The Brunswick Street Oval was the old spiritual home of Fitzroy, and the Club’s playing headquarters from late in the 19th century until 1966. The venue has since been resurrected by the Fitzroy Football Club and is now home to Fitzroy’s amateur VAFA side.
But on that last Sunday in September, it proved to be a happy homecoming for the Club’s first premiership side since 1944.
It had been 57 years since any supporter of the maroon, blue and gold had witnessed the ultimate glory, and the old grandstand that once rocked and roared behind the likes of Haydn Bunton, Allan ‘The Baron’ Ruthven and Kevin ‘Bulldog’ Murray was full to the rafters with supporters young and old.
The unforgettable image of Murray standing in the old grandstand remains one of the most symbolic representations of the Club’s proud Fitzroy heritage.
Approximately 8,000 people waited to salute players who, after a long night of celebrations, had caught a 9am bus from the team hotel to thank their ever-growing Melbourne supporter base on their way to the airport.
Share your stories from the 2001 Grand Final and go into the draw to WIN tickets to the Brisbane Lions' Premiership Anniversary Dinner and Season Launch on Friday 18 March.
Simply CLICK HERE and explain - in 100 words or less - what made the Lions' 2001 premiership triumph so memorable for you.
Entries must be received before Wednesday 9 March with the winner to be notified by Friday 11 March.
For more information about the Premiership Anniversary & Season Launch event, please click here
