Saturday 6 September 2003

What Merger?

We all knew it already but Channel 10 tonight provided further proof that the Fitzroy-Brisbane amalgamation was nothing short of a cynical attempt to create a Queensland team with a decent theme song and sensible jumpers.

Robert Walls provided us with the 'amazing' stat that "The Lions" haven't won under lights at the MCG since Round 20 1988 when 'they' (i.e the Brisbane Bears) beat Richmond. But I thought it was supposed to be a totally new club from day one of the 1997 season? Was it really an excuse to stack the Bears with some quality players (a ploy that failed miserably. See Carter, Nick) and create a team that bandwagon supporters would jump on? Of course it was.

For the record Fitzroy won two MCG night games between Round 20 1988 and 1996. Somebody alert the monkeys in the Channel 10 production truck.

Round 16, 1989 vs Richmond (123-51)
Round 9, 1992 vs North Melbourne (105-66)

Either acknowledge the shared history or start the Brisbane Lions at Round 1, 1997. Don't hedge your bets and go either way.

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