How long and why?

[Easy-E]

I was just wondering how long people have been barracking for Fitzroy and why did you start. I didnt have a choice (luckily) but I've noticed that a lot of people who post here are relativly new to the Fitzroy cause, so I was wondering what inspired you'all to follow the Roys.
ROYS ROYS ROYS
CARN THE REDS

 

[Olmy]

I started supporting the Roys from the start of the '86 season. I'd met David Parkin at a family function somewhen in the previous year, and upon learning that he was to coach the Roys, I decided to take them up as my team.

The first match we played with me on board as a supporter, was against Geelong, at Kardinia Park. The Roys had a good win, with Roos, Osborne, Pert, McIvor and the Harris boys, all having good games (by memory!

).

The first match I actually saw live, at the ground, was against North Melbourne, at Waverly in the same year. We were beaten that day. The weather was terrible, and pretty much caused the game to be an all out mud-wrestling affair. One memory from that game was one of the "Kracker brothers" sliding through the goal square for a goal on his stomach, trying to stop a Roys score.

 

[OldLion]

Started supporting the Lions in the late 50s when they were a tough inner suburban mob with some classy small guys and a few 'protectors'. Was annoyed that they lost the 1960 Prelim. when they should have won easily. Struggled thru' the 60s when the annual 'grudge match' v North determined who'd finish last. The zoning thing really helped us and we got some great players from the country ( Colac esp. ) and the Eastern suburbs - plus the odd interstate recruit ( Ian Miller !!! ) and it all finally came together when the Flea hit town and we won the night final in 78. The glory days then extended to the end of Parko's reign which was very disappointing - great squad but they all started jumping ship. We all know the rest.

 

[gregtri]

i started to follow fitzroy when my old man marched me down and over the wooden bridge at the back of the wood mill to brunswick st oval. the brigde is still there.
i was only 8 years old i ask him later why did i have to wait so long before i could go see fitzroy,he said you might here some words that are not good.it was 1966 we won by six points over footscray. i recall alex ruscuklic taking a ripper of a mark in front of goals and kicking the winning goal.
sad to say it was the only win for the year.
i ask my old man will we make the finals, he said maybe,he never broke my heart.
i think to myself how lucky i was to see to the last winning game at brunswick st.
i have followed fitzroy through the good times and bad times and still love f.f.c
how far does fitzroy run in my family well here goes.
myself
my daughter
father [ he had a run with u-19's]
grand father[his family]
great grand farher[his family]
all lived in fitzroy.
the go old days will alway stay with me!

 

[Olmy]

Thanks Gregtri and OldLion, I enjoyed reading those!

 

[Fat Pizza]

I inherited Fitzroy from my father, who inherited them from his father.

My father was at the 1944 Grand Final (at the Junction Oval). Apparently he had to walk there, as there was a tram strike.

He started taking me to games, when I was just a baby. Apparently I was going to be named after Gary Lazarus, because he was the only Fitzroy player who could kick a goal when I was born (1965). My parents changed their minds & decided to call me Fat Pizza instead.

I can't remember my 1st game, but I'll be eternally grateful I was brought up as a Royboy.

 

[Mr Ripper]

Up until the age of 7 and a half, I had a lukewarm interest in football at best; with trotting being my sport of choice.

My father and brother both followed the Roys, but me, in my ignorance, chose Carlton to barrack for (possibly because my uncle did, or possibly to spite the rest of the family; I dunno

).

Anyway, the time finally arrived that little Master Ripper went to see a real live game of footy: Essendon v Fitzroy; VFL Park; Queen's Birthday, 1976.

Roys, 16 points down at the final change, charge home to win 16.14 to 13.22. Little Master Ripper likes what he sees and becomes an instant convert to the game and the Roys!

------------------
Olmy knows best

 

[sbagman]

I can't remember when I started exactly; I think I was about eight years old. Being a typical kid, I didn't want to support losers... I followed Melbourne, then switched to Richmond, then to Carlton. After tiring of Carlton, I said to myself, "OK, one team and that's it. Whoever is on top this week". Well, this would have been in the early eighties. Lo and behold... Fitzroy were on top.

And I've supported them ever since.

Cheers,
Sbagman.


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Life has meaning only in the struggle.

 

[Mobbs]

Yer not gonna make me post my life story all over again, are yer?

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Hallowed be thy Roy

 

[buassa]

would've been the early 60's, my brother and I both barracked for Melbourne but when Barassi left my brother started to follow Carlton and I, Fitzroy, and the rest as they say is history. We grew up out 100 yards from the ground in Napier Street. As my mother still lives close by I take my kids there for a kick and tell em stories about the "olden days".