List Fitzroy's Last Wins Over Each Opponent

[emuboy]

It made me feel very old at the start of this season when I remembered that 20 years have gone by since Fitzroy & the Brisbane Bears merged to form the Brisbane Lions, and that a number of Brisbane Lions players were not even born when Fitzroy and the Bears were playing in the AFL.

Going back down memory lane, I thought it would be interesting to look up Fitzroy's last win over each opponent before the merger:

ADELAIDE: In one of the biggest upsets of the year, Fitzroy came from behind to swap the highly rated Adelaide Crows, coached by former Fitzroy coach Robert Shaw, by 33-points at Football Park in a Saturday night match in Round 8 1995. It was the Lions' second, and as it turned out final win for the year.

BRISBANE BEARS: With the Lions' match winners in good form in a solid start to what would prove a difficult season, Fitzroy enjoyed a comfortable win over Brisbane at its new home ground of the Western Oval, the Lions defeating the Bears 17.9-111 to 12.6-78 in Round 3, 1994.

CARLTON: Four goals behind a powerful Carlton team in the opening round of the 1993 season, the Lions powered home to win a high scoring, high standard and thrilling game by 6 points, 17.16-118 to 17.10-112 at Princes Park. A recruit from WAFL team South Fremantle, Michael Dunstan, enjoyed a dream debut for the Lions, kicking the winning goal just before the final siren.

COLLINGWOOD: With heavy rain forecast later in the afternoon, Fitzroy ran Collingwood ragged early, establishing a 41-point half time lead at Princes Park in Round 9 1993 before the inclement weather hit and the Magpies were too far behind to make up the difference. The Lions went on to win well, 14.8-92 to 10.13-73, in driving rain and while the Lions would not beat Collingwood again, always seemed to trouble the Magpies in the following seasons.

ESSENDON: The Lions gate-crashed Essendon's celebrations of Tim Watson's 300-game milestone with an upset 17.10-112 to 14.15-99 victory at Princes Park on Easter Saturday in Round 2, 1994.

FOOTSCRAY: With a merger between Footscray and Fitzroy looking certain at times in 1989, it was fitting that the Bulldogs and Lions met in Round 22 of that season, the Lions finishing off a somewhat inconsistent season with a 13.18-96 to 12.9-81 victory over the Bulldogs at Princes Park. From that point onwards, Footscray seemed to turn the adage 'if you can't beat them join them' into 'if you can't join them beat them', and firmly established themselves as Fitzroy's bogey side for the next 7 seasons. The Bulldogs beat the Lions 11 straight times in 1990-1996, mostly by big margins.

FREMANTLE: Although the Dockers played Fitzroy only 4 times, these were memorable games. Fremantle's first win was against Fitzroy in Round 3 1995, and the Dockers hosted Fitzroy in their last ever game in Round 22 1996. The Lions last ever win, their only victory in 1996, was a 31-point triumph against Fremantle at the Western Oval in Round 8, 16.11-107 to 10.16-76.

GEELONG: An average losing margin of 76 points in its first 8 games (all losses) to start 1991 hardly filled Lions fans with great confidence as they headed for Princes Park to watch Fitzroy host Geelong in Round 10 1991. The Cats were capable of kicking big scores, and the previous week the Lions had managed just 3.8-26 in a 99-point loss to the Eagles in Perth. But Geelong found out the hard way that things don't always go the way they should on paper, the Lions stunning the Cats with an impressive score of 19.13-127, while Geelong got the kicking yips and scored an inaccurate 14.22-106.

HAWTHORN: Led by Mark Zanotti, who kept dangerous Hawks spearhead Jason Dunstall goal-less, Fitzroy triumphed by 13-points in a low-scoring match in wet conditions at Waverley in Round 13 1994, winning 10.6-66 to Hawthorn's 7.11-53.

MELBOURNE: An interesting game in Round 22 1993 saw Fitzroy trounce an enigmatic Melbourne. While the final margin was only 23-points, 14.14-98 to 11.9-75, this flattered the Demons who kicked the last 7 goals of the game. This game saw Lions forward Darren Wheildon reported for shaking a goal-post - while a Lions' team-mate rather than a Demon opponent was shooting for goal.

NORTH MELBOURNE: It was definitely a case of four seasons in one day at Princes Park on Saturday in Round 14 1993, when the Lions prevailed over the Kangaroos by 1-point 18.11-119 to 17.16-118 in about as many different types of weather one could see in a day.

RICHMOND: A comfortable win by Fitzroy over Richmond at Princes Park in Round 23 1992, 20.13-133 to 14.14-98 would prove to be the last time the Lions beat the Tigers, their GF opponents in Fitzroy's last premiership season of 1944.

ST. KILDA: The winless Saints and Lions fronted up at Waverley Park in Round 6 1995, and it was Fitzroy that triumphed by 11 points, beating the Saints 12.12-84 to 10.13-73.

SYDNEY SWANS: The battle for the 1994 wooden spoon was played at the SCG on the Sunday of Round 20, the Lions drawing away from the Swans in the final quarter of a drab contest to win 13.16-94 to 9.12-66.

