Between the Flags - a great new book on the MFC

[layzie 34,528]

Bought my copy, looking forward to checking out Ian's work!

[Demonstone 23,590]

Having first read the last three chapters of this book (covering the 2021 season) on the day it turned up in the mail, I have now finished the rest of it and would like to offer my praise to Ian for an outstanding effort.

He has covered the 57 years in remarkable, well-researched detail featuring interviews with an amazingly wide range of players and officials that have been involved with the club during that period.  Unlike many footy books, the author was able to unearth new information and facts that were previously unknown, as least to me.

Should you be wavering in your decision to buy the book, waver no more.  It's excellent and highly recommended, in particular for those of us who have followed and loved Melbourne Football Club for a long time.

I'd rate it as 9.95 out of 10, only deducting the .05% for a very small number of spelling and factual errors.

[layzie 34,528]

My copy arrived literally the day after I purchased. Excellent service and thanks so much Ian. Will get stuck into it this week!

[Fork 'em 7,052]

Hmmn ... I suffered through much of that drought.
Damned sure I don't wanna relive it.

I'd happily read the last 3 chapters tho'.
Would love a book similar to "The Coach" detailing the 2021 season to come out.
I'd be all over it.

[Demonstone 23,590]

On 7/14/2022 at 12:47 PM, Demonstone said:

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

I've answered my own question by having an ebay blitz on MFC reading material, and have had some success.

Although I've long owned "The Coach", it was the only Ron Barassi book in my collection and it's all about North Melbourne and its 1977 Premiership season.

There are now four new additions to the Demonstone MFC bookshelf - Barassi subsection:

1.  Peter McFarline's 1985 biography which, 100 pages in, has proved to be a very good read indeed.

2.  Peter Lalor's 2010 biography which is much longer and, presumably, even more comprehensive than McFarline's.

3.  A slim volume from 2011 called "Wisdom" in which Ron discusses his 31(!) favourite motivational quotes.

4.  An even slimmer 1981 collection of dated and lame football anecdotes which are meant to be funny.  It has Barassi's name on the cover in a naked attempt to lure potential buyers to shell out the then asking price of $3.95.  If you ever get a chance to read it, turn that chance down.  This is not a book to be tossed aside lightly.  It should be thrown with great force.

[Demons11 7,150]

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.

Got my copy delivered yesterday.  Thanks for the heads up 

[pitmaster 3,592]

Now available from Readings in Lygon St, The Avenue Bookstore, Beaumaris Books and Ashburton news extra (243 High Street) as well as the website http://betweentheflags57.com.au

[Supermercado 2,806]

On 7/25/2022 at 3:28 PM, Demonstone said:

I've answered my own question by having an ebay blitz on MFC reading material, and have had some success.

Although I've long owned "The Coach", it was the only Ron Barassi book in my collection and it's all about North Melbourne and its 1977 Premiership season.

There are now four new additions to the Demonstone MFC bookshelf - Barassi subsection:

1.  Peter McFarline's 1985 biography which, 100 pages in, has proved to be a very good read indeed.

2.  Peter Lalor's 2010 biography which is much longer and, presumably, even more comprehensive than McFarline's.

3.  A slim volume from 2011 called "Wisdom" in which Ron discusses his 31(!) favourite motivational quotes.

4.  An even slimmer 1981 collection of dated and lame football anecdotes which are meant to be funny.  It has Barassi's name on the cover in a naked attempt to lure potential buyers to shell out the then asking price of $3.95.  If you ever get a chance to read it, turn that chance down.  This is not a book to be tossed aside lightly.  It should be thrown with great force.

Get a copy of Icons Of Australian Sport: Ron Barassi: Chronicling His Football Career Using His Scrapbooks And Memorabilia if you can. I can see a copy on eBay now for $22.50 which is good value (even with hefty postage because it's a big, heavy, hardcover book) because it usually sells for much more.

[layzie 34,528]

I kind of regret getting this posted and not going to check out the Avenue Bookstore in Albert Park. Anyone been there and is it a store worth checking out for some other titles?

[Demonstone 23,590]

40 minutes ago, Supermercado said:

Get a copy of Icons Of Australian Sport: Ron Barassi: Chronicling His Football Career Using His Scrapbooks And Memorabilia if you can. I can see a copy on eBay now for $22.50 which is good value

Snaffled!  Thanks for the tip.

[pitmaster 3,592]

4 hours ago, Supermercado said:

Get a copy of Icons Of Australian Sport: Ron Barassi: Chronicling His Football Career Using His Scrapbooks And Memorabilia if you can. I can see a copy on eBay now for $22.50 which is good value (even with hefty postage because it's a big, heavy, hardcover book) because it usually sells for much more.

Terrific book. Well worth it.

[pitmaster 3,592]

Between The Flags will be on sale at Camberwell Market throughout August - On August 14 (basking in the glow of a return to the winner's list hopefully) at Stall 23; August 21 at Stall 24 and August 28 at Stall 64 (near the donut van).

The best thing about market sales (at Bentleigh and Camberwell so far) has been meeting other fans and sharing stories of our mutual passion for the Demons.

For those who can't make it to the market, the book is also available from Readings; The Avenue Bookstore (where it's made the non-fiction best seller list); Beaumaris Book; Ashburton news extra, and now, for rural fans from Collins Booksellers in Shepparton (the heart of the Demons' old country zone), and from Bookish in Hargreaves St Bendigo.

