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

 

 

 

A great Football Rivalry: Fitzroy versus Hawthorn 1978-1986 by Philip Mendes

 

This is a second 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]

 

In this article, I provide further documentation of Fitzroy’s on-field achievements in this era by analysing their rivalry with the Hawthorn Football Club from 1978-86. During this period, the Hawks were successful in winning three premierships, and were also twice runners-up. Yet as we shall see below, the Roys were seriously competitive with the Hawks, securing 10 wins from their 20 games across these 9 seasons. In most of those games, the Roys were the underdog, sitting in a lower place on the ladder. Unfortunately, the Roys lost both their two finals games to the Hawks in 1983 and 1986.

 

1978

In 1978, Fitzroy finished 9^th on the home and away ladder with 8 wins and 14  losses, whereas in contrast Hawthorn finished second with 16 wins and 6 losses before going on to secure the premiership with 3 straight finals victories. Yet, the Roys won both games by one point.

 

Round Five: 29 April 1978

 

Fitzroy     5.4, 8.6, 11.10, 15.12 (102)

Hawthorn 4.4, 7.11, 11.14, 14.17 (101)

 

 

Best Players: Alexander, Brian Brown, Hodges, Wilson, Fowler, Smith, Linton, Austen.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Beecroft 4, Padley 3, Fowler 2, McMahon 2.

 

A great win by the 9^th placed Roys over 2^nd placed Hawthorn in front of just under 14,000 fans at Princes Park. Brian Brown was outstanding in the back pocket. [2]

 

Round 16: 22 July 1978

 

Fitzroy     4.3, 12.7, 16.8, 18.14 (122)

Hawthorn 3.6, 8.10, 14.14, 17.19 (121)

 

 

 

Best Players: Walls, Quinlan, Wilson, Hansen, McMahon, Peter Brown, Lawrie.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 6, Walls 3, Beecroft 3, Irwin 2.

 

The 11^th placed Lions made it four out of five by defeating top side and eventual premier Hawthorn in a massive upset in front of just over 12,000 fans at the Junction Oval. Robert Walls capped off a superb game (19 disposals, 8 marks and 3 goals) by nailing the winning goal with only two minutes left from 35 metres out. See also his superb multiple high marks in the game highlights. Quinlan booted six goals despite playing with strained left shoulder ligaments, and Wilson dominated with 31 disposals. The Coach Graham Campbell and supporters celebrated on the siren as if the Roys had won a flag. The Age quipped that Fitzroy ‘really has a talented team’.[3] This victory over a star-studded Hawthorn line-up (including Matthews, Knights, Wallace, Tuck and Scott) was the first sign that the Roys were genuinely a side on the improve that would graduate to play finals in 1979.

 

1979

 In 1979, Fitzroy finished 4^th on the home and away ladder with 15 wins and 7 losses (60 points), and Hawthorn finished 7^th with 10 wins and 12 losses (40 points). The Roys won both the home and away matches.

 

Round 7: 19 May 1979

 

Fitzroy        2.6, 8.13, 12.14, 14.18 (102)

Hawthorn     0.8, 0.14, 7.17,   11.24 (90)

 

 

Best players: Wilson, Higgins, Alexander, Hansen, McCarthy, McMahon, Serafini, Quinlan.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Beecroft 3, Quinlan 3, Wilson 2, McMahon 2.

 

The 5^th placed Roys withstood a second half comeback from the 4^th placed Hawthorn in front of nearly 16,000 fans at the Junction Oval to secure 4^th spot on the ladder.

 

 

Round 18: 4 August 1979

 

Hawthorn 4.6, 8.6, 12.10, 15.14 (104)

Fitzroy     1.3, 4.13, 7.17, 15.25 (115)

 

 

 

Best players: Quinlan, Irwin, Wilson, Walls, McMahon, Merrigan

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Smith 3, Walls 3, Irwin 2, Beecroft 2.

 

This game is one of my favourite memories. In front of 15,000 people at Princes Park, the 3^rd placed Roys came back to toss the 7^th placed Hawks. Although Hawthorn were having a poor season, they were the reigning premiers and still fielded a highly mature and rugged side that was difficult to toss on their home turf. They belted us in the first half with veteran full forward Michael Moncrieff dominating with five goals. Coach Bill Stephen made lots of changes at half time. Centre half back Chris Smith moved forward and Gerard McCarthy went into defence, and veteran Merrigan shifted from the wing to replace Serafini on Moncrieff. It all came together in a colossal last quarter. The Sunday Press described the Roys as ‘the League’s new glamour team’.[4]

 

Overall highlights included a long goal by Smith, a lovely goal by Irwin on the run, and a delightful mark by Bernie Quinlan in the centre after a long kick out by Merrigan. But the last quarter was a delight featuring goals by McMahon, Irwin, Smith, Wilson and Allan, a brilliant handball by Wilson for Smith to run into an open goal, Walls and Wilson. Perhaps the biggest high point was Quinlan’s four bounces which resulted in a long poster halfway through the quarter.

