Celebrating 129 years of Football & Netball at Stony Creek
AUTHORS
F. Helms compiled the years from 1894 to 1952, the years that football developed.
W. Helms wrote the years from 1952 to 1968 the years in the Wonthaggi League, and amongst the hills at Poowong and Mirboo North in S.G.F.L.
R. Thorson researched the years 1969 to 1994, the years in the Alberton League.
1894 - 1910
CREATION OF THE CLUB
The first Stony Creek Football Club was formed on the 23rd June 1894. A meeting was held at the Railway Station, the only meeting place in the township. An Area had been cleared around the station building and a road led to Dollar and Grassy Spur, via Whitelaws Track.
The township in 1894 consisted of one general store, a wine saloon and coffee palace. The hall was in the process of being built. The cleared area at the station was to become the football and cricket ground sports oval and horse racing was held down Dollar Road ending at the Railway Station. A sports meeting, held on the 26th March 1894, attracted 250 people and a Gala evening was held on Boxing Day.
As more settlers took up land, the Football club developed but only into social football. In these early years there was no organised Association, so football was played as a social event and players got a game whenever it was possible. There were few reports of games but in 1896 the Great Southern Star had a report from the Stony Creek correspondent, advising the Leongatha players that, “should they ever have to play Fish Creek on their own ground, that they take plenty of splints, coffins and crutches”. It was obvious they were talking from experience. Games were being played between Dumbalk, Meeniyan, Tarwin, Buffalo, Fish Creek and Stony Creek until 1905. The first real association was formed in 1905 between Tarwin Lower, Meeniyan, Mount Eccles and Leongatha. Many Stony Creek Footballers played with Meeniyan as well as social football with Stony Creek.
In 1908, Football began to develop and become organised throughout all districts. The South Gippsland Shire Football Association had been formed as well as the Korumburra & District Association. Meeniyan and Dumbalk had both formed clubs and began the initial approaches to other clubs to form a local association. Dumbalk, Meeniyan, Nerrena, Stony Creek. Tarwin Valley and Tarwin Lower were contacted.
During 1908 more social games were being played between the above named clubs and games between schools were organised. There was no Stony Creek school until 1910.
In 1910, Buffalo (3.8) defeated Meeniyan (2.3) and were premiers in the Meeniyan & District Association. Leongatha 3.17 - 35 defeated Meeniyan and district 5.3 - 33 at Leongatha. A special train would run from Fish Creek to Leongatha.
1911
Stony’s First Premiership
In 1911, Stony Creek was developing into a thriving country town. The general store and coffee palace and wine saloon had grown in the town. A butcher and baker shop had been added to the town, a hall had been built, a farmers club, black smith shop, a butter factory in operation and a school had commenced. New roads were bringing new settlers to the town.
On March 17th, 1911, the Stony Creek Football Club was reformed and entered into the Meeniyan and District Association. Teams in the Association being Dumbalk, Meeniyan, Stony Creek, Buffalo and I.O.R (Independent Order of Reckabites from Dumbalk North). The first game of the season was against Buffalo on 6th May 1911, at Stony Creek’s home ground, the oval being cleared and ploughed and numerous building erected.
Scores that season were: STONY CREEK: 5.14 - 44 defeated DUMBALK: 1.5 - 11 STONY CREEK: 6.12 - 48 defeated MEENIYAN: 7.3 - 45 STONY CREEK: 8.18 - 66 defeated I.O.R: 4.3 - 27
Best Players that year were R. Zeuschner and Paddy Boland. The Australian Rules Football Code came into Gippsland at the beginning of the century. Associations made their own rules, totally inadequate at the time. The game was rough and rugged, fists were often used and bad language was not absent. Ground were just being developed and were in appalling conditions most of the winter months. The game took on with an enthusiasm in all conditions and under the guiding hand of a number of sporting people developed.
Reports from the local paper at the time read: “Sir, may one ask why the South Gippsland Association is far behind the times in the matter of boundary umpires. They have been tried with success in Melbourne and in most country centres and the question is repeatedly asked, why they are not afforded for those matches. The tendency for rough play one observes so often would not occur if the central umpire had more chance to watch the players instead of chasing the ball over the fence”. Another report regarding boundary umpires said that one umpire accidentally persistently threw the ball to his brother.
In that season, Alfred Stansfield of Stony Creek proceeded against E. Stansfield of Dumbalk at the Foster police Court. During a football match, A. Stansfield was trying to stop a fight between players and was knocked down by his own brother E. Stansfield. The two players were stood down for unseemly conduct, one for the full season and the other for half a season.
1912 - 1919
WW1 Years
1912
President for the season was E. Walsh with F. Pitt as Secretary. The improvement of the ground became the main aim for the season and considerable money was raised for the project. Games played at Tom Charlton’s property near the creek on what is now W.F & R.G Helms property. Buffalo had withdrawn from the Association leaving four teams remaining and several of their players came to Stony Creek. New players that season were Sherman, Armstrong, Frank, Moore, Charlton, Spencer, Leach, Head, Bellbross, Bryan, Brady. Leach was Captain with B. Zeuschner as Vice Captain. Some very exciting finishes to some of the games. Dumbalk 4.2 – 26 v Stony Creek 4.10 – 30 with Stony winning in the last minute. Stony Creek 6.4 – 40 defeated Meeniyan 4.1 – 25. Excitement during last few moments were intense. Players cheered and congratulated. Team entertained by their supporters for a great win. Meeniyan and Stony Creek, being level on points at the end of the season, played off for premiers at Dumbalk. The ground being under water, the game was played on the property of H. Pearson with the help of Dumbalk footballers preparing the paddock for the final. Meeniyan would go on to win that game 6.8 – 44 defeating Stony 2.6 – 18. Meeniyan proclaimed premiers. Stony Creek protested but this was dismissed as informal. Best players on the day were: Frank, Moore, Walton, Standsfield, Boland, Zeuschner, Head, Bellbros, Carmichael, Charlton, Spencer and Tourrier.
1913
This season the club joined the Meeniyan & District Association, consisting of Stony Creek, Meeniyan, Dumbalk and Rovers being I.O.R of past years. Starting May 10th with a season of 12 rounds. President was Kelso. Delegates consisted of W. Walsh, A. Standsfield, Leo Leach ©, R. Zeuschner (VC). New players to join were Luke Moore, Kitchner and Becham. Rough games were played against Meeniyan with A. Standsfield breaking a collar bone. Dumbalk played Stony Creek for the premiership and won 2.10 – 22 defeating Stony 1.5 – 11. Best players for the season were Head, P. Boland, Bellbros, Spencer, Charlton, Walton, Boland and Zeuschner.
