Almanac Footy: Another great Football Rivalry: Fitzroy v North Melbourne 1979-1986

 

This is the fifth 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.[3] The fourth article interrogated Fitzroy’s intense rivalry with Collingwood.[4]

 

In this article, I provide further evidence of Fitzroy’s on-field achievements in this era by analysing their rivalry with the North Melbourne Football Club from 1979-86. North Melbourne had been a powerhouse team of the 1970s, participating in five straight grand finals from 1974-78, and seven consecutive finals series from 1974-80. However, during the 1979-86 period, Fitzroy and North Melbourne had very similar performances. They both played finals in five of the eight seasons, yet neither finished higher than third at the end of finals series. The closeness of their rivalry was also reflected in their direct clashes. North shaded Fitzroy by winning 10 of their 16 games, compared to six victories for the Roys, but three of the North victories were by less than 12 points.

 

1979

 

In 1979, Fitzroy finished 4^th on the home and away ladder with 15 wins and 7 losses (60 points), whilst North Melbourne finished second on 68 points.

 

Round 8: 26 May 1979

 

The 4^th placed Roys challenged the previously unbeaten top of the table North Melbourne in front of 17,000 fans at Arden Street, and dominated the second half to record a massive upset victory.

 

North Melbourne 2.4, 9.7,   10.9,   13.16 (94)

Fitzroy                4.7, 5.10, 13.20, 21.22 (148)

 

 

 

also

 

 

Best players:  Quinlan (Best on Ground: 28 possessions and 4 marks), Harris starred all day, Higgins, Richardson, Alexander, Wilson, Serafini kept Blight goalless), Beecroft.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Beecroft 4, Quinlan 3, Richardson 3, Irwin 2, Allan 2, McMahon 2.

 

The Lions stormed home with 16 goals to four in the second half against ladder leader North Melbourne despite losing defender Brian Brown to a broken leg, and co-defender Peter Keays to concussion following an incident behind play involving South Australian legend Graham Cornes. Quinlan dominated in the second half with 17 kicks.[5] World of Sport highlights included a long torpedo goal by Wilson, two outstanding assists by Ron Alexander that resulted in long goals by Graeme (Gubby) Allan, a sharp handball by Wilson to Conlan who goaled on the run, and two big contested marks by Beecroft in the goal square. Beecroft’s high marking was a major component of Fitzroy’s rise up the ladder in 1979.

 

Herald Chief Football Writer Alf Brown summed up as follows:

 

‘Fitzroy outclassed unbeaten North Melbourne in the second half at Arden Street this afternoon to win by 54 points. North was overwhelmed by Fitzroy’s pace, superior teamwork and greater desire for the ball. Brilliant Bernie Quinlan lifted Fitzroy in the second half. North had no counter for his pace and strong marking and he brought many players into the game’.[6]

 

Round 19: 11 August 1979

 

The 2^nd placed Lions played the 3^rd placed North Melbourne in front of 16,000 fans at the Junction Oval, and missed a big chance to consolidate a top three spot.

 

Fitzroy                 1.2, 3.6,    5.10,  7.12 (54)

North Melbourne   3.3, 9.10, 14.14, 17.19 (121)

 

 

 

Best players: Quinlan, McCarthy, Wilson, Taylor, Conlan.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: None.

 

The Roos were far too good on a wet and cold day at the Junction Oval. Dempsey dominated in the ruck.[7]

 

 

1980

 

In 1980, Fitzroy won the wooden spoon with only four wins, one draw and 17 losses (18 points), whilst North Melbourne finished 4^th with 14 wins and a draw (58 points), but lost the Elimination Final to Collingwood.

 

Round 3: 12 April 1980

 

8^th placed Fitzroy clashed with 5^th placed North Melbourne before 14,000 fans at the Junction Oval.

 

Fitzroy                 5.1, 7.10, 8.12, 14.18 (102)

North Melbourne   3.8, 8.12, 14.20, 21.22 (148)

 

Best players: Irwin, Conlan, Mugavin, Thornton, Quinlan,  Beecroft.

 

Multiple goal kickers: Beecroft 5, Conlan 4.

 

It was a close first half, but North dominated after half time. Fitzroy were a shadow of their 1979 finals team.[8]

 

Round 16: 19 July 1980

 

10^th placed Fitzroy took on 4^th placed North Melbourne in front of 16,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy                 4.2, 7.4, 10.6, 13.8 (80)

North Melbourne   5.4, 9.8, 13.12, 17.13 (115)

 

Best players: Wilson (33 disposals), Irwin, Alexander, Beecroft, Walls.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Beecroft 4, Walls 3, McMahon 2.

