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

 

This is a third in a series of articles examining Fitzroy’s key rivalries with other VFL clubs during their last golden era. The first article examined the Roys rivalry with the powerful Essendon FC from 1979-86, noting that they defeated the Bombers in 11 out of 20 clashes.[1] The second article explored the Roys rivalry with the mighty Hawthorn FC from 1978-86, noting that they defeated the Hawks in 10 out of 20 games.[2]

 

In this article, I provide further documentation of Fitzroy’s on-field achievements in this era by analysing their rivalry with the Carlton Football Club from 1979-86. During this period, Carlton were arguably the dominant side in the VFL, winning three premierships, and playing finals in all eight years. Nevertheless, the Roys maintained a competitive record against the Blue (despite finishing lower than Carlton on the ladder in all years except for 1983) to secure four wins and a draw in their 16 matches across the eight seasons. It is also notable that most Fitzroy vs Carlton games attracted healthy crowds, whether home or away or at Waverley Park. The discussion that follows provides further evidence that Fitzroy were a solid side on and off the field throughout the 1979-86 period.

 

 1979

 

In 1979, Fitzroy finished 4^th on the home and away ladder with 15 wins and 7 losses (60 points), whilst the premiership side Carlton finished 1^st with 19 wins and only three losses (76 points). The Blues won both their home and away matches.

 

Round 4: 28 April 1979

 

6^th placed Fitzroy took on unbeaten ladder leader Carlton in front of a healthy crowd of over 21,000 at the Junction Oval.

 

 Fitzroy 1.5, 4.10, 8.11, 11.16 (82)

Carlton  4.5, 8.9, 14.18, 20.19 (139)

 

Best players: Allan (31 disposals), Wilson (27 disposals), Brian Brown (father of Jonathan Brown), McMahon, Richardson.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Wilson 4, Allan 2.

 

A disappointing loss at home to top side Carlton sunk the Lions to 10^th spot on the ladder. Nevertheless, half forward Michael Poynton had a strong debut, picking up 16 disposals plus one goal.

 

 Round 14: 7 July 1979

 

Nearly 59,000 were at Waverley Park to watch top side Carlton take on second placed Fitzroy who were aiming for their 10^th win in a row.

 

Carlton 4.7, 10.9, 16.13, 17.14 (116)

Fitzroy 1.0, 4.2,   4.5,     9.11 (65)

 

 

 

 

Best Players: Smith, Wilson, Alexander, Merrigan.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 3, McMahon 3, Richardson 2.

 

It was Match of the Day at Waverley Park, but unfortunately, Carlton held sway all day, and the Roys dropped to 3^rd on the ladder. There were few highlights other than a goal off the ground by McMahon early. The Sunday Press praised centre half back Chris Smith, stating that he ‘marked brilliantly and outplayed the vaunted Mark Maclure’.[3]

 

1980

 

In 1980, Fitzroy won the wooden spoon with only four wins, one draw and 17 losses (18 points), whilst Carlton finished second with 17 wins and 5 losses (68 points). The Blues won both the home and away fixtures, although the 2^nd game was mighty close.

 

Round 11: 7 June 1980

 

10^th placed Fitzroy took on 3^rd placed Carlton before nearly 16,000 fans at the Junction Oval.

 

Fitzroy     7.2, 11.4, 14.7, 19.12 (126)

Carlton     7.4, 13.11, 19.18, 22.24 (156)

 

Best Players: Wilson, Quinlan, Marchesani, Irwin, Serafini, Beecroft, Smith.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Beecroft 7, Walls 3, Peter Brown 3, Marchesani 2.

 

One commentator quipped that the Roys were in ‘bad shape physically and fiscally’. Nevertheless, full forward Bob Beecroft drilled another seven to sit 3^rd on the VFL goal kicking ladder. [4]

 

Round 22: 30 August 1980

 

2^nd bottom Fitzroy took on 3^rd placed Carlton in front of 22,000 fans at Princes Park.

 

Fitzroy 3.5, 5.11, 11.14, 20.22 (142)

Carlton 5.5, 9.11, 19.17, 21.20 (146)

 

Best Players: Wilson (37 disposals), Marchesani, McMahon, Irwin, Leon Harris, Taylor.

