VLSG calls for six Lions games in Melbourne for 2016

The VLSG has called on the AFL to schedule a minimum six games in Melbourne as part of the 1996 merger agreement.

Clause 7.2 h)  of the 1996 merger agreement between the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Football Club (supported by an AFL document outlining AFL support for the merger) all clearly state that… “The Merged Club will play one half of the total number of home and away games per season at the Gabba and as many Melbourne based away premiership games as possible will be played at Optus Oval or the Melbourne Cricket Ground (but not less than 6) with any other away premiership games at any of Waverley, Optus Oval or the Melbourne Cricket Ground at which Melbourne based members of the Merged Club will have home ground status (in respect of which Brisbane Bears will make a contribution to gate receipts of an amount determined by AFL); ”

Due to circumstances that were not envisaged in 1996, Optus Oval (Princes Park) and Waverley Stadium is now no longer used as an AFL venue. However as this venue has been replaced by the Docklands Stadium (currently named Etihad Stadium), there should be no real reason why the AFL cannot continue to guarantee a minimum six games in Victoria.

While the VLSG does not necessarily support the staging of one of these six games at Kardinia Park (Skilled Stadium), we recognise that Fitzroy did play away games at this venue in the days of the VFL. However we oppose any mooted transfer of one of these six games to Tasmania as part of any separate North Melbourne or Hawthorn deal with the government of Tasmania to play games in Hobart and/or Launceston.

 

 

Laurie Richards Interview

Laurie Richards was a highflying forward and on-baller, who joined Fitzroy from Perth in 1971 & went on to play 80 games and kick 69 goals for the Lions, before returning to the West at the end of 1974. We caught up with Laurie recently at his Perth home and asked him about his days with Fitzroy.

1. What is your favourite memory from a Fitzroy game?

Favourite memories from games I played would include the days where I played an important part in a good team performance that resulted in a win. We certainly enjoyed that winning feeling, but did not experience it often enough. I particularly enjoyed playing well in front of the big crowds and on the hallowed surfaces of the VFL. While I speak to you, the memories begin to flood back. My first game [at full forward] on the dashing David Dench. Games in the centre on Bill Barrot, Bob Skilton and Jezza. Imagine playing CHF on Ron Andrews on a cold Melbourne day or the thrill of standing Bruce Doull, David McKay, Robbie McGhie, John Williams and many others. Playing as a ruckrover /HFF, I believe I produced my best efforts because I lacked the height and weight to be a consistent top line key forward. In the midfield position at the MCG against Richmond, I managed to get 17 marks one day. Enough self-congratulation. I think I got embarrassingly dragged the next week against Hawthorn at Waverley, when I couldn’t handle the treacherous surface or break free from the close attention of the opposition.

2. What are some of the funniest memories you have from your Fitzroy days?

Who are we?

The Victorian Lions Supporters Group (VLSG) is a group of Fitzroy fans who now support the Brisbane Lions in the AFL and the Fitzroy Football Club in the VAFA. The Group acts a voice for Fitzroy fans in regards to the Brisbane Lions.

We have been fortunate on a number of occasions to have had our representations published in the major daily newspapers, and have received various feedback on these issues from the board of the Brisbane Lions as well as the AFL, Channel 7 and various journalists in the media.

While the VLSG has had some satisfaction on a couple of concerns, certain occurrences such as the issue of the Brisbane Lions records, as related to the Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy still continue to rankle with Victorian supporters. The VLSG is committed to preserving as much of Fitzroy’s identity in the Brisbane Lions as possible, as well as arguing for a fair go for those Victorian supporters of the Brisbane Lions, particularly from the media and the AFL. The number of Lions games in Victoria, the provision of a Fitzroy Football Club director on the Brisbane Lions board and most importantly the return of the “Fitzroy Lion” to the logo and official guernsey of the Brisbane Lions are also of concern.

The VLSG will continue to lobby the appropriate authorities on these matters, until our concerns are addressed. We believe there is strength in numbers. We hope that you will join us!

We urge all VLSG members and indeed all Brisbane Lions Victorian supporters to E-mail the VLSG where they see examples of inconsistencies by the media in relation to the Brisbane Lions.