The match was an AFL initiative designed to attract more people to the NAB Cup round of matches between the Lions, Essendon and St Kilda and raise funds for the Flood Appeals.
The Lions were proudly represented by recent premiership heroes Chris Johnson, Martin Pike and Mal Michael, popular Fitzroy forwards Richard Osborne and Darren ‘Doc’ Wheildon, Fitzroy Best & Fairest winner Darren Kappler, former Fitzroy midfielder Jason Baldwin, radio personality Craig Huggins and current Fitzroy FC VAFA player Chris Polidoras.
For many of the past players, it proved a chance to turn back the clock and show they still had the skills that made them stars back in their heyday. For Huggins and Polidoras, it was a unique opportunity to play on the big stage alongside some big names.
There was no pre-game pep talk, stretching or discussion of tactics. Instead, the team simply enjoyed each others company and caught up on old times.
But once they took to the field, it became all about business.
The first match pitted the Lions Legends against an Essendon side that featured recently retired players such as Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas, Jason Johnson, Mark Bolton and Justin Blumfield.
And after the Bombers had poured on two goals in the opening two minutes, things were looking bleak.
But through the wonderful on-field leadership of Captain/Coach Martin Pike, the Lions quickly fought their way back.
Osborne looked as though he’d not lost his touch kicking multiple goals up forward, Mal Michael got the better of Lloyd, Huggins presented well and 20 year-old Polidoras was lively in the middle.
A super fit Wheildon showed glimpses of magic up forward - as did Kappler on the wing - while Baldwin proved versatile in a number of areas.
By the time the siren sounded, the Lions had pulled off an upset one-point victory to advance to the final match against St Kilda.
Former Co-Captain Chris Johnson starred on the field and also helped the cause by partaking in a half-time ‘Superkick’ which raised more money for flood-affected junior football clubs.
Riding a considerable amount of confidence, the Lions Legends continued on their winning form against the Saints, this time by a more comfortable margin.
It was an amazing performance by the team and provided plenty of excitement for those Lions fans who were in attendance.
Although there was no official trophy handed out to our ‘premiers’, the team were simply happy to rejoice together in their triumph. The event further enhanced their status as true Club Legends.
