Reviews

The trials and tribulations of the Melbourne Football Club over the past few seasons must seem like a different world to the men who wore the red and blue with such distinction in the 1950s and early 1960s. Back then, there were 12 teams in the VFL, and Melbourne was its king. Perhaps tyrant is a better description, such was the Demons' brutal domination of the other clubs in that era. In 10 years they won six premierships, five of them coming in just six seasons. It is the greatest dynasty the game has known, and a proud chapter in the club's history that is brought to life in Melbourne FC since 1858: an Illustrated History. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of football's oldest club, the book goes back to where it all began - 1858, when Melbourne was formed and football first emerged. Along the way, the club has experienced plenty of glory, some pain, and the odd controversy too; it has blooded superstars such as Ron Barassi, Robbie Flower and Jim Stynes; and it can boast the greatest coach of all, Norm Smith. It's quite a history. -- Murray, John