1914
Association reformed the teams being Meeniyan, Stony Creek, Dumbalk and Tarwin Valley. The Association did not affiliate with the League and decided to appoint their own umpires. The first round of the season was played May 2nd with A. Standsfield as Captain for the season. Stony Creeks ground being used again, football news around the league. Meeniyan being the stronger team of the association. A protest by Meeniyan against Stony Creek for playing ineligible players was upheld and the game was awarded to Meeniyan. Many players interchanged from one association to another with day permits. There were six Stony Creek players interchanging with Fish Creek.
1915
The year began with many war time enlistments and Meeniyan Association reformed with A. Standsfield as President and J. Farrell as Secretary. This meeting was adjourned for support when Tarwin Valley withdrew from the Association. Another meeting was called and Tarwin Lower entered the Association and a competition commenced. Stony creek had a successful season, with some scores being: Stony Creek 4.15 – 39 def Meeniyan 2.6 – 18, Stony Creek 7.7 – 49 def Tarwin 1.4 – 10 & Stony Creek 4.1 – 25 def Dumbalk 2.8 – 20. New players that season were Edwards, Bolton, Handley, King, Eubergang, W. Buckley, Crosthwaithe and Sheedy. Meeniyan forfeited games in respect to players killed in action then the Association called a meeting and decided to discontinue football for the duration of the war. Stony Creek in leading position with 24pts, Dumbalk 18pts, Tarwin 10pts and Meeniyan 4pts. Some comments of the season that games should start more punctual as final quarter ended in the dark. Games were very rough, and players should be bought before the controlling body to give explanations of their conduct.
1919
When football was resumed after the war, a small competition of three teams, Stony Creek, Meeniyan, and Dumbalk was conducted and resulted in some keen games. Dumbalk defeated Stony Creek 2.3 – 2.1 in a titanic battle for the premiership. Best players for Stony Creek were P. Boland, P. Dempsey, Eubergang, Standsfield, R. Zeuschner. Umpire: J. O’Connor. There was considerable disagreement between clubs over the importation of players as rules were lax and clubs and Associations met only occasionally.
1920 - 1929
The Associations
1920 The Meeniyan & District Association was formed by Stony Creek, Meeniyan, Dumbalk and Tarwin Lower. The President was T. Boag , Vice President: B. Bradly, Secretary & Treasurer: E. Condon: Delegates: D. Carmichael, J. Howley: Committee: R. Bell, H. Boland, G. Fry, W. Hutchison, W. Russell and A. Standsfield. Home Games were again played on W. Helms property. Stony Creek won the Premiership this year making it their 2nd flag in the club’s history.
1921 Stony Creek joined the Korumburra & District Association, comprising of Korumburra, Bena, Leongatha, Fish Creek, Stony Creek, Meeniyan, Kongwak & Outtrim. T. Boag was President with W. Condon Secretary. Stony Creek achieved a fair amount of success for the season playing off for fourth place with Meeniyan, but unfortunately being defeated 7.13 to 6.10. Season Highlights: A great deal of throwing the ball and this was to be severely penalised for rest of season. Delegates outed were C. Holt of Fish Creek for Striking, R. Bell of Stony Creek. Stony Creek won the protest against Meeniyan for playing a Dumbalk player.
1922
The club is still in the Korumburra & District Football Association. Bena withdrew and Foster admitted. Colour change of Meeniyan to yellow and black and Stony Creek to black and white. Dumbalk players to Meeniyan and Ashenden to Stony Creek. Stony Creek never made the four this year, but they had a number of wins. The larger towns were too strong with Kongwaks team made of most prominent players from Wonthaggi. Korumburra were premiers defeating Kongwak. A junior competition commenced in the district comprising of any player that could not get a game. The Stony v Meeniyan game was another intense one with a few Stony Creek supporters at the end rushing the umpire and struck a blow to his face. According to Stony Creek supporters, Meeniyan received 67 free kicks to Stony 27. The premier team that year received twenty pounds and the runner up five pounds.
1923 The Korumburra Association was reformed with the exclusion of Kongwak and the inclusion of Toora. Foster withdrew but later re-joined. A. Standsfield again captain of Stony Creek with new players being Spoull, Connelly, Cubiss. The ladder at the end of the season was Leongatha 48, Korumburra 44, Toora 40, Fish Creek 36, Stony Creek 28, Outtrim 20, Meeniyan 4 & Foster 4. Stony had a reasonable season winning games against Foster, Fish Creek and keeping Meeniyan scoreless. Leongatha would go on to win the premiership that year defeating Korumburra 10.12 – 2.5. Football had many troubles during these times, but the worst seemed to be living inside the club’s radius and the issuing of clearances and permits when clubs and Association very seldom had meetings. To be eligible to play, a player must reside within a radius of 10 miles. (This was later changed to 15 miles) from the playing ground to whose club he desires to play. A player must reside within the radius for a period of fourteen days prior to the first match in which he plays. Each player must continue in bona fide residence. No coaches were allowed. Leongatha lost 2 matches in protest.
1924 Tarwin, Stony Creek, Meeniyan, Dumbalk were to form the Dumbalk Association. New players were Grant and McKnight, while the best of the others were R. Zeuschner, Carmichael, Moore. Local umpires were appointed at 2 pounds per match.
1925 Stony Creek and Meeniyan amalgamate and become known as M & S (Meeniyan and Stony Creek). They remained in the Dumbalk and District Association with the inclusion of Tarwin Valley. M & S were premiers that season. Team members were P. Dempsey, E. Mayall, P. Fitzgerald, F. Dempsey, J. Dempsey, B. Roberts, H. Vale, R. Carmichael, E.Ryan, C. Day, J. McKitterick, H. MacDonald, D. McKitterick, W. Ryan ©, J. Roberts (VC), W. Helms, N. Hanily, W. Zeuschner, F. Helms and H. McKitterick.
1926 The Dumbalk & District League collapsed and M & S joined the South Gippsland Association comprising M & S, Fish Creek, Bayles, Koo-Wee-Rup, Loch, Leongatha, Korumburra, Lang Lang. W. Ryan was again captain of M & S who enjoyed very little success for the season. Premiers were Korumburra 11.14 – 80 to Leongatha 9.13 - 67.
1927 The Korumburra District was reformed with another change of teams. The league consisted of Leongatha, Korumburra, Koo-Wee-Rup, Fish Creek, Lang Land, M & S, Wonthaggi and Wonthaggi Imperials. Another poor year from M & S. The final was played between Wonthaggi 9.7 – 61 defeated Fish Creek 4.7 – 31. Fish Creek protested against players outside the radius but lost. That season other associations found league umpires too costly. Local umpires engaged for 2.2 pounds. Clubs provide two pairs of knickers - black & white. Reported players that year, their cases were dealt with the week before and if found guilty the club would pay the cost of the tribunal meeting. Some changes that year saw; new rules adopted concerning holding the man while in possession of the ball. Costs of playing grounds in the league, Fish Creek and Welshpool free; Yarram 2.10 pounds and Toora 10%.