 

Multiple goalkickers: McMahon 4, Marchesani 4, Conlan 3, Wilson 3, Quinlan 2, Irwin 2.

 

The lowly Roys mounted a huge comeback in the last quarter led by Beecroft who moved from full forward to the ruck. Wilson scored from 60 metres on the run, followed by three majors from first year winger Marchesani, and goals from McMahon, Quinlan and Conlan. Carlton steadied to lead by 10 points, but another goal from Conlan followed before the Roys just ran out of time. [5]

 

 1981

 

 Fitzroy won 14 games to finish 5^th with 56 points, but Carlton finished top of the ladder with 17 wins and 5 losses (68 points), and won their two finals games to secure the premiership.

 

Round 3: 11 April 1981

 

7th placed Fitzroy clashed with 2^nd placed Carlton in front of nearly 25,000 fans at Princes Park.

 

Carlton: 4.6  7.11  8.19  14.24 (108)

Fitzroy: 4.5 6.10 10.13 12.20 (92)

 

Best Players: Wilson, Mugavin, Taylor, Conlan, Smith, Murnane.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Rendell 4, Conlan 2, Mugavin 2.

 

The Lions pushed Carlton all the way at Princes Park. Multiple commentators agreed they were unlucky to lose in a tight finish.[6]

 

Round 13: 20 June 1981

 

8^th placed Fitzroy took on ladder leaders Carlton in front of nearly 19,000 fans at the Junction Oval.

 

Fitzroy 6.1 14.3 16.9   20.11 (131)
Carlton 7.2 10.7 14.10 15.16 (106)

 

 

 

Best Players: Smith, Hansen, McCarthy, McMahon, Serafini, Rendell, Quinlan, Carlson.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 5, Rendell 4, Poynton 4, Conlan 2, Murnane 2, Carlson 2.

 

Roy victories over the star-studded Carlton were rare, and this big upset was one to doubly savour. The media described Fitzroy’s defence as ‘superb. The likes of Chris Smith, Chris Hansen, Gerry McCarthy, Grant Lawrie, and Laurie Serafini swept the ball clear to give their forwards a great chance’. Quinlan (outplaying the great Bruce Doull), Rendell and Poynton were equally effective in attack, and Leigh Carlson and Grant Lawrie shredded Carlton with their speed.[7]

 

Highlights included the famous 70 metre torpedo goal on the run by Quinlan which Channel Seven’s Sandy Roberts called ‘a mammoth kick’, a dazzling goal on the run by Carlson who burst away from Glascott, a high mark by Murnane followed by a pass to Rendell for an easy goal, a left foot snap by Quinlan, a goal on the run by Conlan, another goal on the run by Carlson, a dummy and goal by Quinlan, a mark and long kick by Quinlan grabbed by Poynton for an open goal, and finally a great front and centre by Murnane to goal on the final siren. Quinlan’s five majors took him to second place on the VFL Goal kicking ladder with 48 goals.

 

1982

 

 Fitzroy finished 6^th with 12 wins and a draw totalling 50 points. In contrast, Carlton finished 3^rd with 66 points, and won their 3^rd premiership in four years.

 

Round 1: 27 March 1982

 

Nearly 27,000 fans watched this classic opening round game at Princes Park.

 

Fitzroy 2.2, 4.6, 11.8, 17.11 (113)

Carlton 4.5,  9.8, 13.14, 16.17 (113)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Wilson (28 disposals), Conlan, Hansen, Smith, Gotch, Parish.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Wilson 4, Poynton 2, McMahon 2, Parish 2, Gotch 2.

 

This game featured one of the best last quarters ever. Led by an outstanding performance by champion captain Gary Wilson, the Roys surged from six goals down  to almost grab the four points. The third quarter featured two excellent snap goals from first gamer Bradley Gotch. The final quarter featured exhilarating football from the dashing Roys. Wilson tapped the ball to Clayton who gave the ball to McMahon then back to Wilson for a brilliant goal on the run. This was followed by an outstanding run by Conlan resulting in a handball to McMahon to goal and reduce the margin to 12 points. Then Wilson handballed to Clayton who delivered to Coates to mark and goal. Conlan goaled from a free kick to bring the Roys to within 7 points followed by behinds from Quinlan and Wilson. At the 24 minute mark of the quarter, Coates snapped wide, and Wilson out-marked Jim Buckley in the forward pocket, and immediately played on to snap his 4^th goal on his non-preferred left foot and give Fitzroy the lead by one point. Listen to the loud noise from the Fitzroy crowd at this point. Fitzroy had two chances to seal the deal: Carlson took three bounces down the left flank, but failed to make the distance, and then a Parish snap from about 30 metres out failed to score.

