Following substantial interest being shown in the publication of a Melbourne Football Club ‘1948 verse’ in the past week, the following is a revisit and rundown of the assorted main variations and novel slants taken on the Club
song over the years – most appropriate in the Club’s 150^th year.

Everyone knows that there are two verses to the Melbourne Football Club song – even though the second, reputedly written by Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott, is rarely sung.

However, throughout the modern history of the Club, a few enterprising souls have generated further variations of the song.  These were primarily created in the 1930s and 1940s, and are indicative of the form of the team and the creative ability of the Melbourne community during this era.  There is no doubt that there have also been more recent versions put into play, but today we will confine ourselves to the verses generated by Dr Donald Cordner and prominent supporter of the day, J.O. Smith.

The Cordner verse was added to the song following the Melbourne victory on replay against Essendon in 1948.  Norm, of course, refers to Norman Smith, while Jack is the great Jack Mueller, who kicked six goals in both the drawn Grand Final and the win the following week.

Oh the Demons they were great,
In the year ’48,
Because we didn’t just know how to lose.

And it was thanks to Norm and Jack,
That we won the flag back,
And gave it to ‘Checker’ Hughes.

Smith’s contribution to the Club’s musical list was substantially longer, penned before Melbourne’s emphatic win over Collingwood in 1939.  An extract from his offering serves to display the mood of the time:

We have got a strong impression
That the boys in red and blue
Have learnt a useful lesson,
And they’ve learnt it most from you.

........................................................

There’s a little score to settle
That has long been overdue;
You have got us on our mettle,
And we’ll square accounts with you.

Smith’s words were extremely prophetic, with Melbourne running out winners by 53 points in the first of a run of three flags.

As a form of celebration, these songs contributed to a sense of time and achievement.  However, there is no doubt that nothing will ever surpass ‘The Grand Old Flag’ ringing out in celebration of many a Melbourne victory – as has been the case since 1912 – but that is another story altogether!


Melbourne sing the club song after a win at VFL Park in 1988


Rodney Grinter and Garry Lyon celebrate a win over Carlton in 1988.


Paul Wheatley, David Neitz and Mark Jamar after a win in 2007.