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

 

This is the fourth 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, documenting 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] The third article examined Fitzroy’s rivalry with the ruthless Carlton.

 

In this article, I provide further evidence of Fitzroy’s on-field achievements in this era by analysing their rivalry with the Collingwood Football Club from 1979-86. During this period, Collingwood were runners-up three times, and also finished third in 1984. They finished higher than the Roys in five out of the eight seasons. Yet, Fitzroy won 10 of their 19 clashes, losing eight and drawing one. Unfortunately, the Roys lost all three finals matches between the two clubs.

 

 

1979

 

In 1979, Fitzroy finished 4^th on the home and away ladder with 15 wins and 7 losses (60 points), whilst Collingwood finished third (also on 60 points) but with a higher percentage.

 

Round 1: 7 April 1979

 

The Roys took on Collingwood in the opening game in front of nearly 30,000 fans at Victoria Park.

 

Collingwood 1.5, 2.7, 5.12, 9.15 (69)

Fitzroy        2.4, 9.8, 13.16, 21.23 (149)

 

Best players: Allan (42 disposals), Alexander (24 disposals, 14 marks and 22 hitouts), McMahon, Merrigan, Richardson.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: McMahon 6, Richardson 3, Allan 3, Beecroft 2, Irwin 2.

 

The season began with a huge upset at the unfriendly Victoria Park where the Roys had last won in 1961. Despite champion rover Gary Wilson being concussed in the opening minutes, the Lions dominated from start to finish. Graeme Allan and David McMahon starred, whilst ex-Collingwood captain Max Richardson made a strong debut for the Roys. The large home crowd was unusually quiet for most of the second half, and only really erupted with loud boos when Fitzroy veteran Robert Walls was replaced late in the last quarter. Walls (who had fractured his wrist and would miss the next eight games) responded by pointing triumphantly to the scoreboard. Fitzroy sat 2^nd on the ladder at the end of the round.[3]

 

 

Round 12: 23 June 1979

 

 3^rd placed Fitzroy took on 5^th placed Collingwood before nearly 57,000 people in the Match of the Day at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy          5.5, 10.11, 12.15, 17.20 (122)

Collingwood  3.3, 5.8,     9.12,   11.14 (80)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Quinlan Best on Ground (30 disposals and 15 marks), Wilson, Irwin, Allan, Harris, Alexander.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Beecroft 3, Conlan 2, Quinlan 2, Richardson 2, Walls 2, Wilson 2.

 

The Roys won their 8^th game in a row to grab 2^nd place on the ladder. Highlights included a great left foot snap for goal by Bernie Quinlan, a dashing goal from Wilson on the run, and an outstanding sequence of team play involving Irwin, Wilson, Allan, McMahon and Allan again.

 

 

First Semi Final: 15 September 1979

 

87,000 people watched this game at the MCG.

 

Fitzroy         3.4, 5.13, 6.17, 12.22 (94)

Collingwood 3.5, 5.7, 12.13, 16.20 (116)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Wilson, Allan, Conlan, Hansen, Quinlan.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Walls 3, Conlan 2, Beecroft 2.

 

Having missed the Elimination Final, this was my first ever live attendance at a VFL finals match. This game was also utilised as the live action in the film version of David Williamson’s famous play ‘The Club’. Fitzroy started well, and but for poor kicking at goal, would have led by more than six points at half time. But the Magpie runners Barham, Anderson and Kink destroyed the Lions with a seven goal 3^rd quarter, and the premiership dream was over.[4] Highlights included a lovely left handed handball by Wilson to Irwin for a goal, and a long goal on the run after two bounces by Conlan.

 

 1980

 

 In 1980, Fitzroy won the wooden spoon with only four wins, one draw and 17 losses (18 points), whilst Collingwood finished 5^th with 58 points before losing the Grand Final to Richmond.

 

Round 8: 17 May 1980

 

10^th placed Fitzroy clashed with 8^th placed Collingwood before nearly 21,000 fans at the Junction Oval.