1928 The South Gippsland Football Association comprises of the following teams. Foster, Leongatha, Fish Creek, Korumburra, M & S, Loch, Wonthaggi, Wonthaggi Fire Brigade. The South Gippsland Shire Association had disbanded, and a Hills Association was formed around Toora and Welshpool. The Dumbalk & District Association was formed consisting of Dumbalk, Tarwin Lower, Leongatha Imperials, Ramblers, Mardan and M & S. The team was J. Zeuschner ©, H. Phillips, Dempsey bros. N. Ryan, Considine, D. McKitterick, H. MacDonald, T. Hamilton, J. Richardson, W. Lester, C. Johnston, D. McDonald, E. Ryan, L. Milson, T. Thomas, H. Webster and W. Knibbs. M & S finished on the bottom of the ladder that year. Grand Final played and won by Korumburra 9.12 – 66 to Wonthaggi Fire Brigade 6.15 – 51.
1929 M & S continue to field a team in the South Gippsland Football Association but the Stony Creek Club reformed in their own right and entered a team in the Dumbalk & District Association. The teams being Tarwin Lower, Ramblers, Stony Creek, Mardan, Ruby & Dumbalk. President that year was F. Helms with Outhwaite, J. Foley as Vice president. Team consisted of F. Peach, R. Brasher, D. Zeuschner, W. Knibbs, J. Luckie, E. Ryan, J. Davies, D. Zeuschner, C. Boag, C. Day, E. Dehne, W. Zeuschner, W. McGrath, F. Charlton, J. Zeuschner, J. Dempsey, W. Falls and C. Knibbs. Stony Creek had a fair amount of success, kicking a score of 23.16 – 154 against Ruby. Tarwin Lower were premiers. M & S played a number of Stony Creek players. The Dempsey brothers stayed the whole season. The Creek remained on the bottom of the ladder unfortunately.
1930 - 1931
Back 2 Back Premierships
1930
Foster, Toora and Welshpool made inquiries to play in the Dumbalk & District Association. Foster was admitted and Meeniyan after the M & S combine had broken up, also joined making an eight-team competition of Foster, Stony Creek, Dumbalk, Ruby, Ramblers, Mardan, Meeniyan, Tarwin Lower. Toora and Welshpool joined Alberton Association and Fish Creek stayed with South Gippsland Association. (J. Inglis was Secretary of Association). Stony Creek's President: F. Helms; Secretary: J. Evans. J. Evans was also president of the Association. Stony Creek dominated during the season having some great football families, Dempsey's, Zeuschner's, McKnight's, Charlton's. Ned Ryan was captain. They ended the season on top of the ladder. Finals: 1st Semi Final, Dumbalk 9.15 to Ramblers 5.7. 2nd Semi Final Stony Creek 8.8. to Tarwin 3.17. Final Stony Creek 10.9 to Dumbalk 8.9. Stony Creek premiers. Best and fairest was drawn between A. Marshall and J. Zeuschner of Stony Creek. New rules were adopted that season concerning holding the man while in possession of the ball. Player must either punch or kick the ball once opponent holds them. Must not drop or bounce the ball in front of them. A game of tiggy. Hold does not mean touched, hug or grasped at but the grip must be completed and the player held firmly enough to retard his progress. 1930 August 21st Foster Police Court - constable Hayles of Wonthaggi, said "I went to Fish Creek to a game of football being played there. Saw two Fish Creek players chasing the umpire off the ground. The umpire ran into the shed. Saw E.W. pick up a half brick which dropped and picked up an iron bar." I said, "I am a constable of Police, and I am protecting this man." Saw W. on the 26th of July and said to him, "What did you chase that umpire at Fish Creek for?" He said, "I wanted to congratulate him on the way he handled the game."
1931
The Dumbalk Association reformed teams being Tarwin Lower, Dumbalk, Ramblers, Stony Creek, Foster, Mardan, Fish Creek, Meeniyan. Ruby had withdrawn and Fish Creek came back after playing in the Korumburra Association. Other Assoications playing in the area at the time were the Alberton, consisting of Welshpool, Toora, Yarram, Devon, Ramblers and Woodside. That season Stony Creek’s president was W. Hughes and Secretary J. Evans. Stony Creek fielded a strong team with N. Ryan again captain. Players for the season were F. Helms, C. Day, J. Luckie, P. Dempsey, H. Zeuschner, A. Francom, W. Zeuschner, J. Zeuschner, C. Boag, J. Dempsey, F. Dempsey, H. Francom, R. Brasher, L. Ryan, N. Ryan, A. McKnight, D. McKnight, R. Fischer and D. Zeuschner. The final four was Fish Creek 50pts, Dumbalk 40pts, Stony Creek 38 pts and Meeniyan 36pts. All finals to be played at Meeniyan with League umpires from Melbourne. 1st Semi Final Dumbalk 7.5 to Meeniyan 5.7. 2nd Semi Final Stony Creek 6.3. to Fish Creek 5.5. Stony Creek met Dumbalk (final winners). Winner to meet Fish Creek (minor premiers) in Grand Final. Final Stony Creek 10.9 – 69 to Dumbalk 8.4 – 52. Grand Final, Stony Creek 4.9 – 33 def Fish Creek 4.4 – 28. Stony creek premiers’ baby. Other district premiers were Devon, Binginwarri and Leongatha. Season comments: Worst football season for years owing to exceptionally wet weather. All roads leading to Fish Creek township were impassable. When travelling to Lower Tarwin, road in a shocking state, most cars were bogged, and occupants became closely acquainted with mud. Following a strenuous match, the bell sounded with the scores level with one team in attack and looking like scoring. On leaving the ground it was found that, an opposing character had snatched the bell from the timekeeper and brought the match to a conclusion eight minutes before correct time. It was close to dark when the players returned to the ground. The team in attack believed the ball should be bounced where the game finished, namely near their goals. The umpire had other ideas, he chose a central bounce and in the gathering gloom the opposition sneaked a point to win the match. Needless to say, players and spectators indulged in a hectic brawl. At the Meeniyan Dumbalk game with five minutes to go, the ball bust. Delay in getting a new ball which was obtained in the town. With only the hometown present it was bounced and Meeniyan added a goal and filled in remaining time. Dumbalk refused to return to the ground.
