At the end of the 2000 season, when the club was demoted to D3 (or F) section, the club established a key goal that it would reach C-Section by 2005 and A-Section by the end of the decade.

These goals were re-affirmed at the end of 2001, along with a mission statement of “Celebrating community football in the heart of Fitzroy” and a number of Values and Characteristics which sustain the club in its proposed rise through the grades of the VAFA.

The club has forged strong links with the local community through the Fitzroy Junior Football Club, Edinburgh Cricket Club, the City of Yarra and other community organizations, establishing itself as one of the most successful ‘district' VAFA clubs and with a very high profile. Since 1998, it has also established an ongoing association with the Fitzroy Football Club which provides significant financial backing to the club through its major sponsorship. A strong association has also been established with the Brisbane Lions AFC.

An under 19 team was also established in 2002, which is a vital initiative for the future survival of the club, a requirement for existence in higher sections and a crucial link between the club and the Fitzroy Junior Football Club, a key feeder for the Reds.

The club has grown rapidly in five years between 2001 and 2006 and achieved the first goal of C-Section by 2005. The club has managed five premierships, three runners up and numerous finals appearances in that period. However the club has recorded significant operating losses in recent years, with costs increasing substantially due to higher grades, larger number of teams including an under 19 team and increasing professionalism. Revenue has also increased but has not grown sufficiently to offset these cost increases. The club has no financial reserves and is unable to invest in the future or create a strong financial base to establish the club in the upper grades of the VAFA.

In 2007, the club has a new executive, new senior and reserve coaching staff (led by Old Redder Steve Maus) and many new players, following the retirement of several key players and movement of a number of players interstate or overseas. This has injected fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the club.

The new executive has put a vigorous social calendar in place, renewed efforts in sponsorship and is devising improved systems for financial management. Significant savings have been identified in the 2007 football operating budget.

•  practical, ongoing general acknowledgement of your contribution (potentially as part of the upcoming redevelopment of the grandstand at Brunswick Street Oval possibly via a brick in the grandstand redevelopment or a ‘walk' / plaque / honour board, depending on the overall level of commitment received);
•  specific acknowledgement of the target of your contribution;
•  entry to foundation lunch at a selected Reds home game;
•  advertising on the renowned, high profile Reds website of your business as appropriate;
•  access to the Reds network and connections;
•  access to top flight sporting functions and events such as AFL football, horse racing and golf days;
•  tax invoice (for tax deductible purposes for business advertising, if required);
•  membership of the club (membership card will be issued) and the Old Redders Association ;
•  access to club communications, annual report and president's updates.

“Black and Blue”, the story of football at Melbourne University, was launched last night by Mike Fitzpatrick in Macquarie Bank’s board room, a little way from the spiritual home of MUFC – the pavvy. Reds patrons Paul Daffey and Dr June Senyard wrote sections of the book and it is a warts and all account of the third oldest football club in Australia, including its various manifestations University, University B, Uni Blacks, Uni Blues and of course the Uni Reds. MUFC Chairman, Simon “Harry” Costello was disappointed that “and Red all over” wasn’t added to the title.

Ross Stevenson stole the show with the obligatory stories about Kenny Frencham’s notoriously muddled coaching addresses (“C’mon boys, we’re not capitulating on our opportunities”, “Pair off in threes”, and “Come over here under the lights where it’s warmer”). He also regaled the now infamous story about Thornbury’s Bugsy Bennett’s jaw smashing punch on Ross in the culture-bridging match against the Reds in 1978. Ross claims the punch was so hard that he did his achilles, but the umpire failed to lay a report. This apparently became the first case of trial by ‘video’ in Australian Football. The footage was replayed last night. Bugsy, the undoubtedly effervescent gatekeeper at Northcote Tip, eventually got 8 weeks, reduced from life on the basis of his apparent ‘good record’ and having played over 300 games for Thornbury. Ross was a little miffed to read the back page of the Northcote Leader in the lead-up to the return match with Thornbury, with a picture of Bugsy shaking hands with the mayor on occasion of his 200th game! Bugsy was gracious enough to waive Ross’s $5 tip entry fee years later.

