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Belgrave Football Club

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Belgrave Football Club
Names
Full nameBelgrave Football Club
Nickname(s)The Magpies, Bell, Bellie
2008 season
Leading goalkickerTim Beare
Best and fairestNick Stow
Club details
Founded1909
Colours  Black and   White
CompetitionYarra Valley Mountain District Football League
PresidentRob Morris
CoachDarren Sidebottom
Captain(s)Dave Bilston
Other information
Official websiteSportingPulse Homepage

Belgrave Football Club, nicknamed The Magpies , competes in Division 2 of the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League. After losing the YVMDFL Division 2 grand final in 2007 the magpies have achieved only modest success missing the finals in 2008 in the final round of the season losing away to eventual premiers Alexandra.


Belgrave Football Club has competed in the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League (YVMDFL) since 1966 where it was a founder member. Traditionally wearing a black and white striped jumper, in 2008 converted to a black jumper featuring a magpie ensign with white and yellow trip. Belgrave play at the Belgrave Football Ground located on Reserve road off Best Street in Belgrave.

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 and John Taylor.

YVMDFL (1966-2005)

In 1966, Belgrave was among the founding members of the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League. The league was established as a result of a merger between the Mountain District Football League and the Yarra Valley Football Association. The Magpies fielded some very strong teams during the 1970s, reaching the preliminary final in 1974 before claiming successive flags in 1975 and 1976.

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 the top Division until 2007.

Recent History (2006-)

In 2006, the Magpies endured a horror season, winning just 1 of their 18 division one home and away matches to succumb to relegation to division two. The 2007 season brought considerable improvement as the side won 11 and drew 1 of its 18 matches to qualify for the division two finals in 3rd place. Victories over Yarra Glen in the 1st semi final and Alexandra in the preliminary final earned the 'Pies a crack at minor premiers Thornton Eildon in the 'big one' but they failed to do themselves justice and lost heavily.

In 2008 Belgrave considered a move to the Eastern Football League beginning the 2009 season following local rivals Belgrave South's transition there. 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 of 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 players the chance to prove themselves.

Rivalries

Upwey-Tecoma

Undoubtedly Belgrave's most fierce rivalry is with their local nemesis, Upwey-Tecoma. 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. Despite competing in different Divisions the hatred continues.

Belgrave South

Following Upwey is is the rivalry with weaker neighbors Belgrave South. In recent years Belgrave have dominated the 'Saints' on almost every occasion. In 2008 Belgrave South moved to the Eastern Football League thus no longer play Belgrave in competitive matches.

Notable Former Players

Club Song

WE'RE A TEAM OF MAGPIES,
MAGPIES ARE WE,
WE PLAY FOR BELGRAVE,
AND WE'LL BRING HOME THE FLAG,
ONE AND ALL TO SEE,
WE STICK TOGETHER,
BLACK AND WHITE ARE WE,
WE'LL FIGHT ON FOR THE FLAG,
AND VIC-TOR-Y!

Club records

YVMDFL Division 1 Premierships

  • 2 (1975, 1976)

YVMDFL Division 2 Premierships

  • 1 (1999)

YVMDFL Division 2 Reserve Premierships

  • 3 (1984, 1990, 1991)

Evelyn Football Association Premierships

  • 1 (1911)

Mountain District Football League Premierships

  • 6 (1948, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954)

YVMDFL Division 2 Under 18 Premierships

  • 7 (1982, 1983, 1984, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995)

Individual records

MDFA Best and Fairest: 3 I. Gray (1934), T. Bourke (1954), B. Gillies (1958)
Ramage Medal 1 P. Ferguson (2001)
Wandin Medal 3 G. Meyers (1982), L. Ivanoff (1984), S. Fitzgerald (1990)

Current squad

As of April 4, 2009: Template:Belgrave Magpies current squad 43 players total

See also

References

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