1. HISTORY
Ferntree Gully Football was formally founded on the 23rd March 1892.
The following newspaper articles of the day record the establishment of the Club.
Dandenong Advertiser 31/3/1892 - A very successful meeting for the purposes of forming a football club at Ferntree Gully was held on Thursday evening (24th inst) at Dobson's Hall, nearly 30 members being enrolled and as many more promising to join. Mr J Henley was voted to the chair and the principle business was the election of Office Bearers for the first and coming season.
The appointment of a chaplain and committee was deferred until the next meeting to be held on 9th April again at Dobson's hall. Mr J T Dobson was chosen as the first President, Mr J Dobson Jnr as Treasurer and Mr G Trounsen as Secretary. The Shire Councillors and the leading men in the neighbourhood will be invited to act as Vice Presidents and Patrons.
Mr Ed Selman has kindly given the use of the racecourse paddock and Mr A Lording has donated a football which he promised last year if a Club could be formed. The unanimity prevailing at this meeting and the kindly offers of assistance leave no doubt as to the successful formation of the Club and it is hoped that it has a prosperous future before it. The Secretary will be glad to hear from other clubs to arrange matches.
Dandenong Advertiser 24/4/1892 - The adjourned meeting of the Ferntree Gully Football Club was held at Dobson's Hall on Thursday evening of the 14th inst after the weather preventd sufficient attendees at the previous attempt. This meeting was well attended and Mr R Minns presided.
The Secretary Mr George Trounsen read the correspondence received announcing donations from several gentlemen. The election of Office Bearers and a Committee to act during the coming season saw Mr H Monk elected first captain with Mr T Poole his Vice Captain, while Messrs Jackson, Biggens, Westley, Ingwerson and Gosbell were elected as the match committee. Some matches have been arranged and the Secretary is still taking offers for vacant dates from other Clubs.
Oakleigh and Ferntree Gully Times 8/4/1893 - The first Annual Meeting of the Ferntree Gully Football Club was held in the Assembly Hall on Saturday evening last (3rd inst), Mr Robert Minns presiding. Mr John Dobson was elected Secretary pro term. The financial report showed a balance of 3pound 11shillings and sixpence and was adopted.
The following Office Bearers were elected for 1893.
President - J T Dobson
Vice Presidents - T Dobson R H Kerr J Ryan T Jones F H Lording R Minns & J Mason
Secretary - J Dobson
Treasurer - J S Crawford
Patrons - J Keys Esq MLA, J J Miller Esq, G W Selman Esq, E W Ashley Esq, A E Selman Esq, S Grimwood Esq JP
Captain - Henry Monk
Vice Captain - Thomas Poole
The members’ subscription was fixed at 3 shiilngs and it was decided to open the season with a Smoke Night on Monday Evening 8/5/1893.
The Club first played in the Box Hill Reporter League and the Original colours were red and white. The Club was reputed to have won a flag in these early days but we are unable to establish the year.
1892-1914 competed in the Box Hill Reporter League.
1920-1926 competed in the Scoresby District Football League.
1928-1932 competed in the Mountain District Football League.
1932-1950 competed in the Dandenong Football Association.
In 1951 the Croydon-Ferntree Gully Football League was formed and would later become the Eastern Districts Football League. The Gully played in this League until returning to the Mountain District League in 1957.
In 1965 we were readmitted to the then EDFL and after winning flags in all grades (Senior, Reserve and Under16) in 1968 were promoted to First Division.
After a couple of unsuccessful years in the top division we were relegated to Second Division and remained there until the EDFL expanded to four divisions and we ended up in Third Division.
The Club's most recent success occurred in 1987 when we defeated Mooroolbark in the Third Division Grand Final and returned to Second Division.
The stay was again brief and relegation to Third Division soon occurred. In 1996 the Club was again at a low ebb and relegation to Fourth Division faced the Club and it is still there at moment.
2. FAMILY TRADITION
Some of the more prominent families to represent Ferntree Gully Football Club have done so for 3 generations or more.
The Picketts. Frank Pickett was a prominent player from 1911 to the early 20’s playing in 3 Gully premierships and later as President for several years. Picketts Reserve on Burwood Highway is named after Frank. Along with brothers Joe, Bill and Greg the Pickets have all played a combined 800 plus games for the Gully and filled several administrative positions within Club. Joe and Greg won Best and fairest awards in the 1930’s and Greg's son Peter has also played.
