With the big game against the old enemy only days away, I’d like to share an interesting book by a local author. 

The Dominant Years by Ken Mitchell documents the period between 1926 and 1966 when Melbourne and Collingwood were the superpowers, during this time the VFL Grand Final featured at least one of these teams on 25 occasions.

Ken Mitchell is a former VFL boundary umpire of 13 years and a former MFC director when Ron Barassi was lured back to the club as coach in the 80s and passionate about the history of the game as a neutral. He’s also good friends with former Collingwood premiership player Thorold Merrett who was a big supporter in the book being published and to remind the football world of the rivalry between these clubs and how the 1958 VFL premiership could be the most significant in history. Year by year they go through the premiership seasons of both clubs and there are some amazing photos from the time. A very accessible read.

He isn’t selling in bookstores yet (Doesn’t have an ISBN yet either). I bought mine for $25 at the Cotham Rd Newsagency in Kew as Ken lives in that area. However if you are interested in getting a copy you can make an enquiry to [email protected], he’s always up for a good footy chat. Or DM me and I'll let you know if the newsagent still has any next time I'm in the area. 
 

Collingwood supporting mate of mine said it was destiny that we'd meet in the Grand Final and Melbourne would win. A bit like Geelong always beating Hawthorn during the season but Hawks always got them in finals.

Love a bit of dees lit. Great recommendation.

Spotted at Thesaurus Books in Brighton last week.

Melbourne v Collingwood GF would be huge!🔥🔥