 

Despite their cheer squad failing to provide a banner, the Lions started this game brilliantly with the opening four goals in 13 minutes. Wilson, Irwin and Walls dominated early, but the Roos were too good from there. [9]

 

 

1981

 

Fitzroy won 14 games to finish 5^th with 56 points, winning the Elimination Final, and losing by one point to Collingwood in the First Semi Final, whilst North Melbourne toppled to 8^th with 40 points.

 

Round 6: 2 May 1981

 

4^TH placed Fitzroy took on 7^th placed North Melbourne in front of 16,000 fans at Arden St.

 

North Melb 4.4 12.12 17.14 27.17 (179)

Fitzroy       8.4 8.6     16.8  19.12 (126)

 

Best Players: Parish, Rendell, Wilson, Lawrie, Harris, Conlan.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 3, Parish 3, Lawrie 2, Alexander 2, Rendell 2, Conlan 2, Harris 2, Lewis, Mugavin, Murnane.

 

A disappointing result at Arden St which sent Fitzroy back to 6^th place. Utility Les Parish was best with 19 disposals, and 3 goals.

 

Round 16: 18 July 1981

 

7^th placed Fitzroy clashed with 8^th placed North Melbourne before nearly 18,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

 

 

Fitzroy                3.2, 5.7, 10.8, 18.13 (121)

North Melbourne 2.2, 2.6, 6.11, 12.15 (87)

 

Best Players: Quinlan, Wilson, Lawrie, Carlson, Alexander, Smith, Francis, Hansen.

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 6, Wilson 3, Poynton 3.

 

An important victory over a sliding North Melbourne at VFL Park. Quinlan dominated with 34 disposals, 12 marks and 6 goals. Wilson was also brilliant with 38 disposals, 10 marks, and 3 goals.[10]

 

Highlights included a big goal by Rod Lewis, excellent team play to get the ball to McMahon to goal, a Quinlan left foot snap, and a contested mark by Hansen. Then there was the majestic goal of the day by Quinlan who took 3 bounces, side stepped a player, and goaled from the right forward pocket.

 

 

1982

 

Fitzroy finished 6^th with 12 wins and a draw totalling 50 points, and were directly replaced in the final five by North Melbourne who finished 5^th with 14 wins totalling 56 points.

 

Round 3: 10 April 1982

 

10^th placed Fitzroy took on 5^th placed North before nearly 22,000 fans at the Junction Oval.

 

Fitzroy                2.3, 7.8, 12.12, 14.16 (100)

North Melbourne 3.4, 8.8, 14.9,   25.14(164)

 

 

 

Best players: Wilson (25 disposals), Quinlan, Hansen, Parish, Conlan, O’Neill.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 5, Wilson 2, Poynton 2.

 

The Roys led by 14 points half way through the third quarter, but then disappointingly capitulated. The fabulous Krakouer brothers playing their first season for North dazzled.[11] Watch for a big mark and goal by Coleman, a perfect pass by McMahon to Poynton for a goal, and a neat goal on the run by Quinlan from the 3^rd quarter highlights.

 

Round 13: 19 June 1982

 

6^th placed Fitzroy clashed with 5^th placed North Melbourne before 14,000 fans at Arden St.

 

Fitzroy                 2.1, 7.8, 10.11, 11.21 (87)

North Melbourne  3.1, 5.2, 13.7, 13.10 (88)

 

 

 

Best players: Rendell, Francis, McMahon, Murnane, Wilson, Coleman.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: McMahon 3, Wilson 2, Clayton 2.

 

A narrow loss to 5^th placed North Melbourne that would prove costly for finals contention. The Roys booted ten behinds in a row in an inaccurate final quarter. [12] Second quarter highlights included a low skimming pass by Wilson to McMahon resulting in a goal, and a fine snap by Parish.

 

 

1983

 

The Roys won 15 games to finish 3^rd on 60 points but lost both finals to finish fourth, whilst North Melbourne finished top of the ladder with 64 points, but also lost both finals to finish third.

 

Round Two: 4 April 1983

 

10th placed Fitzroy tackled 4^th placed North Melbourne before nearly 24,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy                  1.4, 5.11, 6.11, 12.16 (88)

North Melbourne   1.2, 1.4, 2.5, 6.7 (43)

 

 

 

Best players: Wilson, Quinlan, Rendell, Parish, Conlan, Carlson, Lawrie, Clayton.

 

Multiple Goal kickers: Quinlan 7, Conlan 3.

