Fitzroy Stars claim a first minor premiership in club history, eye higher honours

For the first time in club history, certainly since joining the Northern league, Fitzroy Stars are minor premiers but the hard work has only just started.

Fitzroy Stars celebrates finishing on top of the ladder. Picture: Fitzroy Stars

It’s been a record-breaking season for Fitzroy Stars.

For what is believed to be the first time in club history, the Stars have claimed the minor premiership.

Certainly since the club joined the Northern league in 2008, returning from 13 years in recess, it’s the first time it has finish the home-and-away season on top of the ladder.

The Stars’ 14-2 record also equals its most wins in a season, joining 14-3-1 in 2013 and 14-4 in 2014 in Division 2 when they went on to reach the grand final in both years.

It’s been 32 years since Fitzroy tasted premiership success, going back to 1992 in the now defunct Melbourne North Football League.

Neville Jetta takes on two Lalor tacklers. Picture: Fitzroy Stars.

Entering the club’s first finals campaign since 2017, Stars coach Lionel Proctor said there was still plenty of work to be done.

“It was a big plan for us, a big goal (to finish on top),” Proctor said.

“Obviously we take it game by game but we’ve got to celebrate these things, it’s a really good achievement for the club.

“We’ve been through some tough times lately so it was good to change things around and finish on top.

“We spoke about it after the game, enjoy the moment and be proud of what we’ve achieved but we can’t celebrate for too long.”

Fitzroy wrapped up the season with a 36-point win over Kilmore at JJ Clancy Reserve on Saturday.

It was the club’s eighth win in a row.

The Stars have earned a week off following the change in Division 3 finals structure to a top-five this season.

Proctor was confident his players could carry that momentum through.

“It’s tricky but it won’t stop our momentum, I suppose there’s pros and cons for everything,” he said.

Kain Proctor in action for Fitzroy Stars. Picture: Fitzroy Stars

“It’s come at a good time for us, we get to freshen up.

“We’ll train as normal and do a Saturday morning session and then we can go watch the game and watch the other teams battle it out.

“Our development team play on Sunday as well in the elimination final, so it’s a good chance for them to put their best foot forward.”

The likes of Northern Bullants VFL-listed talent Tyson Pickett, Kyle Thomas and Rivva Karpany will all be available for the semi-final, giving Proctor a selection headache.

“It certainly is, we were expecting it and now everyone is available,” he said.

“It will come down to team balance, opposition and form, so it’s a headache but a good headache to have.”

It’s a stunning turnaround for a club that had won just six games in the three years previous, including a winless 2022 that saw it relegated from Division 2.

Fitzroy won five games in a disappointing first Division 3 campaign and missed finals.

However, an injection of leadership and improved standards on and off the field have been key factors in its rise.

“We have spoken about it a few times and there’s still a few guys here that have been through those times, it’s not fun getting flogged every week,” Proctor said.

“To be able to change it around we had to get a lot of things right, recruitment wise, training standards had to lift, leadership, setting the right culture and people enjoying their football.

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“Not just their football but going well off the field as well, that’s a big focus, making sure everyone is enjoying life and looking after their family.”

Fitzroy Stars will play the winner of Saturday’s qualifying final between Old Paradians and Mernda.

It is 1-1 with both sides this season.

Old Paradians taking a 22-point win at Garvey Oval before a 53-point Stars win at Sir Doug Nicholls Oval, while Mernda claimed a one-point win at home and the Stars snared a 31-point victory in the return bout.