Box Hill Hawks
Names
Full nameBox Hill Hawks Football Club
Former name(s)Box Hill Football Club
Nickname(s)Hawks, Mustangs, Stangs
Former nickname(s)White Horses, Stranglers
2023 season
Home-and-away season3rd
Club details
Founded1936 (1936)
Colours  Brown   Gold
CompetitionVFL: Reserves men
VFLW: Reserves women
CoachZane Littlejohn
Captain(s)Hugh Beasley
PremiershipsVFA/VFL (Div 1) (3)
Ground(s)Box Hill City Oval (10,000)
Uniforms
Home
Other information
Official websiteboxhillhawks.com.au

The Box Hill Hawks Football Club is an Australian rules football club playing in the Victorian Football League (VFL). It has a reserves affiliation with the Hawthorn Football Club, which plays in the Australian Football League (AFL).

History

Early Australian rules football in Box Hill (1903–1935)

Organised Australian rules football within the municipality of Box Hill can be traced back to the year 1903. In that year Mr EFG Hodges, the proprietor of the "Reporter" newspaper, founded the "Reporter District Football Association". The six foundation teams were Bayswater, Box Hill, Canterbury, Ferntree Gully, Mitcham and Ringwood. This Box Hill team played on a ground approximately 400 metres south of where Box Hill City Oval is located today, the site is now partly occupied by the Box Hill High School and the Box Hill Cemetery. This team is wholly unrelated to the Box Hill Hawks Football Club of today but was the first team to be known as Box Hill and was the first Australian rules football team in the municipality.

In 1921 a team known as the Box Hill Junior Football Club participated in local competition and in 1923 the Eastern Suburban Protestant Churches Football Association was formed with two teams representing Box Hill; Box Hill United and Box Hill City. The Box Hill City Football Club was the fore-runner of the present day club and was the first to wear the brown and gold uniform associated with later Box Hill teams. In 1932 the Eastern Suburban Football League formed with Box Hill City as a foundation member. In 1935 Box Hill City merged with Box Hill East. Prior to the 1936 season Box Hill East, Box Hill District and Box Hill Methodists all merged to become the Box Hill Football Club and this event is now generally regarded as the formation of the present day Club.

ESFL (1936–1950)

The newly formed Box Hill Football Club played at Surrey Park in 1936 and competed in the Eastern Suburbs Football League (ESFL) "B" Grade; qualifying for the Grand Final but being defeated by Hartwell. Both Grand Finalists were promoted to "A" Grade for season 1937 and in its first season in the higher grade Box Hill again reached the Grand Final, this time being defeated by Auburn.

In 1938 the team moved to the newly constructed Box Hill City Oval after the land south of Whitehorse Road was acquired by the Box Hill Cemetery Trust. The new oval was designed and constructed by the City Engineer, Mr FW Kerr, and provided first class facilities including grand stand with changing rooms and covered races, recorder board, conveniences, committee rooms, timekeeper's box and a kiosk. Chain mesh partitions were provided for the "inner" and "outer" spectator viewing areas. At the time the ground was regarded as the equal of any in Victoria.

In 1939 the "A" Grade premiership was won but the team withdrew from the ESFL after 11 rounds of the 1940 season as the logistics of fielding a team became impossible due to players enlisting for the War effort. The ESFL itself went into recess from 1942 to 1944 before resuming in 1945. Box Hill won the 1945 and 1946 "East Section" premierships (with fuel restrictions in force in the years immediately after World War II, the ESFL divided into "East" and "West" sections to minimise travel). A third consecutive premiership was narrowly missed with the 1947 grand final being lost by 1 point to Mitcham. Box Hill was again defeated in the 1948 and 1949 grand finals, on each occasion by Ringwood. In 1950, in what was to prove Box Hill's final season in the ESFL, it lost the first semi-final to Tooronga by 1 point. During its 11 seasons in the ESFL, Box Hill only failed to qualify for the grand final on 3 occasions – 1938, 1940 (when the club withdrew mid-season) and 1950.

Towards the end of the 1940s the Victorian Football Association adopted an expansionist policy aimed at bringing senior football to the newer and younger suburbs of Melbourne, a policy that would see the VFA increase in numbers from twelve to twenty Clubs by the mid-1960s. The first two Clubs admitted under this new strategy were Box Hill and Moorabbin who, at the end of the 1950 season, were invited to field teams in the VFA for the 1951 season.

VFA (1951–1995)

The Box Hill Football Club made its debut in the VFA on Saturday 21 April 1951, at Preston. The team lost to Preston 7.9(51) to 16.14(110). Success did not come readily at first as the team largely based on its ESFL players and local juniors struggled to make the transition to senior football. The only premiership points gained during this first season were recorded in a drawn match against Williamstown at home in Round 13.

Improvement was steady during the early VFA years and the appointment of former Richmond champion and 1948 Brownlow Medallist Bill Morris as playing coach for the 1952 season proved to be an excellent choice. Morris attracted quality footballers to Box Hill and inspired the team through his own efforts. Morris played with Box Hill for three years and won the best and fairest by a huge margin each season and must still be regarded as one of the very best players ever to represent the club.

In 1956 Box Hill made its initial appearance in the VFA finals under captain-coach Col Austen. It defeated Brunswick in the first semi-final before losing to eventual premiers Williamstown in the preliminary final. Austen again guided the club into the finals in 1958, losing the first semi-final to Port Melbourne.

After the high points of 1956 and 1958, during the ensuing seasons Box Hill's performances began to decline. In 1960 the VFA was a single division of seventeen teams and Box Hill finished tenth. When divisional football was introduced for the 1961 season Box Hill therefore became the final club admitted to the newly formed ten team first division.

Box Hill finished last in the first division in 1961 and therefore became the first team to be relegated to the VFA second division. Divisional football was conducted in the VFA for 28 years from 1961 to 1988 and Box Hill played a total of 24 seasons in the second division (1962 to 1984, 1986). Only Northcote (25 seasons), Sunshine (25 seasons) and Mordialloc (withdrew 3 rounds into its 25th season) were in the lower division for a longer period of time.

In 1960 the VFA introduced Sunday football which, as the only professional sport played in Melbourne on a Sunday, soon developed a large following and became a financial boon for VFA clubs that hosted Sunday matches. Box Hill, a conservative club in a conservative municipality, at first vigorously opposed the introduction of Sunday football and refused to play Sunday games. Even when the club changed its stance and agreed to play on Sundays in 1966, the Box Hill City Council continued to refuse permission for the club to host Sunday matches at Box Hill City Oval. Box Hill did not gain Council's permission to play Sunday matches on its own ground until 1969, the final VFA club to do so. Generally the club struggled throughout the 1960s as it suffered financially by not being able to play Sunday Football at home. Through the 1960s, the club relied on a successful Saturday night dance that it hosted at the Box Hill Town Hall for most of its income. Box Hill finished fourth in the second division in 1962 but did not reach the finals again until 1969 when it also finished fourth.

It was around 1968 that the nickname the "Mustangs" was adopted by the Box Hill Football Club. When the Club joined the VFA it was known as the "White Horses" and for a brief period during the mid-1960s was known as the "Stranglers", an obscure name which did not catch on.

Box Hill's improved form during 1969 was the launching place for a successful 1970 season in which it played Coburg in its first VFA grand final. Box Hill finished third on the ladder and defeated Brunswick in the first semi-final and Sunshine in the preliminary final to qualify for the grand final. Its opponent Coburg had lost only twice during the course of the season but both of these losses were to Box Hill and the Mustangs were therefore given a good chance of winning promotion. Coburg took the lead early and were never seriously threatened thereafter, winning 20.17(137) to 16.11(107).

After missing the finals narrowly in 1971 and 1972, a financial crisis caused by the collapse of the club's Saturday night dance and promises of large player contracts led to Box Hill granting nearly all of its paid players open clearances prior to the 1973 season. This precipitated a horror nine-year period for the club; between 1973 and 1981 it played 162 games for 18 wins, 143 losses and 1 draw. During those nine seasons, Box Hill finished last five times and second last four times and failed to win a game in both the 1973 and 1977 seasons.

