THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FITZROY FOOTBALL CLUB AND SOCIAL CLUB
Tel: (03) 9580 6464
Fax: (03) 9587 0730
Email: atherton@ melbourne.net
10th September 2001

FITZROY WINS THROUGH TO THE GRAND FINAL

FITZROY REDS SET FOR THEIR 3RD FLAG

GRAND FINAL AT CHELTENHAM SATURDAY SEPT. 15TH

BE THERE

IT'S THE YEAR OF THE LION

The MIGHTY FITZROY REDS came out victorious in a hard hitting tough second semi final at the Cheltenham Footy Ground last Saturday week and will face Bentleigh again next Saturday in the GRAND FINAL.

Fitzroy members and supporters had travelled miles from home to this southern bayside ground, once the home of the Federal League, to see the FITZROY RED'S Seniors and Reserves teams win through to their respective Grand Finals on Saturday Week. The strong crowd of more than a thousand were pro FITZROY as our boys got out of the books early and got the first goal of the game on the board through a mark in the goal square by Nick Auden, (Dakka 62). Looking the better side, we went to a 14 point lead at the end of the quarter, 4.3.27 to 2.1.13.

A tough second quarter set the pattern for the remainder of the game. The Reds handled the slippery conditions better and we extended our slender lead to 17 points at half time, scores being 6.5.41 to 3.6.24. Despite coach Graham Burgen's strong words at half time, Bentleigh played better in the third term and had they kicked straight, we would have been in a bit of trouble. They kicked 1.6 to our 2.3 so we went to the last quarter with a 20 point lead 8.8.56 to 4.12.36.

Despite the loss of our skipper, Steve Drury (33), with a knock to his hip, the boys maintained the pressure and Bentliegh started to wilt. We were the better team and the confidence in each other showed as they ran out 30 point winners 12.10.82 to Bentleigh 6.16.52.

There were no stand out stars as such, just a good gutsy team effort with every player putting in. There were many "league quality" performances as noted by David Laurita. I have already commented on Daka's gutsy mark in the first minute of the game. Paul Ronke's brilliant second quarter goal when he had to elude half the Bentleigh back line and dob a 30 meter kick off balance, was also a top effort. Definitely AFL quality. Thank heavens the AFL can't draft our players from the VAFA. At last, we have found a safe haven for our stars! and the other clubs won't get them because they play for the jumper and their mates and the growing Fitzroy supporter base.

Steve Addicot (53) was his usual brilliant self, Matty Wharfe (3) was always there when we needed him and Captain Courageous, Steve Drury (33) led from the front and made our backline hell for the opposition. Ricky Johnstone filled Tod Clarke's shoes by holding down their gun full forward to one goal. Bentleigh's Sharp had kicked 20 goals in his first two outings, but not today. Well done Ricky. JB (6) and Billy Byrne (8) were their usual winning mid field performers. Darren Curtis (76) was impassable and the teams' usual stars, Hot Dog (20), Vinnie C (48), Paul Crowe (31), Kiwi (88), Chopper (69), Dennis T (66), our big ruckman, Banna (10), Santo (70), Gunney (71), Juddy (7). Chris Nave (87) and Jezza (61) all made their usual sterling contribution to ensure that they finished a brilliant season by winning through to the Grand Final with a two week break to ensure that we have a full compliment to pick form.

For those of us who got to the ground early, we were treated to the FITZROY REDS Reserves team having a good win over St. John's O.C. And also advancing to the Grand Final on Saturday. Abley led by Andrew George (Bright Eyes, 39), and Ragsy (5), the boys gave St John's a good whipping 11.15.81 to 1.2.8. It was great to see Colin and Heather Hobbs there together with Ivan Smith and his wife representing the Past Players. Arthur Hobson journeyed down from Orange and promises to be back for the Grand Final on Saturday. We also saw Rob Allen, Dave and Mark Edwards and all of our regular members and supporters.

It was a great day, but make sure you get to the Grand Final on Saturday the 15th. You will see two FITZROY TEAMS play off in the Reserves and Seniors for a flag each. Let's make a crowd that the Amateur Football Association will never forget. The Cheltenham Football Ground is not that far, particularly when a FITZROY team is playing. Remember, our parents and grand parents walked from Fitzroy to the Junction Ground 57 years ago to see our last VFL Seniors Premiership.

The stage is now set for the Reds to complete a very memorable season, perhaps the best ever in their Club's forty-five year history.

The Cheltenham Football Ground is on Weatherall Road. MELWAYS MAP Ref. 86 H3
VAFA Section D3 LADDER AFTER ROUND 18. 25th August 2001
Club
W
L
D
For
Agst
%
Pts
Fitzroy Reds
18
0
0
2341
706
352
72
Bentleigh
13
5
1
2182
1342
163
52
St.Johns O.C.
12
5
0
2085
1645
127
50
Monash Gryphons
11
7
0
1801
1573
115
44
Hawthorn
9
7
0
36
Sth.Melbourne
7
11
0
28
Elsternwick
7
11
0
28
Richmond
6
12
0
24
Albert Park
5
12
1
22
UHSOB
1
17
0
4
 
GRAND FINAL SATURDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2001
AT CHELTENHAM FOOTBALL GROUND, WEATHERALL ROAD, CHELTENHAM
 
WEBSITE

Its finally up and running finally up and running.