Looking forward to catching up with anyone able to make it to the market between 7am and 12.30pm.

BTF is also available online at https://www.betweentheflags57.com.au

[Elwood 3184 1,365]

4 hours ago, pitmaster said:

Between The Flags will be on sale at Camberwell Market throughout August - On August 14 (basking in the glow of a return to the winner's list hopefully) at Stall 23; August 21 at Stall 24 and August 28 at Stall 64 (near the donut van).

The best thing about market sales (at Bentleigh and Camberwell so far) has been meeting other fans and sharing stories of our mutual passion for the Demons.

For those who can't make it to the market, the book is also available from Readings; The Avenue Bookstore (where it's made the non-fiction best seller list); Beaumaris Book; Ashburton news extra, and now, for rural fans from Collins Booksellers in Shepparton (the heart of the Demons' old country zone), and from Bookish in Hargreaves St Bendigo.

Looking forward to catching up with anyone able to make it to the market between 7am and 12.30pm.

BTF is also available online at https://www.betweentheflags57.com.au

Good luck for a win on Saturday night and good weather on Sunday!!!

[BillyBeane 254]

I've read up to the start of the Daniher era.  Wonderful book.  Some nice anecdotes that I haven't heard of either.

[pitmaster 3,592]

Between The Flags is now available from the Demon Shop in Brunton Avenue

(as well as the usuals like The Avenue Bookstore, Readings, Beaumaris Books, Collins Books in Shepparton, Bookish in Bendigo and Camberwell Market this Sunday.)

[Call Me What You Will 755]

Fascinating insights into VFL life in the 1960’s and 1970’s - and the Demons part in all of it - the Zoning conversation was a ripper - and I had not realised we were so close to a “Draft” system in the late 60’s rather than the zones. Hawthorn getting the Mornington  Peninsular after St Kilda had done all the hard work in moving to Moorabin was another fascinating sliding doors decision by the VFL. And of course re-living the joy of 2021 in the last 3 chapters was the icing! Hope the second edition is a very short piece (in years of course!) Go Dees for back to back - 3 more wins!

[DeelightfulPlay 2,725]

On 7/27/2022 at 4:47 PM, layzie said:

I kind of regret getting this posted and not going to check out the Avenue Bookstore in Albert Park. Anyone been there and is it a store worth checking out for some other titles?

The Avenue is a great local bookstore!  The staff really love their books and a very helpful.

My other favourite is Novel Idea in Toorak Village - they're very accommodating with ordering books from all over the world.

[DeelightfulPlay 2,725]

Just finished reading Between the Flags this morning.  It was a fantastic read, especially the last few chapters about our rebuild and winning the flag.  May have shed a happy tear or two at the end!

The history and lore of the club is described in a detailed but accessible manner, including the impacts of zoning and the attitude to recruitment / resistance to professionalisation.  Ian's memories as a supporter are scattered throughout, which keeps it relatable.  I echo @Demonstone's comments above about recommending the book to those wavering!

[alpha33 327]

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.

Ripping book. Loved it!

[Demonland 74,457]

Earlier this week I was joined by @Whispering_Jack and we had a conversation with journalist Ian Munro author of Between the Flags, a book that chronicles the events during our 57 year Premiership drought and tries to make sense of almost 6 decades of heartache.

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

 

[Anti-Saint 246]

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.

thanks for the review Jack ... $45 a copy and Ian Munro won't make a cent such is the time one puts into publishing such a book.

into the Christmas wish list ... I want one nearly as much as a flag after your and Mike Sheahan's reviews.

[Anti-Saint 246]

On 8/20/2022 at 8:42 AM, Call Me What You Will said:

Fascinating insights into VFL life in the 1960’s and 1970’s - and the Demons part in all of it - the Zoning conversation was a ripper - and I had not realised we were so close to a “Draft” system in the late 60’s rather than the zones. Hawthorn getting the Mornington  Peninsular after St Kilda had done all the hard work in moving to Moorabin was another fascinating sliding doors decision by the VFL. And of course re-living the joy of 2021 in the last 3 chapters was the icing! Hope the second edition is a very short piece (in years of course!) Go Dees for back to back - 3 more wins!

the zoning - and I recall this as a kid - by the VFL for the Hawks was fair dinkum unbelievable that the Saints, which were located in that vicinity (St Kilda) prior to moving down to Linton St.

I can't stand either club as both harbour and excuse thugs.

Nevertheless, how did the VFL do that zoning decision?

 

[Leopold Bloom 406]

Take it from me (and with a name like mine I should know something about literature), Ian Munro’s book is a bloody good read and worthy as a Father’s Day gift to any Demon Dad.

It’s in the Non Fiction Top 10 of the Avenue Booksellers most popular books. Up there with the best!

Edited August 28, 2022 by Leopold Bloom

[Superunknown 4,246]

On 7/20/2022 at 10:00 AM, MT64 said:

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

I really am chuffed my second son is also called Bert. The hilarious irony being although he has been assigned to Collingwood by his mother (our first is a mad Demon) I am seeing some seriously troubling (for his mother) indicators he will be red and blue which will no doubt rankle the outlaws (Filth, the lot of them except wife’s uncle who had the good sense to also follow Melbourne)

[Superunknown 4,246]

For those working in health this is a seriously sharp title. Chapeau