Box Hill reached its lowest point in November 1980 when the incumbent committee, burdened by huge accumulated debts and years of poor on-field performances, resigned and called a public meeting at which the club was to be disbanded unless a new committee could be formed. A new committee headed by former club President John Zigouras took over the administration of the club and immediately introduced two administrative reforms. Firstly, former Box Hill player Keith Ralph Jnr was appointed as general manager, making Box Hill the first VFA club to have a full-time, paid administrator. Secondly the club addressed its financial problems by becoming one of the first sporting clubs in Victoria to gain a permit to conduct bingo sessions.

Box Hill's financial position was stabilised in 1981 and thereafter the club's on-field performances improved rapidly culminating in an outstanding 1984 season in which Box Hill claimed its first VFA premiership in overwhelming fashion, losing only two games for the season and achieving the highest ever score and greatest winning margin ever recorded in a VFA grand final in defeating Oakleigh by 135 points, 32.23(215) to 11.14(80).

For Box Hill, in 1985 its first appearance in first division in 24 years unfortunately coincided with the VFA restructuring its competition. In mid-season it was announced that the bottom 3 teams on the first division ladder would be relegated, rather than the last placed club only. The result for Box Hill was that it immediately returned to second division after just 1 year back in the higher grade.

Box Hill responded by immediately claiming the 1986 second division premiership. It won the first 6 games of the season and thereafter maintained a place near the top of the ladder, finishing 2nd with just 3 losses. Box Hill defeated Sunshine in the second semi-final and again in the grand final to claim its 2nd premiership in 3 years. The grand final was closely fought with Box Hill steadying with the final 2 goals of the match to win by 18 points, 14.14(98) to 11.14(80). The grand final was marred by numerous spiteful incidents, with 6 Sunshine players reported on a total of 13 charges. Not one Box Hill player was reported.

Back in first division Box Hill steadily improved and between 1989 and 1994 experienced its most successful period during its years in the VFA competition, with 4 finals appearances in 6 years. In 1989 former Carlton premiership player Peter Francis guided the club to 3rd place, equalling its best VFA result to that time. In 1991 and 1992 Shane Molloy became the first coach to guide the Mustangs into consecutive finals series. In 1994 Box Hill finished 2nd on the ladder and reached its first major VFA grand final under the coaching of John Murphy. Box Hill established a 24-point lead at 3/4 time against the more favoured Sandringham team but was overrun in the final quarter, losing narrowly 10.9(69) to 11.12(78).

Box Hill's most successful VFA era ironically coincided with the decline of the VFA competition and its ultimate demise. (Refer to the article "Victorian Football Association" for more commentary on the factors contributing to the decline of the competition.) After a high point of 24 clubs in 1983, the competition had dwindled to only 12 clubs by the 1994 season and more significantly the central administration of the VFA was in severe financial difficulty. In order to avoid total collapse, the central administration of the VFA relinquished control of the VFA competition at the end of the 1994 season; it was transferred to the Victorian State Football League which had previously been responsible for establishing and administering the TAC Cup competition. The new administration disbanded the VFA Under 19s and did not offer Dandenong Redlegs, Oakleigh and Prahran licenses in the VFA competition for the 1995 season, leaving just 9 clubs to compete for the VFA premiership for the final time. Box Hill narrowly missed the finals in the last year of VFA competition, finishing 6th.

VFL years and Hawthorn alignment (1996–present)

The creation of the Australian Football League from the previous Victorian Football League in 1990 had left a structural void within the heartland of Australian rules football, with no Victorian state-based competition to provide a player pathway from the elite Under 18s TAC Cup competition.

In 1995 it was announced that a new state based competition would be formed, to be named the "Victorian Football League", as was its predecessor. Each Club would be linked to a TAC Cup Club and recruiting zone, of which there were to be 8 based in metropolitan Melbourne and 4 in regional Victoria. Initial speculation was that only some of the surviving VFA clubs would be invited, along with a number of stronger metropolitan and regional Clubs. After a period of some uncertainty, all 9 remaining VFA Clubs, along with North Ballarat and Traralgon were granted licences for the first season of the new VFL competition in 1996. Box Hill was granted the licence for the eastern zone of metropolitan Melbourne, with Eastern Ranges becoming its feeder club from the TAC Cup competition. Box Hill's results in the initial VFL years between 1996 and 1999 showed a club which remained competitive but not able to win enough games to qualify for the Finals.

At the end of the 1998 season, the administrations of the AFL and VFL adopted the recommendations of the "Busse Report", which recommended the amalgamation of the Victorian-based AFL Reserve Grade competition with the VFL competition into a revamped and stronger VFL commencing in season 2000. Victorian-based AFL clubs were to be permitted to participate in the VFL competition either by fielding its reserves teams or by entering into an "alignment" partnership with an existing VFL club, whereby the VFL club hosted players from the AFL club, effectively fielding a hybrid team.

Due to the complexities involved in finalising the details of such an arrangement, only 3 AFL clubs participated in an "alignment" partnership in the VFL in 2000. Box Hill and Hawthorn created one of the first such partnerships, considered to be one of the more natural and logical of such arrangements, due to such factors as both clubs wearing brown and gold playing uniforms and Box Hill being geographically located within the heartland of Hawthorn's membership and supporter base. Moreover, Hawthorn's training base Glenferrie Oval was wholly unsuited to state league football, making the prospect of Hawthorn players playing at a quality suburban venue such as Box Hill City Oval an attractive one for that club. As part of the alignment partnership, Box Hill dropped its "Mustangs" nickname in favour of the "Hawks" nickname of Hawthorn but its brown and gold playing uniform with the large white horse emblem remained unchanged.

The early years of the restructured VFL competition handed a considerable advantage to clubs which had entered into "alignment" partnerships; the blend of full-time, professional AFL listed players with a smaller number of VFL players on most occasions proved to be too strong for "stand alone" VFL clubs composed entirely of part-time, semi-professional footballers. Such was the case for the Box Hill Hawks, which between 2000 and 2005 completed the most successful period of its long history, with 6 consecutive finals appearances.

The Box Hill Hawks claimed its first major division VFL premiership in 2001 under the coaching of former North Melbourne player and Werribee coach Donald McDonald. After finishing the home-and-away season in 2nd place with 15 wins and 5 losses, it defeated Springvale and the Murray Kangaroos to claim a grand final berth against Werribee. Werribee had only lost two games for the season and had twice comfortably defeated the Box Hill Hawks during the home-and-away round, but Box Hill jumped Werribee early and by halfway through the 2nd quarter had established a lead of more than six goals which Werribee was unable to threaten. In the end the Box Hill won comfortably by 37 points, 13.13(91) to Werribee 7.12(54).

The Box Hill Hawks again played in the grand final in 2003 under the coaching of former Western Bulldogs champion and 1990 Brownlow Medallist Tony Liberatore. During the course of the season, the Box Hill Hawks established a club record of 13 consecutive wins, but after losing the qualifying final to Wiliamstown (Box Hill's 1,000th match in VFA/VFL competition), it defeated Werribee and Sandringham in knock-out finals to qualify for a grand final rematch against Wiliamstown. Wiliamstown, at that time aligned to Collingwood, fielded an unprecedented 16 AFL listed players in its grand final team and proved too strong for the Box Hill Hawks, which fought hard after it trailed by more than seven goals at half-time; Wiliamstown eventually prevailed by 29 points 13.14(92) to the Box Hill Hawks 9.9(63).

The 2004 season saw the Box Hill Hawks stage a dramatic mid-season turn around in its fortunes. Following a large turn-over of players after the 2003 grand final defeat, Box Hill lost the opening 6 games of the 2004 season under new coach Andy Collins and after 9 rounds was still last on the ladder with just 1 win. It then proceeded to win 12 games out of 13, winning its way through to the preliminary final before losing to Port Melbourne, just one victory away from a third grand final appearance in four seasons. The Box Hill Hawks made a 6th successive finals series in 2005 but bowed out in the first final, well beaten by Port Melbourne, and missed the finals for the next three years.

Box Hill returned the finals in 2009 for the first time since 2005 following a strong recruiting drive which yielded ex-Melbourne player Adem Yze and former AFL listed players Sam Iles and Ed Curnow. Under first-year coach Brendon Bolton, the team finished 5th on the ladder with 12 wins and 6 losses. It defeated Geelong in the First Elimination Final before narrowly losing an epic semi-final to Port Melbourne 19.10(124) to 19.14 (128) in a game rated as one of the best played in the VFL for many years.