 

Fitzroy          4.7, 7.10, 13.14, 17.16 (118)

Collingwood  3.4, 10.8, 12.11, 17.16 (118)

 

 

 

 

Best players: McMahon, Alexander, Wilson, Beecroft, Quinlan, Smith, Irwin, Serafini.

 

Multiple goal kickers: Beecroft 6, Alexander 2, McMahon 2, Quinlan 2, Wilson 2.

 

This was a closely contested game throughout. The lead changed hands five times in the final quarter. Full forward Bob Beecroft drilled three goals in the last quarter, and then Roys captain Ron Alexander looked to have iced the game after taking a big grab in the goal square with 27 minutes gone. But a late goal by Collingwood captain Ray Shaw drew the game.[5] Bob Beecroft remained second on the VFL goal kicking ladder.

 

 

Round 19: 9 August 1980

 

 5th placed Collingwood tackled 10^th placed Fitzroy in front of 31,000 at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy          4.9, 8.11, 13.16, 16.19 (115)

Collingwood  4.1, 7.6, 10.9, 19.10 (124)

 

 

Best players: Irwin, McMahon, Wilson, Veal, Marchesani, Serafini, Beecroft, Braddy.

 

Multiple goal kickers: Beecroft 3, McMahon 3, Marchesani 2, McCarthy 2, Wilson 2.

 

Fitzroy controlled most of this game to lead by 37 points early in the final quarter, but somehow ran out of puff at the end. Alexander, Irwin and Wilson dominated the centre bounces, and McMahon and Marchesani had good games in the midfield. Serafini, Hansen and Veal were solid in defence. [6] Beecroft stayed 4^th on the goal kicking ladder.

 

 

1981

 

 Fitzroy won 14 games to finish 5^th with 56 points, but Collingwood finished second with 17 wins and five losses for 68 points.

 

Round 1: 28 March 1981

 

Fitzroy took on Collingwood in the opening game in front of 27,000 fans at the Junction Oval.

 

Fitzroy          2.2,   9.7,     15.9,   20.13 (133)

Collingwood 6.13, 10.15, 16.24,  22.27 (159)

 

Best players: Wilson (Best on Ground), Conlan, Quinlan, Serafini, Harris, Murnane, Coleman, Lewis.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Conlan 5, Harris 5, Quinlan 3, Hansen 2, Wilson 2, Murnane 2.

 

The Lions started slowly and if the Magpies had kicked straight, the game would have been over at quarter time. But the Lions fought back hard, and closed to within one point at the 9 minute mark of the final quarter before Collinwood steadied. New captain Garry Wilson had 35 disposals plus 8 marks and 2 goals. Quinlan was also outstanding, and Lee Murnane made a fine debut.[7]

 

 

Round 22: 29 August 1981

 

The 5^th placed Roys took on top side Collingwood in front of over 32,000 fans at Victoria Park.

 

Collingwood 0.1, 0.2, 1.3,   4.9 (33)

Fitzroy         4.4, 5.9, 7.11, 8.11 (59)

 

 

 

 

Best Players: Serafini, Carlson, Francis, Taylor, Herbert, Quinlan, Alexander, Wilson, Lawrie.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: All singles.

 

It all came down to the last home and away game at Victoria Park. Collingwood were not only top of the ladder, but unbeaten at home for the entire season. They also had to win to ensure they retained top spot over 2^nd placed Carlton. For Fitzroy a win would guarantee 5^th spot, whereas a loss could leave them vulnerable to being replaced by either Richmond or Hawthorn. The Lions led all day for an incredible victory. The media praised the ‘new strength of character among the players…The urgency of the task was apparent in every early movement Fitzroy made. Even the opposition noticed it. As one senior Collingwood player said afterwards: You could see the desperation in their eyes. And you could hear it. They were screaming right from the start’.[8] The Lions were delighted with their victory as reflected in a post-game TV interview with a very happy Ron Alexander. The Sun featured coach Walls hugging a mud-spattered Alexander on their back page.[9]

 

Game highlights included a Conlan mark up forward, a great high mark by Wilson in the mud and slush, a run and long kick by Conlan to the goal square which resulted in Harris grabbing the ball off hands and running into an open goal, a goal by Wilson on the run, a left foot snap by Quinlan, Poynton running into an open goal, Lewis passing to Conlan for an easy goal, and a long sealing goal by Lewis in the final quarter. Serafini was easily best afield with 24 disposals and 4 marks. [10]

 

 

First Semi Final: 12 September 1981

 

85,000 attended the MCG to see Fitzroy tackle the Magpies.

