Best Fitzroy team from 1978 to 1996

[Peroossie]

I started following the Roys in 1978 against Sth Melb. We were 32 points behind at 3 qtr time & kicked 10 goals in the last term. Bob Beecroft kicked 10 & Flea Wilson 7. The next week, we beat Hawthorn by 1 point at P.Park when Kelvin Matthews kicked out on the full, from virtually within the goalsquare! What an intro. to the Royboys!

Anyways here goes. This is my best team from 1978 to 1996.

B: Ross Thornton. Garry Pert. Scott Clayton
HB: Grant Lawrie. Paul Roos. Laurie Serafini
C: Matthew Armstrong. Ross Lyon. Darren Kappler
HF: David McMahon. Alastair Lynch. Michael Conlan
F: Leon Harris. Bernie Quinlan. Richard Osborne
R: Ron Alexander. Warwick Irwin
R: Garry Wilson
I: Matthew Rendell. Brad Boyd. Michael Gale. Doug Barwick. Garry Sidebottom. Chris Smith.
E: John Blakey. Peter Francis. Darren Wheildon. Leigh Carlson. Bill Lokan. Scott McIvor. Harvey Merrigan

It is not an easy task! I think the spine picks itself. Lynchy was on the verge of being a great CHF when he left. The half back line of Lawrie. Smith. Serafini was awesome in 1981. Harvey Merrigan was past his best after 1978, even though he was captain for that year.

[Fat Pizza]

Do you have that game against South in your video collection? It was one of my all-time favorite Roys games.

[Yippyio]

If the Flying Doctor had a set of Brains and could kick straight he wouldve kicked 100 goals before his career was out, no doubt.

Dont know about Ross Lyon being the best centre from 78 onwards, id have him in my team but either on a flank or coming off the interchange.

Cant complain about the rest :D

[Peroossie]

Yes I think the Centre position after 1978, when John Murphy had left, was a bit of a problem. Peter Francis & Bill Lokan were good for a few years. Warwick Irwin & David McMahon played there often until they were needed elsewhere. The Roys chased Neville Fields a t 1 stage too. Paul Broderick was used there too.

I guess Ross Lyon was used in a variety of roles too.

The only player I think I should have included somewhere, was Bob Beecroft. He had a fantastic couple of years at full forward in 1978-1979.

[Peroossie]

Sorry Fat Pizza, don't have that 78 Sth Melb. game. I don't think it was a tv replay game. I certainly would love to get it too. I remember John Murphy sitting on the South interchange bench with Des Tuddenham. He had a smirk on his face when the Swans were thumping us. It was in all the Sunday papers.

[captain boyd]

great job on the team selection.

In addidtion to Bob Beecroft i would like to make a case for Brett Stephen.The only problem with my argument will be his lack of longevity BUT he was outstanding in the mid 80's.In fact one year,i think 1986,he was voted the best CHB (Roos playing a more attacking role) in the league by the press writers assocation (not sure of exact title).Remember this was B4 AA teams where in vogue.Stephen was never beaten,usually gave away height,and was superfit,way ahead of his time.(in the manner of Garry Wilson).
I think a spot on the bench ahead of Chris Smith(longevity his only real cause for inclusion) would be appropriate.

Would replace Carlson with Les Parish on the bench.

Well done on leaving out Jim Wynd (a team of the century nomination!!!????).

[Peroossie]

A couple of fair points indeed. Yere Stephens was tremendous in 1986. He was rarely beaten. He kicked 5 goals against the Eagles in 1991 I think. Craig McGrath had his best year at CHF too in 1986. I didn't even think of Salty Parish I must admit. He was feted as 1 of the best ruck rovers in the league in 1983. It was a mystery why Robbie Walls started him at half back on Matthews in the 83 Qual. Final. I did think of Jimmy Wynd. He probably should have got a mention somewhere I guess.

[Fat Pizza]

The Centre was Lyon's best position. I've never seen a player attack the position more ferociously. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to keep up that intensity for long. He'd run himself ragged for 10 or 15 minutes & get the ball out of the Centre almost every time, then he'd be exhausted & we'd have to hide him somewhere for half an hour or more. Billy McCormack also played some sensational games in the Centre.

[Peroossie]

Lyon seemed intent on taking out an opposition player every week. He'd probably get done for charging these days.

Billy McCormack played a blinder against the Crows at P.Park, in 1993 I think. He had 45 touches that day.