The Box Hill Hawks built on its improved form in 2009 with another strong performance in 2010, again under the leadership of Brendon Bolton. After an indifferent start to the season, the team came home strongly with seven consecutive wins in the second half of the season to again finish 5th on the ladder. In circumstances uncannily reminiscent of the previous season, the Box Hill Hawks won its Elimination Final in strong fashion and again met Port Melbourne in the First Semi-final. In a tense match played in quagmire conditions on Port Melbourne's home ground; the Box Hill Hawks defeated Port Melbourne for the first time in a finals game 14.11(95) to 12.17(89); the winning goal coming in the dying seconds. North Ballarat ended the Box Hill Hawks season in the Preliminary Final the following week, the match played at Box Hill City Oval.

Under a new senior coach, Springvale games record holder Damian Carroll, the Box Hill Hawks experienced an inconsistent season in 2011, winning just 7 games and losing a number by narrow margins to fall into 8th place on the ladder and qualify for a 3rd successive finals appearance. With a severely weakened team due to Hawthorn resting a number of its A.F.L. players, the Box Hill Hawks fought hard in the Elimination Final against Werribee before going down by 26 points.

Club records

Premierships
Competition Level Wins Years Won
Victorian Football LeagueSeniors (Division 1)32001, 2013, 2018
Seniors (Division 2)21984, 1986
VFA/VFL ReservesDivision 152006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016
VFA/VFL ThirdsDivision 221968, 1976
Eastern Suburbs Football LeagueA Grade11939
East Section21945, 1946
Finishing positions
Victorian Football League
(Division 1)
Minor premiership12015
Grand Finalists41994, 2003, 2014, 2015
Wooden spoons21951, 1961

VFA / VFL highs and lows

Senior Grade – 1951 to 2019

Most consecutive wins 13 (2003)
Most consecutive losses 28* (1976 to 1978)
Highest score Box Hill 44.22(286) v Sunshine 6.12(48) (1983)
Lowest score Box Hill 2.4(16) v Sunshine 2.8(20) (1963)
Highest score against Williamstown 42.18(270) v Box Hill 13.16(94) (1985)
Lowest score against Dandenong 1.5(11) v Box Hill 17.16(118) (1958)
Greatest winning margin 254 points: Box Hill 39.33(267) v Sunshine 2.1(13) (1984)
Greatest losing margin 180 points: Box Hill 9.7(61) v Waverley 36.25(241) (1981)
Highest 1st Quarter 14.3(87) v Williamstown (1978)
Highest 2nd Quarter 13.5(83) v Sunshine (1983)
Highest 3rd Quarter 13.4(82) v Brunswick/Broadmeadows (1991) (Match expunged)
13.3(81) v Sunshine (1984)
Highest 4th Quarter 14.4(88) v Northcote (1986)
Most senior games 180: Jack Wright (1951 to 1960)
Most senior goals 340: Paul Bolton (1983 to 1990)
Most goals in a game 12: Paul Bolton v Northcote (1986)
12: Paul Bolton v Frankston (1987)

* Sequence of losses ended by a draw followed by 4 further losses, i.e. 33 matches without a win.

Reserve Grade – 1951 to 2017 (competition disbanded at end of 2017 season)

Most consecutive wins 20 (2009 to 2010)
Most consecutive losses 15 (1975 to 1976)
Highest score Box Hill 54.41(365) v Kilsyth 3.5(23) (1984)
Lowest score Box Hill 1.2(8) v Preston 26.19(175) (1985)
Highest score against Brunswick 52.33(345) v Box Hill 2.3(15) (1973)
Lowest score against Brighton 0.1(1) v Box Hill 27.22(184) (1960)
Greatest winning margin 342 points: 54.41(365) v Kilsyth 3.5(23) (1984)
Greatest losing margin 330 points: Box Hill 2.3(15) v Brunswick 52.33(345) (1973)

Thirds Grade – 1952 to 1994

Most consecutive wins 20 (1976)
Most consecutive losses 24 (1978 to 1979)
Highest score Box Hill 51.23(329) v Mordialloc 3.6(24) (1986)
Lowest score Box Hill 0.1(1) v Sunshine 18.13(121) (1969)
Highest score against Northcote 36.34(250) v Box Hill 2.6(18) (1980)
Lowest score against Caulfield 0.0(0) v Box Hill 38.25(253) (1986)
Greatest winning margin 315 points: 51.22(328) v Yarraville 2.1(13) (1983)
Greatest losing margin 232 points: Box Hill 2.6(18) v Northcote 36.34(250) (1980)

VFA / VFL Best and Fairests

Senior Grade – 1951 to 2019

1960 Don Brown JJ Liston Trophy VFA
1961 Doug Beasy JJ Liston Trophy VFA Division One
1973 Geoff Bryant J Field Medal VFA Division Two
1975 Geoff Bryant J Field Medal VFA Division Two
1984 Peter Nicholson J Field Medal VFA Division Two
2002 Sam Mitchell JJ Liston Trophy VFL
2013 Mitch Hallahan JJ Liston Trophy VFL
2014 Alex Woodward JJ Liston Trophy VFL

Reserve Grade – 1951 to 2017 (competition disbanded at end of 2017 season)

1964 Ivor Witnish Doug Disher Medal VFA Division Two
1966 Fred Bayes Doug Disher Medal VFA Division Two
1967 Fred Bayes Doug Disher Medal VFA Division Two
1971 Fred Bayes Doug Disher Medal VFA Division Two
1989 Gary Woods A Todd Medal VFA
1995 Mark Gottliebsen A Todd Medal VFA
2003 Ryan Cassidy A Todd Medal VFL
2009 Joel Cross A Todd Medal VFL
2014 Peter McEvoy A Todd Medal AFL Victoria Development League

Thirds Grade – 1952 to 1994

1962 Bob Hunt F Gomez Medal VFA Division Two
1964 Geoff Bryant F Gomez Medal VFA Division Two
1970 Geoff O'Reilly F Gomez Medal VFA Division Two
1982 Peter Treseder F Gomez Medal VFA Division Two
1989 Don Velona AG Gillon Medal VFA
1994 Anthony Bennett AG Gillon Medal VFA

VFA / VFL Competition Leading Goalkickers

Senior Grade – 1951 to 2019

1971 Greg Barnett 69 goals VFA Division Two
1984 Dale Carroll 110 goals VFA Division Two
2014 Sam Grimley 45 goals VFL
2015 Sam Grimley 46 goals VFL

Reserve Grade – 1951 to 2017* (competition disbanded at end of 2017 season)

2009 Chris Hoegel 49 goals VFL
2014 Peter McEvoy 65 goals AFL Victoria Development League
2016 Jake Summers 30 goals AFL Victoria Development League

Thirds Grade – 1952 to 1994*

1971 Peter Richardson 85 goals VFA Division Two
1983 John O'Neill 154 goals VFA Division Two

* Records of Reserve Grade and Thirds Grade Goalkickers prior to 1989 are incomplete. Only known competition leading goalkickers are listed above.