1932 - 1944
1932
The Dumbalk Association had Mardan withdrawing and Toora taking their place. A number of new players came to Stony Creek. Players included, V. Ryan, Cook, J. Fraser, D. McDonald, P. Porter and C. Ryan, who was cleared to Stony Creek from Tarwin after a dispute with Meeniyan. Also, Anderson, Miller, and Lonsdale. Stony Creek 22.15 – 147 defeated Foster 8.8 – 56, a record score for the Association. J. Fraser of Stony Creek kicking 14 goals with 12 of them coming in the last half. Frank Dempsey was seriously injured and taken to St. Vincent’s hospital with internal injuries. End of season points: Fish Creek 48pts, Stony Creek 40pts, Ramblers 36pts, Toora 32pts, Dumbalk 28pts, Meeniyan 20pts, Foster 16pts and Tarwin 4pts. Towards the end of the season Tarwin were unable to field a team and had to forfeit their remaining games. 1st Semi Final, Toora 4.5 – 29 to Stony Creek 3.7 – 25. Best for Stony, C.L. & V. Ryan, W, J. & D. Zeuschner, N. Ryan ©, Fraser, McKnight, and Day. Fish Creek would go on to be premiers that season.
The South Gippsland League
1933
The South Gippsland League retained the same with eight teams. Applications were called for the position of a field umpire at a fee of 2.2 pounds. Received fourteen applications. A ballot of four umpires with two emergencies with the results being R. Baker, H. Alessio, W. Ryan, Keslake, C. Day and E. Anderson. Leongatha club asking for permission to enter two teams in the League but were refused. J. Fraser was elected Captain, V. Ryan Vice, Players were, T. Ryan, J. Cummins, T. Mitchell, Galpin, Zeuschner bros, Evans, C. Boag, McGrath, P. Porter, Hickey, Irwin, Dempsey bros, Newton, Luckie, Tibballs. League Ladder: Dumbalk 40pts, Foster 40 pts, Fish Creek 40pts, Ramblers 36pts, Stony Creek 34pts, Meeniyan 14pts, Toora 12pts, Tarwin Lower 8pts. Meeniyan was nominated for all final matches. The Stony Creek Brass Band supplied music for all games. League umpires were used. Special train for finals was organised. 1st Semi Final was Dumbalk 5.9 – 39 to Ramblers 2.6 – 18. 2nd Semi Dumbalk 5.10 – 40 to Fish Creek 5.4 – 34. Final Fish Creek forfeit to Dumbalk because of bereavement of Buckley Family. Grand Final Foster 13.5 – 83 to Dumbalk 11.11 – 77. During the season C. Ryan was cleared to Fish Creek and A. McKnight to Foster. D. McKnight’s clearance to Foster was refused and it went to a League meeting where it was also refused. It was later granted, and D. McKnight was cleared to Foster. During this time Football was gaining popularity. The time had come for new rules so that Associations would have control over teams and players. Melbourne Umpires were needed. Country Associations were coming together so that rules were uniform. Tribunals were given more power. New playing rules were adopted. The Association changed its name to the South Gippsland Football League. New Rules were residential rules to remain the same. Players who play for more than one club to be ineligible to play for any. No permits granted after July 1st. Protests regarding, disputed grabs for behinds will not be considered. Match to start no later than 15 minutes after the scheduled time. Field umpire alone have right to report players. Report must be presented no later than Thursday following the match. No player is eligible to play in finals who has not played at least one premiership game. Club secretary to be responsible for the forwarding of score cards. Umpires officiating for four matches must have special permission of the league to play in any game. Umpires not to be appointed to control the games when their own team in engaged. Tribunal act is arbitrator in disputes. League could delegate any matter it desired to the tribunal. Tribunal being W. Ryan, Farell, Penheath. The League will conduct its finals under the new system. 1st Semi Final – 3rd v 4th. 2nd Semi Final – 1st v 2nd. Final – Winner of 1st v loser of 2nd. Grand Final winner of final v winner of 2nd. In the event of a tie for position, percentage to be deciding factor.
1934
South Gippsland Football League was now affiliated with the Central Gippsland section of the Country Football League. The tribunal was criticised by Stony Creek that penalties were inconsistent. President said he did not think it was the duty of any club to criticise the decision of the tribunal. Tribunal had full power to act as they thought fit in these matters. Discussion on umpires was a topic that season with the cost of Local umpires 2.2 pounds a match. Melbourne League umpires prepared to supply field umpires for all matches at a cost of 3.5 pounds a match per man. This included all costs and travelling expenses. A change of umpire every week was adopted. It was arranged for umpires to record best and fairest details. Discussed insurance policies for injured players. New flick pass rule to be given a trail. South Gippsland League remains the same with clubs being Fish Creek, Tarwin Lower, Dumbalk, Foster, Meeniyan, Ramblers, Stony Creek, and Toora. Boolarra asked to be admitted but considered the distance too far being 42 miles to Tarwin Lower. Leongatha applied but were refused considered more expense and a bye. Players that season were: J. Fraser (Captain), V. Ryan (Vice Captain), P. Mackin, Dickson, McGannon, Maloney, J. O’Connor, H. Fischer, Zeuschner bros, J. Cummins, C. Boag, Emmerson, Mitchell, Frankcom, P. Porter, C. Boag, J. Luckie, Galpin, Dempsey bros, McGrath, McGannon and T. Ryan. J. Fraser kicked 9 goals on three occasions during the season but Stony Creek ended the season winning only 3 games. Ladder: Fish Creek 52pts, Tarwin Lower 36pts, Dumbalk 36pts, Foster 36pts, Meeniyan 28pts, Ramblers 20 pts, Stony Creek 12pts, and Toora 4pts. The Best & Fairest award went to J. McDonald of Meeniyan with 6 votes, J. Fraser 2 ½ Votes and T. Ryan 2 of Stony Creek. Fish Creek would go on to be Premiers that year.
1935
League teams remained the same. J. Fraser was Captain and played first games with Stony Creek before joining Leongatha. W. Ryan became the new captain of Stony Creek. Stony were to lose many players such as V. Ryan, T. Ryan, A. Ryan, P. Mackin, J. Mitchell to Fish Creek, Fraser to Leongatha, D. McDonald to Meeniyan, applications for clearance from J. Zeuschner to Meeniyan was refused, D. Zeuschner to Meeniyan, Dempsey to retire, G. Emmerson to Meeniyan and J. Zeuschner and Maloney granted clearances to Meeniyan. New players: L. Perry, J. Bell, Hughes, R. & F. Peach, Drummond, W. Clarke, Frost, W. Gordon, Cambell and G. Newman. Players: Boag, Fixter, Day, Newton, O’Connor, McGannan, McGrath, Galpin, Bell, Porter, Luckie and J. Cummins. Stony Creek ended the season at the bottom of the ladder with only 2 wins (8 points) Best & Fairest was J. McDonald with 5 Votes, J O’Connor (SC) 3 Votes. Foster would go on to be Premiers that year, defeating Fish Creek. Notes on the season: Clubs to be requested to appoint goal umpires. Names to be included on players list each Saturday. Tribunal not to deal with interclub protests. Starting time, 2:30pm with ¼ hour grace. Combined from Melbourne sub-district to play combined team at Meeniyan. Foster and Toora ground unfit for finals. Paper report: Blue herons in their hundreds were left fully feeding on the Foster football ground and the game played in Mr Jone’s Paddock.