 

This was an excellent victory against North Melbourne on the Monday at Waverly Park. Rendell dominated in the ruck, Wilson starred on ball, and Quinlan kicked seven including five in the second half. The Age reported that Fitzroy had

 

“proved it is going to be an aggressive, daring combination this year”.

 

Lions coach Robert Walls affirmed after the game that his side were aiming for a top three finish to secure a double chance in the finals.[13]

 

Round 13: 18 June 1983

 

In a top of the ladder clash, 3^rd placed Fitzroy clashed with top side North Melbourne in front of almost 20,000 fans at the Junction Oval.

 

Fitzroy                  8.4, 13.8, 24.11, 34.16 (220)

North Melbourne   2.2, 8.3, 10.5, 10.10 (70)

 

 

also

 

 

Best players: Rendell, Osborne, Parish (39 disposals), Carlson, Hinchen, Pert, Quinlan, Roos, Conlan

 

Multiple Goal kickers: Rendell 8, Quinlan 7, Conlan 7, Wilson 4, Carlson 3, McMahon 2.

 

This was an amazing performance and the highest ever winning margin against a top of the ladder side. Fitzroy scored the last 15 goals of the match. The victory restored the Roys to top spot and premiership favouritism.[14] Gerry Carman opined that

 

“Fitzroy amply demonstrated its credentials to win the ultimate match in September”,

 

[15] and Bob Crimeen argued

 

“the victory has made the Lions short favourites to win the 1983 flag”. [16] He added that “If cold, hard, black and white facts and figures could be believed, Fitzroy has the 1983 VFL premiership at its mercy”.[17]

 

There were many individual highlights including a great left foot snap and later wonderful acceleration and long goal on the run from Quinlan, a tremendous high mark by Graeme Hinchen, a long spiral punt goal from a mark by McMahon, an excellent snap by big Rendell from the right forward pocket, a (non-preferred) right foot goal on the run after two bounces by Leigh Carlson, two classy set shot goals by Garry Wilson, and an excellent tagging performance by young Richard Osborne on North Melbourne captain and champion Wayne Schimmelbusch.[18]

 

 

1984

 

Fitzroy finished 5^th with 11 wins and 44 points, whilst North tumbled down the ladder to finish 11^TH with 5 wins and 20 points.

 

Round 11: 11 June 1984

10^th placed Fitzroy took on 11^th placed North Melbourne on the Queens Birthday Monday in front of nearly 15,000 fans at the Junction Oval.

 

Fitzroy                8.2, 14.7, 19.10, 25.16 (166)

North Melbourne 4.5, 10.7, 21.11, 23.14 (152)

 

 

 

Best players: Osborne, Roos, Thornton, Rendell, Sidebottom, Wilson, Quinlan.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Quinlan 7, Conlan 5, Rendell 4, Sidebottom 3, Lawrie 3.

 

The Lions ended strongly at home to win a shoot-out against struggling North Melbourne after trailing by 19 points early in the last quarter. Rendell and Sidebottom were both instrumental in the victory. Wilson had 30 disposals plus a superb high mark, and Roos had 23 disposals and eight marks. [19] Third quarter highlights included a long handball by Osborne to Rendell who goaled on the run, a Quinlan pass to Conlan resulting in a goal, a screamer by Osborne, and a goal on the run by Leon Harris. Final quarter highlights included a Wilson pass to Conlan for his 4^th goal, a great snap by Thornton under pressure, a goal to Rendell following a ruck duel free kick, Sidebottom dashing into an open goal to put the Lions back in front, Lawrie running into an open goal, and a left foot snap by Quinlan to seal the game. Coach Robert Walls later praised the great effort by Rendell who had 8 kicks in the final quarter.

 

Round 21: 25 August 1984

 

7th placed Fitzroy took on 11^th placed North Melbourne in front of 18,000 fans at the MCG.

 

Fitzroy                 8.3, 15.5, 21.7, 26.9 (165)

North Melbourne   4.6, 5.10, 9.16, 15.21 (111)

 

Best players: Quinlan, Barwick, Lokan, Rendell, Sidebottom, Wilson, Bernie Harris, Roos, Gotch, Burke.

 

Multiple goalkickers: Quinlan 11, Barwick 5, Bernie Harris 3, Gotch 2, Wilson 2, Lokan 2.

