Victorian Lions Supporters Group

Status of this board?

Crimso — Wed Aug 27, 2008 6:44 pm

Author: Crimso

Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 6:44 pm

I seldom post on any of the boards I frequent. I do enjoy the posts I read over here, even Graters & find most of the quite thought provoking, s much as can be with footy anyway. Hope this board keeps going.

Time to give the Playing list a face lift

TheBaron — Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:13 pm

Author: TheBaron

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:13 pm

I'm actually also a little bit uncertain about J.Drummond. He's not overly fast, not a great endurance runner and is injured far too regularly with complaints that see him miss up to two months at a time. He's a great kick, fairly courageous and a pretty good reader of the play. But I reckon teams worked him over a bit this year and tried to put opponents on him that wouldn't allow him to zone-off and play as a lose man. If he has to mind an opponent, I'm not so sure that he's good enough to beat them AND get his 20 or so touches coming out of the back-line. Also, the fact that he's not fast and not a great runner means that he's not ideal as a match-up for a small-forward, but at the same time, he's not really key position material.

I'm not suggesting that we axe him, but I think it's a little bit problematic having both Drummond and Roe in the team. They're both fairly similar, although Roe probably has a bit more athleticism and height.

I suppose I'm still not so crash hot on D.Merrett either. Sure, he racks up a lot of "spoils", but part of that is because opposition teams love kicking to whoever he is lined-up on, because he very rarely completely shuts anyone down. Likewise, he just doesn't have the presence that players like Leppitsch and Michael did. I'd compare him more to A.Nicholson - someone who you know is going to have a crack every week, but lacks what is required to be a top-line player. The fact that we don't have a replacement to step into that role is keeping him in as a permanent selection. Perhaps we need to consider someone like L.Henderson as another option - although, I'm not sure if he has the pace of Merret, but then again, perhaps Henderson could also be used instead of Roe/Drummond.

Bradd Dalziell is .........

TheBaron — Tue Aug 26, 2008 4:37 pm

Author: TheBaron

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 4:37 pm

Grater wrote:

Screw that.

Screw what?

Grater wrote:

If there is a next Michael Voss, it's this guy.

Yeah, not sure about that - he doesn't really attack the stoppages and contests in the same way that Voss did, nor does he really use immense strength to his advantage in the way that Voss did.

Matthews/Brown Rift

Rowallan Reds — Sat Aug 23, 2008 12:50 pm

Author: Rowallan Reds

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 12:50 pm

An interesting article in the Courier Mail:

LIONS coach Leigh Matthews says there is no bad blood between him and Jonathan Brown and suggests there is an agenda behind the rift rumours.

Matthews said Melbourne media speculation the co-captain wanted to leave the club because of a feud with him was annoying but not a distraction.

"There is nothing in it from my point of view and Jonathan tells me there's nothing in it," he said ahead of the must-win clash tonight at the Gabba against Carlton.

"It would be (destabilising) if it was true."

The speculation was sparked when the two locked horns over Brown's insistence on captaining Victoria in the Hall of Fame tribute match despite missing the previous week's club game against Geelong with a quad injury.

But it has grown legs through the Lions' failure to secure their reigning club champion's signature on a new deal.

Matthews says it is a case of jumping to an incorrect conclusion.

"We were on a different page that week,' he admitted. "I was more thinking if you're a bit sore don't play and he was desperate to play.

"But that's nothing, players and coaches from week to week have a variety of views.

"This has been made up as an ongoing permanent sort of thing which I find annoying to be honest and I know Jonathan finds it annoying."

The Blues' hopes of shutting down Brown have been rocked with defender Michael Jamison, his listed opponent for tonight's clash, absent when Carlton trained at the Gabba last night.

The Blues travelled with 23 players, emergencies Adam Bentick and Joey Anderson took part in the training session and one of the pair may come into consideration for Jamison.

The Lions have made two changes - Anthony Corrie returns to the side after a seven-goal haul in the reserves last week while Irish import Pearce Hanley has been called up for his debut.

Matthews said the speed at which Hanley had adapted to the game had surpassed the achievement of his housemate and fellow Irishman Colm Begley, who he replaces in the side.

He also said there wasn't a player in the club who had the same blend of power and pace.

"I saw him kick for the first time in November and he was a good kick straight away so that was one tick," he said.

"We put him straight in in a pre-season game and he did OK and he has done extremely well at reserves level.

