It’s been exactly 20 years since the AFL Commission approved the merger between Brisbane and Fitzroy

TWENTY years ago today, one press release changed the AFL landscape forever.

Fitzroy’s last AFL game.

TWENTY years ago today, one press release changed the AFL landscape forever.

On Thursday 4 July 1996, the AFL Commission and the AFL clubs came together to approve the merger between Brisbane and Fitzroy.

“Following the withdrawal by the North Melbourne Football Club of the merger involving North Melbourne and Fitzroy, earlier this evening the Commission approved the Brisbane/Fitzroy proposal which was then ratified by the AFL clubs.”

20 years ago today, the AFL Commission approved the Fitzroy merger. They announced it via fax.

I kept it. pic.twitter.com/7BoiKvWKtZ

— Rhett Bartlett (@rhettrospective) July 4, 2016

The press release went on to detail the “terms and conditions” both the Bears and Lions had agreed to in creating the Brisbane Lions including the logo, club uniform and future players.

It stated that from then on the clubs would be known as the Brisbane Bears-Fitzroy Football Club Limited but would trade under the name, the Brisbane Lions Australian Football Club.

At least eight players from the Fitzroy playing list needed to be included in the new team while those who missed went into a draft.

Fitzroy players thank the crowd after their last game in Melbourne.

A seven year plan was also agreed on for an away playing strip that would comprise of the existing Fitzroy colours and emblem.

With the official paperwork handed down, the Brisbane Lions went on to debut in the 1997 season, losing their first game to Adelaide by 36 points.

The Lions won 10 games in their inaugural year before losing in an elimination final to St Kilda.