The Campbells. Mick Campbell played from 1911 – 1929 playing in 5 senior premierships. 5 of his sons all represented the Gully; they were Jim, Albert, Alex, Doug and Sidney. His grandsons Bob, Barry and Rex and their sons Graeme, Stephen and Adam have all carried on the family tradition. Bob Campbell played 322 games with the Gully playing in the 1957 & 60 premiership sides. He ended his career winning the 1964 reserves premiership. Bob actually played football with his father Jim as did Jim play with his father Mick.
The Campbell family is commemorated by the annual presentation of a trophy to the top performer in the Best and Fairest who is a local player. Stephen’s son has now commenced with our junior u9’s continuing on the Campbell dynasty.
The Decoites. Jack De Coite was a Trainer and Secretary of the Club in the 20's. His son Bob, a veteran of both the Footy and Cricket Clubs, recalls running the boundary as a youngster at Picketts Reserve in 1934 while the Gully oval was undergoing drainage works. Bob's son Neil (Nails) also played. Before Bob’s death in 2008, he had attended every AGM meeting dating back to the mid 50’s.
The Waters'. Grandfather Ted was Treasurer in the 1940’s and his sons Stewart, Jack and David played throughout the 40's and 50's. Their sons Darryl, Noel, Peter, Rod, Terry, Paul and Tim have all played senior/junior footy at some stage. Most of the boys have filled committee positions over the years, Paul being President in 2007 & 2008. Dave, Peter, Rod & Paul are all Life Members of the club.
The Sharps. Alf and Frank have both played in premiership sides with the Gully dating back to the late 40’s. Franks boys, Brian, Colin and Robert were all good players carrying on the family name as has Brian’s son Matt. Brian was a member of the 1987 premiership side. Jenny Sharp’s boys have also represented the Gully in recent times. Colin’s son Michael currently continues on the Sharp name and was awarded the Reserve Best and fairest in 2008 – which is in memory of Frank Sharp.
The Turners. From the mid 1960’s to mid 2000’s brothers Jim, Rob and John have all been great players in good and bad times, having all won the coveted Campbell Trophy . John and Jim have won Best and Fairest awards in the Senior team and John was a member of the 1987 premiership side. John’s son Patrick now plays junior football with the club continuing on the Turner tradition.
3. OFFICE BEARERS, COACHES & AWARD WINNERS
| YEAR |
PRESIDENT |
COACH |
BEST AND FAIREST |
| Early Years |
|
|
|
| 1893 |
JT Dobson |
Henry Monk Capt. |
|
| 1894 |
JT Dobson |
Henry Monk Capt. |
|
| 1895 |
Henry Monk |
Thomas Poole |
|
| 1896-1902 |
Henry Monk |
|
|
| 1903 |
Henry Monk |
|
|
| 1910 |
Henry Monk |
|
|
| 1911 |
Henry Monk |
|
|
| 1912 |
Henry Monk |
M.George Capt. |
|
| 1913 |
Henry Monk |
J.Fairbank Capt. |
|
| 1914-1919 |
Henry Monk |
|
|
| 1920 |
Henry Monk |
AF Pickett |
|
| 1921 |
Henry Monk |
AF Pickett |
|
| 1922 |
G.Nolen |
B 'Pod' Alderson Capt |
|
| 1923 |
G.Nolen |
B 'Pod' Alderson Capt |
|
| 1924 |
CR Ford |
|
|
| 1925 |
W. Lambert |
Mick Campbell Capt. |
|
| 1926 |
W. Lambert |
Max Newton Capt. |
|
| 1927 |
Cr J. G. Ford |
Max Newton Capt. |
|
| 1928 |
Cr J. G. Ford |
Mick Campbell
(playing coach) |
Max Newton Capt. SDFA B&F |
| 1929-1931 |
TBA |
|
|
| 1932 |
Frank Pickett |
L.Crosbie Capt. |
|
| 1933 |
Frank Pickett |
|
|
| 1934 |
Frank Pickett |
Fred Rounds C/Coach |