Its not the full bells and whistles job that we hope to have eventually, but given the need to let whole world know that the mighty FITZROY REDS are in the finals, we have the site functioning with some basic information on the final campaign, the ROYBOY newsletter, how to contact us, etc. We will then get the full smicky mick version done once the finals campaign is over. Click onto www.fitzroyfc.com.au and have a look. The whole world can now see that the boys and girls from old FITZROY are still with us.

If you have Internet access, call up BIFOOTY.COM and click onto Fitzroy Football Club on the Big Footy Boards, where FFC Ltd, Mobbenfuhrer, Olmy and the other Fitzroy members and supporters convey the latest news.
LIONS DO THE RIGHT THING BY ROYS FANS

So ran the headline by Mike Sheahan in Saturday morning's edition of the Herald Sun on 28th July 2001. According to Mike Sheahan, the Brisbane Lions have agreed to wearing the initials BB-FFC on the back of their jumper, a la Western Bulldogs FFC style.

The scoreboard will show the AFL team as the LIONS rather than the Brisbane Lions and that they had removed the $1.2million charge over Fitzroy's assets.

The background to this announcement lay in the success of the Team of the Century event last May and the realization by the Queensland based directors of the immense passion and following for all things Fitzroy.

An initial meeting was held by representatives of the boards of both Clubs with a view to seeing how Fitzroy supporters could have a greater identification with the Brisbane Lions.

We subsequently received a written response from the Brisbane Lions and our Board faxed through its response on the 26th June. Our submission was based on three things:

1. The wearing of the Fitzroy jumper at one ceremonial game per year on a trial basis.

2. The wearing of the BB-FFC on the back of the jumper.

3. Agreeance to using "LIONS" on the scoreboard rather than BRISBANE LIONS.

4. The removal of the debenture.

Apart from the wearing of the Fitzroy jumper for one traditional rivalry game in Melbourne, our submission has been agreed to and the registered charge over the Club's assets has been removed. We welcome this settlement of our talks between the two clubs, as it enables our Club to fully focus on the support of football in Fitzroy and it gives those Fitzroy members and supporters who follow the Brisbane Lions a greater identification with the AFL team.

VALE

ALANA QUINLAN

The Club extends its deepest sympathy to Bernie and his family on the tragic loss of his beloved daughter Alana.

Alana was with Bernie at the Past Players Hall of Fame day last July when Bernie was inducted into the Past Players Hall of Fame.

All members share their grief on her sudden loss.
AFL PREMIERSHIP PLAYERS CLUB

This organisation was established two years ago to honour those footballers who had played in VFL/AFL premierships. Prior to 1979 there was no special commemorative medal issued to the players of the premiership team, so the AFL Premiership Players Club gives each new member inducted into the Club, a special presentation certificate and medal together with a commemorative statue as a tribute to their special place in football history.

Over the last two years, Paul Connor (Secretary) and Jack Collins (President), have been busy inducting the most senior premiership players. Our Alan "Baron" Ruthven was inducted last year and Clen Denning was inducted at the Past Players Hall of Fame Day on Sunday the 8th July.

A special ceremony was held last month at Ocean Grove to induct Maurie Hearn who was the vice captain of our 1944 premiership team. Clen has just turned 90 and Maurie is a young 88. On behalf of members may we congratulate these past Fitzroy champions and thank them for the wonderful years service they gave to our Club.

AROUND AND ABOUT

John and Mary Kotsopoulos are celebrating their wedding anniversary with a trip to England. John will miss the Reds finals campaign after being a loyal supporter for all the home and away games throughout the season. We all hope they have a great trip.

Long time member Alan Woodford came down to the Brunswick Street ground for the hot game against Albert Park. Alan's first trip to a Brunswick Street match was in 1922. A premiership year. Could be a good omen.

It was also great to see Ted Hasett and his grandson at the Hawthorn game. Ted is also a club member from the halcyon days and travels up from Carrum Downs by train to Brunswick Street with his grandson. Now that is dedication.

CONGRATULATIONS

To Colin Hobbs whose champion prowess was finally recognized by his selection in the Coburg Team of the Century alongside such luminaries as the great Bob Pratt. Colin came up from our under 19s and played 64 games for the Club between 1966 and 1971. He moved over to Coburg in the VFA in 1972 for a bigger offer. (Heather got a washing machine.)

Congratulations are also in order for our learned leader, Dyson Hore-Lacy, who is one of the first QCs to accept the new appointment of Senior Counsel.

More babies for the REDS
The Club extends its congratulations to Ricky Johnstone and his wife who are expecting their first child

and...

Steve Addicott and his wife who are expecting twins. Steve was Club Best & Fairest last year and will give it a run this year, given his scintillating form over the season.

 

LOCAL RITES

A year in grassroots football

In Victoria and Beyond

By Paul Daffey

Chapter 1
The Boys from Old Fitzroy This book was launched last week at the Brunswick Street Ground. Paul recounts our return to Brunswick Street with the Reds last year. It is a must read for every fairdinkum Royboy or Roygirl. It's available at all good bookstores. Price: $25.00

DON'T MISS THE ANNUAL ARTISTS FOOTBALL EXHIBITION

AT THE ARTISTS GARDEN

BRUNSWICK ST. FITZROY

OPENING NIGHT IS ON FRIDAY THE 7th SEPTEMBER

AND ITS ON RIGHT THROUGH THE FINALS

FEATURING THE MARVELLOUS WORK OF MARTIN TIGHE AND HIS BRILLIANT PAINTING OF THE GREAT HAYDN BUNTON