A boisterous posse of Reds were in attendance at the launch, including a number of Reds MUFC life members. The inaugural life member of the MUFC was Marc Marsden, after whom the Reds Reserves B&F is named. Other MUFC life members include Peter Selleck (current MUFC membership officer), Harry Sharpe (deceased), Jack Clancy, Terry Greaney, Andrew Hendy, Peter Hille and Charlie Hosking.

Adam “Nick Leeson” Grant sent his apologies for the night from the Singapore branch of Deutsch Bank – his record of one game with the Uni Blues under 19s, 34 reserves games with the Uni Blacks, and 43 boisterous games with the Fitzroy Reds reserves (+ one senior game) is surely unique and an MUFC triumph.

If you want to order the book or read more, you can do so at http://www.melbunifootball.com

Greetings Redders

On Field Update

After a promising lead-up, the Reds senior team were beaten by Old Geelong in the final round of the season and finished the season in 5th spot with 11 wins. Always hard to beat at Como Park, the Reds were without young gun Matt Biggs through injury and Tim Davis went off injured in the first quarter. Gun midfielder and vice-captain Matt Mackay was still in Beijing with work, while experienced utility Toby Mitchell was also unavailable through injury. However the young Reds showed plenty of guts and got within a goal just before 3 quarter time after being down by 5 goals at the long break. But OGs ran away with it in the last quarter, storming into the finals with a six goal win. And so OGs remained the only team the Reds failed to beat at least once during the year. The emergence of Jack Beech, Chris Polidaris, Sam Baker, Ross Borland and Matt Biggs as quality senior players was a key highlight of the season, while the return and good form of premiership players Michael Louis-Gleeson, Simon Kelleher, Ben Atherton and Jim O’Reilly as captain was important for the team’s consolidation this year. Ruckman Chris Meighen continued his relentlessly good form in the ruck and will be hard to beat again in the Redlow this year.

Old Geelong were certainly in form at the right time of the season and finally achieved promotion to C-Grade after being in D1 for many years, beating the other perennial D1 grader, Old Mentonians in the first semi and then NOBs/St Pats in the preliminary who faded quickly towards the end of the season. Old Geelong meet Bulleen-Templestowe in the Grand Final this weekend. Yarra Valley had already been relegated prior to the last round, while Aquinas spent most of the year in the relegation slot, but after a win in Round 17, gave themselves a chance of staying up if they beat 8th placed Prahran, who narrowly lost to finalist Old Mentonians in Round 17. And win Aquinas did in what must have been a titanic struggle, by a sufficient margin (4 goals) to send a five-win Prahran to D2, behind Aquinas by only 2%. They won’t be missed.

The reserves also failed to get over ladder leader Old Geelong in the last round and finished the home and away season on 3rd and a first semi final date with perennial reserves finalist, Old Mentonians. And in a low-scoring slog, the Reds went down by 4 goals, 6.13 to 3.7, with the Reds kicking all three goals in the last quarter. The Reserves had a late season slump after dominating the first half of the year, but successfully fulfilled their primary role of providing senior players throughout the year.

On a much more positive note, the Reds Under 19s finished third at the end of the home and away season after belting Old Carey in the last round. They then scored a stirring come-from behind win in the first semi against Banyule-Viewbank, kicking 5 goals to 2 in the last quarter to vault into the preliminary final. And in a pulsating and high standard preliminary final against Old Ivanhoe, whose senior team is in A section, the Reds were in front by 3 points at the main break, but couldn’t stay with their opponents, many of whom were ‘top age’, going down by 41 points. A great season by the Reds under 19s, with plenty of bottom agers and key players playing regularly for the seniors. The presence of the second under 19 team seemed to give strength to the first under 19 team, giving the opportunity for all players to play each week and add depth to the club. A promising future awaits the Reds, with an ever growing and successful Fitzroy Junior Football Club and AusKick.

