The fact that the Melbourne Football Club has survived all these years since our previous last Premiership in 1964 is a miracle in many ways. We nearly got merged with Fitzroy, North Melbourne, Richmond and most notably Hawthorn.

My first AFL game I ever went to was the "merger game" in round 22 against Hawthorn in 1996 when we lost by 1 point. What an amazing game that was.

I remember being so frustrated with Paul Salmon the (former Essendon) Hawthorn ruckman beating Jimmy Stynes in the ruck and constantly hitting the ball over the boundary line when we had a genuine opportunity to win the game in the last few minutes. It was definitely an emotion charged game with Hawthorn supporters abusing and waving their jumpers after the game in front of Melbourne supporters who were trying to leave. I also remember heaps of Melbourne supporters holding those "no merger" signs at the game. 

It could of been the first and last game I had ever seen my beloved Melbourne Demons play. Fortunately the merger never happened. But even then I felt the Melbourne Football Club had an aura of misfortune, tragedy and disappointment hanging over it. Was this Norm Smith's curse? Maybe? It doesn't matter now, as the curse has been finally lifted. We are back where we belong as Premiers. But this was a massive change to the regular experiences of frustration and disappointment. My hat goes off to the entire Melbourne Football Club for turning things around.

It should also be noted that we nearly went bankrupt if it wasn't for Jimmy Stynes' "Debt Demolition" campaign and assistance from the AFL. There were times during those dark days when I thought we would fold or be relocated. The huge and embarrassing losses took their toll on all of us.  From 1964 until 2021 we actually "won" 7 wooden spoons, plus there were all the times we finished in the bottom 3 on the ladder.

We definitely experienced 57 years of pain and it was a rough journey along the way to finally be holding up a brand new Premiership cup in 2021. Everyone at the Melbourne Football Club needs to be thanked sincerely for their contributions this season in 2021.

Reflecting on our recent Premiership triumph in 2021 and breaking our 57 year drought I thought it was important to think about those who missed out due to passing away...

First and foremost would be the following:

Jimmy Stynes

Robbie Flower

Troy Broadbridge

Dean Bailey

Colin Sylvia

Sean Wight

There are probably lots of others who should be added to this list. Not just former players, but also former MFC administrators, trainers, coaching staff etc. Then there would be family, friends and loved ones.

I ask people to contribute to this thread mentioning those who loved the Melbourne Football Club but sadly missed out on seeing our 57 year Premiership drought end because they have passed away.

May all those people who were "Melbourne through and through" never be forgotten...

Edited October 5, 20213 yr by Supreme_Demon

57 years is tough for anyone to survive. I wonder if Carlton would still have so many members if 1968 had been their last premiership? That’s a hard ask for any team to take. I guess, time will tell.

And if we’ve forgiven Dean Bailey, surely we can forgive Ian Ridley 

Edited October 6, 20213 yr by Cassiew

michael hibberds brother passed away not even 12 months ago, imagine the emotion of hibbo when the final siren sounded, he'dve been thinking of how proud his brother would've been for sure