 

Collingwood 5.6, 11.13, 14.15, 19.19 (133)

Fitzroy         2.3, 6.5,     12.13, 19.18 (132)

 

 

 

 

Best Players: McMahon (Best on Ground), Alexander, Smith, Wilson, Serafini, Taylor, Murnane, Rendell, Francis, Lawrie, Clayton.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Rendell 5, McMahon 4, Lawrie 2, Quinlan 2, Poynton 2, Murnane 2.

 

This was a game of two halves. Collingwood led by 45 points early in the 3^rd quarter, but the Lions recovered to seemingly have the game under control with less than 10 minutes to play. David McMahon starred for the Lions with 22 disposals, 4 marks, and 4 goals in the second half until he tore his hamstring late in the game, and Ron Alexander had 38 hit outs. Mick Conlan effectively blanketed star Pie Ricky Barham after half time.[11]

 

After Grant Lawrie goaled to give the Roys an 8 point lead at the 23 minute mark, Fitzroy had two chances to seal the game. Des Herbert took a strong mark, and had a set shot from the left forward flank which Rendell marked just near the right behind post, but his set shot missed. Then Carlson had a long shot which was touched through to make it 10 points the difference. But Collingwood responded with goals to Daicos and Brewer at the 27 and 28 minute marks. Even then, Lee Murnane had a long shot which was touched through, and Terry O’Neill had time to balance, but sprayed his kick straight to a Collingwood defender.

 

Game highlights included McMahon scoring a banana goal from the boundary, Parish handballing to McMahon for a goal, Murnane snapping a goal, McMahon converting off the pack, Lewis handballing to McMahon for his 4th goal 7 minutes into the last quarter, Quinlan’s left foot snap that followed, and Lewis handballing to Lawrie to goal on the run at the 23 minute mark of the final quarter.

 

 

1982

 

 Fitzroy finished 6^th with 12 wins and a draw totalling 50 points. In contrast,  Collingwood finished 10^th with 16 points.

 

 

Round 6: 1 May 1982

 

9^th placed Fitzroy took on 11^th placed Collingwood in front of nearly 28,000 fans at Victoria Park.

 

Fitzroy          1.2, 5.4, 8.11, 12.19 (91)

Collingwood  4.3, 8.5, 11.6, 13.10(88)

 

The Winners Rebooted: Episode 12, 1982:

 

 

 

 

Best players: Gotch, Parish, Lawrie, Rendell, Conlan, Foster, Carlson.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Roos 3, Gotch 3, McMahon 2, Conlan 2.

 

The Roys trailed all day, but came home with a wet sail to win a close one. Fourth gamer Peter Foster was decisive in the victory with his strong marking and sure handball.[12] Shortly afterwards he was cleared to the Bulldogs where he carved out a fine career.

 

The last quarter was tight. Paul Roos took a fine mark and goaled to bring the Roys back within six points. Then Mick Conlan, who had been quiet for three quarters, kicked two quick goals mid-way through the last quarter to reduce the deficit from 14 to two points: the first following a fine pass by Parish, the second on the run following a handball by Lawrie. Terry O’Neill and Peter Foster took fine overhead marks as the game kicked into time on, and then McMahon snapped truly at the 26 minute mark to grab Fitzroy a five point lead. Parish took a match saving mark deep in defence to save the game just before the siren went.

 

 

Round 16: 17 July 1982

 

7^th placed Fitzroy tackled 10^th placed Collingwood before 26,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy         4.6, 7.11, 9.16, 10.24 (84)

Collingwood 2.2, 7.5,  8.10, 9.10 (64)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Quinlan (22 disposals, 7 marks and 8 hit-outs), Francis, Rendell, Sidebottom, Murnane, Harris.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 2, Conlan 2.