 

1980

 In 1980, Fitzroy won the wooden spoon with only four wins, one draw and 17 losses (18 points), whilst Hawthorn finished 8^th with 10 wins and 12 losses. The Hawks won both fixtures.

 

Round 4: 19 April 1980

 

10^th placed Fitzroy took on 4^th placed Hawthorn before 26,000 fans at Waverley Park

 

Fitzroy     6.2, 6.4, 10.7, 12.10 (82)

Hawthorn 3.5, 9.15, 11.16, 11.19 (85)

 

Best Players: Wilson (31 disposals), Irwin, McMahon, Conlan, Harris, Alexander, Mugavin, Quinlan.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Conlan 4, Beecroft 2, Leon Harris 2, McMahon 2.

 

Former South Melbourne champion John Rantall made his debut for Fitzroy at the age of 34. Hawthorn easily controlled this game until midway through the 3^rd quarter, but from there a strong Roys fightback almost secured victory. A late snap by Robert Walls bounced just the wrong side of the goal post. Wilson and Alexander returned to form. [5]

 

Round 14: 28 June 1980

 

10^th placed Fitzroy took on 7^th placed Hawthorn before a tiny crowd of just over 8,000 patrons at Princes Park.

 

Fitzroy    1.1, 6.3, 6.3, 8.7 (55)

Hawthorn 6.7, 8.12, 19.16, 21.17 (143)

 

Best Players: Wilson (34 disposals), Quinlan, Marchesani, Serafini.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Poynton 3, Cox 2, Quinlan 2.

 

Except for a short period of the second quarter, the Roys were completely non-competitive. [6]

 

1981

 Fitzroy won 14 games to finish 5^th with 56 points, whilst Hawthorn finished 6^th with 13 wins and 9 losses (52 points).

 

Round 8: 16 May 1981

 

Hawthorn 2.1 7.7   11.14 21.18 (144)

Fitzroy    3.6 7.12 10.17 16.19 (115)

 

Best Players:  Thornton, Brown, McCarthy, Keays, Lawrie, Quinlan, Alexander, Lewis.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Thornton 4, Quinlan 4, Lawrie 2, Conlan 2.

 

The 5^th placed Roys clashed with the 3^rd placed Hawks (both on 16 points) in front of over 17,000 fans at Princes Park. This was a disappointing finish after the Lions led by 9 points 6 minutes into the final quarter. Ross Thornton was best with 16 disposals and 4 goals.[7]

 

Round 18: 1 August 1981

 

Fitzroy    4.7, 6.7,   8.12, 10.13 (73)

Hawthorn 0.4, 3.10, 5.12, 7.19 (61)

 

 

Best Players: Lawrie, Alexander, Smith, Conlan, Carlson, Parish.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Poynton 3, Alexander 2.

 

The 6^th placed Roys tackled the 5^th placed Hawks in front of 16,000 fans at the Junction Oval. This crucial victory enabled the Lions to replace Hawthorn in the five. [8] Highlights included a Poynton left foot snap from the left forward pocket, a Murnane goal, a Lawrie left foot goal, a superb interception by Lawrie, and a long kick by Conlan after burning off Dipper which led to a mark and goal by Poynton. Watch a very happy captain Ron Alexander mobbed by celebrating fans as he leaves the ground.

 

1982

 

 Fitzroy finished 6^th with 12 wins and a draw totalling 50 points. In contrast, Hawthorn finished 2^nd with 17 wins and 5 losses, but were knocked out in the preliminary final.

 

Round 7: 8 May 1982

 

Fitzroy     4.4, 8.10, 13.14, 19.14 (128)

Hawthorn  6.3, 10.7, 13.7, 17.15 (117)

 

 

 

Best players: Francis, Rendell, Quinlan, Lawrie, Parish, Everett.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Roos 4, Quinlan 4, McMahon 3, Gotch 2, Foster 2.