WEST COAST EAGLES: Fitzroy proved to be a bogey team for the powerful West Coast Eagles team of the early 1990s, the Lions provided a huge upset when they beat the Eagles at the WACA (a graveyard for visiting teams), winning 11.10-76 to 7.16-58 on a pleasant Perth autumn evening in the Friday of Round 8 1993.

UNIVERSITY: Fitzroy had no mercy for the winless University team that would play just 1 more game before exiting the VFL at the end of the season, crushing the Students by 89-points with an 18-19-127 to 6.2-38 victory at the Brunswick Street Oval. The 89-point thrashing was University's equal heaviest defeat in its 1908-1914 VFL tenure.

 

[Gibbsy]

That bit about Wheildon is great, what a character he was. What year was the Roys' last win over the Hawks? You seem to have left that bit out. Great post though.

 

[Rainier Wolfcastle]

Great post, Emu - really enjoyable read.

Unfortunately, I was there to watch the Dees get rolled by Fitzroy in 93. Had forgotten about Whieldon's antics that day!

 

[FootyJunkie]

That bit about Wheildon is great, what a character he was. What year was the Roys' last win over the Hawks? You seem to have left that bit out. Great post though.

Round 13 1994 at Waverley

 

[FootyJunkie]

should have got a Fitzroy v Port Adelaide, Fitzroy v Gold Coast, and Fitzroy v GWS game

 

[worbod]

If you want to get technical, Fitzroy did defeat Footscray for the last time in a preseason competition match in 1993. Sure it doesn't carry the same meaning as a home and away victory, but it was a hard fought win. The Lions were 17 points ahead at three quarter time, but Footscray kept themselves in it, and when the final siren sounded, Bulldogs player Keenan Reynolds had a shot for goal, albeit from 60 metres out. His kick failed to score, leaving Fitzroy the winners by five points.
Fitzroy also defeated Geelong in 1994 in another preseason competition game. The Lions led by 35 at half time and then 33 at three quarter. Geelong came back somewhat but Fitzroy held on by 14 points. Interesting to note two current coaches playing their part in Fitzroy's win. Paul Roos had 10 kicks, 10 handballs and 4 tackles whilst Ross Lyon had 13 kicks, 12 handballs and 7 marks. Darren Wheildon kicked 5 goals 2 behinds from 10 kicks as the Lions triumphed over a Geelong team without Gary Ablett or Garry Hocking.

 

[Roysforever]

If you want to get technical, Fitzroy did defeat Footscray for the last time in a preseason competition match in 1993. Sure it doesn't carry the same meaning as a home and away victory, but it was a hard fought win. The Lions were 17 points ahead at three quarter time, but Footscray kept themselves in it, and when the final siren sounded, Bulldogs player Keenan Reynolds had a shot for goal, albeit from 60 metres out. His kick failed to score, leaving Fitzroy the winners by five points.
Fitzroy also defeated Geelong in 1994 in another preseason competition game. The Lions led by 35 at half time and then 33 at three quarter. Geelong came back somewhat but Fitzroy held on by 14 points. Interesting to note two current coaches playing their part in Fitzroy's win. Paul Roos had 10 kicks, 10 handballs and 4 tackles whilst Ross Lyon had 13 kicks, 12 handballs and 7 marks. Darren Wheildon kicked 5 goals 2 behinds from 10 kicks as the Lions triumphed over a Geelong team without Gary Ablett or Garry Hocking.

Nice post. I recall after the 94 Geelong match the media reporting both sides were missing numerous players from their best 1993 line-ups. The Cats were content resting their elite whilst plenty of top shelf Royboys had departed the club over the summer

 

[killer]

Port Melbourne - 25/07/1896
Brunswick ground was heavy. Ports showed good form
throughout the match. Fitzroy kicked away with
2 goals in the last - 4.6 to 2.4

Williamstown - 08/08/1896
At Fitzroy despite including several new players "Fitzroy were simply irresistible"
dominated 2nd and 4th quarters - 10.13 to 3.4

other F Troop wins

end of season matches
1898 Fitzroy 4.6 South Adelaide 2.13
1898 Fitzroy 6.9 Norwood 3.5
1903 Fitzroy 8.22 NSW 7.5
1911 Fitzroy 9.10 South Fremantle 5.8
1914 Fitzroy 7.13 Nth Hobart 5.9
1922 Fitzroy 7.7 West Perth 7.6
1922 Fitzroy 10.12 East Fremantle 8.13
1926 Fitzroy 13.13 South Fremantle 9.8
1958 Fitzroy 16.17 to Port Adelaide 12.15

VFL Night Series
1978 Fitzroy 13.10 Tasmania 10.10
1979 Fitzroy 20.13 NSW 11.11

 

[BORK]

Good read.

Lol at Crows being highly rated in 1995 though. Still a good upset.

 

[srobbo]

Great post!!