"He injured himself early and missed about eight weeks, but we have been really impressed with him.

"He has a bit of size, he's got speed and power and his ball skills are good."

Who is under the pump at the half-way mark?

Grater — Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:36 am

Author: Grater

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:36 am

Keep Moody. Get rid of Notting.

Or Alternatively, get rid of both and promote rookies.

Round 21 Tipping

fitzroyjamesdio — Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:18 pm

Author: fitzroyjamesdio

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:18 pm

Western Bulldogs
Richmond
Port Adelaide
Brisbane Lions 32
Sydney
Geelong
Adelaide
HAWTHORN

'Frustrated' Lappin retires

Rowallan Reds — Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:15 am

Author: Rowallan Reds

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:15 am

An article from the Border Morning Mail.

NIGEL LAPPIN wasn�t supposed to make it.

Instead of following the preferred pathway to the AFL through the TAC Cup, Lappin didn�t play a match for the Murray Bushrangers and jumped straight into the Brisbane Lions� den after winning Chiltern�s senior best and fairest in his final Ovens and King season.

The critics thought the Queensland club had got it wrong and waited for the 1993 No. 2 draft selection to slip up.

That day never arrived.

Lappin retired yesterday after a decorated career with three premierships, four All Australian jumpers and a club best and fairest in the bag.

The midfielder pulled the pin after 279 games, fifth on the Brisbane Lions� games record tally behind Kevin Murray (333 games), Marcus Ashcroft (318), Alastair Lynch (306) and Michael Voss (289), and as one of the greatest players of the modern era.

Possibly the best player to emerge from the Border and North East since Haydn Bunton too.

The Albury great joined Fitzroy in the 1930s and won three Brownlow medals and two best and fairests in a remarkable 119-match career before heading west.

Dinny Ryan, who was also recruited from Albury, won a Brownlow medal but managed only 70 matches after being struck down by a serious knee injury.

Lance Oswald, Brian �Wrecker� Leahy, John Longmire and John Byrne also had outstanding careers and would sit comfortably on the second tier. Sydney Swans captain Brett Kirk is another working his way through the honours with a premiership, club captaincy and two best and fairests.

Lappin, though, stands a cut above.

He was a member of the �fab four� that led the Lions to three consecutive premierships and was widely praised by coach Leigh Matthews for playing in the 2003 decider with a fractured rib.

All the boxes appear ticked.

Not bad for a shy kid who learnt his craft in the old courthouse yard in Chiltern.

Tipping Competition 2008

Shaz — Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:16 pm

Author: Shaz

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:16 pm

Results from Round 20
Crimso 8
PDC 7
TheBaron 6
fitzroyjamesdio 5
Shaz 4
Lionel Brisroy 4
Rowallan Reds 3

Progressive scores after Round 20
Crimso 118
PDC 118
fitzroyjamesdio 116
TheBaron 110
Lionel Brisroy 108
Shaz 107
Rowallan Reds 106

Round 20 tipping

Shaz — Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:15 pm

Author: Shaz

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:15 pm

Results from Round 20

Crimso not only had faith in the Lions, he was closest to the winning margin, so picks up the bonus point this week.

Crimso 8 (7 plus 1 bonus point)
PDC 7
TheBaron 6
fitzroyjamesdio 5
Shaz 4
Lionel Brisroy 4
Rowallan Reds 3

Progressive results in main thread.

Round 19 Tipping

Shaz — Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:10 pm

Author: Shaz

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:10 pm

Results for Round 19

For second week in a row Rowallan Reds was closest to the Lions margin.

fitzroyjamesdio 7
Rowallan Reds 6 (5 plus one bonus)
Shaz 6
Lionel Brisroy 5
PDC 5
Crimso 4
TheBaron 3

Tipping Round 18

Shaz — Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:06 pm

Author: Shaz

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:06 pm

Results from Round 18

Congrats to Rowallan Reds who not only picked all 8 winners he was closest to the Lions margin, so picks up 2 bonus points this week.

Rowallan Reds 10 (8 plus 2 bonus)
Crimso 7
fitzroyjamesdio 7
pdc 7
Lionel Brisroy 6
TheBaron 6
Shaz 5

Progressive results in the main thread.

