The Brisbane Lions regret to advise that former Fitzroy President, Frank Bibby, passed away recently at the age of 97.

An astute sporting administrator, Bibby first joined Fitzroy’s Committee in 1970 before being appointed President in 1976 – a position he held for five seasons.

One of his first duties as President was to urge Fitzroy’s committee and recruiting staff to undertake a bold strategy to attract quality players from other clubs to help lift the club from the bottom rungs of the VFL ladder. It resulted in Fitzroy recruiting two future Hall of Famers – Bernie Quinlan and Robert Walls – together with the likes of Peter Keays, Gerry McCarthy and John Frazer to the club ahead of the 1978 season.

Fitzroy would go onto win the 1978 Night Premiership and play VFL Finals in 1979 for the first time since 1960.  

As Fitzroy continued to struggle financially, Bibby became a strong advocate for the club’s potential relocation to Sydney in 1981 to ensure their long-term viability in the competition. The move was ultimately blocked by the Fitzroy supporters, who raised the necessary funds to keep the club at the Junction Oval.

Bibby resigned as President soon after, in September 1980.

He was awarded Life Membership of our club in 1979, and also received a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1980 for his services to sport in Victoria.

The Brisbane Lions recognise Frank Bibby’s enormous contribution to our club and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this difficult time.