 

An excellent victory by 8^th placed Fitzroy over top of the ladder Hawthorn in front of nearly 15,000 fans at the Junction Oval. Rendell dominated in the ruck with 45 hit-outs and 19 disposals, and Clayton and Everett performed important tagger roles on Hawthorn stars Wallace and Matthews. [9]. In a tight last quarter, scores were level at the 23 minute mark before a fine handball by Thornton enabled McMahon to goal. McMahon added another from a free kick, and then a very young Paul Roos snapped to seal the game. Great atmosphere at the Junction.

 

Round 17: 24 July 1982

 

Fitzroy      7.4, 15.5, 21.5,   27.8 (170)

Hawthorn  6.6, 10.9, 17.11, 18.15 (123)

 

 

Best players: Quinlan, Coleman, Conlan, Parish, Hinchen, Thornton, Pert

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Conlan 6, Rendell 5, McMahon 4, Murnane 3, Quinlan 2, Wilson 2.

 

An outstanding effort by the 7^th placed Lions to upset 3^rd placed Hawthorn in front of 25,000 fans at Waverley Park. Mick Conlan starred with six goals including Goal of the Year. Rendell kicked five playing as a key forward due to an injury, Quinlan was excellent in the ruck with 28 hit-outs plus 24 disposals, and Parish dominant throughout with 30 disposals.[10] Third quarter highlights included a barnstorming run by Conlan to goal, a fine snap by Wilson, and a sharp snap by Carlson from a tight angle.

 

1983

 

The Roys won 15 games to finish 3^rd on 60 points, just behind the Hawks who were also on 60 points but with a superior percentage. The Hawks won all three of their finals to secure the premiership.

 

Round One: 26 March 1983

 

Fitzroy 1.4, 5.10, 10.12, 16.16 (112)

Hawthorn 6.3, 12.4, 17.8, 20.11 (131)

 

 

 

Best players: Rendell, Quinlan, Lawrie, McMahon, Sidebottom, Murnane, Clayton.

 

Multiple Goal kickers: Quinlan 5, Sidebottom 4, McMahon 3, Conlan 2.

 

Fitzroy had been favoured to win this opening game at home in front of over 15,000 fans, but were never in the hunt. The Hawks led by as much as 60 points 10 minutes into the 3^rd quarter before the Lions pegged them back getting within 18 points half way through the last quarter. But it was too little too late. Ruckman Matt Rendell (36 hit outs), Bernie Quinlan (13 disposals and 7 marks) and David McMahon (19 disposals and 7 marks) led the belated comeback.[11]

 

Analyst Neil Roberts later observed wryly: “The Lions will drop into a giant hole this year unless they realise that individuals don’t win matches…I cannot work Fitzroy out. They just didn’t have a go for three quarters – they didn’t run, they didn’t tackle, they didn’t smother the ball. And when they did get it they were either dumped or looked lost”.[12]

 

Round 12: 11 June 1983

 

Fitzroy 6.0, 9.1, 15.7, 21.8 (134)

Hawthorn 4.7, 12.9, 20.13, 25.17 (167)

 

 

Best players: Quinlan, Serafini, Wilson, Osborne.

 

Multiple Goal kickers: Quinlan 9, Carlson 3, Conlan 2, Osborne 2, Wilson 2.

 

The 4^th placed Hawthorn easily upset the top of the ladder Roys in front of nearly 21,000 fans at Princes Park. The Hawks led by as much as 56 points in the third quarter before the Lions came back to within 17 points. Quinlan was an enormous presence with 16 disposals, 11 marks and 9 goals, and headed the VFL goal kicking table with 60 goals at an average of five a game. Additionally, young Richard Osborne impressed with two outstanding goals (from his non-preferred left foot) on the run under pressure. But their teammates mostly went missing, and the loss knocked the Lions from the top of the ladder down to third.[13]

 

However, a leading commentator argued there was no need for panic. Harry Beitzel opined that Fitzroy had numerous strengths including the tactical skills of coach Robert Walls, the transformation of former St Kilda and Geelong big man Gary Sidebottom from an alleged wasted talent to providing a crucial “rugged and physically strong” presence at Fitzroy, and the outstanding form of Quinlan, Wilson, former Carlton player Peter Francis, youngsters Paul Roos and Gary Pert, and many others. He made special mention of Matt Rendell, Laurie Serafini and Grant Lawrie whom he described as “three stars” able to “mould their best individual efforts into a strong team effort”.[14]

 

 

Qualifying Final: 3 September 1983

 

Fitzroy 5.4, 7.5, 12.8, 19.9 (123)

Hawthorn 5.4, 11.8, 15.10, 19.13 (127)

 

Best players: Rendell, Quinlan, Clayton, Parish, Wilson, Nettlefold, Sidebottom, Harris.

