11 November 2001 – Armistice Day – Australia v France at the MCG. World cup winning stars lining up for the visitors. Huge crowd in attendance. Everyone stood for the French national anthem – one of the truly great national anthems, suffused with revolutionary ardour.
But old habits die hard. In the old members stand, there was a small group of loyal Fitzroy fans. They decided to sing along, substituting the words of their old club song for those of the French national anthem. There was no disrespect intended; and the idea caught on. From Paris to Brunswick street in one swift, sentimental move!
About Rob Heath
Rob Heath is a barrister based in Melbourne. He enjoys watching the football at Kardinia Park with his father and son. In 1999, Rob, Adrian Anderson, Peter Cullen and Jim Main complied & edited a book titled “COACH! Inspiration & Perspiration” (Information Australia, Melbourne, 2000).
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