Brenden Campbell’s dedicated project is a heartfelt endeavor aimed at uncovering the lost photographs of players from the Fitzroy Football Club, especially those who played in its early days. He emphasizes that these photos not only honor the players but also play a critical role in preserving the Fitzroy legacy. One notable find includes Stanley Reid’s image from the 1898 team photo archived at the National Library of Australia. The rich history captured in these images serves as a connection to the past, sparking nostalgia among fans and providing a sense of continuity for the club.
The 1898 team photo holds significant importance, with only one player yet to be identified, adding to the intrigue of Campbell’s quest. Among his list of elusive figures is Norman McLennan, brother of club icon Harold “Lal” McLennan, who despite his limited playtime of just seven games, remains a poignant part of the club’s history. Tragically, Norman’s life was cut short by typhoid in 1909, highlighting the fragility of life during that era. Similarly, Eric Watson, who played briefly in 1911, passed away many years later in the UK, which underscores the need for clubs to remember their players, regardless of their records on the field.
The encouragement from peers in the community has been instrumental in Campbell’s pursuit. Sam Lord, the current Victorian manager for the Lions, applauded Campbell’s initiative, urging fans to dig into their own archives to help gather the missing images. This support reflects a broader sense of community spirit within the club, as fans rally together to link the past with the present. Lord’s acknowledgment of the project highlights the dedication of Fitzroy’s supporters, emphasizing the emotional connections that arise from these historical narratives.
Campbell shares his personal connection to the club, recalling fond memories of attending games in the late 1970s, once wearing a beloved duffel coat that now resides in the club museum. His commitment to the project is described as “addictive,” revealing his passion for unraveling Fitzroy’s history and the stories behind each player. With access to digitized records and collaboration from a new researcher, he is optimistic about locating the remaining images, noting that the odds improve weekly as he continues his relentless search.
Looking ahead, Campbell dreams of the day he will finally locate the last missing photo, an event he anticipates will be magical. However, he has already set his sights on a new challenge: finding images of the 242 men who played for Fitzroy during its time in the Victorian Football Association (VFA) from 1884 to 1896. His initial success in securing 105 images reveals his tenacity and determination in this ongoing journey to honor the club’s rich history.
For those interested in supporting his monumental quest, Campbell encourages contact through the Fitzroy-Brisbane Lions Historical Society’s Facebook page. The effort epitomizes a labor of love, weaving together personal histories with collective memory, as Campbell continues to uncover the lives of those who contributed to Fitzroy’s storied past, thus enriching the legacy of this historic football club.
