royboy2
Average Old Bastard
- Dec 7, 2007
- 13,067
- 15,179
- AFL Club
- Brisbane Lions
- Other Teams
- Rabbitohs, Villa, McLaren F1, ENG
- Thread starter
- #51
former Fitzroy Best & Fairest Scott McIvor who played a total of 200 matches and kicked 96 goals with the Club. McIvor's 200 matches are made up from 55 games with Fitzroy (1985-87), 138 games with the Bears (1988-96) and seven games with the Brisbane Lions (1997).
What are you up to these days?
I am still based up in Brisbane and am married wife five kids with another one expected to arrive around Christmas time.
So far we’ve gone girl, boy, girl, boy, girl - so another boy would be nice to balance the ledger! But I’m happy either way.
Work-wise, my wife and I run a construction and development company.
What do you remember most from your playing days?
Fitzroy was a brilliant Club and a brilliant place to be. If there wasn’t that constant threat that the Club wasn’t going to survive, then I honestly don’t think I would have ever left.
At the end of 1986, all the players believed we were moving to Brisbane. We were told that the deal was done. But in the end it didn’t eventuate and things were constantly up in the air throughout 1987.
Then the Bears started up and there was a strong motivation for me to go back and play in my home State. It was opportunistic.
The Bears were unique and presented another set of challenges. It was a bit like coming out of the frying pan and into the fire. They had their own set of troubles which mirrored those at Fitzroy.
The advantage was that I was at home. It was tough being interstate in Melbourne and having your future up in the air. It wasn’t quite as daunting being back home.
We eventually went on to become quite successful at the Bears which was really satisfying. We’d put a really good group of players together and to make the Finals in Wallsy’s last year as coach was incredible. It was also pleasing to see so many of those guys going on to become premiership players with the Lions.
How did it feel to then watch your two former Clubs merge together to form the Brisbane Lions?
For me it was great because, in a strange way, I felt as though I got to finish where I started.
During those initial years there was still a very strong Fitzroy connection and Melbourne identity. The Club did its best to foster that and it contributed towards having success in later years.
Do you still catch up with any of your former team-mates?
It’s not that easy with five kids and a busy life.
But I still see a few. I see guys like Danny Craven and Ray Windsor occasionally because their son plays footy against my son.
We’ve got a reunion at the Gabba in a few weeks which I’m really looking forward to. It will be particularly good to catch up with guys like Martin Leslie and Mark Zanotti who I hear are coming along as well.
I’ve also kept an eye on the Blast from the Past columns on the Lions website and read my old mate Richard Osborne’s with interest the other month. I couldn’t believe he is in real estate and doing property development. Honestly, who would possibly buy a house from that man?
You mentioned your son plays football. How’s he coming along?
Liam’s 14 and is going alright. He lives and breathes his footy and would play seven days a week if he could.
He actually plays down at Wilston Grange where I first started.
What are the main changes you’ve noticed in the game since your playing days?
To me, the main change is the amount of structure in the game now. The increasing interchange has also had a huge impact.
But I think the game this year has gotten back to more like the traditional game with introduction of the sub rule. It has definitely made a difference for team’s at the selection table and has brought about a change in the way people are playing.
Geelong, who have been at the top of their game for the past five years or so, have played a high-possession style of football that has made the game more attractive. Now Collingwood have come in with their style which has enhanced the game further.
I think it’s much more attractive now that when Sydney and West Coast were winning premierships by using flood tactics - even though those games were still interesting to watch.
Who’s your tip to win the 2011 AFL Grand Final?
I reckon the Cats will get it. I think Collingwood have a really good group and structure, but the Cats will be too good.
It would be great to see ‘Nugget’ (Chris Scott) get a premiership as a coach. I think the changes he’s made to Geelong this year has made them a much better team.
http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/120758/default.aspx