Redlow

The RF will cover the cost of several awards as usual at the Redlow and is keen to discuss with the Reds leadership the format of future Redlows including ways of integrating current and past players at the event and making the event attractive to sponsors, parents and other club stakeholders.

The club and the RF are very keen to get as many past players, friends of the Reds and RF members to this year’s Redlow, which is to be held on Friday October 17th at the Richmond Town Hall.

Please reserve the date in your diaries. More details to follow, but it promises to be another good celebration of the club’s season.

VAFA Roundup

In a very even A Section, De La Salle won their last three to make sure of playing in A-section next year to finish with six wins, and three games of clear of Old Trinity, who were relegated to B for the first time in many years after losing their last seven and 14 of their last 15. After the much anticipated return to the big dance, Uni Blacks were relegated straight back to B, confirming the biggest jump in the Ammos is from B to A. Fellow promotee St Bede’s / Mentone Tigers made a mockery of that, finishing second after a stellar year in A section. Collegians finished a game clear on top, while Old Xavs and Old Brighton faced off for a ‘winner-take-last-finals-spot’ in Round 18. Old Xavs, as usual, came from behind to win by 9 points, booking a berth in the first semi against huge rival Old Scotch, whose form at the business end had been typically patchy in recent years. And in an incredible final, Old Scotch looked to have a preliminary final spot sewn up, leading by 31 points at the ten minute mark of the last quarter. But somehow, Old Xavs kicked seven unanswered goals in 15 minutes and won by a goal, not for the first time getting out of jail in finals and not for the first time against Old Scotch. OXs will play the loser of the second semi this week between Collegians and St Bede’s, in the preliminary in a fortnight.

In B section, Old Essendon, St Bernard’s, Marcellin and Old Haileybury finished in the top 4, with Marcellin prevailing in an epic first semi against Old Haileybury (containing Brett Voss and Stewart Loewe) by six points. Regular Reds opponent Old Carey finished a creditable 5th with 9 wins and Old Camberwell 7th on 7 wins, while the highest ranked district side Beaumaris and Caulfield Grammarians were relegated to C.

C Section was an even affair all year and recent Reds rival Ormond scored an upset win their second semi against fellow district rival Hampton Rovers who finished top. Ormond continue their slow climb back to the top with promotion to B and the title of highest ranked district side. Hampton will play Oakleigh in the preliminary in the other promotion game, who beat 2007 B relegee Ajax in the first semi. Rapid rising Rupertswood and Whitefriars were relegated to D1, consigning the Reds to some long trips in 2009, including Sunbury, Donvale, Mt Eliza, Ringwood, Keysborough, Burwood and Werribee.

In D2, Werribee and Emmaus St Leo’s were promoted to D1, while Bentleigh and St Mary’s / Salesian were relegated. In D3, Eltham came from 4th and 11 wins to promotion, while top ranked Williamstown CYMS on 16 wins was also promoted as expected. Hawthorn finished second on 15 wins, but lost both finals to miss out. Latrobe and Swinburne Universities were relegated. And in D4, West Brunswick have bounced back from their recent slide, returning to D3 in 2009. They will be joined by either VAFA debutants St Francis Xavier or Albert Park, who play off in the preliminary final this weekend.

Vale Marc Marsden

It is with much sorrow that the club founder, Marc Marsden, passed away last month, after a long illness. A celebration of Marc’s life was held recently at the Fitzroy Victoria Bowls Club, at which Peter Hille was a key speaker. Marc’s last appearance at a Reds function was the 2002 Redlow Dinner at Retro.

Marc is a member of the Reds team of the century and was a formidable goal kicker at the Reds. The reserves best and fairest perpetual trophy is named after Marc, and the Marsden Medal is awarded to the club’s leading senior goal-kicker each year.