 

Bernie Quinlan dominated this game with 11 goals from 12 kicks at the MCG. This was the highest number of goals by a Fitzroy player in a game since 1928, and took him to 97 goals for the season. He had now kicked a total of 32 goals in his last four games against North. Journalist Ken Piesse called him

 

“a legend of Australian football”,

 

whilst North Melbourne coach Barry Cable judged Fitzroy to be the third best side in the competition after ladder leaders Essendon and Hawthorn. [20]

 

There were many game highlights including Quinlan goaling off the ground and from a right foot snap, another right foot snap by Quinlan, and a left foot snap by Quinlan for his 10^th goal. Third quarter highlights included a lovely high mark by Osborne, and a pass by Turner to Quinlan for his 6^th goal.[21] The Lions remained 7^th on the ladder with one game remaining.[22]

 

 

1985

 

Fitzroy finished a disappointing 9^th with seven wins and 28 points, but North improved to finish 5^th with 13 wins and a draw totalling 54 points.

 

Round 10: 1 June 1985

 

11^th placed Fitzroy took on 2^nd placed North in front of a small crowd of 11,000 fans at Victoria Park.

 

Fitzroy                 5.1, 8.5, 14.13, 17.15 (117)

North Melbourne   6.3, 12.7, 14.7, 19.14 (128)

 

Best players: Lokan, Quinlan, Roos, Pert, Keane, Osborne.

 

Goalkickers: Quinlan 4, Osborne 3, Knight 2, Keane 2, Barwick 2, Lawrie 2, Scott 2.

 

This was a topsy-turvy match. North led by 39 points half way through the second quarter, but Quinlan, Osborne and Keane led a Fitzroy revival. A Doug Barwick goal secured a 12 point lead early in the last quarter, but the Roys couldn’t resist a final North fightback.[23]

 

Round 21: 24 August 1985

 

8^th placed Fitzroy tackled 5^th placed North in front of 14,000 fans at the MCG.

 

Fitzroy                 2.3, 6.6, 13.11, 17.14 (116)    

 

North Melbourne 6.8, 12.12, 14.16, 17.22 (124)

 

 

 

Best players: Osborne, Quinlan, Lawrie, Keane, Lyon, Turner.

 

Goalkickers: Quinlan 5, Barwick 3, Lyon 3, Keane 2, Osborne 2.

 

The Lions came from nowhere to almost upset the finals bound North Melbourne. Richard Osborne and Bernie Quinlan starred in the second half, and first year players Ross Lyon, Gary Keane, Jamie Cooper and John Blakey were also instrumental in the comeback. Wingman Dean Turner snapped to put Fitzroy in front half way through the last quarter, but North steadied to win a thriller.[24]

 

1986

 

Fitzroy finished 4^th with 13 wins and 9 losses (52 points) eventually losing to Hawthorn in the Preliminary Final, whilst North slipped to 7^th with 12 wins totalling 48 points.

 

Round 8: 17 May 1986

 

5^th placed Victoria tackled 6^th placed North Melbourne in front of only 12,000 fans at Victoria Park.

 

Fitzroy                4.4, 9.7, 11.11, 14.13 (97)

North Melbourne 3.3, 5.9, 14.10, 18.12 (120)

 

 

Best players: Lokan (31 disposals), Roos (26 disposals and 8 marks), Turner, McIvor, Rendell, Barwick.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Barwick 4, Conlan 2, Quinlan 2.

 

The Roys were dominant in the first half, but got blitzed by an improving North side in the third term. Highlights included an early goal on the run by Lawrie, Quinlan getting his foot to a bouncing ball on the goal line, a left foot snap by Osborne, an open goal to Quinlan, a clever goal by Leon Harris late in the 3^rd quarter, and a fine last quarter snap by Conlan.[25]

 

Round 20: 16 August 1986

 

5^th placed Fitzroy tackled 8^th placed North Melbourne in front of nearly 16,000 fans at Waverley Park.

 

Fitzroy                 4.3, 5.3, 7.6,   9.7 (61)

North Melbourne 5.2, 9.3, 11.7, 14.9 (93)

 

Best players: Roos, Bernie Harris, Lokan, Clayton, Quinlan.

 

Multiple Goalkickers: Bernie Harris 4, Quinlan 3.

 

A bad loss to fellow finals aspirant North Melbourne sent the Roys back to 7^th spot with only two games left to play. The few highlights included a pass by Bernie Harris to Quinlan who goaled, a snap over his head by Bernie Harris, and a handball by Quinlan to McIvor who goaled.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Between 1979 and 1986, Fitzroy and North Melbourne seemed to be on a similar trajectory. They both had small supporter bases and attracted relatively low home ground attendances. Albeit, it should be noted that  Fitzroy drew reasonable crowds at the Junction Oval, but attracted much smaller numbers once they moved to Victoria Park in 1985. Nevertheless, both sides remained highly competitive on the field. If not for an unlucky four point loss to Hawthorn in the 1983 qualifying final, Fitzroy would have played North in the second semi final that year, and would have been favoured to defeat North to go straight through to the Grand Final. But it wasn’t to be.

