EFL stats guru and Statsbench author Noel McPhee takes an in-depth look at the history of the Ferntree Gully Eagles, as they celebrate their 1000th EFL match this weekend. This special edition of Statsbench is proudly sponsored by Tobin Brothers Funerals.
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FERNTREE GULLY is the latest club to reach the 1000 EFL game-milestone.
The Eagles joined the EFL in 1965 after a long and successful stint in various leagues including the Mountain District FL, Croydon-FTG FL and the Dandenong and District FL dating way back to 1902. All up they have 15 premierships to their name including three in the EFL in 1968 (Div 2), 1987 (Div 3) and more recently a drought-breaking flag in 2016 in Division 4.
Apart from a slip-up in the second semi-final, the Eagles nearly recorded an undefeated season. From Round 12, 2015, to Round 18, 2016, Ferntree Gully went undefeated in 25 matches.
Ferntree Gully celebrates the 2016 Division 4 flag. PHOTO: Christopher Chan
Conversely, in 1987, the Eagles finished fourth and then strung three finals victories together to end up premiers. In between, there were a few lean years including eight years without a finals appearance in the early 2000s.
Ferntree Gully spent its first 21 years in the EFL mainly in Division 2 with four years in the top-flight, with eighth of 12 teams its best showing in 1970.
The Eagles have played most games against Heathmont (61), Forest Hill (54), Fairpark (52) and Kilsyth (47).
Their best winning ratios for teams they have played at least 10 times are versus Nunawading (84% matches won) and Glen Waverley Hawks (70%). Although they haven’t played against Upper Gully since 1995, I understand there is a fierce rivalry between the two clubs (coincidentally, Upper Gully reaches the 1000 EFL matches milestone next round).
Chandler Medal
1970: Ian Cameron
Wright Medal
1965, 1966: John Quinn
Edie Medal
1987: John Colby
James Medal
1997: Steven Finlayson
2000: Andrew Sharp
2011: Shaun Jamieson
2016: Billy Morrison
BJS Champion Club Award
1993, 2010, 2016
Division Leading Goal-kickers
1974: Steve Jones, 86
1976: Ron Huy, 88
1977: Ron Huy, 90
2002: Jason Quirk, 77
Premierships pre-EFL
1902, 1912, 1913, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1928, 1938, 1949, 1957, 1960, 1961.
Acknowledgements: efnl.org.au; localfootystats.com; Wikipedia; SBRD*
*Statsbench Research Department