 

Multiple Goal kickers: Quinlan 8, Wilson 3, McMahon 2, Sidebottom 2, Conlan 2.

 

A classic finals game in front of 58,000 people at the MCG. Football writer Rohan Connolly called this game an “epic…featuring a high standard of play, a couple of superb individual efforts by two ageing, but still brilliant veterans, a big second-half comeback and a see-sawing 11 goal final term”.[15] The Hawks led comfortably for most of the first three quarters with veteran Peter Knights dominating up forward. But then came Fitzroy’s sensational last quarter led by five goals from Bernie Quinlan who arguably played one of the best ever games in a final series.[16]

 

The amazing last quarter progressed as follows:

 

• Mick Conlan scored a behind on the run;
• Bernie Quinlan marked in the left forward pocket at the 6 minute mark and goaled to bring Fitzroy within 13 points;
• Gary Sidebottom grabbed the ball at the edge of the centre square, and his long goal made it 7 points only;
• Bernie Quinlan took a screamer over a big pack 65 metres out, but failed to make the distance;
• Peter Knights marked and kicked his 6^th goal, back to 13 points;
• Bernie Quinlan marked and goaled from 55 metres, 7 points again;
• Michael Nettlefold was penalized by umpire Glenn James for deliberately taking the ball over the line near the behind post. Seven’s Big League commentators Sandi Roberts and Bob Skilton called this a “courageous decision”. It is still causing contention decades later. [17] Michael Tuck goaled from the resulting free kick, back to 13 point margin;
• Leon Harris kicked a great goal on the run, back to 7 points;
• Garry Wilson passed to Bernie Quinlan who kicked his 6^th at the 15 minute mark to reduce the margin to 1 point;
• Hawthorn score a rushed behind;
• Michael Tuck marks and goals, back to 8 points;
• Bernie Quinlan marks in the goal square and converts his 7^th goal at the 20 minute mark, back to 2 points;
• Bernie Quinlan grabs the ball from a ruck throw-in near the right forward pocket, and somehow manages to get his non-preferred left foot to the ball whilst tackled by four Hawthorn defenders, Fitzroy lead by 4 points at the 22 minute mark;
• Richard Loveridge is pushed in the back by Gary Pert and goals from the free kick at the 27 minute mark, Hawthorn 2 points in front;
• John Kennedy misses from the pocket, 3 points;
• Leigh Matthews misses on the run, 4 points is the final margin.

 

There were other individual highlights in this game including a sensational high mark Paul Roos took on the shoulders of John Kennedy in the first quarter, a sharp handball by Garry Sidebottom to Garry Wilson who goaled, a great left foot snap by Mick Conlan from the boundary, smart handball by Roos to Wilson who goaled on the run, a lovely right foot snap by David McMahon, and a shrewd front and centre by Paul Roos to goal.[18]

 

1984

 

 Fitzroy finished 5^th with 11 wins and 44 points, whilst Hawthorn finished second with 17 wins and 5 losses for 68 points.

 

Round 7: 12 May 1984

 

Fitzroy    6.3, 8.6, 14.8, 16.8 (104)

Hawthorn 3.1, 9.5, 14.7, 20.15 (135)

 

 

 

Best players: Harris, Clayton, Wilson, Pekin, Pert, Osborne.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 6, Conlan 4, Roos 2, Wilson 2.

 

In front of 14,000 fans at Princes Park, the 11^th placed Lions stormed to a 26 point lead over the 2^nd placed Hawks late in the third quarter. But the reigning premiers steadied at home and pulled away in the final stanza. Leon Harris starred with 26 disposals, and Scott Clayton did a tremendous job tagging Terry Wallace.[19] Third quarter highlights included a great snap by Quinlan, and a remarkable goal by Conlan where he literally head butted an opponent before snapping truly. A great bit of team play by Harris passing to Gotch who then passed to Wilson resulted in another goal.

 

Round 17: 28 July 1984

 

Fitzroy     4.5, 4.6, 8.8, 11.11 (77)

Hawthorn 4.1, 5.5, 6.7, 10.7 (67)

 

Best players: Lokan, Turner, Barwick, Roos, Quinlan, Thornton, Osborne.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Quinlan 3, Pert 2, Turner, Barwick 2.