D.Byers SDFA B&F |
| 1935 |
AF Pickett |
P. Connop Capt. |
|
| 1936 |
A. Vassallo |
P. Connop Capt. |
|
| 1937 |
A. Vassallo |
T. Beaumont Capt. |
|
| 1938 |
Dr. Broome/
A. Vassallo |
T. Beaumont Capt. |
T. Beaumont |
| 1939-1948 |
TBA |
|
|
| 1949 |
Reg Matthews |
Roy Sidebottom C/Coach |
|
| 1950 |
Reg Matthews |
Roy Sidebottom C/Coach |
|
| 1951 |
Reg Matthews |
Roy Sidebottom C/Coach |
|
| 1952 |
Reg Matthews |
Ray Priestley C/Coach |
Ray Priestley |
| 1953 |
Reg Matthews |
Ray Priestley C/Coach |
Ray Priestley |
| 1954 |
Reg Matthews |
Ray Priestley C/Coach |
Ray Priestley |
| 1955 |
Reg Matthews |
Ray Priestley C/Coach |
|
| 1956 |
Reg Matthews |
Roy Sidebottom C/Coach |
|
| 1957 |
Reg Matthews |
John Power C/Coach |
|
| 1958 |
Wally Tew |
Bob Campbell C/Coach |
|
| 1959 |
Wally Tew |
Billy Bragg C/Coach |
|
| 1960 |
Wally Tew |
Billy Bragg C/Coach |
|
| 1961 |
Wally Tew |
Billy Bragg C/Coach |
|
| 1962 |
Wally Tew |
Billy Bragg C/Coach |
|
| 1963 |
Wally Tew |
T. Fiddler |
|
| 1964 |
Wally Tew |
T. Fiddler |
|
| EFL YEARS |
|
|
|
| 1965 |
Wally Tew |
John Quinn C/Coach |
John Quinn |
| 1966 |
Les Leete |
John Quinn C/Coach |
Peter Quinn |
| 1967 |
Les Leete |
John Quinn C/Coach |
Peter Quinn |
| 1968 |
Brian Mitchell |
Ian Cameron C/Coach |
John Quinn |
| 1969 |
Brian Mitchell |
Ian Cameron C/Coach |
Ian Cameron |
| 1970 |
Brian Mitchell |
Bob Campbell |
Trevor Price |
| 1971 |
Brian Mitchell |
Bob Campbell |
John Quinn |
| 1972 |
Brian Mitchell |
Geoff Grover C/Coach |
Robert Deane |
| 1973 |
Brian Mitchell |
Geoff Grover C/Coach |
Terry Piggott |
| 1974 |
Brian Mitchell |
John McKenzie C/Coach |
Jim Turner |
| 1975 |
Mick Hanrahan |
John McKenzie C/Coach |
Ron Huy |
| 1976 |
Mick Hanrahan |
Graham Scott C/Coach |
Graham Scott |
| 1977 |
Mick Hanrahan |
Graham Scott C/Coach |
Jim Turner |
| 1978 |
P Boulton/
R Armstrong |
Gary Williams C/Coach |
Gavin Feaver |
| 1979 |
Ray Morrow |
Dennis McGrath C/Coach |
Peter McKay |
| 1980 |
Grantley Bland |
Dennis McGrath C/Coach |
Keith Rout |
| 1981 |
Grantley Bland |
Greg Mastertoun |
Dennis McGrath |
| 1982 |
Ray Morrow |
Greg Mastertoun |
Jim Turner |
| 1983 |
Ray Morrow |
Andy Lukas |
Kurt Oswald |
| 1984 |
Brian Gunn |
Andy Lukas |
Dennis McGrath |
| 1985 |
Brian Gunn |
Greg Mastertoun |
Greg Millott |
| 1986 |
Brian Gunn |
Greg Mastertoun |
Tim Edwards |
| 1987 |
Brian Gunn |
John Colby C/Coach |
Wayne Doherty
(EDFL 3rd Div Premiers v Mooroolbark) |
| 1988 |
Brian Gunn |
John Colby C/Coach |
Sean Winters |
| 1989 |
Mick Wood |
John Colby C/Coach |
Darren Stephenson |
| 1990 |
Mick Wood |
Colin Morris C/Coach |
John Turner |
| 1991 |
Mick Wood |
Darren Pollard C/Coach |
Wayne Doherty |
| 1992 |
Mick Wood |
John Colby C/Coach |
Shane Cashman |
| 1993 |
Mick Wood |
Mark Barrett C/Coach |
Brendan Milburn |
| 1994 |
Mick Wood |
M Barrett/R Milton |
Mark Johnson |
| 1995 |
John Cornish |
R Milton/R Wood |
Joe Crivera/Danny Cassidy |
| 1996 |
John Cornish |
Mark Johnson C/Coach |
Greg May |
| 1997 |
John Cornish |
Mark Johnson C/Coach |
Steve Finlayson |
| 1998 |
Enzo Coviello |
Darren Morrow |
Graham Thomas |
| 1999 |
John Milburn |
Jason Keating |
Graham Thomas |
| 2000 |
John Milburn |
Andrew Sharp |
Andrew Sharp |
| 2001 |
John Milburn |
Andrew Sharp |
Danny Cassidy |
| 2002 |
John Milburn |
Andrew Sharp |
Andrew Sharp |
| 2003 |
Brian Sharp |
Peter Johnstone |
Graham Thomas |
| 2004 |
Brian Sharp |
Peter Johnstone |