1936
The Stony Creek Football Club reformed. President: J. O'Connor Snr; Vice Pres: Clarke and Chris Boag; Secretary & Treasure: J. Ward. Committee: Madex, Clarke, G. Zeuschner, J. Marsh, J. McGannon, Hughes, Nicholl, Nelson, J. Cummins. The club was unable to form a team and withdrew from the League. Welshpool club admitted to the League resulting in several of Stony Creek players going to Meeniyan. League ladder: Fish Creek 48pts, Foster 44pts, Tarwin 36pts, Meeniyan 36pts. Meeniyan would go on to be Premiers that year, defeating Fish Creek. Best & Fairest was a draw between J. McDonald of Dumbalk and W. Tibballs of Fish Creek. Gate receipts and attendance for finals: All games at Meeniyan in 1935 had an attendance of 1040, with games at Foster, Toora and Dumbalk in 1936 having an attendance of 1,493. Trans ran from Meeniyan to Toora with free buses to grounds.
1937
Unfortunately Stony Creek were unable to field a team this season. Welshpool withdrew as the expenses in the SGFL were too heavy. New rule that team must stay in the Association or League for three years. J. Fraser captain of Meeniyan, C. Boag returns from St. Kilda seconds to Meeniyan, M. McDonald of Brunswick and S. Cooper of North Melbourne cleared to Meeniyan. Meeniyan fielding a number of Stony Creek players. T. Ryan and T. Mackin were at Fitzroy. Melbourne League umpires for home and away games and finals. All finals to be played at Meeniyan. Tarwin would go on to be Premiers that year, defeating Foster. Best & Fairest J. McDonald of Dumbalk. Distribution of final funds, Premiers 25%, Runners up 15% with the balance equal between remaining clubs. Reports: Objection to goal umpires’ wrong decision in last match. Goal umpires not under control of the League. It remains with the clubs to secure honourable men. Lots of clubs could dispute decisions but they did not. Umpire reported Fish Creek and Foster over incidents during the game. There were at least 10 men from each side fighting. No action taken. Players playing in other Leagues under permit not endorsed by their own League. League only a minor body these men could play in Central Gippsland League - a major body if that League allowed.
1938
Once again Stony Creek reformed the club and joined the South Gippsland Football League consisting of Tarwin Lower, Meeniyan, Stony Creek, Fish Creek, Foster, Toora, and Dumbalk. Withdrawn from the League were the Ramblers. A number of new players joined the club and with a few remaining older players the club was reformed. Players: A. Herald (captain), R. Bentley, Boag bros, Peach bros, Cummins bros, Davis, Russell, Clarke, F. Zeuschner, K. Crowley, Matthew, Bell, Thorson, J. & F. Dempsey, Maloney, J. May, A. Boag, A. Madex, Millsom, G. Zeuschner, R. Fisher, J. Bentley. The Stony Creek application to play Len & Les Bright who are out of the radius of ten miles was granted. The young Stony Creek team took some terrible hidings. Toora 32.19 to Stony Creek 8.6, Foster 31.18 to Stony Creek 4.10. They managed to win one game for the season. Finals to be played on neutral grounds. Foster would go on to be Premiers that year, defeating Fish Creek. Foster were premiers and retain the SGFL Cup having won it three times. Jim McDonald won Best & Fairest, winning it every season since the medal was first donated in 1932-38. A Seasonal game, at Fish Creek, Melbourne sub-district 10-20 to SG League 8-6. Cost of Melbourne umpires. Victorian League umpires, umpires get £2-11-0, appointment fee 2/6, train to Meeniyan 11/10, meals and accommodation 2/6, transport to Leongatha 5/-, service car to Melbourne 12/6, cost £4-15-4 to get umpire back for tea Sunday night. Junior League umpires cost about 23-10-0. Considered as good. Duly engaged. Umpires’ expenses to be pooled. Umpires taken from train at Meeniyan. Goal umpires had to be approved by the League before acting. No player but the playing coach of any club to receive payment. Coaches at Meeniyan, J. Fraser from Brunswick, A. Mills at Tarwin Lower from Hawthorn, Gilby at Toora from Carlton, Bert Downs at Fish Creek. Umpires and Tribunal came under criticism that a lot of drastic offences were committed for which no penalty was imposed. Tribunal not strict enough. Umpires thought it was useless to report players.
1939
The South Gippsland Football League met with the other line Associations to form another line competition from Korumburra to Toora. Korumburra & Leongatha were not admitted. There was a reluctance to involve clubs in extra travelling expenses. A sense of loyalty to the weaker clubs. The League remained the same as last year with seven teams. A. Herald left, and C. Boag became captain. New players were Neil and Jack Smith, J. Kennedy, Watt, A. Tregea, D. Irwin, W. & J. Gilligan, G. Ormsby, G. Bengsston, F. Maloney, Ferguson, Hughes, Gillett, Hook, Souter, McGannon. Stony Creek had another disappointing year winning only the last game of the season. J. Luckie and D. Zeuschner got clearances back to Stony Creek from Meeniyan. Other players for the season being C. & G. Boag, A Madex, J. Cummins, F. Peach, R. Bentley, L. Watt, P. Porter, Maloney and Nelson. League Ladder: Toora 48pts, 36pts, Tarwin 32pts, Meeniyan 16pts, Fish Creek 8pts, Stony Creek 4 pts. League Best & Fairest to K. Crowley of Stony Creek won from J. McDonald and W. Tibballs. Toora would go on to be Premiers that year, defeating Foster. Many players reported for disputing, fighting, kicking from the ground, a spectator rushed onto the ground and struck a player on the mouth, enraging spectators. An ugly situation developed, and the police intervened to restore peace. Many players suspended for 5 & 6 matches. Footscray Football Club signed Ken Crowly of Stony Creek. Melbourne Clubs approach players of country clubs without permission. Country League asked for uniform rules. League instructed umpires to deal more strictly with such breaches as throwing the ball away after a mark on free kick and interfering with a player, after he has delivered the ball. New rule: A player who is in possession of the ball must at once kick or hand ball when firmly held by an opponent. If he fails to kick or hand ball the ball immediately a free kick shall be given against him for holding the ball. No dropping the ball.