 

With only seconds remaining, Greg Wells from Carlton was paid a controversial free kick for holding the man against Conlan which the ABC commentator judged should have been holding the ball. The siren went whilst his kick was still in the air. It failed to make the distance, but was punched through for a behind by Carlton’s Maria Bortolotto. The ball arguably should have been called dead, but the point was allowed, and the game was drawn.[8]

 

Round 22: 28 August 1982

 

 Nearly 46,000 travelled to Waverley Park to see 3^rd placed Carlton take on 6^th placed Fitzroy who had won their previous six games in a row.

 

Fitzroy 2.3, 9.4, 12.7, 17.9 (111)

Carlton 6.2, 11.6, 17.9, 23.12 (150)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Francis, Harris, Wilson, Roos, Clayton, Conlan.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Conlan 4, Sidebottom 3, Quinlan 2, Roos 2.

 

The Roys winning run was broken by Carlton in the final round. Reporter Trevor Grant opined, ‘It was a poor season’s end for the Lions who had shown themselves to be a side capable of beating the best’.[9]

 

1983

 

The Roys won 15 games to finish 3^rd on 60 points, whilst Carlton finished 5^th with 13 wins and 9 losses for 52 points. This was the only season in this era where Fitzroy finished higher than Carlton.

 

Round Five: 23 April 1983

 

 2^nd placed Fitzroy clashed with 5^th placed Carlton in front of nearly 26,000 fans at Princes Park.

 

Fitzroy 1.7, 6.9, 14.13, 18.17 (125)

Carlton 2.4, 6.7, 7.11, 9.11 (65)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Rendell, Lawrie, Francis (30 disposals against his old side), Pert, Serafini, Thornton, Clayton, Carlson, McMahon.

 

Multiple Goal kickers: Carlson 4, McMahon 4, Quinlan 3, Murnane 2, Parish 2, Conlan 2.

 

In the lead-up to this game, journalist Mike Sheahan boldly predicted a Fitzroy victory despite the fact that the Lions had not won at Princes Park in decades. Sheahan emphasized that “Fitzroy is a fine team, one whose progress has vindicated the judgement of those of us who had the Lions near the top in pre-season prognostications”. [10]

 

Sheahan was proven right. After an even first half the Lions destroyed the reigning premiers and jumped to the top of the ladder. Rendell was brilliant in the ruck, and Grant Lawrie dominated in defence. [11]Young Gary Pert was described as “the most exciting teenage defender in the business…played another immaculate game on Saturday.”[12]  Other highlights included multiple high marks by Quinlan and Roos, two fine goals on the run by Les Parish, a beautiful goal by Leigh Carlson on the run, and an amazing goal by Mick Conlan who ran about 20 metres, took one bounce, and then ran almost another 30 metres before booting it through. So much for the 15 metre rule limit on running without bouncing. The amusing lowlight was tall forward Grant O’Riley missing from a set shot less than five metres out. Channel Seven commentator Lou Richards said “he can’t miss”.[13] He did.

 

Round 16: 9 July 1983

 

Ladder leader Fitzroy took on 8^th placed Carlton in front of nearly 32,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy 6.2, 8.6, 10.11, 13.11 (89)

Carlton 2.4, 9.5, 15.13, 18.16 (124)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Serafini, Sidebottom, Clayton, Francis, Wilson, Parish (30 disposals and 8 marks), Carlson.

 

Multiple Goal kickers: Quinlan 5, Coleman 2.

 

This was a disappointing fade-out against Carlton. The Lions led comfortably by 29 points mid-way through the second quarter, but then conceded six goals in 10 minutes to lose control of the game.[14] There was still some individual highlights including a great goal on the run by Quinlan, and a sensational goal by Mick Conlan who took two bounces on a long run up the left forward flank and then somehow managed to swerve past two Carlton defenders to settle back onto his right foot and goal.[15]

 

1984

 

Fitzroy finished 5^th with 11 wins and 44 points, whilst Carlton finished 3^rd with 13 wins and 9 losses (52 points).

