This Sunday’s game promises to be an emotional one for many of the old ‘Royboys’, with the Brisbane Lions set to celebrate 40 years of red, blue and gold by wearing a commemorative Fitzroy-style guernsey for their match against Melbourne at the MCG.
It will be the first time that the famous ‘FFC’ monogram has appeared in a senior AFL match at the home of football since 2007.
The initiative is just another way for the Lions to publicly recognise their proud heritage in Melbourne born from one of the VFL’s foundation clubs, Fitzroy.
It’s been 19 years since Fitzroy merged with the Bears to become the Brisbane Lions, with members from both clubs rightly saddened to lose the standalone identity of the clubs they had grown to love.
History now shows that the two families would combine and go on to win a remarkable three successive premierships from 2001-2003 and be widely regarded as the greatest team of the modern era.
But time (and on-field success) doesn’t heal all wounds, and it’s no secret that not all Fitzroy supporters have embraced the ‘new’ Lions.
While many transitioned their allegiance to the Lions (either immediately or over time), others opted to instead support a rival Victorian-based team, or simply turned their backs on the AFL altogether in favour of local amateur football.
But regardless of how each former Fitzroy supporter has emerged from the 1996 union, the Club itself remains committed to recognising and honouring its strong Victorian history.
Sunday’s commemorative Fitzroy guernsey will not only bring back fond memories for many former Royboys, but also help educate some of the younger football followers in where the club has come from.
That education process is one that is continual, and isn’t done simply by wearing a jumper at one designated match.
The Historical Society Museum, housed at Etihad Stadium, remains one of the best displays of football memorabilia in the AFL – with countless old Fitzroy artefacts on show.
It’s not only for the supporters either, with part of all first-year Lions players’ induction program including a visit to the Museum to understand the Club’s origins.
It’s hard to believe that Harris Andrews, one of the Club’s latest recruits, wasn’t even born when Fitzroy played their last ever game.
The Historical Society functions also allow fans the chance to ‘step back in time’ and relive the old days – some of which probably weren’t that memorable due to lack of on-field success, but are remembered fondly regardless.
Then there’s the past player reunions, held annually at the football by the Club, which brings players, coaches, and officials from all arms of the Lions’ history together. 150 of Fitzroy’s finest and their guests will be there this Sunday to witness the game against Melbourne, who will coincidentally be coached by another former Royboy in Paul Roos.
The Club also boasts a strong relationship with Fitzroy FC, who participate in the VAFA Premier B Division and play their home games at the Club’s spiritual heartland in Victoria – the Brunswick Street Oval.
Coaches from both Fitzroy FC and the Brisbane Lions came together only last month to share some ideas, while the Club also sponsors youngster Luke Baker, who is in his second year with Fitzroy’s senior team.
The Fitzroy Juniors also got a taste of the big time back in Round 12 when they formed a guard of honour for the senior Lions team prior to the Western Bulldogs match at Etihad Stadium.
The Lions Hall of Fame, which will return to Melbourne in 2016, also recognises the feats of Fitzroy’s most outstanding individuals – and immortalises them at the Gabba, along with the names of those who appear on each of the players’ locker doors.
19 years on, the connection remains strong and won’t ever simply fade away into oblivion.
And Sunday’s match will serve as a reminder that the Brisbane Lions are much older than their 1996 formation date might suggest.
