Maroon (January)

My first game was Melbourne versus Fitzroy, Members Stand, home and away 1963. Fitzroy wore the leonine colours of blue, gold, and maroon. Murray’s Maroons played a presentable but losing game to Barassi’s Redlegs. They “languished” down the ladder too long. When the Lions were transcribed to Brisbane in a horse trade they changed name but kept the ursine colours of blue, gold, and maroon. Maroon continues to colour Fitzroy, badge of its schools, livery of trade, feature of murals and graffiti. The match itself was academic. January previous I'd chosen Collingwood, the only choice if you barrack for Collingwood.