Merger

Experience the heartbreak and nostalgia of the Fitzroy Football Club's tumultuous 1996 season with 'Merger'. This compelling narrative dives deep into one of the most controversial moments in Australian Football League (AFL) history - the merger between Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears. Spanning 400 pages, this trade paperback chronicles the emotional trials faced by players, passionate supporters, dedicated club officials, and tireless volunteers. The story uncovers the profound impact of this AFL merger on a community that cherished its rich history and culture. Readers will be engaged as they explore critical themes surrounding the integrity of Australian rules football, the roles of the AFL Commission, and the love and loyalty that fans bring to the game. 'Merger' does not just recount events; it challenges you to reflect on the very essence of the sport, including the obligations of the league to its supporters and the significance of tradition in a rapidly commercializing environment. Whether you're a lifelong Fitzroy supporter or a fan of AFL history, this book invites you to understand why Fitzroy's story resonated then and continues to matter today. With FREE shipping, get your copy of 'Merger' today and relive the challenges and triumphs that defined a pivotal moment in Australian sports history. Order now and dive into the deep insights about the Australian Football League that this book offers.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781925556858
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2021
Publisher: Black Inc
Pages: 400


Description:
MERGER tells the story of the Fitzroy Football Club's 1996 season in the Australian Football League, a season made infamous by the club's merger with the Brisbane Bears. It was nothing short of the worst year ever experienced by a VFL/AFL club. This book recounts that devastating year, providing a deep understanding of the experience of the players, supporters, club officials and volunteers. Each of these perspectives are vital in understanding Fitzroy's story; it is insufficient merely to understand how and why Fitzroy's merger occurred - one must understand why it mattered

Writing about Fitzroy's demise as an AFL club also allows space for musings on the nature and character of the modern AFL. The Fitzroy/Brisbane merger asked profound questions about the AFL's relationship with the people who love and support Australian rules football - questions that were never satisfactorily answered. Who are the actual custodians of the game? What obligations do the League's governing body owe to the supporters, who make the game what it is? What place do history and tradition have in the modern AFL? At what point do commercial decisions and imperatives detract from the essence of the sport and harm supporters' engagement with the League? In short, how does the AFL Commission fulfil its role as being the 'keeper of the code', not just the entity responsible for ensuring the competition remains financially viable? These questions seemed to fall by the wayside very quickly after the merger, but they remain unanswered and are just as pertinent now as they were in 1996.


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