Thirty-three years and one week ago today Fitzroy enjoyed one of its all-time great wins, beating North Melbourne by 150 points at Junction Oval.
The heroes were plenty. Les Parish had 39 possessions, and Bernie Quinlan and Mick Conlan each kicked seven goals. But enjoying his greatest game of all was big Matt Rendell.
A powerhouse in the ruck and a match-winner up forward, big ‘Bundy’ kicked a career-best eight goals. He scored a rare perfect ‘10’ in The Age Player of the Year voting and collected three Brownlow Medal votes as the Lions inflicted the biggest defeat ever on a side on top of the ladder.
It was a special day in a special career for the lad from West Torrens in Adelaide, who played 164 games for Fitzroy from 1981-91. Among in the best in the League in his prime, he was club champion in 1982-83, club captain from 1985-87 and All-Australian in 1983 and 1987.
He was also one of 13 people to play for Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears ahead of the merger, having coming out of retirement to answer an SOS from his old mate and coach Robert Walls in 1992.
Since hanging up the boots he’s served the game far and wide. A smart football person and a shrewd tactician, with an eye for talent and an understanding of what it takes to make it in this ultra-competitive industry, he has filled coaching and recruiting roles at seven clubs - Melbourne, Sydney, Richmond, Port Adelaide, St.Kilda, Adelaide and now Collingwood.
But it all started at Fitzroy and he’ll forever be remembered as one of the all-time great Lions. Matt Rendell, a proud member of the Brisbane Lions Hall of Fame.
At a glance:
Club/s:
Fitzroy
Brisbane Bears
Years
1981-1991 (Fitzroy Player)
1992 (Bears Player)
1993 (Bears Asst.t Coach)
Games 177
Honours/Awards
- Fitzroy Best & Fairest (1982, 1983)
- Fitzroy Captain (1985-87)
- All Australian (1983, 1987)
- Lions Life Member
- South Australia Representative (3 times)
