By: Noel McPhee
Twitter: @statsbench
Lilydale celebrates its 1000th EFL match this weekend.
The Falcons joined the EFL in 1965 into Division 2 and maintained that status for 20 years.
In 1973, they came within 10 points of a Division 2 premiership and promotion to Division 1. Following the restructure to four divisions, Lilydale found itself in the lowest grade in 1986.
What followed was a remarkable 11 successive finals appearances in three divisions, including six grand finals in a row and premierships in Division 4 in 1988, in Division 3 in 1991 and in Division 3 in 1996. Division 2 premierships followed in 1998, 2003 and 2011 with a couple of Division 1 finals appearances in 2006 and 2007.
As well as the six EFL flags, the Falcons racked up 18 premierships in previous leagues meaning as well as being one of the oldest football clubs in Australia (having started in 1891), they have been one of the more successful.
Lilydale’s most played opponents are Mulgrave (50), Upper Gully (46), Doncaster (43) and Blackburn (43). Its best record is against Wantirna South with 23 wins and a draw from 26 matches.
League B & F Winners
Wright Medallists
Sean Ellis 2001
John Alderdice 1994
Edie Medallists
Graham Ellis 1969, 1970
Division Leading Goalkickers
1998 Ron McKeown and Christian Brandt 57
1996 Gavin Neville 82
1988 William Harrop 72
1987 William Harrop 52
Players to have played at the highest level:
Kieran Harper (North Melbourne)
Fraser Brown (Carlton)
Adrian Cox (Hawthorn)
Ashley Matthew (Carlton, Fitzroy)
Overall EFL record: 510 wins, 6 draws
Other leagues: (e.g. Yarra Valley FL) 450 wins 17 draws
Total games played: 1702 for 959 wins; 56.3% winning rate.
Acknowledgements: efnl.org.au; aflyarraranges.com; localfootystats.com; Wikipedia; SBRD*
*Statsbench Research Department