1940 The League met to discuss the future of football while the country was at war. The war effort was seriously affecting sporting activities. It was decided to carry on with a shortened season and at the conclusion of the season the League to go into recess for the duration of the war. Tarwin Lower withdrew and Dumbalk at a late date reformed to make a six-team league. Local umpires were appointed at 30/- per match. New players to Stony Creek were M. McDonald, S. King, J. Opray, Keith Crowley, F. Zeuschner. Final four were Fish Creek, Toora, Meeniyan and Stony Creek. Finals: 1st Semi Final, Fish Creek 10.11 – 71 to Toora 7.14 – 56. 2nd Semi, Meeniyan 7.12 – 54 to Stony Creek 7.6 – 48. Final, Toora 9.14 to Meeniyan 6.13 – 49. Fish Creek would go on to be Premiers that year, defeating Toora. Stony Creek players: C. Boag, M. McDonald, J. & W. Gilligan, R. Bentley, F. Zeuschner, G. Ormsby, K. & K. Crowley, J. Hook, G. Bengsston, J. Opray & R. Nelson.
1943 Football at Fish Creek, Foster and Toora. Teams played Dollar. A number of Stony Creek players played in some of these teams.
1944 It was felt that district football should resume as there were a number of young players available and it would enable bigger things to be done next year. Toora, Foster, Fish Creek and Dollar formed a League. After a number of games had been played Stony Creek joined and a new draw was made. Stony Creek was a combination of players drawn from a wide field. Players still at Fish Creek were T. Maddison and A. & W. Gilligan. Players that year were A. Annear, G. Bengtsson, Batch, R. Bentley, B. Bentley, Fuller, W. Helms, C. W. Helms, W. Zeuschner, D. Zeuschner, Opray, Cummins, Steele, Peach, Stewart, McFarlane, Ryan, Crowley bros, Davis, A. Boag, Brown, Bartling. Umpire: J. Davis. New Rule: Any player playing four matches cannot play with any other team. Stony Creek had little success. Four being Fish Creek, Foster, Dollar & Toora. 1st Semi, Toora 10.17 to Dollar 7.8. 2nd Semi, Foster 16.6 to Fish Creek 8.11. Final Fish Creek 12.22 to Toora 10.8. Grand Final Fish Creek 11-12 to Foster 8.10.
1945 - 1950
2’s Footy & Grand Final Loses
1945
A six club competition was formed consisting of Dollar-Dumbalk, Stony Creek, Fish Creek, Foster, Toora & Welshpool. T.E. Thorson became President of the League, Secretary & Treasurer - G. Habberman; Vice President - W. Hackwell & G. Bengtsson with an independent tribunal. They were to run on much stricter rules on matters such as registration of players, team colours and wearing of numbers. Stony Creek reformed the club with a number of players back from armed forces. President: W. Batch, Secretary: S. Annear, Coach: K. Crowley, J. Zeuschner, S. Annear. New players: J. Stewart, K. Dunlop, N. Dehn, Chaffey, Jim & Dave Cashin, T. Maddison, Binding, A. Herald. Ladder at end of season, Foster 36, Dumbalk-Dollar 28, Fish Creek 20, Stony Creek 16, Welshpool 16, Toora 0. Best & Fairest was Ken Crowley of Stony Creek. 1st Semi at Foster. Stony Creek 10.11 to Fish Creek 4.13. 2nd Semi at Stony Creek. Foster 13.11 to Dumbalk 10.8. Final at Toora. Stony Creek 8.15 to Dumbalk 6.6. Grand Final at Meeniyan. Stony Creek 6.9. to Foster 4.8. Players: Crowley bros, C. Boag, Bentley bros, Annear, Herald, Bengsston, W. Ryan, McFarlane, Binding, L. Millson, N. Dehn, W. Batch, T. Maddison, W. Helms, T. Stewart, J. Bell. Football carnival. Two district teams to play 1st and 2nd eighteens from Leongatha. 1st eighteen Leongatha 9.23 to South Gippsland 8.17. 2nd Eighteen South Gippsland 13.18 to Leongatha 6.18. Carnival raised £60 for patriotic funds given to the South Gippsland Shire Repatriation committee. Basketball girls enter competition and win first game against Fish Creek. K. Jones, N. Mcllwaine, R. Bickam, J. Davis, M. Maddison, J. McFarlane, B. Stewart, D. Bell, E. Fuller & M. Dunlop.
1946
District football had carried on during the last two years creating a lot of interest. It was time leagues became consolidated and new constitutions were brought up to date. The old war time South Gippsland association was wound up and the old South Gippsland Football League was reformed, and they affiliated with Victorian Football League through the central Gippsland Football League. Toora, Welshpool, and Foster joined the Alberton Association and the SGFL consisted of Fish Creek, Stony Creek, Meeniyan, Dumbalk, Tarwin Lower and Leongatha Rovers. Local umpires were used at a cost of £2-2-0. Stony Creek had a successful season and some of the scores were: Stony Creek 9.10 to Meeniyan 1.13 & Stony Creek 25.22 to Tarwin 5.5. J. Bell kicking 11 goals. League Ladder: Fish Creek 56, Stony Creek 44, Dumbalk 32, Leongatha 18, Meeniyan 14, Tarwin 4. 1st Semi, Leongatha 13.9 to Dumbalk 9.9 at Fish Creek. 2nd Semi, Fish Creek 12.18 to Stony Creek 5.11 at Meeniyan. Final Stony Creek 10.11 to Leongatha at Meeniyan. Grand Final, Fish Creek 6.18 to Stony Creek 6.5 at Meeniyan. Fish Creek premiers. President: C. Boag, Secretary S. Annear. Players: Crowley bros, A. Gilligan, Bentley bros, J. Zeuschner, G. Boag, J. Bell, T Maddison, D. McKnight, B. Stewart, A. Chaffey. New players: D. McKnight returned, A. Herald cleared, B. Bentley, Ray Commane, Jack Charlton, O. Hughes, W. & T. Gilligan.