As a Dons supporter, vividly remember standing in the outer at PP a very frustrated 16yr old that day, at not getting it done for Timmy's 300th against a very plucky lions outfit I thought we'd roll comfortably.

Thought all day we'd eventually pull away, but it only turned out to be symbolic of what our premiership defence would be all year....just something that never quite got off the ground. Tim clearly only played on to get the milestone, as he barely played another game after it.

 

[Roysforever]

Great post!!

As a Dons supporter, vividly remember standing in the outer at PP a very frustrated 16yr old, at not getting it done for Timmy's 300th against a very plucky lions outfit.

Thought all day we'd eventually pull away, but it only turned out to be symbolic of what our premiership defence would be all year....Just something that never quite got off the ground. Tim clearly only played on to get the milestone, as he was rarely sighted after it.

If memory serves me correct his playing career ultimately ended when he succumbed to another injury against Fitzroy later in 1994.

 

[srobbo]

If memory serves me correct his playing career ultimately ended when he succumbed to another injury against Fitzroy later in 1994.

Gees your memory's better than mine. I actually cant recall any of his last games post the 300th he was so rarely sighted because of various softies. I do however recall that return bout at the G on a Sunday arvo in 94 for being the debut of a young dimma Hardwick who pulled down a ripping horizontal hang (banks 84 style)....& for having a rare big win (mid 70pts) that year.

 

[Doss]

I can remember both Essendon/Fitzroy games from 1994. I can also remember our amazing match against them the previous year; my first time ever at the MCG.

 

[Broken]

HAWTHORN: Led by Mark Zanotti, who kept dangerous Hawks spearhead Jason Dunstall goal-less, Fitzroy triumphed by 13-points in a low-scoring match in wet conditions at Waverley, winning 10.6-66 to Hawthorn's 7.11-53.

That was the only time that season that Dunstall was held goal-less, and he ended up kicking 101 for the season. From what I remember he was double teamed by Zanotti and Simon Hawking for most of the game for one of the Lions 5 wins for the season.

 

[pazza]

That was the only time that season that Dunstall was held goal-less, and he ended up kicking 101 for the season. From what I remember he was double teamed by Zanotti and Simon Hawking for most of the game for one of the Lions 5 wins for the season.

I always thought it was Hawking that had the match-up that day.

 

[Mr Ripper]

COLLINGWOOD: With heavy rain forecast later in the afternoon, Fitzroy ran Collingwood ragged early, establishing a 41-point half time lead at Princes Park in Round 9 1993 before the inclement weather hit and the Magpies were too far behind to make up the difference. The Lions went on to win well, 14.8-92 to 10.13-73, in driving rain and while the Lions would not beat Collingwood again, always seemed to trouble the Magpies in the following seasons.

Fitzroy's big lead was established in the first quarter when the downpour was at its worst.

 

[benji2]

Good read. Still remember the 1995 game against the Crows They totally deserved that win.

I recall their 1993 side being quite competitive (even in finals contention), probably the last time they were. Then Roos and Lynch left at the end of that year followed by Gale and a few others, and it was downhill from there

 

[emuboy]

Good read. Still remember the 1995 game against the Crows They totally deserved that win.

I recall their 1993 side being quite competitive (even in finals contention), probably the last time they were. Then Roos and Lynch left at the end of that year followed by Gale and a few others, and it was downhill from there

The Lions had pretty good seasons in 1992 & 1993. They started 1994 quite well; losing narrowly to Collingwood in Round 1, upsetting Essendon in Round 2 and easily defeating the Brisbane Bears in Round 3. They got a 76-point hiding from the Eagles in Perth in Round 4, but bounced back to defeat the Swans the week after. The Lions then lost the next four games in a row to Richmond, North, St Kilda and Adelaide, but were competitive for most of these games. Carlton gave Fitzroy a bit of a hiding in Round 11, but after a bye Fitzroy bounced back to cause a huge upset against Hawthorn. However, the rot set in the week after with a 104-point thrashing from Footscray and the Lions never recovered, winning only 1 more game against bottom team Sydney among many heavy losses to finish second last.

 

[Doss]

The Lions had pretty good seasons in 1992 & 1993. They started 1994 quite well; losing narrowly to Collingwood in Round 1, upsetting Essendon in Round 2 and easily defeating the Brisbane Bears in Round 3. They got a 76-point hiding from the Eagles in Perth in Round 4, but bounced back to defeat the Swans the week after. The Lions then lost the next four games in a row to Richmond, North, St Kilda and Adelaide, but were competitive for most of these games. Carlton gave Fitzroy a bit of a hiding in Round 11, but after a bye Fitzroy bounced back to cause a huge upset against Hawthorn. However, the rot set in the week after with a 104-point thrashing from Footscray and the Lions never recovered, winning only 1 more game against bottom team Sydney among many heavy losses to finish second last.

The starkest way to look at it is, after starting 1994 with a 3-2 record, they won only five more games in their AFL existence. Five wins while losing 56 across their last 61.

Hawthorn, Sydney, St Kilda, Adelaide and Fremantle.