The Merrett-Murray Medal, awarded each year to the Brisbane Lions’ Best and Fairest player, remains the Club’s most prestigious individual honour.

But did you know that for a period throughout Fitzroy’s history, the winners of the annual Club Champion award didn’t necessarily receive a medal?

Instead, players could nominate a different type of gift, which would include everything from golf clubs to outdoor settings, and any other household or personal items they might have needed at the time.

Former Fitzroy Best and Fairest Norm Brown revealed upon his induction into the Brisbane Lions’ Hall of Fame last month that he still had the coffee table he received for one of his three triumphs in the mid-60s.

In light of this fact, the Fitzroy-Brisbane Lions Historical Society will present a special medallion to all those former Fitzroy Best and Fairest winners who might no longer have anything to show for their achievements, at their annual dinner on Thursday 21 August.

The event, to be held at Moonlight Receptions in Fitzroy, is set to feature some of the biggest names from Fitzroy – including (Best and Fairest years in brackets): 

Bill Stephen (1950, 54)
Kevin Murray (1956, 58, 60-64, 68-69)
Graham Campbell (1957)
Norm Brown (1965-67)
John Murphy (1968, 1970-71, 73, 77)
Garry Wilson (1972, 76, 78-80)
Harvey Merrigan (1974)
Ron Alexander (1981)
Matthew Rendell (1982-83)
Ross Thornton (1984)
Paul Roos (1985-86, 1991-92, 94)
Darren Kappler (1988)
Gary Pert (1989)
Alastair Lynch (1993)
Brad Boyd (1995)
Martin Pike (1996)
 
Check out a complete list of every Fitzroy Best & Fairest winner throughout history.

Tickets to attend the Museum Annual Dinner are just $75 per person and include a three course meal and tea and coffee, with drinks available at bar prices.

All proceeds from the night will go towards the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the Historical Society’s magnificent memorabilia display housed at Etihad Stadium.

With such a star-studded line-up of former players and space for only 500 guests, we recommend you book today to avoid missing out on this historic event.

Almost half of the available tickets have already been sold to existing Historical Society members, who had the benefit of a two-week priority booking period.

For further information surrounding the event, please contact Historical Society Museum Custodian Arthur Wilson on 03 9432 6213 or 0405 565 814.

Alternatively you can visit the Historical Society’s web page to download and complete a booking form.

DATE: Thursday 21 August 2014 @ 7pm
VENUE: Moonlight Receptions – 622 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North
COST: $75 – includes three-course meal and tea and coffee (drinks at bar prices)
DRESS: Lounge suit and tie