 

Rugged big man Gary Sidebottom joined the Lions a week earlier, [13]and played one game in the reserves before having an immediate impact in a comfortable win against 10^th placed Collingwood. According to a Sunday Press report, he ‘provided Fitzroy with much needed height, physical strength and aggression’.[14] Second quarter highlights included a fine mark and goal by Francis, and a classy left foot snap by Quinlan.

 

 

1983

 

The Roys won 15 games to finish 3^rd on 60 points, whilst Collingwood finished 6^th with 12 wins and 48 points.

 

Round 10: 28 May 1983

 

 Top side Fitzroy clashed with 8^th placed Collingwood before nearly 33,000 fans at Victoria Park.

 

Fitzroy          6.1, 7.7, 8.12, 13.15 (93)

Collingwood 3.4, 5.9, 6.13, 10.17 (77)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Parish, Francis, Coleman, Sidebottom, Pert, Carlson, Hinchen.

 

Multiple Goal kickers: Reeves 3, Quinlan 3, Carlson 2, Sidebottom 2.

 

Former North Melbourne forward Michael Reeves iced this game with three goals in the final quarter, and was backed up by a classy snap from Leigh Carlson in the final minutes. Tall defender Glenn Coleman, who replaced the injured Matt Rendell in the ruck, was best afield. Coach Robert Walls described it as a “gutsy win” that was equal best for the season with the earlier victory over reigning premier Carlton.[15]

 

 

Round 21: 20 August 1983

 

The 2^nd placed Roys clashed with Collingwood in front of over 24,000 fans at the Junction Oval. It was a must win game for Collingwood if they were still to contend for the final five.

 

Fitzroy          2.4, 8.5, 10.10, 19.13 (127)

Collingwood 3.4, 3.12, 4.15, 7.21 (63)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Rendell (Best on Ground), Serafini, Wilson, Harris, Parish, Clayton, Lokan, Coleman, Gotch.

 

Multiple Goal kickers: Scott 4, Quinlan 3, Roos 3, Gotch 3, Lokan 2, Conlan 2.

 

All eyes were on Bernie Quinlan seeking his 100^th goal for the season. Number 99 was converted from 60 metres out. The century finally came late in the last quarter following a perfectly weighted pass by rover Brad Gotch. Quinlan drilled the drop punt from 70 metres out right on the centre square line, and hundreds of youngsters invaded the ground. The play was held up for four minutes. Other highlights included a long bomb from the centre square by Bill Lokan which evaded all defenders and bounced through, a smart goal from Leigh Carlson on the run, and two bounces followed by a goal on the run by Mick Conlan.[16]

 

 

1984

 

 Fitzroy finished 5^th with 11 wins and 44 points, whilst Collingwood finished 4^th with 13 wins totalling 52 points.

 

 

Round 9: 26 May 1984

 

The bottom of the ladder Fitzroy took on 4^th placed Collingwood before nearly 26,000 at Victoria Park.

 

Fitzroy          2.1, 6.6, 8.9,    11.16 (82)

Collingwood 4.3, 8.9, 11.16, 15.19 (109)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Harris, Parish, Quinlan, Roos, Thornton, Lokan.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 4, Wilson 2.

 

The Lions never looked likely. Both Les Parish and Leon Harris had 30 disposals. [17]

 

 

Round 19: 11 August 1984

 

The 10^th placed Lions took on 4^th placed Collingwood before more than 25,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy          5.3, 7.4, 13.12, 14.19 (103)

Collingwood  0.1, 2.5, 5.6,     9.7 (61)

 

Best players: Osborne, Pert, Barwick, Roos, Thornton, Gotch, Pekin, Rendell, Sidebottom.

Multiple goalkickers: Osborne 3, Wilson 2, Pert 2, Quinlan 2, Gotch 2.

