Tony's Pizza.

The image of Jonathan Brown strolling into Little Tony's, footy bag over his shoulder, to collect his large capricciosa almost moves Hille to tears.

THE PRIMARY REASON

Incredibly, the timing of a return to Brunswick Street could not be better. In its 70 years as a VFL venue, the ground played host to 616 games. Entering its 14th season, Etihad Stadium has hosted 615 games. Saturday's Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions clash simply has to be moved. In Ablett, Fitzroy has a man ''on the inside'', with the former Swan now working in the AFL's integrity department.

If Demetriou looms as a stumbling block, Hille has that covered too. ''I was his first coach,'' he says, recalling his tenure at the helm of the Coburg North Primary School footy team. ''I see him from time to time, and he's a very loyal sort of fellow.'' For the sake of old - and new - Fitzroy, it's time for Hille to remind the boss that, if he hadn't given him a game with the big boys when he was only in grade four, he'd be nowhere.

Peter Hanlon - The Age - 27th March 2013

Fitzroy needs you!

10.00 pm Wednesday March 20th 2013

We need you! As the season starts to gear up for Round 1 on Saturday 13 April, we need your help. We've been recruiting the players and now we need to recruit a team of volunteers to ensure we get all the teams out on the field each week. There is a wide range of jobs, some only for home games, some just away and some both! We also need a field umpire for our home Club XVIII games.

The VAFA provides one umpire and the home club provides the other. This is a great job for someone who loves their football, likes to keep fit or a player who still wants to be involved but the body isn't up to the bumps anymore! Training is provided. Last year we had to use players to fill this role which would mean they missed out on playing. Click here to see all the roles we need to fill.

Contact Sharon Torney, Football Operations Director shaztorn@dodo.com.au or 0415 420 487 for more information or to sign up for one of the roles.

Download the list of positions that are available from here.

The last round of last round of practice matches will be against Uni Blacks TODAY on Saturday 6 April where we will be playing for The Clyde Cup. The Clyde Hotel in Carlton sponsors both clubs and we all thought this would add a little fun to the day – big thanks to The Clyde for their generous, long time and ongoing support. Again, three matches U19s, Reserves and Seniors. There may be Thirds and Clubbies games as well on this day.

Fitzroy jumpers - on sale at the Fitzroy Shop

1.00 pm Friday January 25th 2013

The 1996 Club Jumper along with the 1957 Heritage jumper are on sale at the Fitzroy Shop together with our new 2013 VAFA Premier B clash jumper.

Fitzroy's pre-season jumpers, including our new 2013 VAFA Premier B clash jumper are also available.

They can be purchased at the Fitzroy Shop in Mordialloc, via phone order by calling 03 9580 6464 during business hours, or on senior match days at Brunswick Street Oval, or by the online order form via our website here.

We also have new stock of our very popular training singlets.

Whilst the Shop does not open for retail business until Sunday the 7th April, Mail Orders are being processed over the Summer break.

The jumpers are just $110 each for long sleeved jumpers and $105 for sleeveless jumpers and are in stock now. They are the traditional knitted with collar jumper, as pictured above with Jimmy and Luke.

And don't forget Fitzroy guernseys are the fashion item that never goes out of style!

Not only are they seen on football grounds in Melbourne every Saturday during winter (as worn by current Fitzroy players, Jim O'Reilly and Luke Ablett pictured above), they are also seen in other football settings as far away as Brisbane and Perth.

It's even rumoured that the Queen has a Fitzroy jumper stored away somewhere in Buckingham Palace ever since she, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Anne witnessed an VFL match between Fitzroy and Richmond on Sunday 5th April 1970, (the first ever VFL game on a Sunday and the only one to be played in front of a reigning monarch.)

And why wouldn't she? It's no accident that the colours of the royal standard match the red blue and gold colours of Fitzroy. On that memorable day in one of the best football matches seen for decades, in terms of the technical skills displayed by both teams, Fitzroy went on to defeat the more fancied Richmond 16.20 (116) to 14.12 (96).

Fitzroy jumpers can also be seen all over the world. They've been seen at this year's the Tour de France (above) and along the Great Wall of China, so they make a great travel accessory as well

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2013 Fitzroy Memberships now available

10.00 am Friday 6th January 2013

Have you renewed your Fitzroy membership for 2013 yet?

We need your support as we go into Premier B this coming season, which kicks off on Saturday April 13th.