Moody - now or never

TheBaron — Sat Aug 16, 2008 9:55 pm

Author: TheBaron

Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 9:55 pm

Moody was ok tonight. 18 touches and 10 marks is an alright effort. Turned the ball over once or twice by hand, but his kicking skills seemed to be a bit tighter with him seeming more composed when he had the ball in his hands.

The Boys From Old Fitzroy

Lionel Brisroy — Sat Aug 16, 2008 9:10 pm

Author: Lionel Brisroy

Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 9:10 pm

A great story by the Age.

Just for the record I'll post in full here so when the Age ditches it from their website we've still got it.

THE BOYS FROM OLD FITZROY
The Age - 16th August 2006
Marika Dobbin

HE WAS the last Fitzroy Lion left standing.

When Brisbane Lions co-captain Chris Johnson was chaired from the Gabba at the end of last season, he took with him into retirement the last playing relic of the "mighty Roys".

What remains of Fitzroy in the AFL in 2008 are the links forged with Brisbane over 12 years since the two clubs merged and the famous Fitzroy colours, which the Brisbane Lions now wear as an away strip, except in the case of a jumper clash.

Of all the men to wear the maroon and blue for Fitzroy over 113 years or more, none have done it more proudly than Brisbane's Jonathan Brown, Luke Power, Travis Johnstone and Troy Selwood.

Each has a connection to Fitzroy older than they are themselves.

Their stories are of family allegiances and defiant support that manifest the emotion of all Fitzroy fans who hung in to the bitter end.

Each is determined to prove that the beloved club of their childhood lives on, not just in hearts and minds but on the field.

These players claim to carry the soul of old Fitzroy with them, and so do their teammates. These are their stories.

TRAVIS JOHNSTONE

MY GRANDFATHER, Norm Johnstone, played 228 games for Fitzroy and was one of the toughest of his era, earning him a place in the Lions' Team of the Century.

Pop was the main reason I wanted to be traded to Brisbane from Melbourne Football Club at the end of last season.

I waited until the deal was signed before driving down to the house in Mordialloc where my grandparents have always lived, to break the news.

Pop is reserved in what he says to me, but I could see in his eyes that he was proud. My grandparents had fallen on hard times in the past two years and it brought a smile to their faces. They and my parents were very excited for me.

I've worn the Fitzroy colours in three away games this season and it's pretty special to belong to the same tradition as my grandfather � it was a good feeling. I can't wait to wear the jumper again because it shows that Fitzroy has not been forgotten.

Pop is pretty quiet about his playing days, but deep down I know he's proud of what he achieved. I've heard from other people how ruthless he was and the way he went about representing Fitzroy. He is still a pretty big name with Fitzroy supporters.

Of course, my dad and uncles grew up barracking for Fitzroy. When I was 16, my whole family went to support Pop at Fitzroy's last game at the MCG. We sat in the stands with many of the old players and it was a sad day for everyone, seeing the demise of a club that had been so strong in the past.

However, I think the Brisbane Lions have done a lot as a club to build and maintain a connection with the past, which has been fortunate for Fitzroy supporters.

TROY SELWOOD

I'VE loved football since I was born and Fitzroy footy club was everything to me as a kid.

Growing up in Bendigo, I was the only one of four boys to follow my dad in barracking for Fitzroy, probably because they were pretty woeful at the time. In fact, I remember being the only kid at St Therese's primary who wore the red, blue and yellow colours to school in the 1980s and '90s.

If Fitzroy got within six goals of a side or we put in a good effort, I'd wear my scarf to school and treat it like a victory.

We beat Fremantle in 1996, our last victory before the merger, and I wore my Fitzroy jumper for the entire week. I was just so ecstatic.

There was a park across the road from our house and I'd spend hours there with my brothers pretending to be Darren "Doc" Wheildon and trying to snap goals over my shoulder.

However, John Blakey was my No. 1 idol and when I first came to Brisbane, Blakey was an assistant coach. Being able to work closely with him was pretty special.

Brisbane was one of only two clubs not to interview me at draft camp � I was that shattered. I thought, "How dare they? They don't understand how much I love the club."

When Brisbane selected me in the draft it was totally unexpected, but it's worked out so well. I'm living the dream.

The first time I wore Fitzroy colours, Brisbane was playing my brother's team, West Coast, in Perth. I put on the jumper at training and got goose bumps. It turned out that game was the most amazing win I've ever had in my football career. We beat the reigning premier.