 

The Lions demolished 4^th placed Collingwood at VFL Park leading at one stage by 11 goals. Osborne dominated with 20 disposals, and three goals four. Pert was equally impressive with 17 disposals and two goals. [18] Game  highlights included a long left foot snap by Barwick in the first quarter, and a nice goal by Sidebottom in the second quarter. The Lions controlled the 3^rd quarter including a great shark by Wilson off the pack and left foot snap, a long hook by Pert over his shoulder which commentator Sandy Roberts labelled Goal of the Day, a long goal by Osborne on the run, Gotch running into an open goal, a long kick by Turner gifting another goal to Gotch, and another goal on the run by Osborne. Osborne nailed another long snap in the last quarter.

 

 

 

Finals Footy; Elimination Final 9 September 1984

 

Nearly 74,000 watched the Roys versus Collingwood at the MCG on a Sunday afternoon.

 

Fitzroy           5.3, 8.9, 11.16, 15.17 (107)

Collingwood  5.2, 8.4, 13.8,    23.15 (153)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Rendell, Pert, Turner, Roos, Bernie Harris, Osborne.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Quinlan 3, Lokan 2, Sidebottom 2, Scott 2, Osborne 2, Pert 2.

 

The Lions were confident of toppling Collingwood after six wins in a row, but for the third time in six seasons the Pies proved too strong in a finals game. The Lions started slowly, but nudged in front by quarter time. They were only four points down at three quarter time after having six more scoring shots. But perhaps the effort of winning so many games in the second half of the season took its toll, and the Pies destroyed them in the final quarter. [19]

 

Matt Rendell was best with 19 disposals, 10 marks, and 26 hit outs. Game highlights included a beautiful mark by Gary Pert who played on and drilled a long goal. In the final quarter, there was a strong mark by Paul Roos, and a magnificent leap by Pert at centre half forward.

 

 

1985

 

 Fitzroy finished a disappointing 9^th with seven wins and 28 points, whilst Collingwood finished 7^th with 10 wins and 12 losses (40 points).

 

Round 7: 11 May 1985

 

11^TH placed Fitzroy took on 3^rd placed Collingwood at their mutual home ground Victoria Park before nearly 23,000 fans.

 

Fitzroy          8.1, 16.5, 19.7, 25.10 (160)

Collingwood  3.0, 4.6, 7.14, 11.15 (81).

 

Best players: Pekin, Pert, Roos (27 disposals and nine marks), Scott, Lokan, Richard Osborne, Barwick, Lawrie.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Quinlan 4, Osborne 3,  Barwick 3, Halas 3, Keane 2, Nettlefold 2, Pekin 2, Bernie Harris 2.

 

The Roys had this game won by half time. Forward Mark Scott did a great job in the ruck replacing the injured Rendell.  Pert and Roos were excellent in defence, and Osborne and Barwick dazzled up forward.[20]

 

 

Round 18: 3 August 1985

 

9^th placed Fitzroy played 6^th placed Collingwood in front of just over 16,000 fans at Victoria Park.

 

Fitzroy          5.3, 7.10, 10.16, 14.21 (105)

Collingwood  3.2, 8.4, 12.7, 14.10 (94)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Rendell, Roos, Lawrie, Barwick, Turner, Bernie Harris.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Bernie Harris 5, Lyon 3, Quinlan 2.

 

An excellent last quarter by the Roys was topped off by Mick Conlan running into an open goal to seal the game. The game featured an outstanding debut by young Ross Lyon.

 

 

1986

 

Fitzroy finished 4^th with 13 wins and 9 losses (52 points), whilst Collingwood finished 6^th with 12 wins totalling 48 points.

 

 

Round 11: 7 June 1986

 

6^th placed Fitzroy tackled 8^th placed Collingwood in front of 27,000 fans at Victoria Park.

 

Fitzroy          3.0,   5.4,   7.8,  11.12 (78)

Collingwood 10.4, 11.6, 16.9, 18.14 (122)

 

 

 

 

Best players: Graham Osborne, Barwick, Leon Harris, Rendell, Roos.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Barwick 3, Conlan 2, Keane 2, McGrath 2, Osborne 2.

 

Fitzroy were blown away by powerful Collingwood full forward Brian Taylor in the first quarter (surprisingly matched up by his former team mate Peter McCormack who had recently crossed over to the Roys) and never got back in the game. There were some highlights including a left foot snap by Barwick, Osborne off the ground, McGrath dobbing a long goal, Osborne marking and kicking a long goal, and Conlan goaling on the run.

