Just before our Senior Men took the field in the round 1 clash against Beaumaris, President David Leydon made a very special announcement.
Alongside Roys greats Danny Wilson and Bruno Zorzi, David Leydon announced that from 7 May, 2022, at Fitzroy home games, the grandstand at Brunswick Street Oval will be known as the Kevin Murray Stand with a special sign created that will be erected on game days.
Club Legend Kevin Murray played his first ever senior game for Fitzroy on 7 May, 1955, hence the choice to commemorate this special date in round 5 when our Senior and Reserves Men take on the University Blacks at Brunswick Street Oval. This game will also be our Past Players Day, adding another great reason to celebrate the rich past of the Roys and further celebrate Kevin's contribution to the Fitzroy Football Club.
"This is a really special moment in our club's proud history," said President David Leydon. "Everyone loves Kevin Murray – from people in their 80s who saw him play his first game, to five-year-old fans who have only heard about him from grandparents (or great grandparents!).
"That respect has only grown in the many years since. Kevin has always been swamped by fans of every age whenever he comes to a Fitzroy or Brisbane Lions event. For many of us Kevin Murray is the greatest Roy Boy of all."
The opportunity to name the stand at Brunswick Street Oval after the 1969 Brownlow Medal winner came when the club became aware that the current Kevin Murray stand at Junction Oval would be renamed to honour cricket legend Shane Warne after his recent tragic passing.
The club felt the respect shown to honour Warne's legacy at the Junction Oval was a wonderful gesture and that we could play a role in ensuring that Kevin Murray's legacy could continue as well.
"So we’re naming our beautiful grandstand after Kevin with a custom-designed sign while we play on the hallowed turf that he made his debut on 67 years ago,” says David.
“This is something we're honoured to do in continuing to celebrate one of our club champions."
The unveiling of the new Kevin Murray Stand sign will be take place on Saturday 7 May in round 5 before our Senior Men take on the University Blacks at Brunswick Street Oval. All are welcome to attend the unveiling of the sign and celebrate this special moment with us on game day.
Booking details for the pre-game lunch will be available next week.
Read: David Leydon's piece from 2020 on The Footy Almanac: 65 years ago Kevin Murray plays his first game for the Fitzroy FC