Belgrave Football Club
 | |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Belgrave Football Club |
| Nickname(s) | The Magpies, Bell, Bellie |
| 2008 season | |
| Club details | |
| Founded | 1909 |
| Colours | Black and White |
| Competition | Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League |
| President | Colin Francis |
| Coach | Sean Stanton |
| Other information | |
| Official website | SportingPulse homepage |
Belgrave Football Club, nicknamed The Magpies, compete in the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League (YVMDFL). Belgrave has competed in the YVMDFL since 1966 where it was a founder member. After winning the 2012 Division 2 Premiership Belgrave return to Division 1 for the first time in years.
History
Humble beginnings (1909–1944)
Belgrave enjoyed early success in the Evelyn Football Association (EFA) winning their first premiership in 1911. Despite finals appearances in the Scoresby District Football Association Belgrave had to wait more than three decades for their elusive second premiership.
Golden era (1945–1965)
In 1945 Belgrave joined the Mountain District Football Association. This move proved to be the start of Belgrave's golden era. Between 1948 and 1954 Belgrave played in every grand final winning premierships in 1948, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953 and 1954. Among the key members of these premiership winning combinations were the Argoon brothers, Don and Keith, Alan Burt, Ted Fitton, Jack Graham, Les Hayes, Mick James, Jack McSween, Jack Needs, Denis O'Donohue, Jack Paterson, Don Pitts, Ron Prendergast, Harry Preston, Fred Rafton, Hugh Robertson, Jim Stump, Jack Hill[1] and John Taylor.
YVMDFL (1966–2005)
Between 1990 and 1995 Belgrave won four Under 18's premierships. These successes ultimately culminated in a 1999 YVMDFL Division 2 Grand Final victory led by club Best and Fairest winner Ben "Fidgey" Fidge. This was followed with finals appearances in Division 1 and the Magpies remained in this division until 2007.
Recent history (2006–)
2008 saw Belgrave consider a move to the Eastern Football League beginning in the 2009 season. This followed local rivals Belgrave South's transition there after 2007. The EFL offered greater potential sponsorship income and more teams in closer proximity than the YVMDFL. The move was supported by a many players and stakeholders but fell through due to factors outside Belgrave's control. Since the failed move many of the club's most talented players have left the club. The exodus has however given many fringe and reserves players the chance to prove their talent.
In 2012 Belgrave trounced Yarra Glen in the YVMDFL Division 2 Grand Final at Healesville. This triumph ensured Belgrave's return to Division 1 of the YVMDFL in the 2013 season.
Jumper
Traditionally wearing a black and white striped jumper with magpie ensign. In 2009, Belgrave's Centenary year, it converted to a black jumper featuring a magpie ensign with white and yellow trim.
Rivalries
Upwey-Tecoma
Undoubtedly Belgrave's most fierce rivalry is with their local nemesis, the Upwey-Tecoma Tigers. Upwey was originally formed by disgruntled ex-Belgrave players and have since gone on to become the most successful YVMDFL club winning 11 premierships to Belgrave's 2. With Belgrave now back in Division 1, the rivalry has re-commenced.
Belgrave South
Following Upwey is the rivalry with neighbors, the Belgrave South Saints. In 2008 Belgrave South moved to the stronger Eastern Football League thus no longer play Belgrave in competitive matches.
Notable former players
- Mick Dodson (Australian of the Year)
- John Rombotis (Richmond)
- Alan Dale (Essendon, St Kilda)
- Jack Graham (South Melbourne)
- John Taylor Jnr (West Adelaide, Glenelg)
- Leigh Osborne (Gold Coast Suns)
- Darren Crocker (North Melbourne)
Club records
YVMDFL Division 1 Premierships
- 2 (1975, 1976)
YVMDFL Division 2 Premierships
- 2 (1999, 2012)
YVMDFL Division 2 Reserve Premierships
- 3 (1984, 1990, 1991)
YVMDFL Division 2 Under 18 Premierships
- 7 (1982, 1983, 1984, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995)
Evelyn Football Association Premierships
- 1 (1911)
Mountain District Football League Premierships
- 6 (1948, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954)
Individual records
| MDFA Best and Fairest | 3 | I. Gray (1934), T. Bourke (1954), B. Gillies (1958) |
| Harold Ramage Medal | 1 | P. Ferguson (2001) |
| Jim Wandin Medal | 3 | G. Meyers (1982), L. Ivanoff (1984), S. Fitzgerald (1990) |
| Arthur Cowley Medal | 3 | A. Dean (1982), N. Fage (2007) |
| Alan Morgan Medal | 1 | M. Meyer (2012) |