Hawthorn Football Club are the most successful AFL team of the past six decades. Despite their dominance in the 80s and early 90s they were an organisation on their knees. It begs the question - how could such a star-studded team find themselves in such a position? 




The Horde makes no representations as to the accuracy of information stated by persons other than its own employees. Any opinions stated are those of the individuals alone and should not be interpreted as statements of fact.

Hawthorn Football Club are the most successful AFL team of the past six decades. Despite their dominance in the 80s and early 90s they were an organisation on their knees. It begs the question - how could such a star-studded team find themselves in such a position?  The Horde makes no representations as to the accuracy of information stated by persons other than its own employees. Any opinions stated are those of the individuals alone and should not be interpreted as statements of fact.

Do you remember this incredible story? No Merger delves into the truth behind one of the AFL’s biggest and most controversial moments. Picture it. The entire Australian Football League was in a financial crisis, and was trying to broaden the game nationally. Two of the game’s iconic teams Melbourne and Hawthorn found themselves in discussions about merging. It came as a massive shock to the entire footy community, creating severe tension between the clubs and their fiercely loyal supporters. It was emotion versus business. What happened broke friendships and tarnished legacies forever. Hear the untold story of the failed merger from 1996. It captures the emotion and the backdoor dealings, leading into a historic vote night.Disclaimer: The Horde makes no representations as to the accuracy of information stated by persons other than its own employees. Any opinions stated are those of the individuals alone and should not be interpreted as statements of fact.

No Merger

Unhappy Hawks | 2 

The Demon Alternative and Operation Payback scrambled to get last minute press ahead of the Members' Vote Night. Wild scenes greeted the pro-merger Boards, as the merger descended into a night of utter chaos. Vicious taunts and toxicity pervaded the Dallas Brooks Hall and Camberwell Civic Centre, where both sets of supporters would decide upon the future of their football clubs. 




The Horde makes no representations as to the accuracy of information stated by persons other than its own employees. Any opinions stated are those of the individuals alone and should not be interpreted as statements of fact.

The Demon Alternative and Operation Payback scrambled to get last minute press ahead of the Members' Vote Night. Wild scenes greeted the pro-merger Boards, as the merger descended into a night of utter chaos. Vicious taunts and toxicity pervaded the Dallas Brooks Hall and Camberwell Civic Centre, where both sets of supporters would decide upon the future of their football clubs.  The Horde makes no representations as to the accuracy of information stated by persons other than its own employees. Any opinions stated are those of the individuals alone and should not be interpreted as statements of fact.

Vicious Vote Night | 4 

When the Herald Sun broke the story of a merger between Melbourne and Hawthorn it sent shockwaves through the football community. Anti-merger groups were formed and the battle lines to preserve the identity of two historic football clubs drawn. The battle between economic rationality and passion had begun. 




The Horde makes no representations as to the accuracy of information stated by persons other than its own employees. Any opinions stated are those of the individuals alone and should not be interpreted as statements of fact.

When the Herald Sun broke the story of a merger between Melbourne and Hawthorn it sent shockwaves through the football community. Anti-merger groups were formed and the battle lines to preserve the identity of two historic football clubs drawn. The battle between economic rationality and passion had begun.  The Horde makes no representations as to the accuracy of information stated by persons other than its own employees. Any opinions stated are those of the individuals alone and should not be interpreted as statements of fact.

The 'Merger Match' | 3 

In the mid 80s, the AFL began to go through its most transformative period. The appointment of Ross Oakley as CEO, saw struggling Victorian clubs' futures brought into question. Melbourne Football Club became embroiled in a number of these discussions, while Fitzroy were relocated and merged with the Brisbane Bears. 




The Horde makes no representations as to the accuracy of information stated by persons other than its own employees. Any opinions stated are those of the individuals alone and should not be interpreted as statements of fact.

In the mid 80s, the AFL began to go through its most transformative period. The appointment of Ross Oakley as CEO, saw struggling Victorian clubs' futures brought into question. Melbourne Football Club became embroiled in a number of these discussions, while Fitzroy were relocated and merged with the Brisbane Bears.  The Horde makes no representations as to the accuracy of information stated by persons other than its own employees. Any opinions stated are those of the individuals alone and should not be interpreted as statements of fact.

Unhappy Hawks | 2

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