Olmy
25 Feb 2001, 14:46
As some people seemed to be confused as to my stance regarding the Brisbane Lions, the Bears and Fitzroy, I've decided to post this topic (as well as on the Lions forum in response to another topic).
Firstly, I am a Fitzroy supporter - not an ex-Fitzroy supporter, but a current living in the here and now Fitzroy supporter. I am also a Brisbane Lions supporter (and a full member). I am not anti-Bears, nor anti-Brisbane. I recognise the Brisbane Lions as a club with their own identity, seperate of that of Fitzroy and the Bears, but also having an identity which incorporates its two parent clubs, in that of Fitzroy and the Bears.
It seems as though some people on this, and other forums, have trouble, either accepting the fact that I still am a Fitzroy supporter, as well as a Brisbane Lions supporter. Also, some people seem to have a problem with things I may have suggested - labelling them as "whinging", "bitching", etc. etc.
As far as it goes, most of my suggestions have revolved around what can/could be done (IMO), to increase membership numbers in Victoria. Considering the fact that on average, between 10 and 15 thousand Lions supporters turn up to Victorian games, it's fair enough to suggest that the current figure of 3000 members, could be improved upon.
My suggestions have focused around providing a greater sense of 'community' for the supporters, via social events and other similar things for the avge. supporter. Considering the fact that the market for Lions supporters in Victoria consists mainly of Fitzroy supporters, it makes sense to then have a Fitzroy, or at least 'Lions' emphasis in marketing the club.
I am not suggesting that the club drop the Brisbane name, nor that they wear the FFC jumper for every Victorian match. However, promoting the club as one which adopts the traditions of sentiments of Fitzroy is certainly something that I support. The up-coming "Fitzroy Team of the Century" to be conducted by the Brisbane Lions, is one fantastic way of doing this. While this can't be done every season, there are still other similar initiatives which could be implemented (ie: perhaps a trophy entitled after a past Fitzroy player that is contested by the Lions and another oppostion side every season in Victoria).
For the record (even though I feel as though I'm repeating all of this for the umpteenth time), I don't think that the Brisbane Lions are Fitzroy, nor the Bears for that matter. In fact, the club is a product of the merger between those two latter entities.
However, if we are indeed the Brisbane Lions, and not the Bears or Fitzroy, then let's promote our club as such. The BRISBANE LIONS!!!
It's also worth noting that the Fitzroy Football Club, still exists in its own right as a legal entity, operating out of Victoria. Along with organisations such as the Fitzroy Foundation, and the Fitzroy Football Club Social Club, they are able to be involved with clubs such as the Fitzroy Redz, Fitzroy Juniors, and up until the end of last year, the Coburg-Fitzroy Lions.
And this, ladies and gentlemen, is my justification for remaining as a Fitzroy supporter.
Personally, I think one way of getting on-side with Lions supporters in Victoria, would be for the Brisbane Lions to have some form of involvement with the Fitzroy entities in Victoria. They already sponsor the Juniors, which is a good start. Perhaps in the future, they could look at a more formal arrangement of support (ie: reciprocal memberships etc.). I believe such a venture, would act as an endorsement of the Brisbane Lions for all Lions/Fitzroy supporters (obviously everyone has the right to choose, however). IMO, this would reward the Brisbane Lions with a greater long-term following in Victoria - and hopefully a larger, long-term membership. Personally, I can't see any reason why the two entities should work apart - when to some extent (in Victoria at least), they're both working for the same goal.
I don't expect everyone to agree with what I say, however, people should at least read my comments, and think about them before backhanding them as "the usual Fitzroy gripes" (which, IMO, don't exist anyway).
I haven't exhausted all of my ideas in this message (keep that in mind!). However, as I've already covered some them a number of times on this forum (as well as a few others), I've decided to leave them out of this post (if only to save my own sanity).
I'm off for a Beck's now!
Carn the Roys!!! Carn the Lions!!!
Firstly, I am a Fitzroy supporter - not an ex-Fitzroy supporter, but a current living in the here and now Fitzroy supporter. I am also a Brisbane Lions supporter (and a full member). I am not anti-Bears, nor anti-Brisbane. I recognise the Brisbane Lions as a club with their own identity, seperate of that of Fitzroy and the Bears, but also having an identity which incorporates its two parent clubs, in that of Fitzroy and the Bears.
It seems as though some people on this, and other forums, have trouble, either accepting the fact that I still am a Fitzroy supporter, as well as a Brisbane Lions supporter. Also, some people seem to have a problem with things I may have suggested - labelling them as "whinging", "bitching", etc. etc.
As far as it goes, most of my suggestions have revolved around what can/could be done (IMO), to increase membership numbers in Victoria. Considering the fact that on average, between 10 and 15 thousand Lions supporters turn up to Victorian games, it's fair enough to suggest that the current figure of 3000 members, could be improved upon.
My suggestions have focused around providing a greater sense of 'community' for the supporters, via social events and other similar things for the avge. supporter. Considering the fact that the market for Lions supporters in Victoria consists mainly of Fitzroy supporters, it makes sense to then have a Fitzroy, or at least 'Lions' emphasis in marketing the club.
I am not suggesting that the club drop the Brisbane name, nor that they wear the FFC jumper for every Victorian match. However, promoting the club as one which adopts the traditions of sentiments of Fitzroy is certainly something that I support. The up-coming "Fitzroy Team of the Century" to be conducted by the Brisbane Lions, is one fantastic way of doing this. While this can't be done every season, there are still other similar initiatives which could be implemented (ie: perhaps a trophy entitled after a past Fitzroy player that is contested by the Lions and another oppostion side every season in Victoria).
For the record (even though I feel as though I'm repeating all of this for the umpteenth time), I don't think that the Brisbane Lions are Fitzroy, nor the Bears for that matter. In fact, the club is a product of the merger between those two latter entities.
However, if we are indeed the Brisbane Lions, and not the Bears or Fitzroy, then let's promote our club as such. The BRISBANE LIONS!!!
It's also worth noting that the Fitzroy Football Club, still exists in its own right as a legal entity, operating out of Victoria. Along with organisations such as the Fitzroy Foundation, and the Fitzroy Football Club Social Club, they are able to be involved with clubs such as the Fitzroy Redz, Fitzroy Juniors, and up until the end of last year, the Coburg-Fitzroy Lions.
And this, ladies and gentlemen, is my justification for remaining as a Fitzroy supporter.
Personally, I think one way of getting on-side with Lions supporters in Victoria, would be for the Brisbane Lions to have some form of involvement with the Fitzroy entities in Victoria. They already sponsor the Juniors, which is a good start. Perhaps in the future, they could look at a more formal arrangement of support (ie: reciprocal memberships etc.). I believe such a venture, would act as an endorsement of the Brisbane Lions for all Lions/Fitzroy supporters (obviously everyone has the right to choose, however). IMO, this would reward the Brisbane Lions with a greater long-term following in Victoria - and hopefully a larger, long-term membership. Personally, I can't see any reason why the two entities should work apart - when to some extent (in Victoria at least), they're both working for the same goal.
I don't expect everyone to agree with what I say, however, people should at least read my comments, and think about them before backhanding them as "the usual Fitzroy gripes" (which, IMO, don't exist anyway).
I haven't exhausted all of my ideas in this message (keep that in mind!). However, as I've already covered some them a number of times on this forum (as well as a few others), I've decided to leave them out of this post (if only to save my own sanity).
I'm off for a Beck's now!
Carn the Roys!!! Carn the Lions!!!