 

In the decade after 1986, their respective on and off-field fortunes massively diverged. North stabilised off field, playing their home games at the MCG and drawing reasonable crowds. On field, after missing finals from 1988-92, they became a power side, playing finals eight years in a row including two premierships in 1996 and 1999, and runners-up in 1998. They were lucky enough to recruit probably the greatest player of the modern era in Wayne Carey, and other A-graders in John Longmire, Wayne Schwass, Glenn Archer, Anthony Stevens, Corey McKernan, and Mick Martyn.[26]

 

In contrast, Fitzroy experienced massive financial debt and constant threat of merger or extinction. They moved home grounds from Victoria Park to Princes Park, and then finally to the Western Oval, and also had multiple training venues. On field, all their remaining A-grade players such as Gary Pert, Richard Osborne, Alastair Lynch and Paul Roos eventually departed for greener pastures. In their last three seasons from 1994-96, the Roys won only a total of eight games, before being forced by the AFL into a so-called merger with the Brisbane Bears. Ironically, most Fitzroy supporters preferred the proposed but never consummated merger of Fitzroy and North Melbourne that was actively subverted by the AFL and other self-interested clubs. Some former Royboys such as the writer happily moved on to North, and celebrated their 1999 premiership with great gusto. But we still miss the Roys that we grew up with.

 

 

[1] For the first article, see Philip Mendes, ‘A great Football Rivalry: Fitzroy versus Essendon 1979-1986’, Footy Almanac, 28 January 2023, https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/almanac-football-a-great-football-rivalry-fitzroy-versus-essendon-1979-1986/.

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

[3] https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/almanac-footy-a-great-football-rivalry-fitzroy-versus-carlton-1979-1986-by-philip-mendes/

[4] https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/almanac-footy-another-great-football-rivalry-fitzroy-v-collingwood-1979-1986/

[5] Pete Carter. Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century, Mr Smudge Books, 2020, pp.218-220.

[6] Alf Brown (1979) ‘Lions slaughter Roos’, Herald, 26 May.

[7] Trevor Grant (1979) ‘Tamed lions won’t panic’, Sunday Press, 12 August.

[8] John Rice 1980) ‘Lions losing their teeth’, Sunday Press, 13 April.

[9] Matthew Stevens (1980) ‘No roar for Lions’, The Age, 21 July.

[10] Peter Stone (1981) ‘Fall of the superstars’, Sunday Press, 19 July; Peter Stephens (1981) ‘Roos have lost that winning feeling’, The Age, 20 July.

[11] Rick Sturt (1982) ‘Rebound for Roos’, Sunday Observer, 11 April; Mike Coward (1982) ‘Lions pay for their lapse of memory’, The Age, 12 April.

[12] Rick Sturt (1982) ‘Roo duo slay Lions hopes’, Sunday Observer, 20 June; Gerry Carman, (1982) ‘Lions blow it in the wind’, The Age, 21 June.

[13] Trevor Grant (1983) “Walls justified in aiming high”, The Age, 5 April.

[14] Pete Carter. Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century, pp.341-345.

[15] Gerry Carman (1983) ‘Massacre at the Junction’, The Age, 20 June.

[16] Bob Crimeen (1983) ‘Wow’, Sunday Press, 19 June.

[17] Bob Crimeen (1983) ‘Lions great win’, Sunday Press, 19 June.

[18] Bob Crimeen (1983) ‘Boy did a real man’s job’, Sunday Press, 19 June. See also Paul Roos. Beyond 300: An autobiography, Mandarin, 1997, p.150.

[19] Malcolm Conn (1984) ‘Lions pip North in record goal spree’, The Age, 12 June.

[20] Ken Piesse (1984) ‘Hail, Quinlan, living legend’, Sunday Press, 26 August.

[21] Pete Carter. Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century, pp.139-141.

[22] Malcolm Conn (1984) ‘Speaking of nerves’, The Age, 31 August.

[23] Tony de Bolfo (1985) ‘Be praised, it’s charging Roos’, Sunday Press, 2 June.

[24] Howard Leigh (1985) ‘Roos slide to finals berth’, Sunday Press, 25 August.

[25] ‘Krakouer steals the show’, The Age, 19 May 1986.

[26] Gerard Dowling, The North Story: The North Melbourne Football Club, Playwright Publishing, 1997, pp.231-267.

 

More from Phillip Mendes can be read Here.

 

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