VFA / VFL record against other clubs – 1951 to 2019

Senior Grade – 1951 to 2019

played won lost drawn highest lowest
Present Clubs:
-v- Casey Demons 64 30 34 28.13(181) (1983) 3.9(27) (2011)
-v- Coburg 81 37 43 1 26.5(161) (2015) 5.7(37) (1996)
-v- Collingwood 16 8 8 23.15(153) (2012) 7.15(57) (2010)
7.15(57) (2016)
-v- Essendon 11 4 7 18.18(126) (2001) 7.9(51) (2018)
-v- Footscray 8 5 2 1 18.12(120) (2015) 10.8(68) (2016)
-v- Frankston 75 38 36 1 30.13(193) (2002) 3.13(31) (2005)
-v- Geelong 29 19 10 21.20(146) (2005) 9.11(65) (2009)
-v- North Melbourne 2 2 11.7(73) (2018)
10.13(73) (2019)
11.7(73) (2018)
10.13(73) (2019)
-v- Northern Blues 70 40 28 2 26.17(173) (1992) 4.8(32) (1963)
-v- Port Melbourne 77 23 53 1 26.13(169) (2006) 3.4(22) (1953)
-v- Richmond 9 4 5 18.8(116) (2017) 6.12(48) (2018)
-v- Sandringham 75 41 33 1 25.20(170) (1954) 5.8(38) (1961)
-v- Werribee 91 40 51 29.24(198) (1972) 3.6(24) (1996)
-v- Williamstown 95 32 60 3 25.16(166) (1978) 3.16(34) (1992)
Former Clubs:
-v- Bendigo Gold 25 17 8 24.23(167) (2001) 8.8(56) (2005)
-v- Berwick 5 5 34.32(236) (1986) 13.22(100) (1983)
-v- Brighton 25 18 7 27.16(178) (1960) 5.10(40) (1952)
-v- Brunswick 46 12 34 35.24(234) (1991) 3.6(24) (1951)
-v- Camberwell 62 31 30 1 31.26(212) (1989) 5.12(42) (1951)
-v- Carlton 4 4 18.15(123) (2002) 17.12(114) (2000)
17.12(114) (2001)
-v- Caulfield 24 13 11 24.15(159) (1984) 8.2(50) (1973)
-v- Dandenong 22 10 12 24.20(164) (1986) 6.10(46) (1991)
-v- Geelong West 16 4 11 1 23.17(155) (1987) 5.6(36) (1964)
-v- Gold Coast 1 1 19.16(130) (2010) 19.16(130) (2010)
-v- Kilsyth 5 5 36.17(233) (1984) 18.17(125) (1982)
-v- Moorabbin 24 10 14 37.20(242) (1984) 3.10(28) (1954)
-v- Mordialloc 52 20 29 3 36.18(234) (1986) 4.11(35) (1976)
-v- Murray Kangaroos 5 5 22.13(145) (2002) 13.16(94) (2000)
-v- North Ballarat 31 16 15 25.13(163) (2001) 4.5(29) (1998)
-v- Northcote 56 15 41 36.21(237) (1984) 3.7(25) (1953)
-v- Oakleigh 48 20 28 32.23(215) (1984) 5.1(31) (1952)
-v- Prahran 36 16 17 3 23.18(156) (1986) 3.10(28) (1962)
-v- St Kilda 1 1 13.10(88) (2000) 13.10(88) (2000)
-v- Sunshine 47 19 27 1 44.22(286) (1983) 2.4(16) (1963)
-v- Tasmania 12 6 5 1 28.22(190) (2001) 9.8(62) (2006)
-v- Traralgon 4 3 1 24.12(156) (1997) 7.12(54) (1997)
-v- Waverley 24 6 18 21.27(153) (1976) 5.11(41) (1962)
6.5(41) (1981)
-v- Yarraville 43 13 30 26.12(168) (1982) 3.10(28) (1951)
Totals 1321 591 710 20

Reserve Grade – 1951 to 2017 (competition disbanded at end of 2017 season)

played won lost drawn highest lowest
-v- Bendigo Bombers 10 10 32.21(213) (2008) 11.15(81) (2007)
-v- Berwick 5 5 29.25(199) (1983) 13.11(89) (1983)
-v- Brighton 25 18 7 32.23(215) (1960) 4.8(32) (1951)
-v- Brunswick 47 12 34 1 23.14(152) (1991) 2.3(15) (1973)
-v- Camberwell 63 35 27 1 49.22(316) (1990) 2.13(25) (1973)
-v- Casey Demons 73 46 27 33.15(213) (1992) 1.7(13) (2011)
-v- Caulfield 24 14 10 26.21(177) (1986) 2.3(15) (1973)
-v- Coburg 87 51 35 1 30.15(195) (2014) 3.9(27) (1990)
-v- Dandenong 20 14 6 33.19(217) (1993) 4.9(33) (1962)
-v- Frankston 90 50 39 1 35.26(236) (2011) 3.8(26) (1973)
-v- Geelong West 16 7 9 54.29(343) (1987) 5.9(39) (1972)
-v- Kilsyth 5 4 1 54.41(365) (1984) 8.5(53) (1982)
-v- Moorabbin 25 13 12 23.24(162) (1984) 2.9(21) (1956)
-v- Mordialloc 52 25 27 40.29(269) (1986) 3.8(26) (1966)
-v- North Ballarat 33 18 15 22.18(150) (2009) 4.6(30) (1998)
-v- Northcote 56 15 41 36.18(234) (1984) 1.4(10) (1964)
-v- Northern Blues 77 47 30 32.16(208) (2000) 1.2(8) (1985)
-v- Oakleigh 48 24 23 1 30.20(200) (1992) 2.14(26) (1959)
-v- Port Melbourne 80 39 40 1 28.22(190) (1987) 3.8(26) (1954)
-v- Prahran 37 16 21 34.24(228) (1994) 4.11(35) (1965)
-v- Sandringham 85 42 41 2 28.10(178) (2016) 4.7(31) (1960)
-v- Sunshine 45 18 27 44.24(288) (1989) 4.10(34) (1965)
-v- Waverley 25 4 21 32.17(209) (1984) 5.8(38) (1980)
-v- Werribee 97 53 43 1 28.17(185) (2016) 4.3(27) (1973)
-v- Williamstown 99 33 64 2 33.27(225) (1995) 3.2(20) (1951)
-v- Yarraville 43 17 26 34.20(224) (1983) 2.3(15) (1952)
Totals 1267 630 626 11

Thirds Grade – 1952 to 1994

played won lost drawn highest lowest
-v- Berwick 4 4 29.21(195) (1986) 12.19(91) (1986)
-v- Brighton 21 20 1 35.17(227) (1960) 6.10(46) (1954)
-v- Brunswick 41 24 17 42.24(276) (1989) 3.2(20) (1956)
-v- Camberwell 60 40 20 35.26(246) (1989) 4.11(35) (1958)
-v- Caulfield 24 19 5 38.25(253) (1986) 6.5(41) (1973)
-v- Coburg 33 11 20 2 31.17(203) (1994) 1.9(15) (1974)
-v- Dandenong 21 14 7 22.24(156) (1992) 6.4(40) (1958)
-v- Frankston 44 23 21 39.30(264) (1988) 1.10(16) (1970)
-v- Geelong West 14 11 3 47.27(309) (1987) 7.10(52) (1967)
-v- Kilsyth 5 5 23.17(155) (1984) 15.13(103) (1983)
-v- Moorabbin 25 11 14 28.15(183) (1986) 2.2(14) (1954)
-v- Mordialloc 50 36 13 1 51.23(329) (1986) 2.6(18) (1965)
-v- Northcote 54 29 25 30.24(204) (1984) 2.2(14) (1956)
-v- Oakleigh 46 26 20 33.16(214) (1983) 2.3(15) (1992)
-v- Port Melbourne 27 20 7 43.29(287) (1992) 1.5(11) (1952)
-v- Prahran 32 25 7 41.17(263) (1994) 4.14(38) (1964)
-v- Preston 34 12 22 28.28(196) (1993) 2.4(16) (1985)
-v- Sandringham 29 21 8 28.23(191) (1989) 5.11(41) (1956)
-v- Springvale 20 12 8 31.20(206) (1993) 4.5(29) (1987)
-v- Sunshine 49 20 29 28.24(192) (1982) 0.1(1) (1969)
-v- Waverley 30 6 24 23.26(164) (1976) 2.8(20) (1974)
-v- Werribee 53 27 26 27.16(178) (1975) 2.5(17) (1979)
-v- Williamstown 37 14 23 26.10(166) (1988) 3.6(24) (1955)
-v- Yarraville 38 25 13 51.22(328) (1983) 3.7(25) (1952)
Totals 791 455 333 3

