Although the merged Brisbane Lions have never won a pre-season competition, Fitzroy twice won the League's second major trophy.
Following the club's initial success in 1959, Wilson and the struggling Lions (who were last at the time) won the 1978 night series against reigning VFL premiers North Melbourne by a whopping 76 points.
It was a huge upset and proved the catalyst for a resurgence in Fitzroy's fortunes.
The club went on to make the finals four of the next six years.
Much like the modern day Lions, the boys from Brisbane are hoping Friday night's decider against Carlton is the springboard for greater deeds in the premiership season.
They have made the finals just once in the past eight years.
Wilson, a Lions hall of famer and five-time best and fairest winner, captained the winning team in 1978 and said it remained one of the highlights of his illustrious career.
"It certainly ranks up there very highly," Wilson told lions.com.au.
"Back in those days it was a mid-week competition at Waverley and the night premiership was well sought after. North Melbourne was a powerhouse, and we annihilated them.
"Winning the night premiership was also a lead-up to us playing finals in the ensuing years, and we became one of the best sides in the competition.
"We made finals in 1979, 1981, 1983 and 1984. It really was the start of Fitzroy becoming a really solid team."
The Lions enter the Grand Final against Carlton with little big-match experience.
Apart from co-captain Jonathan Brown, who was an integral part of the hat-trick of premierships from 2001-2003, there is minimal finals experience.
Of the other seven players aged 27 and over, there is a total of just 20 finals between them.
Melbourne midfield recruit Brent Moloney – who played four finals in his time with the Demons – said a win would do wonders for his young teammates.
"Any chance to win a Grand Final, you want to win it. We've got a good young group coming through and hopefully we can get some success," Moloney said.
"Carlton's got an elite midfield in Judd, Murphy, Carrazzo, Simpson, these types of guys. But I think our midfield is pretty good too - Rockliff, Redden, Richy, Pearce Hanley and Beams coming through on the wings there. It's an exciting time at the club."
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
