The Most Faithful of Fans – By Some Distance

By Stephen Moynihan
September 21, 2003

As the Lions and Swans did battle in Sydney last night, more than 1000 kilometres away two Melbourne pubs were full to bursting point with the faithful remnants of the South Melbourne Swans and the Fitzroy Lions football clubs.

These fans have had to come to terms with their teams’ relocation interstate, but the faithful have not lost their Melbourne connection.

Fitzroy back on the MCG

The Victorian Lions Supporters Group welcomes the decision made by the AFL to allow the Fitzroy Reds to play on the MCG in the curtain raiser for the Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood Round 19 clash on Saturday August 19th.

The process of getting to the stage where a D grade Amateur side from the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) playing on the MCG has been a long one. At the end of September AFL Football Operations Manager explained that “we may be asking all our clubs to wear their original guernseys and strips as was done in the 1997 Centenary Year. If that was the case, you might see Brisbane wearing the Fitzroy jumper in that round,”

While the idea of Brisbane wearing Fitzroy jumpers in the seniors is, at the time of writing still on hold, the Fitzroy Reds, who do wear the old Fitzroy jumper approached Collingwood FC, the Brisbane Lions and AFL to seek permission to play a curtain raiser match before the Collingwood v Brisbane Lions match round 19, Saturday 9 August at the MCG. All entities have given their approval to that curtain-raiser taking place. The VAFA board last night (5th May) approved the match taking place at the MCG in that particular round.

The Reds play in a Fitzroy jumper and would be playing against West Brunswick who play in a Collingwood jumper. As Round 19 has been designated by the AFL as a foundation round asking all clubs to wear jumpers from a past era, the Reds match would give Collingwood and Lions fans an opportunity to see the return of a curtain raiser match as in the tradition of watching the Reserves.

The Victorian Lions Supporters Group was asked to throw their support behind the venture and after several discussions with the VLSG Executive, several letters from the VLSG were sent off to all three entities, as well as the VAFA board, supporting the idea and urging its implementation.

The VLSG made several important points in its’ letters of support. The Executive Commitee believed that it was a fantastic opportunity, especially for the Lions fans, to see the FFC jumper once again on the MCG, whether or not the Brisbane Lions themselves wear a Fitzroy jumper for that same match. It is also an opportunity to for the VAFA and the Fitzroy Reds to become known to thousands of football followers who might not otherwise know that the competition or the club even existed. Most importantly this is yet another example of the Brisbane Lions re-inforcing the links with the Fitzroy Football Club and the traditions and heritage for which the old club represents.

The VLSG now is anticipating a decision by the Brisbane Lions whether or not to wear the Fitzroy jumper in Round 19.

Protest over TV coverage

VLSG President Sharon Torney said the VLSG found it extremely puzzling that in Round one of the Wizard Cup saw the Adelaide v Port Adelaide match broadcast free to air in place of the Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans match at Stadium Australia which appeared only on Pay TV.

“Why did Channel 10 broadcast a game between two South Australian clubs instead of a game between two clubs that have very strong supporter bases in all three eastern mainland states?”

“Not only that, but the Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong match also did not find it’s way to free to air TV in the eastern states. Channel 9 showed live the Melbourne v Kangaroos match Saturday at 6:30pm followed by their cricket World Cup obligations, which meant the Lions match was not shown free to air. What stopped Channel 10 broadcasting live the Brisbane Lions v Geelong game out of Cairns at 8:30 instead of it being on Foxtel?”

The VLSG has yet again reminded the AFL and the TV Consortium that Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans are exceptions to the general state of the non-Victorian clubs. They both have a very strong supporter base in two states. Interest in this match amongst the many former Fitzroy and South Melbourne supporters would have been extremely high. Added to this interest of course is that the Brisbane Lions are the current reigning premiers.

Given all these reasons and not least the promises made to former Fitzroy supporters, at the time of the merger in 1996, that they could see their team most weekends on free-to-air TV, the VLSG asks yet again why the club, especially as dual premiers, doesn’t get a little more support from the electronic media.

The VLSG President also stated that the VLSG is committed to following this, and other issues concerning the Victorian members of the Brisbane Lions. “The recording of the Fitzroy and Brisbane Lions records by various bodies is becoming a real issue again and we have received quite a few messages indicating people’s displeasure with what is going on. Rest assured we are tackling this issue, as well as the TV one.”

Torney reiterated that it was important that people who are concerned about these and other issues concerning Fitzroy and the Brisbane Lions, to throw their support behind the VLSG and join as a 2003 member. “As well as being part of a strengthening voice for Victorian supporters the VLSG this year is looking at increasing the number of social get togethers. For example members can vote for the Best Young Player in each Victorian match, and can also receive some great prizes via the player sponsorship, we take out each year.

VLSG Gears Up for Grand Final.

 

In the lead up to the 2002 Grand Final, the Victorian Lions Supporters Group is getting geared up for Grand Final week as the Lions will be participating for the second year in a row .

Several activities are planned as follows. VLSG Members are urged to support these functions and activities.

1. Grand Final Tickets – A couple of VLSG members have volunteered to line up for Grand Final tickets for full Lions members on the Sunday morning. We did this last year so VLSG members could sit together.

2. Fitzroy Foundation Dinner – This is an annual event and a fantastic night. It is on Tuesday 24th September and costs $60 per head for a three course meal at the Jika Jika International, Fairfield.

3. Book launch – “Fitzroy – For the Love of the Jumper” by Chris Donald. On Wednesday 25th September at 7pm at Haskins Bar, 296 Rae Street, Fitzroy. This book has taken 10 years to research the lives of 100 famous Fitzroy players. The final chapter of the book is dedicated to the Brisbane Lions premiership last year. It would be great if a few VLSG members were able to attend.

4. Grand Final – The VLSG will again do a “Chicken ‘n’ Champagne” breakfast (brunch) in the Fitzroy Gardens, just across the road from the MCG before the game. This is a great way for VLSG and Lions supporters to get together before the match. Last year’s brunch was very successful and enjoyable, so we urge you to get along and support the Lions.

The VLSG looks forward to seeing as many Brisbane Lions members at our functions this week as we get behind the Lions in their quest for back to back flags.

Lions called to arms

Melbourne Express Sport

Friday March 16, 2001 (Page 18)

Lions called to arms
Michael Place

The Brisbane Lions’ Melbourne-based supporter group hopes tomorrow night’s Ansett Cup grand final can rekindle the passion of disenchanted Fitzroy supporters.

The clash against Port Adelaide at Football Park is the Lions’ first grand final since Fitzroy lost to Hawthorn in the 1992 night grand final (the clubs merged in 1997).
The Victorian Lions Supporters Group spokeswoman Sharon Torney believes even the most hardened objectors to the merger will feel some allegiance this weekend.