Following is a recollection by Peter Hille of Marc’s other significant achievement, which was submitted to and published in the Amateur Footballer during the Olympics.

“The Red Torch Bearer

The guy who founded the Fitzroy Reds (originally University Reds) was Marcus Marsden a prominent geologist who was a stalwart of Melbourne University Football through the fifties into the eighties as a player and administrator before he headed off to the Arctic Ocean for geological research !!

The Reds began in 1955 with Marsden winning the goal-kicking with 38 majors. In 1956 he kicked 100 goals for the Reds and also organised the Australian leg of the Olympic Torch Relay from Cairns to Melbourne. His outstanding logistical skills and good humour were the basis of a wonderful lead-in to what were termed the "Friendly Games" - the Melbourne Olympics of 1956. Appropriately an exhibition match of Aussie Rules was played as part of the Olympic program.

The full story of the 1956 Torch Relay is told in the excellent book "Carrying the Torch" written by Marc and published by Marsden Publishing. His 1956 Torch Relay memorabilia was donated in 2006 to the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum. The Marsden Medal is awarded to the leading seniors goal-kicker at the Reds each season in Marc's honour.”

Reds Foundation News

The Reds Foundation has been busy in the latter part of the season, with agreement of the charter and mission statement triggering a number of initiatives.

Mission
To nurture the future, support the present and honour the past of the Reds

Charter
· Contribute to the financial sustainability of the Fitzroy Reds Football Club
· Promote and celebrate the ongoing history and spirit of the club
· Create and maintain a virtual Reds community
· Provide a professional network which sustains the club and its members
· Provide practical support to key projects and the club’s infrastructure

An interim leadership group of willing RF members comprising Chris Tehan, Steve Earl, Peter Hille, Craig Little, Michael Smale, Rick Cameron and Kevin Barge has developed the mission and charter and has been facilitating the initiatives below.

Job Network Project

i. specific player projects where a position or apprenticeship opportunity is sought by players;
ii. identifying the business, profession or trade of RF members;
iii. identifying the business, profession or trade of past players for whom we have current contacts;
iv. identifying the business, profession, trade or aspiration of current senior players and where relevant the business, profession or trade of the parents of these players
v. interviewing the current U19 players and their parents to establish the aspirations of the players and the business, profession or trade of the parents
vi. analysing how the aspirations and needs of players can be matched or assisted within the wider job network thus created.

There has already been some successes with item i of the project.

District Amateurs Network
Supporting the District Clubs of the VAFA

Below is the press release issued by the VAFA, as prepared by the Reds Foundation.

Introduction

The VAFA competition at the top end currently has few District Clubs and historically District Clubs have struggled, with some notable exceptions (eg Ormond), in staying at the top level for long.

The Reds Foundation which supports the Fitzroy Reds FC believes that a District Amateurs Network (DAN) could well assist in addressing the challenges faced by District Clubs within the VAFA. The VAFA leadership agrees with this viewpoint.

October Launch of DAN

To that end it is proposed to establish the DAN in October 2008. All District Clubs in the VAFA (29 of them) will be invited to send two representatives to the inaugural meeting to be facilitated by the Reds Foundation.

The Agenda will include the following key elements of club success :

1. Recruitment & retention of players
2. Sponsorship
3. Volunteering
4. Funds generation
5. Facilities & Local Government services
6. Job networks
7. Community support
8. Administrative systems
9. Marketing & Communications
10. Other identified elements

Summary

The idea of the DAN is to share challenges and strategies for success; to seek common ground and mutual advantage; to create leverage and strengthen resources. It is acknowledged that District clubs are in competition with each other as well. In that regard, it is further acknowledged that clubs will determine how much they share or withhold within the DAN. Nevertheless, it is considered that the benefits of working together off-field are not incompatible with our competitiveness on-field.

Hopefully, your District club will embrace the concept and get involved.

