Almanac Footy: Another great Football Rivalry – Fitzroy v Collingwood 1979-1986

Philip Mendes continues his in-depth series about VFL/AFL rivalries and this week examines the rivalry between Fitzroy and Collingwood over seasons 1979 to 1986.

Almanac Footy: A great Football Rivalry: Fitzroy versus Carlton 1979-1986 by Philip Mendes

Philip Mendes continues his in-depth Fitzroy FC series highlighting the great rivalries with opposition clubs. This time he examines the rivalry with Carlton between 1979 to 1986.

Almanac Footy: A great Football Rivalry – Fitzroy v Hawthorn 1978-1986 by Philip Mendes

Philip Mendes presents an in-depth analysis of the great footy rivalry between Fitzroy and Hawthorn between the years 1978 to 1986.

Almanac Football: A great Football Rivalry – Fitzroy versus Essendon 1979-1986

Philip Mendes presents an historical account of the intense footy rivalry between the Essendon and Fitzroy Football Clubs during the years 1979 – 1986.

Almanac Footy: The calm before the storm – Fitzroy’s break even 1993

Philip Mendes reviews Fitzroy’s 1993 VFL season. A mid season slump saw the Lions finish the season in 11th position, a disappointing result after their promising start and end to the season.

Almanac Football History – Regaining respect: Fitzroy’s highly competitive 1992 season

Philip Mendes continues his wonderful and informative historical series and reviews AFL season 1992 of the Fitzroy Football Club.

Almanac Football History – One last tilt at finals football: Fitzroy’s inconsistent 1989

In a high low (or low high) on the rollercoaster that was Fitzroy’s final decade in the VFL/AFL, 1989 resulted in some big wins, a third placing in the Coleman Medal and a Reserves Premiership – but was also marred by injury, heartbreaking losses, merger talk and missing the finals by a slim margin. Philip Mendes has all the ins and outs of the season that was.

Almanac Footy History: Starting to Rise – Fitzroy FC’s promising 1978 day and night season

Philip Mendes recounts Fitzroy FC’s 1978 home and away VFL season, a season of new beginnings and promise for the future but one ending in disappointment after losing eight games by less than two goals costing them dearly.

On the rise but just short of finals action: Fitzroy’s promising 1982 season

Philip Mendes provides us with an epic re-cap of Fitzroy’s 1982 season

Almanac Football History: Fitzroy’s last finals series, the fabulous 1986 season

Following on from his recent look back at 1984, Phillip Mendes revists what was to be the final VFL/AFL finals series for the Roys; 1986. From the smashing of the ’85 premiers to the retirement of Superboot, it was a momentous year.

North Melbourne’s 15 top Home and Away victories 1997-2020

In his latest monumental effort, Phil Mendes recounts the matches he considers to be North Melbourne’s 15 greatest triumphs since he started following them in 1997.

Comparing the VFL and the AFL: 1978 v 2021

There haven’t been many footballs kicked with passion in 2021, but Philip Mendes has jumped the gun to ponder what the season ahead will look like compared to the nature of the game in 1978 when he was just 13 years old.

Switching football loyalties: Transitioning from the Fitzroy Lions to the North Melbourne Kangaroos, 1997

Following Fitzroy’s demise at the end of 1996, Philip Mendes switched allegiances. Here he gives a round-by-round account of his first season supporting the Kangaroos.

Almanac Football History: Fitzroy’s Topsy Turvy 1984

Phillip Mendes has an in depth look at the 1984 season from a Fitzroy perspective – a year in the middle of what many consider the great club’s last hurrah in the VFL/AFL.

Who should stay and who should go? A reflection on Robbo’s list of 23 uncontracted Kangaroos

After reading Mark Robinson’s take on North Melbourne’s playing list, Philip Mendes and Lucas Lewit-Mendes responded with a more accepting evaluation of the 23 Kangaroos facing contract negotiations at the end of this season.

From the foot of the table to the Final Five: Fitzroy’s exhilarating 1981 season

Philip Mendes presents a meticulously researched look at the meteoric rise of Fitzroy in the 1981 VFL season. A great companion piece to Sam Steele’s week by week coverage of this season.

Almanac Book Review – ‘The Death of Fitzroy Football Club’: Mixed Feelings

Melbourne writer and academic Philip Mendes loves the Fitzroy Football Club. This is his review of Russell Holmesby’s book ‘The Death of the Fitzroy Football Club’.

Rising from the cellar: Fitzroy’s outstanding 1979 season

A teenage Philip Mendes watched his beloved Lions break a 19 year-old finals drought in 1979. He recounts every game of that breakthrough season. [Sit back and enjoy – Ed].

So close to the Holy Grail: A personal reflection on Fitzroy Football Club’s 1983 season

Philip Mendes was in his second year at uni in 1983, the year Fitzroy made a genuine play for the flag. Here he recounts the season, game by game, quoting the analysis of the experts of the day, and giving his own commentary. [Fantastic memories – JTH]

Almanac People: The 30th Anniversary of “Superboot” Bernie Quinlan’s last season

Philip Mendes reminds us about Bernie Quinlans’ last VFL season in 1986, 30 years ago.