 

The 10^th placed Lions remarkably upset ladder leader Hawthorn in front of a dismally small crowd of less than 7,000 at the Junction Oval as Bernie Harris (younger brother of Leon) made his debut. Bill Lokan had 29 disposals.[20]

 

1985

 

Fitzroy finished a disappointing 9^th with seven wins and 28 points, whilst Hawthorn finished third with 62 points.

 

 

Round 6: 4 May 1985

 

Fitzroy     4.3, 7.5, 11.8, 15.12 (102)

 

Hawthorn 6.4, 12.11, 14.13, 19.16 (130)

 

Best players: Barwick, Quinlan, Osborne, Mark Scott, McIvor, Gotch.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Quinlan 6, Halas 3, Conlan 2, Barwick 2.

 

11^th placed Fitzroy took on 8^th placed Hawthorn in a home game at Victoria Park before just under 10,000 fans. Hawthorn led easily throughout the game. Tall forward Shane Halas made an impressive debut for the Roys, kicking three goals.[21]

 

Round 17: 27 July 1985

 

Fitzroy     1.2, 3.4, 6.8, 8.14 (62)

Hawthorn  3.6, 6.6, 11.15, 19.20 (134)

 

Best players: Lokan, McIvor, Cooper, Rendell, Pert.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Quinlan 3, Conlan 2.

 

9^th placed Fitzroy clashed with 3^rd placed Hawthorn in front of just over 13,000 fans at Waverley Park. The Roys got within 14 points early in the third quarter, but capitulated in the latter stages of the game. Bill Lokan was best for the Roys with nearly 30 possessions.[22]

 

1986

 Fitzroy finished 4^th with 13 wins and 9 losses (52 points), but the premiership Hawks topped the table with 18 wins and 4 losses (72 points). Nevertheless, the Roys won their two home and away games before succumbing in the Preliminary Final.

 

Round 5: 26 April 1986

 

 

Fitzroy     3.10, 4.13, 12.23, 13.26 (104)

Hawthorn  3.4,  4.7,    6.9,    13.12 (90)

 

Best players: Pert (29 disposals), Rendell, Leon Harris, Blakey, Graham Osborne, McIvor, Pekin, Roos.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Richard Osborne 3, Quinlan 2, Rendell 2, Leon Harris 2.

 

A solid home victory by the 5^th placed Roys over 4^th placed Hawthorn in front of 13,000 at Victoria Park. The Roys opened up a major lead that should have been bigger if not for poor kicking at goal, and then had to hold off a late Hawks fightback. Highlights included a lovely snap by Pert in the first quarter, and a dominant third quarter including Rendell goaling on the run followed by a sharp handball from Bernie Harris to gift Quinlan a goal, a left foot snap by Bernie Harris, a strong mark and long goal by Osborne, a goal on the run by Quinlan, a long bomb by Rendell, a huge goal by Osborne, and a long goal on the run by Rowe. Finally, Leon Harris sealed the game with a clever late final quarter goal under pressure.

 

Round 17: 26 July 1986

 

Fitzroy     1.4, 4.7, 10.9, 14.12 (96)

Hawthorn 2.2, 4.7,  6.8,   6.9 (45)

 

 

Best players: Roos, Turner, Dwyer, Pekin (27 disposals), Thornton,  Reeves, Osborne, Lokan.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Osborne 5, Boaden 2.

 

A huge away win in muddy conditions by the 7^th placed Roys over top of the ladder Hawthorn in front of just under 10,000 fans at Princes Park. Osborne booted five. Debutant Darren Bolden added two goals from 15 disposals.[23] Highlights included a big mark by Osborne, a goal square mark and goal to Osborne, Bolden dashing into an open goal in the 3^rd quarter, and Bolden marking and goaling.

 

Preliminary Final: 20 September 1986

 

 

Fitzroy     4.4, 4.9, 6.10, 7.12 (54)

Hawthorn 5.3, 8.5, 13.7, 16.14 (110)

 

Best players: Roos, Lokan, Clayton, Osborne.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Quinlan 3.

 

This was Fitzroy’s last ever finals game in front of 68,000 fans at Waverley Park. The Roys burst out of the blocks kicking three goals two to nothing in the first ten minutes, and a dream run to the Grand Final looked likely. Quinlan kicked two amazing snaps (the first aided by outstanding shepherding from Barwick), and Osborne added another from a free kick. But the experienced Hawks pegged them back, and then eclipsed Fitzroy in the second half. Other highlights included a McGrath snap in the first quarter, a towering Roos mark in the second quarter, a Conlan goal on the run in the third quarter followed by a Quinlan mark and goal which reduced the difference to 14 points, and finally a mark and goal by Rendell and a five bounce run by Conlan in the last quarter.

