The King!
Chosen One
i wonder (being 5 at the time so knowing nothing about it) whether making finals would have given fitzroy the momentum to stave off the merger for another few years. given that jackson apparently supported the failing clubs instead of wanting to kill them, that might have taken them to the point where the afl were supporting clubs rather than trying to bury them and they may still be around today (along with the bears).
dear barrett: that would be a true sliding doors moment
In the podcast when they talk about Fitzroy and also the richmond one they said they introduced some picks and assistance to clubs but then the formula ruled out fitzroy and also richmond from the extra pick. or uncontracted player cant remember which one.
So what happened was clubs raided fitzroy, Brisbane took Lynch etc
So their semi success hurt them in a way anyway
Though if they win the flag who knows? but seems like the afl were convinced someone had to go