Michael Epstein |
| 2005 |
Brian Sharp |
Darren Sidebottom |
Graham Thomas |
| 2006 |
Rob Brown |
Darren Sidebottom |
Daniel Diieso |
| 2007 |
Paul Waters |
Jason Allsopp |
Daniel Diieso |
| 2008 |
Paul Waters |
Dean Greig |
Daniel Diieso |
| 2009 |
Rob Stewart |
Dean Greig |
|
4. PREMIERSHIPS
1912 Box Hill Reporter league 1st XVIII
1913 Box Hill Reporter league 1st XVIII
1922 SDFA 1st XVIII
1925 SDFA 1st XVIII
1926 SDFA 1st XVIII
1928 SDFA 1st XVIII
1938 MDFA 1st XVIII
1949 A Grade (1st XVIII) Dandenong District Football Association
1957 A Grade/Reserve and Under 16 Mountain District Football Association
1960 A Grade MDFA – 1st XVIII, Reserves MDFA
1961 A grade – 1st XVIII & Reserves Mountain District Football Association
1963 Under 16
1964 Reserves MDFA
1966 Reserves Premiers Under 16 Runner Up EDFL 2nd Division
1968 Firsts/Reserves and Under 16( Under 16 Premiers and Champions - Undefeated) EDFL 2nd Division
1973 Under 15 EDFL 2nd Division
1973 Reserves EDFL 2nd Division
1975 Reserves EDFL 2nd Division
1987 Firsts EDFL 3rd Division
5. HALL OF FAME
Bob Campbell – Legend
(322 games Premiership Player 1957 & 60. Coach 1958, 70 & 71. Reserves premiership player 1964, Life member)
Ray Priestley – Legend
(Capt coach 1952-55. Premiership player 1957, B&F 1952, 53, 54. MDFA B&F 1952, 53, 54)
Wally Tew
(Premiership Player 1938, B&F 1940, President 1958-1964, Life Member)
Bryan Mitchell
(3time B&F u16, 150games, President 1968-1974, Life Member)
Roy Sidebottom
(200 games, coach 1949-51 & 56 Premiership Capt Coach 1949 Life Member)
Frank Sharp
(200 club games, Premiership player 1949, Life member)
Grantley Bland
(200club games, Reserves Premiership player 1973,75, President 1980-81, Life Member)
Mick Hanrahan
(200 club games, Premiership player 1968, reserves 1966 & 73, President 1975-77, Life Member)
Graeme Milburn
(400 club games, Premiership player 1987, Life member)
Lorenzo Marotti
(400 club games, Premiership player 1987, Life member)
Jim Turner
(200 club games, 3 time B & F winner)
Barry Stuart
(200 games, Premiership player 1957, 60, 61, reverves 1966, Life Member)
Coen Hendricks
(25 Years as Treasurer, sponsor, Life Member)
Geoff Barker
(200 club games, Reserves premiership player 1964, 66 & 68, Life Member)
Graham Thomas
(10 year player 150 games, 4 time b & F winner)
Don Downes
(200 games, Premiership player 1949 & 57, Life Member)
Frank Pickett
(Premiership Player 1912,13. Captain 1919-20, President 1930-35, Life member)
Henry Monk
(First Captain 1892, President 1900 – 1921)
Bob DeCoite
(300 Club games, Reserves Premiership player 1957, 60 & 61, Life Member)
Max Newton
(Premiership player 1922, 25, 26, 28 Captain 1928 SDFA B & F 1928)
Mick Campbell
(First player to play 200 games. Premiership player 1912,13, 25, 26 &28. Captain 1925, Coach 1928)
Jack Feaver
(Trainer, Secretary & Life Member)
John Quinn
(Capatain Coach 1965 – 68. B & F 1965, 68 & 71 Premiership Player 1968)
Peter Quinn
(B & F winner 1966 & 67. Premiership Player 1968)
Greg Mastertoun
(U16 B&F, u16 Premiership Player 1968, Coach 1981, 82 & 85,86. Life Member)
Gavin Feaver
(200 games B & F 1978 Life member)
Fred Goldsmith
( 200 club games, Premiership player 1966, 68, 73 & 75. Life Member)
Dave Waters
(200 club games, Premiership player 1949 & 57. Life Member)
Enzo Coviello
(200 games, Premiership Player 1987. President 1998 Life Member)
Darren Morrow
(200 games, Premiership player 1987, Coach 1998. Life Member)