 

Round 2: 7 April 1984

 

An early season clash between the 11^th placed Roys and ladder leader Carlton in front of a strong crowd of more than 22,000 at the Junction Oval.

 

Fitzroy 4.6,   7.6,   12.12, 16.15 (111)

Carlton 10.2, 12.6, 16.10, 18.13 (121)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Harris, Conlan, Wilson, Thornton, Nettlefold, Pert, Lawrie, Coates.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 4, Roos 2, Wilson 2.

 

This home game was one that got away. The Lions had a dreadful start, then got back within one point halfway through the last quarter but couldn’t land the killer blow. [16]

 

Round 12: 16 June 1984

 

A struggling 10^th placed Fitzroy took on 3rd placed Carlton before more than 24,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy 5.3, 8.7, 9.10, 10.12 (72)

Carlton 3.1, 8,2, 9.7,   9.13 (67)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Coleman, Thornton, Lokan, Conlan, Parish, Turner.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 3, Conlan 3.

 

The Lions caused a big upset against 3^rd placed Carlton at VFL Park. Reserve ruckman Glenn Coleman was universally judged to be best on ground. He had 29 disposals, took 10 marks, and had 18 hitouts. [17] First quarter highlights included a left foot snap by Conlan, a right foot snap by Conlan, a Rendell goal from a free kick, a goal by Turner on the run, and a great contested mark by Quinlan over two defenders resulting in a goal. Second quarter highlights included a Lawrie handball to Conlan for his 3^rd goal, and a Pekin handball to Lawrie for a goal. A third quarter highlight was great persistence by Conlan who ran the ball down the boundary line before handballing to Lokan for an easy goal. Quinlan iced the game with his 50^th goal of the season halfway through the last quarter from 50 metres out following a fine pass by Lokan.

 

1985

 

Fitzroy finished a disappointing 9^th with seven wins and 28 points, whilst Carlton finished 4^th with 15 wins and 7 losses (60 points).

 

Round 9: 25 May 1985

 

 The 11^th placed Roys clashed with 7^th placed Carlton before 29,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy 5.2, 12.4, 17.9, 19.9 (123)

Carlton 5.3, 10.6, 14.9, 18.17 (125)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Roos, Osborne, Turner, Lokan, Barwick, Lawrie, Leon Harris.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Osborne 6, Quinlan 2, Halas 2, Turner 2, Scott 2.

 

The Roys twice led by four goals, and seemed home when young star Richard Osborne dobbed his 6^th goal from 45 metres out on the boundary line 17 minutes into the last quarter to give them a 16 point advantage. But Carlton snatched the game with one last surge. Paul Roos dominated at centre half back with 20 kicks and 12 marks.[18]

 

Round 20: 17 August 1985

 

 4^th placed Carlton hosted 8^th placed Fitzroy before nearly 17,000 fans at Princes Park.

 

Fitzroy 1.2, 3.6, 5.9, 8.11 (59)

Carlton  3.6, 7.9, 9.13, 12.15 (87)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Roos, McIvor, Rendell, Quinlan, Lyon, Barwick.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 4, Lyon 2.

 

Carlton led all day, but Paul Roos again dominated with 23 kicks and 10 marks, and was firming as favourite for the Brownlow Medal. Reporter Martin Flanagan praised Roos for ‘winning countless possessions…and constantly endeavouring to initiate attacks’. First year players Scott McIvor and Ross Lyon were also impressive, whilst ruckman Matt Rendell inspired a partial second half comeback.[19]

 

1986

 

Fitzroy finished 4^th with 13 wins and 9 losses (52 points), but Carlton finished 3^rd with 15 wins and 7 losses (60 points) before losing to Hawthorn in the Grand Final.

 

Round 4: 19 April 1986

 

The unbeaten Roys in 4^th place tackled the 5^th placed Blues in the match of the day before over 28,000 fans at Princes Park.

 

Fitzroy 2.4, 3.6,     6.9,    10.15 (75)

Carlton 5.8, 12.13, 18.19, 22.24 (156)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Leon Harris, Thornton, McIvor, Pert, Roos, Quinlan (6 marks and 3 goals four).

