A sold out crowd of 600 packed into the Moonlight Receptions function centre in Melbourne on Thursday night to honour Fitzroy’s former Best and Fairest winners at the annual Historical Society Museum Dinner.

The star-studded guest list included Kevin Murray, Garry Wilson, John Murphy, Alastair Lynch, Martin Pike, Ross Thornton, Matt Rendell, Scott Clayton, Gary Pert, Darren Kappler, Brad Boyd, Ron Alexander, Warwick Irwin, Harvey Merrigan, and Norm Brown, along with a host of descendants of those former Club Champions who have since passed.

Also in the room were newly appointed Lions Chief Executive Greg Swann, triple premiership ruckman and current Lions Foundation Chairman Clark Keating, and a selection of other former Fitzroy players and officials.

The night was an overwhelming success, and further proved that the spirit of Fitzroy is still very much alive in Melbourne.

It was a real credit to Arthur Wilson and the entire Historical Society committee, who worked tirelessly in helping put the function together, and ensuring that enough funds were being raised to help maintain and improve that wonderful Fitzroy Museum at Etihad Stadium.

You can view the official photos from the event by visiting the Happy Medium Photos website – using the access code bl2108.

Long-time Fitzroy and Brisbane Lions member Sam Marasco probably best summed the night up with a terrific poem that he presented to the passionate crowd, before later sharing it on SEN Radio:

Tonight we pay tribute to
Our Club Champions of yesteryear
We applaud and salute them
And give them a mighty cheer

The retrospective best and fairests
Won by all these Fitzroy stars
Will be talked about forever
In all the clubs and bars

Bill Stephen, the elder statesman
A Club figure so large
Handballs to the Legend Kevin Murray whose
Nine best and fairests leads the charge

Norm Brown, the tireless follower
With his strength and guile
Taps the ball to John Murphy, who dashes
Through the centre and goals in style

Harvey Merrigan, a full-back
So well respected
Kicks long to Warwick Irwin, whose
Dash and poise was always protected

Ron Alexander, fearless and dominant
With his uncompromising ruck play
Sheperds the crumbing Garry Wilson, whose
Unique skills were always on display

Ross Thornton’s back-pocket work
Kept the resting rovers at bay
Scott McIvor’s skill and resilience
Often saved the day

Darren Kappler’s burning pace
And raking left-foot kick
Alastair Lynch’s courage and tenacity
Was the spark that made the Lions click

Paul Roos’ all round brilliance and ability
To kick the winning goal
Gary Pert, the prototype full-back
Was an ornament in his role

Brad Boyd led from the front
To the Club’s final day
Martin Pike went to North and Brisbane
Picking up four flags along the way

Matt Rendell and Scott Clayton
Host the after-match at Lord Jim’s pub
Let’s all raise our glasses
And embrace these champions of our Club!