ENDS

This has already gained the support of around a dozen amateur district/community clubs as well as the VAFA Board. The RF will act as a facilitator and the Reds as a participant.

Pre-Season Project

i. the RF is looking at ways to support a pre-season camp organised by the football department;
ii. the RF is looking at ways to support the coaching development initiatives, potentially incorporating the annual Leadership Visit to Brisbane
iii. the RF will also be considering football department proposals associated with individual player pre-season training programs.

Player Sponsorship Program

The RF will co-ordinate and manage the Player Sponsorship Program in 2009 with an outline of that Program to be developed by the end of September 2008. Aspects of the program will include
i. close involvement with the Season Launch and Jumper Presentation;
ii. any sponsorship leads identified by the coaching group will be referred to the RF to avoid confusion or duplication;
iii. there was a suggestion that the club trainers be sponsored and that the RF might assist in this regard. The possibility of a more senior trainer from the Brisbane Lions being involved for expertise and mentoring reasons may also be explored.

There has been some very positive responses from club members as word about the work and intentions of the Reds Foundation has spread. There is a momentum building that is most heartening. The stronger the RF is, the better for the Reds future.

History Project

A project team has been formed with Peter Hille & stalwart club secretary Mel Evans as Convenors and members including current players Simon Kelleher and Richard Willingham; Bruce Crossley and Ian Jonasson (1950s, 1960s); Peter Ashton, Geoff Lipshut, Graham Long and Alan McLean (1970s); Charlie Hosking, Mike Moran (1980s); Paul White, Greg Cook, Ian Ewing (1990s); Steve Drury, Benjy Lee, Graham Burgen (2000s).

The Reds Foundation Website is preparing for launch later this month with RF member Cameron Thatcher designing and setting up the site. It will complement and link to the current football club website and will focus on a virtual Reds community and will be a permanent record of the playing history and will include pen portraits of players etc.


Reds 2003 Senior Premiership Reunion

Linked to the second RF charter objective, the RF is hosting and facilitating the Reds 2003 Senior Premiership Reunion on September 21st (linked to the RF charter objective celebrating the history of club and is the first in a series of Premiership Club reunions.
Details of the reunion are as follows:

Five year reunion for the 2003 D2 Senior Premiership Team
Family-friendly invitation for lunch from 12.30pm, Sunday September 21st @ All Nations Hotel, Richmond
All welcome
RSVP Peter Hille 0407 177 457 or phille@iprimus.com.au

Already around 30 players, coaches and family members have confirmed their attendance at what should be a great day and almost all players have been contacted, strengthening the RF database, Reds jobs network and assist in promulgating the work of the Reds Foundation.

The RF is preparing a booklet to commemorate the occasion – please forward any material you may have from 2003, which was also the year the Reds played an AFL curtain-raiser at the MCG.

Tonga connection

Peter Hille has been following up the strengthening Tonga football connection with the Reds, initiated by 2005 reserves premiership captain Sam Baillie, where the Reds visited Tonga to play a game against the national team.

Peter is dealing with Michael Russell (Melbourne based) who was in Tonga at time of Reds visit in 2006. Tonga missed the International Cup (funding) but are currently playing in a Multi-Cultural Tri-Series (Asia and Africa) in early September. Ex-pats are being supplemented by 15 or so Tongans coming over, many of whom are keen to catch up with Reds who went to Tonga.

Peter has agreed with Michael that the Reds will do something social with the group, together with a training session and support for their match v Africa on Friday September 5th (3.30pm @ Royal Park). It is also agreed that the Reds will draft a plan of co-operation for the next 3 years.

Future Reds Project

Four time Reds best and fairest winner and triple premiership player Steve Drury and his wife Ladies-in-Red founder Fiona Drury are the proud parents of twin boys, Archie and Blake who were born about two weeks ago, both 7 pounds 1 ounce. All well, but with three boys under two, they are busier than the proverbial.

Yours in Reddiness

Cheers
Chris Tehan
Reds Foundation Convenor