1947
The League remains the six teams with E. Thorson President and S. Annear Secretary. Constitution and rules need further alterations. 2nd eighteen league umpires to be engaged Foster had a junior competition, by staying junior made certain users for players under 18. Stony Creek: President C. Boag and Secretary S. Annear & F. Helms. New players: F. Helms, A. Walsh, J. Fields, N. Clarke, Peel, J. Gilligan, A. Madex, A. Boag, F. Bentley, B. Fraser. H. Hook was captain and coach but taken over later by C. Boag. A junior league was formed of five teams with Meeniyan & Tarwin combining. League Ladder: Fish Creek 56, Dumbalk 40, Stony Creek 32, Leongatha 28, Meeniyan 16, Tarwin 8. 1st Semi, Stony Creek 16.12 to Leongatha 10.12. Best were Gilligan bros, Crowley bros, J. Bell, J. Charlton. S. Annear travelled 140 miles to play. 2nd Semi, Fish Creek 4.18 to Dumbalk 5.8. Best D. McKnight. Grand Final Fish Creek 11.17 - 83 to Stony Creek 12.10 – 82. Best players were Keith Crowley, F. Helms, B. Fraser. The league seconds grand final was won by Fish Creek 4.4. to Dumbalk 3.4. Double premiers to Fish Creek. At the Stony Creek Football Club wind up ball they said farewell to Mr & Mrs S. Annear. We farewelled an old soldier Jack O'Connor who passed away on 7.8.1947. During the war he lost an eye but that did not stop him from umpiring for a number of years. Jack as he was familiarly known had been a great supporter of the football club. He spent much time raising funds for the recreation reserve and the improvements made during those years were due to his efforts.
1948
The league retains same six teams. President: J. Luckie; Vice President: F. Helms & C. Boag; Secretary/Treasurer: N. Clarke; Captain & Coach: Ken Crowley. Stony Creek entered a 2nds team in the competition. Players for the year were: K. & K. Crowley, J. & A. Gilligan, C. Boag, B. Fraser, J. Charlton, A. Madex, B. & R. Bentley, T. Maddison, W. & F. Helms, J. McGrath, E. McCaughan, A: Boag, J. Bell, M. Davis, J. Dempsey, J. Fields, W. Ryan. Young players in the seconds were: K. Gillett, A. McGrath, A. Poletti, C. & P. Carmichael, T. Mete and F. Bentley. League lad-der: Stony Creek 48, Fish Creek 48, Dumbalk 40, Tarwin Lower 24, Leongatha 8, Meeniyan 8. 1st Semi, at Stony Creek. Dumbalk 10.15 to Tarwin 8.6. 2nd Semi, Fish Creek 11.11 to Stony Creek 8.11. Great game by Gilligan. E. McCaughan injured his knee and was replaced by P. Carmichael. Final Stony Creek 9.7 to Dumbalk 5.8. Best were J. & A. Gilligan, J. McGrath and M. Davis. Grand Final Fish Creek 15.8 to Stony Creek 9.6. Best were Crowley bros, Bentley bros, J. Bell, G. Boag. Seconds premiers were Fish Creek 1.6 to Dumbalk 1.3. Stony Creek clubs best & fairest was Ken Crowley. Most improved was B. Fraser. 2nds best & fairest was W. Helms and T. Mete equal. Life membership to Mrs. H. Helms, J. Crowley, T. Boag, T. Zeuschner and F. Bell. During the season J. Todd broke his leg. Rules that season were League meeting - a seconds competition was formed to be played as curtain raisers before the senior game. There was no uniformity of football in the country. Clearance rules varied. The state was divided into 13 zones, each zone elected a district councillor. These 13 councillors and members of the VFL (the Senior Body in Victorian Football) constituted the Victorian Country Football League.
1949
The league remains the same teams. President: R.F. Helms; Vice President: J. Luckie & R. Carmichael; Secretary & Treasurer: F. Zeuschner. Coach was E. McCaughan with captain J. Gilligan. Ken Crowley cleared to Leongatha. J. Charlton refused clearance Dumbalk. Outstanding juniors in J. Dempsey & P. Carmichael. A. McGrath to the seniors. New man was B. Fry. League ladder: Stony Creek 46pts, Dumbalk 44pts, Fish Creek 42pts, Meeniyan 28pts, Leongatha 12pts, Tarwin 4pts. 1st Semi at Stony Creek. Meeniyan 4.5 to Fish Creek 5.14. 2nd Semi at Dumbalk 7.13 to Stony Creek 5.5. Best were K. Crowley, P. Carmichael, J. Gilligan, J. Charlton. Final at Meeniyan. Stony Creek 4.14 to Meeniyan 1.4. Best on ground were A. Gilligan, J. Dempsey, W. Helms. Grand Final Dumbalk 10.12 to Stony Creek 8.13. Best were F. Bentley, W. Helms, J. Gilligan, K. Gillett. Premiership to Dumbalk. Seconds of Stony Creek defeated in semi by a point. Players: T. Mete, Zeuschner, Dempsey, O'Loughlin, Beech & Phelan. Rules that year were, Complaint about league second’s umpire. League to engage 1st for the finals. The seconds competition now in its third-year play under the same conditions as the seniors regarding clearances, registrations, permits etc. Local umpire to be used. Clubs should have proper score boards functioning at all grounds. League decided to impose a fine of 210-0-0 on any club whose officials were found guilty of taking intoxicating liquor into dressing sheds. Umpires dissatisfied with tribunal penalty. Unless penalty was increased the Association would withdraw umpires.
1950
The league remains the same. President: R.F. Helms, Secretary & Treasurer: C. Carmichael; Captain/Coach: E. McCaughan; Vice Captain: J. Gilligan. Stony Creek had a reasonable season. Players to stand out were K. Crowley, E. McCaughan, Gilligan bros, Bentley bros, A. McGrath, J. Dempsey, J. Charlton, J. Phelan, W. Ryan & W. Helms. Ladder: Fish Creek 44pts, Meeniyan 44pts, Dumbalk 40pts, Stony Creek 28pts, Leongatha 20pts, Tarwin 4pts. 1st Semi Stony Creek 7.5 to Dumbalk 7.3. 2nd Semi, Fish Creek 11.19 to Meeniyan 3.10. Final Stony Creek 15.22 to Meeniyan 5.7. Grand Final, Fish Creek 6.12 to Stony Creek 5.6 was played in shocking conditions at Meeniyan. Fish Creek were premiers. Seconds of Fish Creek premiers 4.3 to Leongatha Rovers 3.0.
1951 - 1956
The Beginning of a New League
1951
1951 was to prove a great year for Stony Creek - premierships to cricket, tennis, netball and at last football, after playing in six consecutive grand finals. President: R.F. Helms; Secretary: W. Zeuschner; Coach: Keith Crowley. The league teams remain the same. Extra work was done on the ground extending the playing area to 200 yds by 160 yds. It was a very successful year, some scores were: Stony Creek 8.21 to Fish Creek 8.6. Stony Creek 6.1 drew with Meeniyan 5.7. Stony Creek 6.7. to Dumbalk 5.8. End of season ladder: Stony Creek 50pts, Dumbalk 40pts, Fish Creek 36pts, Meeniyan 26pts, Tarwin 24pts, Rovers 4pts. 1st Semi Final, Fish Creek 6.13 drew with Meeniyan 6.13. Replay - Fish Creek 9.8 to Meeniyan 6.10. 2nd Semi, Stony Creek 11.11 to Dumbalk 9.11. Final Dumbalk 14.10 to Fish Creek 9.10 Grand Final Stony Creek 9.6 to Dumbalk 7.11. Stony Creek Premiers Baby! Seconds 1st Semi, Fish Creek 1.10 Stony Creek 0.0. Dumbalk premiers in seconds defeating Fish Creek in the Grand Final. Premiership players: R. Bentley, J. Gilligan, F. Bentley, J. McGrath, W. Helms, McDonald, A. McGrath, T. Maddison, K. Knowles, J. Middleton, A. Gilligan, B. Dempsey, R. Fry, J. Dempsey, K. Howley, E. McLaughan, T. Stewart, R. Graham. Best a field E. McLaughan, W. Helms, Gilligan bros, Maddison, Graham, Fry, A. McGrath, J. Dempsey. In the netball Stony Creek won by 6 goals from Dumbalk.