VFA / VFL season by season record – 1951 to 2019

Senior Grade – 1951 to 2019

Year Competition Played Won Lost Drawn Points
For
Points
Against
Ladder
Position
Position
After Finals
1951 VFA 20 19 1 1122 2340 14/14
1952 VFA 20 2 18 1228 1856 13/14
1953 VFA 20 7 13 1371 1703 10/14
1954 VFA 20 9 11 1582 1459 8/14
1955 VFA 20 10 10 1449 1559 7/14
1956* VFA 22 15 7 1528 1251 4/14 Third
1957 VFA 20 11 9 1654 1506 7/14
1958* VFA 19 13 6 1552 1167 3/16 Fourth
1959 VFA 20 8 12 1590 1623 10/16
1960 VFA 18 9 9 1381 1430 10/17
1961 VFA Division One 22 3 18 1 1454 2276 10/10
1962* VFA Division Two 17 9 8 1309 1329 4/8 Fourth
1963 VFA Division Two 16 9 6 1 1103 1078 5/9
1964 VFA Division Two 18 4 14 1263 1487 8/8
1965 VFA Division Two 16 6 8 2 1204 1434 6/9
1966 VFA Division Two 18 9 7 2 1701 1465 5/10
1967 VFA Division Two 18 6 12 1577 1805 8/10
1968 VFA Division Two 17 3 14 1214 1611 10/10
1969* VFA Division Two 19 9 10 1720 2043 4/10 Fourth
1970* VFA Division Two 21 14 6 1 2323 2094 3/10 Runners Up
1971 VFA Division Two 18 8 10 2002 1845 5/10
1972 VFA Division Two 18 6 12 1979 2099 7/10
1973 VFA Division Two 18 18 1475 2568 10/10
1974 VFA Division Two 18 4 14 1460 2190 9/10
1975 VFA Division Two 18 1 17 1578 2229 10/10
1976 VFA Division Two 18 6 12 1835 2392 9/10
1977 VFA Division Two 18 18 1450 2889 10/10
1978 VFA Division Two 18 1 16 1 1638 2606 10/10
1979 VFA Division Two 18 3 15 1673 2710 9/10
1980 VFA Division Two 18 1 17 1535 2623 10/10
1981 VFA Division Two 18 2 16 1568 2777 9/10
1982 VFA Division Two 18 10 8 2043 2128 5/10
1983 VFA Division Two 18 11 6 1 2457 1695 5/12
1984* VFA Division Two 18 16 2 2974 1579 1/11 Premiers
1985 VFA Division One 18 3 14 1 1616 2566 11/12
1986* VFA Division Two 20 17 3 2742 1449 2/12 Premiers
1987 VFA Division One 18 4 13 1 1672 1968 9/10
1988 VFA Division One 18 8 10 1616 2011 7/10
1989* VFA 22 16 5 1 2843 2061 3/14 Third
1990 VFA 18 8 10 2273 2149 9/14
1991* VFA 22 14 8 2491 2178 3/12 Third
1992* VFA 20 11 9 2022 1691 5/12 Fourth
1993 VFA 18 10 8 1852 1880 6/12
1994* VFA 22 15 7 2480 1807 2/12 Runners Up
1995 VFA 16 8 8 1288 1479 6/9
1996 VFL 18 6 12 1355 1784 10/11
1997 VFL 18 5 12 1 1324 1521 9/11
1998 VFL 18 5 13 1404 1746 9/11
1999 VFL 18 6 11 1 1636 1821 8/11
2000* VFL 20 13 7 1996 1796 7/18 Seventh
2001* VFL 23 18 5 2498 1716 2/16 Premiers
2002* VFL 21 12 8 1 2296 1821 5/16 Seventh
2003* VFL 22 16 6 2095 1737 3/13 Runners Up
2004* VFL 21 12 9 1869 1818 7/13 Fourth
2005* VFL 19 7 12 1540 1777 8/13 Eighth
2006 VFL 18 6 12 1609 2108 10/13
2007 VFL 18 4 13 1 1362 1875 12/13
2008 VFL 20 6 14 1757 2051 11/14
2009* VFL 20 13 7 1899 1789 5/13 Sixth
2010* VFL 21 13 8 1947 1805 5/14 Fourth
2011* VFL 19 7 12 1548 1745 8/13 Eighth
2012* VFL 20 10 10 1833 1664 7/13 Sixth
2013* VFL 21 16 5 2144 1552 2/14 Premiers
2014* VFL 21 15 5 1 2145 1550 4/16 Runners Up
2015* VFL 21 16 5 2072 1466 1/16 Runners Up
2016 VFL 18 7 11 1450 1440 10/15
2017* VFL 20 14 5 1 1952 1618 2/14 Fourth
2018* VFL 22 16 6 1983 1586 6/15 Premiers
2019* VFL 19 9 9 1 1453 1349 8/15 Eighth
TOTALS 1321 591 710 20 121092 127225

* Denotes Finals appearance

Reserve Grade – 1951 to 2017 (competition disbanded at end of 2017 season)

Year Competition Played Won Lost Drawn Points
For
Points
Against
Ladder
Position
Position
After Finals
1951 VFA 20 5 15 1198 1869 12/14
1952 VFA 20 3 16 1 1093 1602 13/14
1953 VFA 20 10 10 1612 1632 7/14
1954 VFA 20 4 14 2 1305 1511 11/14
1955 VFA 20 7 13 1448 1835 10/14
1956* VFA 23 16 7 1559 1335 2/14 Runners Up
1957 VFA 20 14 6 1598 1403 5/14
1958* VFA 20 15 5 1944 1036 3/16 Third
1959 VFA 20 14 6 1880 1177 5/16
1960* VFA 20 14 6 1931 1296 4/17 Fourth
1961 VFA Division One 21 8 13 1766 1751 7/10
1962 VFA Division Two 16 6 10 1299 1161 5/8
1963 VFA Division Two 16 8 8 1252 1146 5/9
1964 VFA Division Two 18 8 10 1349 1391 5/8
1965 VFA Division Two 16 3 13 1163 1904 7/9
1966 VFA Division Two 18 6 12 1288 1683 7/10
1967 VFA Division Two 18 4 14 1449 1827 9/10
1968 VFA Division Two 17 3 14 1151 1936 9/10
1969 VFA Division Two 18 4 14 1455 1995 9/10
1970* VFA Division Two 19 11 7 1 1802 1490 4/10 Fourth
1971* VFA Division Two 21 14 6 1 2469 1909 2/10 Runners Up
1972 VFA Division Two 18 6 12 1660 2016 7/10
1973 VFA Division Two 18 2 16 1090 3397 10/10
1974 VFA Division Two 18 5 12 1 1320 2113 8/10
1975 VFA Division Two 18 2 16 1410 2163 10/10
1976 VFA Division Two 18 3 15 1543 2409 9/10
1977 VFA Division Two 18 6 12 1597 2180 9/10
1978 VFA Division Two 18 7 11 1938 2209 7/10
1979 VFA Division Two 18 2 16 1683 2880 10/10
1980 VFA Division Two 18 2 16 1357 2179 10/10
1981 VFA Division Two 18 5 13 1410 2267 8/10
1982 VFA Division Two 18 8 10 1682 2044 6/10
1983 VFA Division Two 18 12 6 2355 1564 6/12
1984* VFA Division Two 19 15 4 3017 1535 2/11 Runners Up
1985 VFA Division One 18 5 13 1493 2161 10/12
1986* VFA Division Two 20 15 5 2535 1304 4/12 Third
1987 VFA Division One 18 10 8 2282 1805 5/10
1988 VFA Division One 18 5 13 1674 1959 9/10
1989* VFA 20 13 7 2724 1658 4/14 Fifth
1990 VFA 18 9 9 2150 2095 9/14
1991 VFA 19 8 11 2008 2042 7/12
1992* VFA 19 12 7 2410 1771 4/12 Fifth
1993* VFA 21 16 5 2387 1697 3/12 Runners Up
1994* VFA 20 13 7 2278 1861 3/12 Fourth
1995* VFA 20 12 8 1818 1499 5/9 Runners Up
1996* VFL 18 8 10 1434 1549 5/9 Fourth
1997 VFL 18 8 10 1578 1335 7/10
1998 VFL 18 7 11 1416 1567 8/10
1999* VFL 19 10 9 1790 1493 6/10 Fourth
2000* VFL 20 15 5 2275 1410 2/10 Third
2001* VFL 18 11 6 1 1759 1243 3/10 Fifth
2002* VFL 20 12 8 1984 1493 4/9 Fourth
2003 VFL 18 6 12 1696 1715 8/10
2004 VFL 18 8 9 1 1507 1398 7/10
2005* VFL 19 9 9 1 1873 1651 5/11 Fifth
2006* VFL 22 14 8 2220 1975 4/11 Premiers
2007* VFL 19 10 8 1 1948 1789 5/11 Fifth
2008* VFL 20 12 8 2153 1765 3/11 Runners Up
2009* VFL 20 17 3 2265 1232 1/11 Premiers
2010* VFL 20 16 4 2146 1281 2/10 Premiers
2011* VFL 20 18 2 2270 1280 1/10 Premiers
2012* AFL Victoria Development League 21 12 9 1935 1580 3/10 Runners Up
2013* AFL Victoria Development League 20 13 6 1 1819 1675 2/10 Runners Up
2014* AFL Victoria Development League 19 13 6 2165 1206 2/9 Runners Up
2015* AFL Victoria Development League 18 17 1 2017 915 1/9 Runners Up
2016* AFL Victoria Development League 18 15 3 2114 1037 1/9 Premiers
2017* AFL Victoria Development League 17 9 8 1504 1288 3/8 Fourth
TOTALS 1267 630 626 11 119700 113574