 

But the Lions ran out of legs with nearly half the side including Roos (who had to have pain killing injections to an injured ankle to start the game), Leon Harris, Pert, Rendell and Quinlan carrying major injuries. That was in addition to Michael Reeves who was sensationally knocked out by Dipper as he ran onto the ground from the interchange hours before he was due to get married. [24]

 

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

[2] Alan Attwood (1978) ‘Lions get a break’, The Age, 1 May, p.30.

 

[3] Peter McFarline (1978) ‘Giant-killing Lions make their point twice over’, The Age, 24 July, p.28; Pete Carter (2020) Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century: The 100 Greatest Victories 1897-1996. Mr Smudge Books, Perth, pp.200-02.

 

[4] Peter MacFarline (1979) ‘It’s the Lion Hearts’, Sunday Press, 5 August.

 

[5] John Rice (1980) ‘Lion charge flaps Hawks’, Sunday Press, 20 April; Matthew Stevens (1980) ‘Birthday cake without icing’, The Age, 21 April.

 

[6] Matthew Stevens (1980) ‘Hawks of old back in the five’, The Age, 30 June.

 

[7] Bob Crimeen (1981) ‘Hawks fly in for kill’, Sunday Press, 17 May.

 

[8] Stewart Murrihy (1981) ‘Fierce Lions in the five’, Sunday Observer, 2 August; Andrew Rule, (1981) ‘Walls’ Lions roaring to go’, The Age, 3 August.

 

[9] Howard Leigh (1982) ‘Roys are roaring again’, Sunday Observer, 9 May; Gerry Carman (1982) ‘Hawks beaten at their own game’, The Age, 10 May.

 

[10] Bob Crimeen (1982) ‘Tamed by the Lions’, Sunday Press, 25 July; Pete Carter (2020) Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century, pp.119-122.

 

[11] Geoff Poulter (1983) “Hawks rip the jinx out of Lions”, Sunday Press, 27 March; Gerry Carman (1983) “Fitzroy’s charge no match for Hawks”, The Age, 27 March.

 

[12] Neil Roberts (1983) “Suicide play by Fitzroy”, Herald, undated.

 

[13] Anonymous (1983) “Injured Hawks on top”, Sunday Observer, 12 June; Ken Piesse (1983) “The Big V needs the Boot”, Sunday Observer, 12 June.

 

[14] Harry Beitzel (1983) “Fitzroy’s Mr Magic”, “Walls keeps up Bernie’s form”, “From rock bottom, to a top player”, Sunday Observer, 12 June.

 

[15] Rohan Connolly (2001) “One free kick in it”, The Age, 4 September.

 

[16] Jon Anderson (1983) “Next time Hawks”, Sunday Press, 4 September; Fitzroy Football Club (1983) 100^th Annual Report and Balance Sheet. Fitzroy Football Club Ltd, p.6.

 

[17] Paul Roos (1997), Beyond 300: An autobiography. Milsons Point: Mandarin, p.151; Robert Walls (2013) “1983 Qualifying Final”, AFL Grand Final Record, 28 September, p.67; Rohan Connolly (2001) “One free kick in it”; Peter Ryan (2019) “Infamous deliberate bound to have comeback”. See also comments by Paul Roos in Matt Zurbo (2016) Champions All: A history of AFL/VFL football in the players own words. Melbourne: Echo, p.363.

 

[18] Paul Roos (1997), p.151.

 

[19] Howard Leigh (1984) “Hawks in old style blitzkrieg”, Sunday Press, 13 May; Mike Coward (1984) “Lions finding it tough at the top”, The Age, 14 May.

 

[20] Anonymous (1984) “No Hawks perch on higher Walls”, Sunday Press, 29 July; Garrie Hutchinson (1984) “For Fitzroy, what might have been”, The Age, 30 July.

 

[21] Frank Brown (1985) “Matthews is Mr Motivator”, Sunday Press, 5 May.

 

[22] Ken Piesse (1985) “Tuck saves the Hawks”, Sunday Press, 28 July; Harvey Silver (1985) “Hawthorn fails to make light of Lions”, The Age, 29 July.

 

[23] Carter, pp.101-03.

 

[24] Russell Holmesby (2020), The death of Fitzroy Football Club. Hardie Grant Books, pp.85, 86 and 89; Roos, pp.162-165.

 

 

More from Philip Mendes can be read Here.

 

 

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