Admission to our games may be free, but your membership pays a vital role in keeping Fitzroy kicking.

The 2013 fixture for Seniors and Reserves will feature some highlights such as a Grand Final re-match against Parkdale Vultures and the return of Fitzroy to the Junction Oval to play VAFA stalwart club Old Melbournians.

Best of all, every game is on a Saturday afternoon and no interstate trips!

All members will receive a 2013 Membership Card and of course, the RedRoy Mail during season 2013. Gold Lion members will receive a Fitzroy Lion pin and a cap.

FITZROY 2013 MEMBERSHIP PRICES:

- Ordinary Membership - $40
- Family Membership - $55
- Gold Lion Membership - $170
- Concessional Membership - $30 (Available to holders of aged/widow pensions, Unemployed, Students, Under 18’s)

You can also make an additional donation to the Club. All Membership prices include GST.

A 2013 membership form for the Fitzroy Football Club can be downloaded from here or by clicking on the Fitzroy 2013 membership logo to the right.

We hope all of our members and supporters will get on board for what is bound to be an exciting 2013 season as Fitzroy makes its first foray into Premier B. With coach Michael Pickering at the helm of our rapidly improving senior list, our 130 year old Club will be looking to play finals in 2013 and advance into Premier A for the 2014 season.

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Good early draw for Fitzroy in 2013

10.00 am Saturday 1st December 2012

Fitzroy will open its 2013 campaign against AJAX on Saturday 13th April in Premier B at Ajax's home ground, the Gary Smorgon Oval at Albert Park.

The following week in Round 2 on Saturday 20th April, Fitzroy will host its first home game when they take on Old Trinity at the Brunswick Streeet Oval.

Four home games in the first six rounds is nonetheless a pleasant welcome to Premier B. Fitzroy will face both relegated teams from Premier A with a trip to Caulfield Grammarians in Round 4 followed by a visit from St Kevin's. Home games against Old Trinity, Old Brighton and Old Haileybury should allow for a positive start.

The Premier C Grand Final rematch will not be until Round 8 when the Roys will host the Parkdale Vultures.

The VAFA Football Operations department that this is a draft fixture only and the fixture is still subject to change. The complete 2013 fixture will be available after the VAFA's AGM next Monday 3rd December.

Round 4 on Sunday April 21st provides the first opportunity for not only Fitzroy's Brisbane Lions fans to see both Fitzroy and the AFL Lions to play in Melbourne at seperate times, but also the opportunity for Brisbane Lions fans, especially those from interstate, to experience a Fitzroy game at the Club's traditional home ground. The Club invites all Brisbane Lions fans to come and see Fitzroy play Old Trinity on Saturday afternoon at the famous and historic Brunswick Street Oval before fronting up again on Sunday Apri 21st at 4.40 pm to watch the Lions take on North Melbourne in the AFL at Etihad Stadium.

The full senior and reserves fixture can be downloaded from here.

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Fitzroy kicks a visitor's goal for Melbourne

 

The 129-year old Fitzroy Football Club has stepped into Melbourne’s tourism infrastructure by inviting visitors to join the club on match days to experience the culture of an inner suburban Aussie Rules football club.

After shopping or just grazing along Brunswick Street in Fitzroy (Melbourne’s first suburb), the club is encouraging tourists to walk a few minutes - or catch a passing tram - to nearby Brunswick Street Oval, the club’s home ground.

The club is offering exposure to “real grass-roots suburban footy”, a Melbourne cultural experience, on the city’s doorstep, and an alternative to the AFL’s games at the MCG and Etihad Stadium.

Fitzroy is briefing hotel concierges and backpacker hostels about the free exposure (there is no admittance fee) to another side of Melbourne’s eclectic visitor experience.

“We may pick up some new interstate and international memberships and we may generate some funds, but really it’s about the club being an advocate to how Melburnians love their footy at a local level,” said a representative from the club.

The ground’s setting is part of the experience …a grand heritage grandstand on one side, grassy banks with gold and orange plane trees wrapped around a large oval which is overlooked by two-storey Victorian terrace houses on two sides and the city skyline in the background, a reminder of the ground’s close proximity to the metropolis of Melbourne.

“Visitors can mingle with several hundred supporters who will gladly explain the rules of the game and talk of the proud and colourful history of the club,”

In Season 2013 Fitzroy Football Club will be playing in the Premier B Division of the Victorian Amateur Football Association.