* Denotes Finals appearance

Thirds Grade – 1952 to 1994

Year Competition Played Won Lost Drawn Points
For
Points
Against
Ladder
Position
Position
After Finals
1952 VFA 17 5 12 1075 1269 11/14
1953 VFA 17 11 6 1198 736 6/14
1954 VFA 17 11 5 1 1258 875 5/14
1955* VFA 19 14 5 1246 798 3/14 Third
1956 VFA 17 8 9 868 857 8/14
1957 VFA 17 6 11 1051 1053 9/14
1958 VFA 15 9 6 1097 853 6/16
1959 VFA 17 9 8 1600 1009 8/16
1960* VFA 17 15 2 2040 658 1/17 Runners Up
1961* VFA Division One 20 16 4 1504 913 1/10 Runners Up
1962 VFA Division Two 15 7 8 1019 1050 5/8
1963* VFA Division Two 18 14 3 1 1520 852 2/9 Runners Up
1964* VFA Division Two 19 13 6 1528 917 3/8 Fourth
1965 VFA Division Two 16 3 13 900 1259 8/9
1966 VFA Division Two 18 7 11 1096 1277 7/10
1967 VFA Division Two 18 8 10 1127 1212 5/10
1968* VFA Division Two 19 17 2 1543 964 2/10 Premiers
1969 VFA Division Two 18 4 14 907 1968 8/10
1970 VFA Division Two 18 11 7 1477 1198 5/10
1971* VFA Division Two 21 16 5 1998 1458 1/10 Runners Up
1972 VFA Division Two 18 9 9 1700 2678 6/10
1973 VFA Division Two 18 10 8 2029 1873 5/10
1974 VFA Division Two 18 4 14 1484 2154 8/10
1975* VFA Division Two 21 15 6 2632 1665 4/10 Runners Up
1976* VFA Division Two 20 20 3084 1341 1/10 Premiers
1977 VFA Division Two 18 11 7 1955 1581 5/10
1978 VFA Division Two 18 5 13 1581 1813 8/10
1979 VFA Division Two 18 18 1019 2922 10/10
1980 VFA Division Two 18 5 13 1144 2542 9/10
1981 VFA Division Two 18 8 10 1984 1744 7/10
1982* VFA Division Two 19 11 8 2282 1985 4/10 Fourth
1983* VFA Division Two 20 15 5 2715 1410 4/12 Third
1984 VFA 17 10 7 1979 1928 9/23
1985 VFA 19 8 11 1582 2018 14/22
1986* VFA Division Two 20 16 4 2561 1145 3/12 Third
1987 VFA Division One 18 7 11 1875 1669 8/10
1988* VFA Division One 19 12 7 2103 1304 3/10 Fourth
1989* VFA 20 14 5 1 2497 1448 1/15 Third
1990* VFA 21 15 6 2535 1682 3/14 Third
1991* VFA 22 19 3 2519 1435 1/12 Runners Up
1992* VFA 19 11 8 2284 1459 5/12 Fifth
1993* VFA 20 13 7 2483 1612 2/12 Fourth
1994* VFA 19 13 6 2299 1826 5/12 Fifth
TOTALS 791 455 333 3 74378 61410

* Denotes Finals appearance

VFA / VFL Player Records – 1951 to 2019

Career Totals of 100 Senior VFA / VFL Games

player games played years played
Jack Wright 180 1951 to 1960
Keith White 171 1956 to 1967
Ian Bates 165 1959 to 1969
John Baker 155 1966 to 1976
David Mirra 155* 2010 to 2019
Victor Lawther 153 1974 to 1983
Keith Ralph Jnr 149 1966 to 1975; 1977 to 1980
Geoff Bryant 147 1964 to 1968; 1972 to 1976
Bruce Craig 146 1956 to 1963
Peter Nicholson 142 1983 to 1990
David Banfield 137 1988 to 1997
Ron Irvine 134 1952 to 1958
Laurie Zarafa 132 1989 to 1995
Geoff Withers 130 1978 to 1986
Doug Gleeson 127 1982 to 1990
Cliff Eade 125 1953; 1955 to 1961
Tony Brown 125 1984 to 1993
Colin Love 124 1952 to 1958
Bob Green 116 1951 to 1957
David Plunkett 115 1956 to 1961; 1963 to 1965
Alan Dickinson 115 1978 to 1984
Don Brown 113 1955 to 1960
Jarrod O'Neill 108 1989 to 1994; 1996; 1998
Cameron Crowley 106 1992 to 1999
Sam Gibson 103 2006 to 2011
Matthew Ball 102 2001 to 2007
Neil Gray 101 1960 to 1967
Mark Connolly 101 1975; 1977 to 1985
Darron Wilkinson 101 1993 to 1999

* Games total to end of 2019 season – played for Box Hill Hawks in season 2019.

Career Totals of 100 Senior VFA / VFL Goals

player goals games years played
Paul Bolton 340 99 1983 to 1990
Darron Wilkinson 287 101 1993 to 1999
Peter Nicholson 279 142 1983 to 1990
John Salvado 236 82 1958 to 1964
Geoff Withers 205 130 1978 to 1986
Geoff Bryant 194 147 1964 to 1968; 1972 to 1976
Don Brown 182 113 1955 to 1960
Laurie Zarafa 175 132 1989 to 1995
Ian Bates 153 165 1959 to 1969
Ted Laskie 136 65 1974 to 1978
Sam Grimley 128 69 2011 to 2015
Dale Carroll 123 21 1984 to 1985
Gary Smith 122 61 1969 to 1972
Greg Barnett 118 84 1966 to 1975
Alan Dickinson 118 115 1978 to 1984
Dale Garth 116 85 1983 to 1988
Cameron Crowley 116 106 1992 to 1999
Keith White 114 171 1956 to 1967
David Buttifant 113 78 1989 to 1993
Les Thompson 112 66 1969 to 1972
Mark Kainey 102 49 1981 to 1987
Bill Morris 101 58 1952 to 1954
Colin Cruse 101 84 1979 to 1984

Executive officers, coach, captain, club champion and leading goalkicker – 1951 to 2019

