A LIONS TALE
The Fitzroy Lions joined the SAAFL in 1987 but the proud tradition of the Lions goes back a long way.
It boasts a list of past players any Football club would be proud to name. Players such as Ray Huppatz, Malcolm Blight, Bob Tregenza, Jack Pannenburg, Matthew Campbell, Warren Campbell, and Merv Harbinson.
The Lions still produce great players today and AFL player Danyl Pearce started his football career at the Lions.
In 1925 Brompton Football Club started out in the West Torrens District league. Current Reserves coach Michael ‘Obsty’ Obst and ‘A’ grade coach for the past 3 years Graham ‘O B’ O’Brien both started their time at the Lions in 1978 playing for Brompton. They both have great memories of the mateship and tough philosophy on football. Players like Mick Barty, Roger Williams and Daryl Richter were renowned for their toughness and ability on the field. Despite the lack of facilities, the change rooms were just a tin shed, great football was played and friendships were formed that carry on today.
In 1983 Brompton amalgamated with Albert Druids Sports and became Renown Park. The style of football didn’tchange though and paid off immediately with Renown Park winning the A6 premiership that year. O B coached that year and Obsty played in his first premiership.
In 1987 the hard nuts of Renown Park amalgamated with the St. Peters YCW and the more cultured boys from St. Dominics. Who would have believed that such a combination would prove to be so successful?
The name Fitzroy was chosen by John Slaven and came from the central point on the map of the 5
amalgamated clubs. Many of the foundation families from these different clubs are still supporting the Lions today. The Hodby, Holst, Obst, Pearce, MacNamara, Hibbard and O’Brien families all have members still involved with Fitzroy today.
It would take 8 years for Fitzroy to win it’s first ‘A’ grade premiership winning the A3 grand final, but the wait
was worth it. Obsty, who played in his 2nd premiership that year, still finds it hard to split the best players he ever played with between the hard men of Renown Park and 1995 players Andrew ‘Simmo’ Simpson, Robbie Kent and the coach Paul Dittmar. The celebrations were short lived though when the Fitzroy Sports Club went into receivership in 1996.
That could have been the end of the story were it not for the hard work and personal sacrifice of a handful of dedicated Fitzroy supporters. Not only did they keep the club open, but they wrote a new constitution and fended off those who saw the magnificent facilities as theirs for the taking. Some even put their hands deep into theirown pockets to ensure the continuation of this great club. Today Fitzroy Community Club is a testament to those who worked so hard to keep it going.
But Fitzroy is not just about football. Fitzroy also has a very successful cricket club and has had many
very successful tennis teams over the years. Garville netball juniors have used the facilities at Fitzroy for their training for many years and the world record holding West Torrens Lacrosse teams also called Fitzroy their home until the end of 2005 season. If indoor sports are your preference Fitzroy also has a darts team and has had several 8 ball teams over the years. We even had a team playing Gaelic Football!
Fitzroy’s dedication and commitment to junior football has ensured a fresh crop of senior footballers are always making their way into the ‘A’ grade and often go on to bigger and better things. So what is it about Fitzroy that seems to keep people here for many years? Ask any one of the number of the current players who started out as under 8’s or those whose children now play for the team that they played for. The resounding answer is that it’s the people. The relaxed atmosphere and family friendly facilities have been likened by many to a country football club.
We love it at the Lions and we’re sure you will too.
