The Blackburn Football Club reaches a proud milestone when it plays its 1000th game this week v Montrose in the EFL/EDFL since 1962 and it has been a wonderful journey, for this proud and successful club for over 100 years.
When the club first started competing, in the late 1890’s there were no fences and the ground was literally a paddock. The local area was mainly bushland with the main mode of transport being steam train, horse & buggy or bicycle.
As the local area grew in numbers so too did the strength of the club. In 1922 the club won its first premiership with the seniors, a momentous occasion in the area.
1930 highlights included the club wining senior flags in the RDFA in 1930, 33 and 35 and also winning a Reserves flag in 1936.
Throughout the war years the club joined the Eastern Suburbs Football League in 1941 and were B Grade Premiers that year. The Blackburn Hotel would kindly donate two bottles of sherry each week, which was put to good use during player “recovery” The playing surface on the top oval was gravel and the bottom oval had the first cinder track in Australia.
The senior club played in the ESFL in the 50’s. The club had no proper change rooms and all teams used a tin garden shed, which was roughly 16 x 9 foot. As games record holder Les “Moocha” Miller (439 games) recalls, after the game if you were muddy you traipsed home in your footy gear carrying your clothes in your bag.
Many characters emerged during this time including Mr Jones and his “Black Jack” liniment concoction which would burn the skin off you and Dick Collier the sherry thief. Our earliest canteen was hand built from club B&F George Kane and has been staffed over the years by many wonderful volunteers including, Lorna Paterson, Margaret Matthews, Cath McLellan, Hilda Bruce, Pat Cerche, Marion Peach, Marg Bridgman and Bev Hoskins.
The 1960’s were the most successful period for the Club. The senior and junior teams were very competitive and there was some outstanding talent coming through the ranks. Notables such as Bryan Wood, Rod Appleton, Ian Scrimshaw and Ray McMahon who all played VFL football. Other local legends such as Les Millar, Ron “Geeza” Eade, George Kane, John Burn, Ron Wood, Keith Sturgeon, Alan Peach, The Cullen’s & the Tierney’s dazzled us with their efforts.
1962 The club joined the Eastern Districts Football League (nee Croydon & FTG Football League) which is now known as the Eastern Football League.
1963 The club changed its strip from the black jumper with the red hoop to the current red and black vertical stripe and the Reserves played in six grand finals in succession winning in 1965, 66, 69
The seniors played in 1968 & 1969 grand final and won the 1st Division Champion Club trophy.
Other highlights were:
* 1970 Under 17 premiers, Reserves Runners Up
* 1977 Seniors 2nd Division Premiers
A premiership in 1980 saw the club try to consolidate their position in 1st Division. This was maintained until 1988. In the 90’s the Reserves won back to back premierships in 1995 & 1996 and junior numbers started to surge. New fencing and lights were installed at the ground.
In 2002, the Club had a wonderful year culminating in the winning of both the Div 2 Reserves and Senior premierships. The Colts have since had sustained success in Div 1 in recent times winning 2 out of the last 5 flags and amongst our many Junior teams have 3 great Girls teams wearing the black & red each week.
The Burners are proud to now be in a position to push for Div 1 Finals in 2015. We recognise the wonderful efforts of Committee’s and volunteers past in making us a Club of choice for many, such is our community and social reach and strong cultural values.
Past players are always invited to renew their contact with the club and are asked to email Paul Watson (Past Players President) on pgwatson32@yahoo.com.au
#WeAreBlackburn