Year President Secretary* Treasurer Coach Captain Club Champion Leading Goalkicker
1951 W.L. Bassett S. Fraser S. Laurie H. Dunn Snr A. Mihan R. Green M. Maidment (55)
1952 W.L. Bassett S. Fraser S. Soffer W. Morris W. Morris W. Morris B. Coghlan (27)
1953 M.W. Cane S. Fraser S. Soffer W. Morris W. Morris W. Morris T. Allen; A. Hochen (tied – 23)
1954 M.W. Cane S. Fraser S. Soffer W. Morris W. Morris W. Morris W. Morris (57)
1955 E.C. Miechel S. Fraser A. Duke C. Love C. Love H. Dunn Jnr D. Brown (50)
1956 E.C. Miechel S. Fraser A. Duke C. Austen C. Austen C. Love D. Brown (51)
1957 E.C. Miechel S. Fraser A. Duke C. Austen C. Love B. Craig R. Bennett (36)
1958 E. Hammond S. Fraser A. Duke C. Austen C. Love A. Gooch D. Brown (37)
1959 E. Hammond S. Fraser D. Marsh C. Austen R. Taylor B. Craig J. Salvado (43)
1960 E. Hammond S. Fraser D. Marsh D. Beasy D. Beasy D. Brown J. Salvado (39)
1961 E. Hammond S. Fraser P. Burns D. Beasy D. Beasy B. Craig J. Salvado (35)
1962 E. Hammond S. Fraser P. Burns D. Beasy D. Beasy B. Craig J. Salvado (33)
1963 R. Shineberg D. Marsh P. Burns A. Gardiner A. Gardiner B. Craig J. Salvado (56)
1964 R. Shineberg D. Marsh E. Mansfield A. Gardiner A. Gardiner A. Gardiner A. Mace (21)
1965 R. Shineberg D. Marsh E. Mansfield A. Gardiner A. Gardiner C. Fellows A. Mace (31)
1966 R. Shineberg A. Matthews E. Mansfield A. Gardiner A. Gardiner I. Bates G. Bryant (43)
1967 R. Shineberg E. Mansfield A. Matthews A. Gardiner A. Gardiner G. Fellows C. Fellows (44)
1968 R. Shineberg E. Mansfield P. Burns W. Arthur
B. Coghlan
I. Bates G. Bryant G. Bryant (23)
1969 R. Shineberg A. Matthews P. Burns J. Walker J. Walker T. Dawson J. Walker (57)
1970 R. Harris A. Matthews E. Mansfield G. Ireland G. Ireland J. Baker G. Barnett (38)
1971 R. Harris K. Ralph Snr I. Hansen R. Johnson R. Johnson L. Thompson G. Barnett (69)
1972 B. Coghlan K. Ralph Snr T. Smith K. McNamee K. McNamee K. Ralph Jnr G. Smith (53)
1973 B. Coghlan R. Hopper L. McQualter P. Langley
G. Ireland
K. Ralph Jnr G. Bryant P. Edwards (22)
1974 B. Coghlan D. Wanless L. McQualter G. Ireland G. Bryant A. Curtis W. Magill (38)
1975 J.N. Zigouras J. Dowsley J. Brown G. Bryant G. Bryant G. Bryant E. Laskie (43)
1976 J.N. Zigouras J. Dowsley J. Morgan L. Foote G. Bryant V. Lawther M. Gordon (47)
1977 J.N. Zigouras J. Dowsley S. Cromb W. Kirby
K. Smith
J. Tuckwell G. Cook E. Laskie (33)
1978 J.N. Zigouras K. Ralph Snr S. Cromb K. Smith K. Ralph Jnr M. Connolly K. Ralph Jnr (34)
1979 J.N. Zigouras K. Ralph Snr C. McGary P. Langley K. Ralph Jnr C. Cruse B. McLerie (34)
1980 N. Moore J. Richards C. McGary P. Langley C. Cruse S. Harper G. Withers (40)
1981 J.N. Zigouras K. Ralph Jnr S. Cromb P. Pettigrew P. Pettigrew P. Pettigrew G. Withers (27)
1982 J.N. Zigouras K. Ralph Jnr K. Ralph Jnr E. Moore M. Connolly S. Witnish E. Moore (35)
1983 J.N. Zigouras K. Ralph Jnr K. Ralph Jnr E. Moore G. Withers P. Nicholson P. Bolton (49)
1984 J.N. Zigouras K. Ralph Jnr G. Ralph E. Moore G. Withers P. Nicholson D. Carroll (110)
1985 J.N. Zigouras E. Sutherland S. Cromb E. Moore G. Withers S. Teakel P. Nicholson (33)
1986 W. White E. Sutherland S. Cromb R. Murrie R. Murrie D. Bourke P. Bolton (55)
1987 W. White E. Sutherland S. Cromb H. Martin M. Turner P. Nicholson P. Bolton (65)
1988 J.N. Zigouras M. Kainey L. Robertson H. Martin M. Turner D. Pevitt P. Bolton (32)
1989 J.N. Zigouras M. Kainey L. Robertson P. Francis P. Francis L. Zarafa P. Bolton (77)
1990 J.N. Zigouras M. Reeves J. Ure P. Francis P. Francis M. Lisle L. Zarafa (41)
1991 J.N. Zigouras N. Dalrymple J. Ure S. Molloy M. Lisle L. Zarafa A. Byrne (44)
1992 J.N. Zigouras N. Dalrymple J. Ure S. Molloy M. Lisle C. Watson S. James (28)
1993 J.N. Zigouras B. McMahon J. Ure J. Murphy M. Lisle D. Banfield Mark Erwin, S. James (tied – 35)
1994 J.N. Zigouras G. Randall J. Ure J. Murphy D. Banfield T. Livingstone D. Wilkinson (75)
1995 G.D. Cohen G. Randall A. Panther J. Murphy D. Banfield Z. Badrock D. Wilkinson (37)
1996 G.D. Cohen G. Randall J. Ure J. Murphy D. Banfield D. Payne D. Wilkinson (37)
1997 R.S. Collier G. Randall J. Ure J. Murphy T. Livingstone T. Livingstone D. Wilkinson (30)
1998 R.S. Collier G. Randall J. Ure J. Murphy D. Wilkinson C. Crowley D. Wilkinson (42)
1999 R.S. Collier G. Randall J. Ure B. Mason D. Wilkinson A. Slater D. Wilkinson (38)
2000 A.J. Pinwill A. McDonald J. Ure D. McDonald B. Hartin M. Brewer S. Habberfield (22)
2001 A.J. Pinwill L. Jervis J. Ure D. McDonald M. Brewer J. Baird M. Passador (32)
2002 A.J. Pinwill A. Pirchan J. Ure D. McDonald M. Brewer S. Mitchell M. Passador (67)
2003 J.D. Ure A. Pirchan not appointed A. Liberatore A. Pugsley M. Ball S. Kenna (45)
2004 J.D. Ure A. Pirchan not appointed A. Collins C. Alleway S. Bailey C. Alleway (35)
2005 J.D. Ure A. Pirchan not appointed A. Collins C. Alleway S. Greene C. Alleway (34)
2006 J.D. Ure A. Pirchan not appointed D. Christensen K. Height M. Ball M. Little (35)
2007 J.D. Ure A. Pirchan not appointed D. Christensen K. Height N. Smith M. Little (35)
2008 J.D. Ure A. Pirchan not appointed B. Mitchell A. Neville S. Kenna B. Dowler (21)
2009 J.D. Ure A. Pirchan not appointed B. Bolton L. Markovic
S. Kenna
(co-captains)
S. Iles C. Pedersen (35)
2010 J.D. Ure A. McLeish not appointed B. Bolton S. Kenna E. Curnow S. Gibson (31)
2011 A.J. Pinwill E. Fenton not appointed D. Carroll S. Gibson S. Gibson J. Lisle (27)
2012 A.J. Pinwill E. Fenton not appointed D. Carroll B.Muston
D. Pratt
(co-captains)
T. Schneider D. Pratt (36)
2013 A.J. Pinwill P. Barnard not appointed D. Carroll D. Pratt K. Cheney S. Grimley (28)
2014 A.J. Pinwill P. Barnard not appointed M. Bello D. Mirra S. Iles S. Grimley (45)
2015 A.J. Pinwill C. Nanni not appointed M. Bello D. Mirra J. Simpkin S. Grimley (46)
2016 A.J. Pinwill C. Nanni not appointed M. Bello D. Mirra D. Mirra B. Hardwick; T. Miles; K. Stewart (tied 3 ways – 16)
2017 A.J. Pinwill D. Napoli not appointed C. Newman D. Mirra M. Warren T. Vickery (27)
2018 A.J. Pinwill D. Napoli not appointed C. Newman A. Moore A. Moore M. Lewis (38)
2019 E.F. Sill D. Napoli not appointed M. Bailey A. Moore D. Mirra J. Ross (35)

