The painting and limited edition prints were the backdrop to a wonderful gala event commissioned by the Brisbane Lions as an official recognition of its ancestry, and seen as a final and grand farewell to the Fitzroy Football Club. The response to the night was overwhelming as two rooms were packed at the Highett on Collins and connected via video link to accommodate the overflow.
This was truly a labour of love for Jamie, a former Fitzroy Lions player of the 1980's.
He played alongside "The Master" Bernie Quinlan, Garry Wilson, Paul Roos, Richard Osborne, Alastair Lynch, Mickey Conlan and Gary Pert, who are just a few of the legends that burst through the banner at Brunswick Oval in this celebration of The Lion's history.
In the tatters of the banner (top left) we can just make out the shape of a gorilla, the mascot in the early years. Even though the player's have left the rooms for good the faithful lion remains at the entrance to the den for eternity.
Jamie just had to slip himself into this elite group somehow. It was never going to be as a player so holding up the banner (far right) will have to be good enough!
The painting was purchased by the club and hangs at the Lion's Den at the Manningham Social Club in Bulleen.
500 limited edition prints were produced from the painting.