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 3.

 

A rude reality test for the Roys resulting in a percentage drop of nearly 30 per cent, and dropping back to 5^th on the ladder. There were few highlights other than a sharp handball from Quinlan gifting an open goal to Tilley.

 

Round 15: 5 July 1986

 

The 8^th placed Roys took on 3^rd placed Carlton before nearly 15,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy 3.3, 6.5, 8.10, 8.11 (59)

Carlton 2.4, 4.6, 4.10, 7.11 (53)

 

Best players: Leon Harris, Mark Dwyer (28 disposals on debut), Richard Osborne (15 disposals, 6 marks, and 4 goals five playing against champion defender Bruce Doull), Lokan, Thornton, Turner, Roos, Hinchen.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Osborne 4, Dwyer 2.

 

A gallant win by the Lions (missing Bernie Quinlan and their top ruckman Matt Rendell) against 3^rd placed Carlton at Waverley Park. Young wingman Mark Dwyer starred on debut. According to reporter Mark Brolly, ‘his speed and tenacity proved too much for Carlton’. This game was played in inch-deep mud, and neither side scored at all in the final 15 minutes of play. [20]  Highlights included Dwyer passing to Osborne, Dwyer passing to Roos who handballed to Conlan for a goal, Dwyer dashing into an open goal, and Dwyer passing to Osborne who drilled a smart left foot snap from the boundary.

 

 

[1] For the first article, see Philip Mendes, ‘A great Football Rivalry: Fitzroy versus Essendon 1979-1986’, Footy Almanac, 28 January 2023.

 

[2] https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/almanac-footy-a-great-football-rivalry-fitzroy-versus-hawthorn-1978-1986-by-philip-mendes/.

 

[3] Ken Piesse (1979) ‘Lions pride takes a tumble’, Sunday Press, 8 July.

 

[4] Anon (1980) ‘Rabble until it mattered’, The Age, 9 June.

 

[5] Damien Comerford (1980) ‘Blues get the wind up’, The Age, 1 September.

 

[6] Anonymous (1981), ‘Lucky Blues’, Sunday Press, 12 April; Percy Jones and Steve Perkin (1981), ‘Great walls of fire’, Sunday Press, 12 April.

 

[7] Peter Stone (1981), ‘Proudly Lions’, Sunday Press, 21 June. See also Peter Stephens (1981) ‘Fitzroy puts its case stylishly’, The Age, 22 June.

 

[8] Ian Cover (1982) ‘We were robbed’, Sunday Observer, 28 March; Geoff Slattery (1982) ‘Premiers share big day’, The Age, 29 March.

 

[9] Tony Peek (1982) ‘Blues in with show says Parkin’, Sunday Press, 29 August; Trevor Grant (1982) ‘Carlton ends Parkin’s blues’, The Age, 30 August.

 

[10] Mike Sheahan (1983) “Lions look likely”, Herald, undated probably 22 April.

 

[11] Pete Carter (2020) Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century. Mr Smudge Books, pp.48-50.

 

[12] Mike Coward (1983) “Spit and polish put shine on Fitzroy”, The Age, 25 April 1983. See also Ken Davis (1983) “Woeful blues capitulate to Walls’ pride”, Sunday Observer, 24 April.

 

[13] That was the Season That was 1983.

 

[14] Bob Crimeen (1983) “Blues are back from the dead”, Sunday Press, 11 July.

 

[15] That was the season That was 1983.

 

[16] Garrie Hutchinson (1984) “Fast start wins day for Blues”, The Age, 9 April

.

[17] Ken Davis (1984) “Lions scrape home in an upset win”, Sunday Press, 17 June; David Humphries (1984) ‘Carlton’s run all but over”, The Age, 18 June.

 

[18] Ken Piesse (1985) ‘Blues in slender victory’, Sunday Observer, 26 May.

 

[19] Ken Piesse (1985) ‘Tackling the key to Blues success’, Sunday Observer, 18 August; Martin Flanagan (1985) ‘Aggressive Carlton overwhelms gallant Fitzroy’, The Age, 19 August.

 

[20] Mark Brolly (1986) ‘Lions find heart and a star recruit’, The Age, 7 July.

 

 

More from Philip Mendes can be read Here.

 

 

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