In Victoria you still see so many fans wearing raggedy, old Fitzroy jumpers, and I just think it's so good they've refused to believe Fitzroy is dead. It is still going strong.

There's no doubt in my mind that when I run out to play, I'm not just representing the Brisbane Lions, but also Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears. I'm playing for three clubs.

LUKE POWER

MY DAD grew up around the corner from Brunswick Street Oval and would walk around with his brothers to watch Fitzroy play.

I was the middle of three boys and we took on Dad's allegiance.

Every week without fail we'd go to the game in our Fitzroy jumpers, socks, shorts and boots. Afterwards, we'd hop the fence to have a kick and bash each other for hours, while our parents drank in the bar.

It's funny, because a lot of Victorian Brisbane Lions' fans still remember us as kids.

The memory that stands out most for me was missing one game for the 1986 season because I was sick. It just happened to be one of the greatest finals of all time: our semi against Essendon where Mick Conlan goaled close to the siren and got us over the line.

I used to like Paul Roos, Richard Osborne and Gary Pert. My younger brother Sam, who now plays for North Melbourne, loved Paul Broderick.

In the latter years, we used to love Alastair Lynch, Chris Johnson, Martin Pike and Jarrod Molloy all of whom I eventually played with, which was amazing for me.

Like all Fitzroy supporters, my family was sad to see the club leave Victoria. However, since I've been playing for the Lions, I see the reasons and merit behind merging with Brisbane.

I think the premiership successes of 2001-03 healed a lot of wounds and many Fitzroy people were very proud about it.

The club's done a good job of honouring the past, you just have to look the walls at the Gabba to see how much we respect Fitzroy.

The first time I wore the Fitzroy colours was in 2003 against Collingwood. It had special meaning for me and I know Dad was proud of me wearing the jumper he grew up supporting. Dad was pretty quick to grab it off me at the end of the game for safekeeping.

JONATHAN BROWN

MY FATHER, Brian, and my uncle, Noel Mugavin, played for Fitzroy, so I've got a deep, solid connection to the club.

As a young fella, I supported them no end, even through the tough times.

I'll never forget the first time Dad took me into the rooms at Princes Park after a game against North Melbourne.

I was probably eight to 10 years old and really small, so it was pretty daunting because these huge blokes were my heroes.

I remember seeing the likes of big Johnny Ironmonger and getting an autograph off Alastair Lynch. Who'd have thought that years later, I would play in premierships with him?

Now, when kids come into the rooms, I always remember that I was that kid once, so I try to give them plenty of time.

I used to get around in Dad's old jumper, or I'd pretend to be Lynchy, Paul Roos and Richard Osborne, all the glamour boys.

It was easy for me to make the transition to support Brisbane because my cousin, Marcus Picken, son of Collingwood legend Billy Picken, got drafted to the Lions. Then, I got drafted under the father-son rule.

I know many fans would have preferred Fitzroy merge with a Melbourne club, but I think it's worked out for the best because the Brisbane Lions are now in a strong financial position.

It's been blokes such as Kevin "Bulldog" Murray, who's been terrific in his support of the Brisbane Lions, that have helped other Fitzroy supporters jump on board.

We've worn the Fitzroy colours a few times now and I've been very proud to don that jumper, to do it for my old man and my uncle.

The first time was against Collingwood and we had a good win � there was a fair bit of passion and emotion that day!

We still have the old Fitzroy trainers helping out on match days in Melbourne, the same guys who knew my dad and uncle as players.

I love it when they all meet up in the locker rooms and the old stories come out, the old timers having a bit of a laugh.

Lions one and all (from left) Brisbane's Jonathan Brown and Luke Power, former Fitzroy players Leon Harris and Ross Thornton, and two more modern day Lions in Troy Selwood and Travis Johnstone.

Notting - Under the pump

TheBaron — Sat Aug 16, 2008 7:29 am

Author: TheBaron

Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 7:29 am

We would be lucky to get much for him, unless there are a few teams who think he might add that extra bit of depth to help them win a flag (ie: Saints, Hawks, Bulldogs, Crows, Swans, etc.).

There are a few other players that I'd let go while we were at it.

B&F 2008

fitzroyjamesdio — Thu Aug 14, 2008 6:29 pm

Author: fitzroyjamesdio

Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 6:29 pm

Risca has been awesome..full credit to him...

I think Adcock has been excellent to

my two faves this year...