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Between the Flags - a great new book on the MFC

Whispering_Jack
in Melbourne Demons

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For many years, I bemoaned the lack of good literature about the Melbourne Football Club and since the flag, there have been some good additions to that category. Now, there's a great new book out written by journalist Ian Munro, a Demon fan from way back (and I believe a Demonlander too!) who examines the highs and mostly lows of the era between 1964 and 2021 and tries to make sense of the 57 years of heartache that accompanied that time.

Here's the link to the website if you’re interested in buying what should be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of those whose hearts beat true ... Between the Flags

“There have been idle moments during retirement where I have flirted with the idea of writing my version of Melbourne’s history since I was a boy in the 1950s.

After reading “Between the Flags”, I’m mighty glad I refrained. Ian Munro’s work is a magnificent review of all the trials and tribulations at Melbourne in the 57 years between premierships, culminating in the 2021 flag. I loved the detailed history, the author’s passion, the colour, and, finally, the explosion of unbridled joy that came on Grand Final day in Perth.”   - Mike Sheahan, journalist.

9F001B7C-B960-4A36-992A-CD41196B5895.jpeg

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    • Whispering_Jack changed the title to Between the Flags - a great new book on the MFC
     

    This book sounds fantastic!

    I was very much hoping someone would write a book about our 57 year long drought! I am incredibly relieved the Premiership drought is now over.

    I will definitely look to purchase a copy of this book.

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    50 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

    Onya Jack.  I've ordered my copy.

    What other MFC books are you aware of and could recommend?

    The Last Hurrah by Adam Woolcock (our very own Supermercado) and, if you have the stomach for it, The Great Deepression by the same author. Max's book. The Grand Old Flag by Lynda Carroll (she should update it now to include 2021 and maybe beyond) and the classic "100 YEARS OF FOOTBALL. The Story of the Melbourne Football Club 1858-1958" by  E.C.H. Taylor.

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    I have those in my bookcase along with ones about/by  Robbie Flower, Garry Lyon, David Schwarz and Neale Daniher plus "The Red Fox" of course, along with "An Illustrated History" which was released in 2008 as part of our 150th Anniversary.

    A few years back I found a copy of the Stuart Spencer book (written by his widow) in my library, but that seems hard to find these days.  edit:  There's a copy on ebay but they want $49 plus postage for it which is a bit steep I think.

    Edited by Demonstone

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    Ian has been keeping this project very secret. I am often sitting with him at games and I didn’t even know about it. He is a great Melbourne man. If you’ve been sitting on Level 2 of the G in front of the coaches boxes over the years you’re bound to have heard him 😂

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    1 hour ago, Demonstone said:

    I have those in my bookcase along with ones about/by  Robbie Flower, Garry Lyon, David Schwarz and Neale Daniher plus "The Red Fox" of course, along with "An Illustrated History" which was released in 2008 as part of our 150th Anniversary.

    A few years back I found a copy of the Stuart Spencer book (written by his widow) in my library, but that seems hard to find these days.  edit:  There's a copy on ebay but they want $49 plus postage for it which is a bit steep I think.

    Of course, who could forget the Red Fox and the Ron Barassi biography?

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    Thanks WJ, duly ordered. Supermercado’s The Last Hurrah is mandatory for Dees tragics. 

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    Great read for the devoted. I know first hand that Ian has put years of professional research and interviews into this self-publication - without knowing at the time that a Premiership was in the offing. As a passionate fan himself, Ian not only taps into what a largely miserable time it has been to be a Dees supporter these last 57 years, but keenly explores the why, and then relives and re-examines the path to the joy of the 2021 season. Highly recommended.

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    Have ordered this and looking forward to reading it, I'm particuarly fascinated by the 70s and early 80s disaster years.

    On the topic of MFC books, does anyone know where I can get this book by Dick Seddon? (I'm sure he's just been stitched up by Google and it's not really subtitled - "Reflections of a Former ALF [sic] Commissioner"), and despite the random modern day MFC image on the front I'm not sure how much is about the club vs his team at the league but interested in any insights into the era he was in charge.

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    On 7/14/2022 at 3:04 PM, Whispering_Jack said:

    Of course, who could forget the Red Fox and the Ron Barassi biography?

    Another good read is Chadwick- A man of many parts. by nick Richardson.

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    On 7/14/2022 at 12:40 PM, Sir Why You Little said:

    I wonder what Ian says about “Whiteboard Wednesday”

    Did Schwab get interviewed?

     

    He could have just inserted exerts from Finnegan's Wake by James Joyce or Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. 

    Reading those made as much sense as listening to CS on Whiteboard Wednesday. 

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    4 minutes ago, Colin B. Flaubert said:

    He could have just inserted exerts from Finnegan's Wake by James Joyce or Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. 

    Reading those made as much sense as listening to CS on Whiteboard Wednesday. 

    David Lynch movies were far easier to understand than “Whiteboard Wednesday”

     

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    My copy of "Between The Flags" arrived today and, having just had a quick skim through, I can't wait until I have time to sit down and give it a proper, thorough read.  Kudos to Ian for the speedy postage and handling.

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    3 hours ago, Grapeviney said:

    Not MFC related, but I'm publishing "The Big Book of St Kilda Premierships" on Twitter later this year.

    Will there be a hard copy Grape? Got enough room on the shelf for 1 page, that should do it.

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    4 hours ago, Demonstone said:

    My copy of "Between The Flags" arrived today and, having just had a quick skim through, I can't wait until I have time to sit down and give it a proper, thorough read.  Kudos to Ian for the speedy postage and handling.

    Agreed …my copy arrived very quickly. Enjoying the read ! 

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    On 7/14/2022 at 12:19 PM, Whispering_Jack said:

    For many years, I bemoaned the lack of good literature about the Melbourne Football Club and since the flag, there have been some good additions to that category. Now, there's a great new book out written by journalist Ian Munro, a Demon fan from way back (and I believe a Demonlander too!) who examines the highs and mostly lows of the era between 1964 and 2021 and tries to make sense of the 57 years of heartache that accompanied that time.

    Here's the link to the website if your interested in buying what should be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of those whose hearts beat true ... Between the Flags

    “There have been idle moments during retirement where I have flirted with the idea of writing my version of Melbourne’s history since I was a boy in the 1950s.

    After reading “Between the Flags”, I’m mighty glad I refrained. Ian Munro’s work is a magnificent review of all the trials and tribulations at Melbourne in the 57 years between premierships, culminating in the 2021 flag. I loved the detailed history, the author’s passion, the colour, and, finally, the explosion of unbridled joy that came on Grand Final day in Perth.”   - Mike Sheahan, journalist.

    9F001B7C-B960-4A36-992A-CD41196B5895.jpeg

    Thanks for the tip, I brought one today 

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    On 7/15/2022 at 7:55 PM, Supermercado said:

    Have ordered this and looking forward to reading it, I'm particuarly fascinated by the 70s and early 80s disaster years.

    On the topic of MFC books, does anyone know where I can get this book by Dick Seddon? (I'm sure he's just been stitched up by Google and it's not really subtitled - "Reflections of a Former ALF [sic] Commissioner"), and despite the random modern day MFC image on the front I'm not sure how much is about the club vs his team at the league but interested in any insights into the era he was in charge.

    Not sure it is gettable. Only 100 copies were produced but it is in the MCC library

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