* General Manager from 1981

Box Hill players drafted to AFL

Player Draft Drafted By Played With Total
AFL Games
Andy Goodwin 1987 National Richmond Richmond (56 games)
Melbourne (17 games)
73
Peter Bourke 1988 National Essendon Essendon (1 game)
Fitzroy (22 games)
23
Grant Lawrie 1989 National St Kilda Fitzroy (151 games)
St Kilda (17 games)
168
Ron De Iulio 1991 National Carlton Carlton 104
Tim Livingstone 1992 Mid-Year Richmond Richmond 8
Jarrod Molloy 1993 National Fitzroy
(father/son rule)
Fitzroy (59 games)
Brisbane (61 games)
Collingwood (49 games)
169
Andrew Nichol 1995 Pre-Season Footscray Footscray 3
Matthew Bishop 1997 Rookie Melbourne Melbourne (18 games)
Port Adelaide (132 games)
150
Troy Simmonds 1999 Pre-Season Melbourne Melbourne (40 games)
Fremantle (64 games)
Richmond (93 games)
197
Simon Godfrey 1999 National Melbourne Melbourne 105
Sam Mitchell 2001 National Hawthorn Hawthorn (307 games)
West Coast Eagles (22 games)
329
John Baird 2002 Rookie Kangaroos Kangaroos 46
Michael Firrito 2003 Rookie Kangaroos Kangaroos 275
Matthew Ball 2003 National Hawthorn Hawthorn 17
Stephen Kenna 2003 National Carlton Carlton 5
Laurence Angwin 2003 Rookie Carlton Carlton 4
Michael Rix 2004 Rookie Hawthorn St Kilda 29
Simon Taylor 2004 National Hawthorn Hawthorn 85
Cameron Howat 2005 Rookie Richmond Richmond 21
Ben McGlynn 2005 Rookie Hawthorn Hawthorn (44 games)
Sydney (127 games)
171
Lukas Markovic 2009 National Western Bulldogs Western Bulldogs 29
Sam Iles 2009 Rookie Gold Coast Suns Collingwood (7 games)
Gold Coast Suns (26 games)
33
Ed Curnow 2010 Rookie Carlton Carlton 204*
Cameron Pedersen 2010 Rookie North Melbourne North Melbourne (16 games)
Melbourne (64 games)
80
Robert Campbell 2010 Rookie Melbourne Hawthorn 116
Jarrad Boumann 2011 National Hawthorn Hawthorn 2
Sam Gibson 2011 Rookie North Melbourne North Melbourne (130 games)
Adelaide (5 games)
135
Adam Pattison 2011 Rookie Hawthorn Richmond (61 games)
St Kilda (5 games)
66
Matt Jones 2012 Draft Melbourne Melbourne 61
Sam Collins 2015 AFL draft Fremantle Fremantle (14 games)
Gold Coast Suns (59 games*)
81*
Sam Switkowski 2017 AFL draft Fremantle Fremantle 46*
David Mirra 2017 rookie draft Hawthorn Hawthorn 11
Ned Reeves 2019 pre-season supplementary selection period Hawthorn Hawthorn 17*
Lachlan Bramble 2021 pre-season supplemental selection period Hawthorn Hawthorn 19*
Jai Newcombe 2021 mid-season rookie draft Hawthorn Hawthorn 29*
James Blanck 2022 mid-season rookie draft Hawthorn Hawthorn 9*
Ryan Maric 2023 mid-season rookie draft West Coast West Coast *
Clay Tucker 2023 mid-season rookie draft Hawthorn Hawthorn *
Ethan Stanley 2023 mid-season rookie draft Fremantle Fremantle *

* Indicates AFL listed player in 2022.
All games totals to the end of the 2022 season.

The above list contains players who have played at least 1 AFL game or are currently on an AFL list and yet to play an AFL game.
The following players were drafted from Box Hill but did not play an AFL game: Ashley Byrne (Brisbane – 1991 Mid-Season Draft); Paul Mullarvey (Fitzroy – 1993 National Draft); Matthew Penny (Carlton – 1993 Pre-Season Draft); Michael Georgiadis (Hawthorn – 2002 Rookie Draft); Clinton Alleway (North Melbourne – 2003 Rookie Draft); Doug Scott (Hawthorn – 2004 Pre-Season Draft); Kristan Height (Hawthorn – 2005 Rookie Draft).

"Greatest Ever Team"

(as announced in 2000, covering period 1951 to 2000)

Back Jack Wright
(180 games, 32 goals)
David Banfield
(137 games, 5 goals)
John Baker
(155 games, 87 goals)
Half-Back Cliff Eade
(125 games, 63 goals)
Bruce Craig
(146 games, 34 goals)
Ron Irvine
(133 games, 3 goals)
Centre Keith White
(171 games, 109 goals)
Geoff Bryant
(147 games, 195 goals)
Alex Gardiner
(73 games, 61 goals)
Half Forward Peter Nicholson
(142 games, 279 goals)
David Plunkett
(114 games, 91 goals)
Ian Bates
(165 games, 156 goals)
Forward Don Brown
(113 games, 181 goals)
Paul Bolton
(99 games, 340 goals)
Darron Wilkinson
(101 games, 287 goals)
Followers Bill Morris
(58 games, 101 goals)
Tim Livingstone
(77 games, 74 goals)
Laurie Zarafa
(132 games, 175 goals)
Interchange Peter Bourke
(83 games, 65 goals)
Doug Gleeson
(127 games, 74 goals)
Mark Lisle
(84 games, 45 goals)
Colin Love
(124 games, 24 goals)
Captain Alex Gardiner
Vice-Captain Bill Morris
Coach Eric Moore

"Box Hill Hawks All Stars"

(as announced on 24 August 2019 to celebrate 20 seasons of the Box Hill – Hawthorn Alignment 2000 to 2019)

Back Taylor Duryea Lukas Markovic Michael Firrito
Half-Back Kyle Cheney David Mirra Matthew Brewer
Centre Sam Iles Sam Mitchell Ed Curnow
Half Forward Sam Gibson Clinton Alleway Brendan Whitecross
Forward Stephen Kenna Cameron Pedersen Michael Osborne
Followers Robert Campbell Josh Kennedy Ben McGlynn
Interchange Matthew Ball Kristan Height Andrew Moore
Brad Sewell Mitch O'Donnell (23rd player)
Captain David Mirra
Coach Damian Carroll
  • On Sunday 26 June 1988 at a match between Box Hill and Frankston played at Box Hill City Oval, Box Hill coach Harold Martin rode on a cherry picker while delivering his 3/4 time address to the Box Hill team. Martin was serving a suspension that prevented him from entering the playing arena. He circumvented the ban by being hoisted by the cherry picker over the boundary fence and several metres inside the playing arena without actually touching the ground. The incident has been recounted and referred to in several publications since in the context of describing extreme acts that coaches have undertaken in an attempt to motivate their teams.
  • In an episode of Kath & Kim, Brett and Kim are shown at a suburban football match. Both are wearing brown and gold scarves and ABC footage of a VFA match played in 1988 between Box Hill and Preston is used. Peter Rowsthorn, who plays the role of Brett, has been Number One Ticket Holder of the Box Hill Hawks Football Club since 2005.

Club song

The club song is identical to the Hawthorn Football Club song, except that "Box Hill" is substituted for "Hawthorn", and is sung to the tune of the Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Women's team

Box Hill were granted a license to compete in the VFL Women's league in 2017. The club won three out of fourteen games in the 2017 season. The license was transferred to AFL-aligned club Hawthorn, who participated in the league under that name from 2018 to 2022, winning the premiership in the 2018 season. In 2023, following Hawthorn's ascension to the AFL Women's competition, the VFLW license was returned to Box Hill, and the club has played under that name in the league ever since.[1]

Jumpers

1936 to 1974
Brown jumper with a gold vee and small white horse emblem on left hand breast. The white horse emblem was added prior to the 1938 season, coinciding with the club's move from Surrey Park to Box Hill City Oval.

1975 to 2011
Prior to the 1975 season, the VFA encouraged a number of its member Clubs to adopt a more colourful playing uniform to coincide with the introduction of colour television to Australia. Box Hill adopted its iconic and most widely recognised jumper, consisting of gold and brown vertical thirds (brown in the middle), with a brown back, gold numbers, and a large white "Wild Mustang" logo in the centre of the front of the jumper.

2012 to present
Box Hill adopted the identical jumper to its AFL affiliate Hawthorn, the only difference being that the white "Wild Mustang" logo was retained, located in the centre of the front of the jumper and approximately half the size that it was previously.[2]

References

  1. "Hawks' VFLW licence transferred to Box Hill". afl.com.au. 24 November 2022.
  2. Ryan, Conor (23 November 2011). "Club jumps into Hawthorn stripes at Box Hill". Leader. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  • "Box Hill Football Club Yearbook", Box Hill Football Club, Melbourne, 1951
  • "Box Hill Football Club Souvenir History", Box Hill Football Club, Melbourne, 1961
  • "Box Hill Football Club Souvenir History", Box Hill Football Club, Melbourne, 2000
  • Box Hill Hawks Football Club 57th Annual Report 2007
  • Box Hill Hawks Football Club 58th Annual Report 2008
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