It was 25 years ago that one of the most significant and earth-shaking events in the VFL/AFL’s 124 year history took place. William Westerman (author of ‘Merger’) has a three-part series on the machinations around Fitzroy’s path from proud original club to subject of administration and economic rationalisation. This is the first part of the trilogy.
VAFA – Fitzroy v Ajax: ANZAC Day at Brunswick Street Oval, then, and now.
April 24, 2021 by 13 Comments
John Harms spent ANZAC Day 2012 at the Brunswick Street Oval helping with Auskick, having lunch and then watching an exciting match between the Roys and the visiting Ajax side. [Reprised]
Almanac Football History: Fitzroy’s last finals series, the fabulous 1986 season
February 16, 2021 by 14 Comments
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.
Almanac Football History: Fitzroy’s Topsy Turvy 1984
December 28, 2020 by 7 Comments
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.
Almanac Footy Life: Brad Boyd – Time to sing the praises of an unsung Fitzroy hero
October 16, 2020 by 9 Comments
Gabrielle Murphy is a big fan of Brad Boyd, who is sometimes forgotten. She states the case for greater recognition and acknowledgement of the deeds and leadership displayed by Brad Boyd, Fitzroy FC’s captain, during their final two tumultuous years in the AFL.
Almanac Footy Stories: Apology Accepted
August 31, 2020 by Leave a Comment
When Fitzroy FC president Joan Eddy appeared on 774 ABC Melbourne, a Bulldogs supporter called in with an unusual apology. Gabrielle Murphy tells the story.
Almanac (Footy) History: Vive les Roys – How Bill Stephen gifted the Royboys the best club song in the VFL (ever)
August 26, 2020 by 7 Comments
The late Fitzroy FC legend Bill Stephen was not only a great footballer and coach, he was also a songwriter and the inspiration behind the club’s theme song, as Adam Muyt explains.
Almanac Obituary: Vale Bill Stephen – Legend of the Fitzroy FC
August 26, 2020 by 15 Comments
David Leydon pays a fitting tribute to Fitzroy FC legend Bill Stephen, and much-loved man of football, who passed away on Monday.
Almanac Book Review: ‘Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century: the 100 Greatest Victories 1897-1996.’
July 7, 2020 by 3 Comments
Royboy Adam Muyt (author of the acclaimed ‘Maroon and Blue’) reviews Fitzroy Pete’s recently released book ‘Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century’. [Gives it a big tick too – Ed]
Almanac Book Review – ‘The Death of Fitzroy Football Club’: Mixed Feelings
June 18, 2020 by 6 Comments
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’.
Local Footy: Football in the time of Corona
June 16, 2020 by 2 Comments
Covid-19 presents many challenges for local teams trying to resurrect their seasons. RoyPav1996 provides a snapshot from Brunswick St.
Almanac Footy History: Sir Doug Nicholls and a surprise (for some)
May 22, 2020 by 6 Comments
This weekend would have been Indigenous Round in the AFL. It’s named after Sir Doug Nicholls. Historian (and the ultimate footy person) Rod Gillett reminds us of Sir Doug’s story – and tells us that he’s actually eligible for a significant New South Wales side. [Beaut piece Rocket – JTH]
1995: Bernie’s Boys make Cocky Crows eat humble pie
May 18, 2020 by 4 Comments
It will be 25 years this coming Wednesday since the Roys’ produced their last truly great performance in the VFL/AFL – Fitzroy Pete has shared with us his piece on that famous victory, featured as part of his book ‘Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century’.
Almanac Footy History – Wilfred Smallhorn: The Remarkable Chicken
May 16, 2020 by 15 Comments
Adam Muyt recounts the wonderful story of Fitzroy FC legend, Wilfred ‘Chicken’ Smallhorn.
Almanac Memoir: A new chum’s introduction to Australian Football
May 12, 2020 by 23 Comments
John Milton had never heard of Australian Football until he was asked to fix an antenna on a ship off the New South Wales coast. Here’s how his footy life has unfolded. [A wonderful memoir of life and love and the places they take you – JTH]
Almanac Footy History: 65 years ago Kevin Murray plays his first game for the Fitzroy FC
May 6, 2020 by 11 Comments
Fitzroy great, Kevin Murray is paid a fitting tribute by David Leydon to celebrate the 65th anniversary of his first game of VFL football.
Almanac Footy History: Fitzroy premiers again in 1899
May 5, 2020 by 6 Comments
In the second of his Grand Finals series, John Harms tells the story of the Maroons premiership amid the push for Federation in 1899.
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