 

 

Round 16: 19 July 1986

 

7^th placed Fitzroy and 5^th placed Collingwood (separated only by percentage) clashed in front of 34,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy         5.1, 10.4, 10.6, 12.13 (85)

Collingwood 2.4, 5.6,  13.7, 20.12 (132)

 

Best players: Roos, Dwyer, Leon Harris, McIvor.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Osborne 3, Barwick 2, Lawrie 2.

 

A bad loss after controlling the first half. Paul Roos was outstanding, and young wingmen Mark Dwyer very good in his second game.[21] The few highlights included a left foot snap by Osborne, a Barwick pass to Williamson for a mark and goal, and a good goal on the run by Barwick.

 

[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] Pete Carter (2020) Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century. Mr Smudge Books, pp.98-100.

 

[4] Trevor Grant (1979a) ‘Pies play in bursts’, Sunday Press, 16 September; Trevor Grant (1979b) ‘The Lions hopes were dashed’ in Ian McDonald (ed.) Finals Action: VFL 1979 Season Official Souvenir. Melbourne: VFL, pp.38-43.

 

[5] Anon (1980) ‘A draw – and both coaches are angry’, Sunday Press, 18 May; Anon (1980) ‘Draw, but Magpies blew it with the wind’, The Age, 19 May.

 

[6] Stephen Downes (1980) ‘Hell in black and white’, The Age, 11 August.

 

[7] John Rice (1981) ‘Pies too hot for Lions’, Sunday Press, 29 March; Steve Perkin (1981) ‘Fright to the finish for Pies’, The Age, 30 March.

 

[8] Trevor Grant (1981) ‘New-breed Lions finally in the hunt’, The Age, 31 August. See also Kevin Coghlan (1981) ‘Lions bury Pies in mudbath’, Sunday Observer, 30 August.

 

[9] Anonymous (1981) ‘Lions claw their way into the 5’, Sun, 1 September.

 

[10] Pete Carter (2020) Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century, pp.221-223.

 

[11] Kevin Coghlan (1981) ‘Magpies in by a Lion’s left whisker’, Sunday Observer, 13 September; Mike Coward (1981)‘Magpies prove there’s life after death’, The Age, 14 September 1981; Michael Davis (1981) ‘Woods wobble in over fighting Fitzroy’ in Finals Battle 81. Victorian Football League, pp.40-45; Emma Quayle (2001) ‘Pies brew a telling finish’, The Age, 10 September.

 

[12] Terry O’Halloran (1982) ‘Magpies in the dumps again’, Sunday Observer, 2 May; Mike Coward (1982) ‘Woods ready for a burial’, The Age, 3 May.

 

[13] Gerry Carman (1982) ‘Sidey joins Fitzroy’, The Age, 2 July.

 

[14] Stewart Murrihy (1982) ‘Garry on side’, Sunday Observer, 18 July. See also Peter Wilmoth (1982) ‘Pies ammunition turns up blanks’, The Age, 19 July.

 

[15] John Rice (1983) “Mike nails the lid down”, Sunday Press, 29 May. See also Gerry Carman (1983) “Gutsy Lions please Walls”, The Age, 30 May.

 

[16] Pete Carter (2020), pp.322-325; Trevor Grant (1983) ‘No Quinlan to cheer Woods’, The Age, 22 August.

 

[17] Frank Brown (1984) “Pies need ruck”, Sunday Press, 27 May.

 

[18] Ken Piesse (1984) Magpies flutter, flop in Lion leap”, Sunday Press, 12 August; David Humphries (1984) “As the coach said – pathetic”, The Age, 13 August.

 

[19] Trevor Grant (1984) “Young pies come alive”, The Age, 10 September.

 

[20] Michael Davis (1985) ‘Lions pounce’, Sunday Press, 12 May.

 

[21] James Button (1986) ‘Magpies comeback stuns Lions’, The Age, 21 July.

 

 

 

More from Philip Mendes can be read Here.

 

 

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