Fitzroy Reds


The Fitzroy Reds was an Australian rules football club based in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy. The club was formed in 1954 as the University Reds, competing in the Victorian [Amateur Football Association].
In December 2008, the Reds merged with the Fitzroy Football Club, which became officially known as "Fitzroy Football Club ".

History

University Reds

University Reds was formed in 1954, joining the University Blacks and University Blues as the Melbourne [University Football Club]'s third team in the VAFA for the 1955 season.
The club, which was originally in E Section and was known as "University ", provided opportunities for Blacks and Blues players who were not selected in either of those sides to get a regular match.
In 1964, the VAFA mandated reserves teams for all clubs. This forced the Reds to go into recess at the end of the season, however they soon returned and joined the Federal Football League before returning to the VAFA in 1973 after two seasons in the FFL.
The Reds won their first seniors premiership in F Section in 1980.

Split from Melbourne University

Following the 1997 season, under increasing pressure from the Melbourne University Sports Union to meet the required number of undergraduate and post graduate registrations to obtain funding, the club split from the university and were renamed to Fitzroy Reds, with 1998 their first season competing under the new name.
In 2003, the Reds played a curtain-raiser match against West Brunswick at the Melbourne Cricket Ground before the Brisbane Lions met during AFL Heritage Round.

Merger with Fitzroy

On 2 April 2008, Reds president Craig Little announced a plan to merge the club with the Fitzroy Football Club. Fitzroy had left the AFL following the 1996 season, but had not entirely disbanded and had a sponsorship arrangement with the Reds.
In December 2008, the Reds formally transferred all its assets to the Fitzroy Football Club. The Reds terminated its membership of the VAFA and was wound up as an incorporated company and football club.
By special dispensation from the VAFA, the Fitzroy Football Club then replaced the Reds in Division 1 of the VAFA, beginning in the 2009 season, fielding a senior and reserves side, as well as two under-19s sides and a Club XVIII side.

Honours

Team of the Century (1955−2000)

Seasons

Source:
PremiersGrand FinalistMinor premiersFinals appearanceWooden spoon

Seniors

Reserves

Thirds

Fourths

Under-19s

Club XVIII

Grand finals

YearLeagueDivisionGradeOpponentScoreVenueDateReport
1980VAFASeniorsThomastownBeaurepaire Centre
1981VAFASeniors
1994VAFAReservesVUT
1995VAFAE CentralSeniors
2001VAFASeniors
2003VAFASeniorsCentral Reserve
2003VAFANorthOld Essendon11.7 d. 7.2
2005VAFAReservesBox [Hill City Oval]
2005VAFASeniorsOrmondBox Hill City Oval
2006VAFASection 3Old Essendon9.10 d. 5.7 Elsternwick Park25 August 2006