1952
Same teams in league. President: R.F. Helms, Vice Presidents: J. Gilligan & W. Helms; Secretary & Treasurer: T. Maddison; Captain/Coach: Keith Crowley; Seconds coach: B. Fry. Ladder: Dumbalk 48pts, Meeniyan 44pts, Stony Creek 36pts, Fish Creek 32pts, Leongatha 16pts, Tarwin 0pts. 1st Semi, Fish Creek 7.11 to Stony Creek 7.6. Outstanding game by Keith Crowley who was best on ground. 2nd Semi, Meeniyan 11.12 to Dumbalk 6.14. Final, Fish Creek 8.10 to Dumbalk 6.12. Grand Final, Fish Creek 15.14 to Meeniyan 15.14. Game declared a draw, but Meeniyan awarded the premiership. Seconds final: 1st Semi, Fish Creek 11.17 to Stony Creek 0.0. Best for Stony Creek were R. Helms, K. Phelan, R. Hope, A. Bailey, N. Dempsey. Seconds grand final Dumbalk 9.6 to Fish Creek 5.6.
1953
Following the turmoil after the 1952 Grand Final in the South Gippsland Football League the Stony Creek club was faced with the problem of finding a league willing to accept them for the 1953 season. Club members were divided on where to go and finally some members settled on the Wonthaggi District Football League. This League consisted of Phillip Island, Bass, Kilcunda, Dalyston, Inverloch, East Wonthaggi and Shop Assistants. Stony Creek, Meeniyan and Dumbalk joined to form a 10-team league. The South Gippsland Football League was kept alive by the efforts of Mr. Ern Thorson who carried on as president and Mr. Mick McDonald as secretary. A six-team league was formed as a second’s competition & operated for two years and kept the door open for the revamped SGFL of 1955 with six teams initially, then up to eight teams before dropping down to six again. Details of games played in the Wonthaggi District Football League are sketchy and were researched from copies of Mr. Tom Gannon's Powlett Express. April 1953 Dalyston defeated Stony Creek 1st game. Better players: J. Charlton, Keith Crowley, W. Helms. April 23: Stony Creek 8.9 to Phillip Island 17.14. May 7: Stony Creek 9.8 to Dumbalk 11.9. May 14: Stony Creek 7.14 to East Wonthaggi 12.18. May 25: Stony Creek 3.2 to Inverloch 13.14. June 11: Stony Creek 6.7. to Kilcunda 10.13. June 18: Stony Creek 6.17 to Shops 14.6. July 2: Stony Creek 8.11 to Phillip Island 11.13. July 9: Stony Creek 1.3 to Dumbalk 15.23. July 23: Stony Creek 6.8 to Meeniyan 15.12. July 30: Stony Creek 4.4 to Inverloch 19.21. Aug 6: Stony Creek 6.5 to Bass 6.15. Aug 13: Stony Creek 6.9 to Kilcunda 5.7. Aug 30: Matches abandoned due to wet weather. Ladder Dumbalk 60pts, Inverloch 56pts, Dalyston 48pts, Shops 40pts, Phillip Island 32pts, Kilcunda 32pts, East Wonthaggi 24pts, Bass 20pts, Meeniyan 20pts, Stony Creek 8pts. 1st Semi, Dalyston 9.16 to Shops 6.3. 2nd Semi, Inverloch 6.14 to Dumbalk 7.7. Preliminary Final, Dalyston 3.7 to Dumbalk 3.1. Grand final won by Dalyston. Better players mentioned through year April 23: K. Crowley, K. Dempsey, R. Helms, J. Charlton, F. Bentley, A. McGrath. May 7: K. Crowley, J. Charlton, B. Dempsey, A. Gilligan, A. McGrath. May 25: J. Gilligan, B. Dempsey, L. Roberts, E. Moyes. June 11: J. Charlton, K. Crowley, T. Stewart, J. & A. Gilligan, A. McGrath. July 2: J. Middleton, W. Helms. July 9: K. & B. Dempsey, J. Gilligan, W. Helms, J. Middleton. July 23: K. Crowley, J. Moran, Williams. Aug 6: A. Bengtsson, M. Dunlop. Aug 13: Dempsey bros, C. Young, A. McGrath.
1954
Alan Christofferson appointed captain & coach at a salary of £8-0-0 per week. Keith Crowley vice-captain, W. Helms selector. Stony Creek won a practice game against Meeniyan 14.10 to 3.8. New players for Stony Creek were A. Bright, K. Halvorsen and N. Hosking. Young players in club H. Ross, L. Dempsey, R. Miller and D. O'Loughan. May 1954 Stony Creek, Dumbalk and Meeniyan with seconds sides playing in the SGFL were given ultimatum from WDFL that they had 1 month to field 2nd XVIII sides in the WDFL or be voted out. With National Service taking young players to camp, the 2nd XVIII competition saw some very uneven games with the 1st XVIII also affected. The Powlett Express commented that teams visiting Stony Creek and Dumbalk should practice in 10-acre paddocks as both grounds are huge compared to others in the league and that their facilities are first class. i.e. enclosed rooms and showers as opposed to no rooms at Kilcunda and only one cold tap beside ground at Bass for washing mud off. Social activities raised £54-0-0 in 1953 and increased functions in 1954 to help pay coach had already raised 110-0-0 halfway through the year. During the year our win loss ratio was not helped by the loss of the Dempsey bros to National Service and injuries to W. Helms (5 weeks), K. Crowley (6 weeks), E. McKaughan (3 weeks) and F. Bentley (2 weeks). Stony Creek played 18 games, won 5 lost 12, drew 1 = 22pts. Dumbalk once again finished on top of the ladder but were defeated once again in the 2nd semi and preliminary final. Dalyston defeated Inverloch in the Grand Final. During the year W. Helms was the Stony Creek player in the interleague side that played in June 1954. Stony Creek 2nd XVIII played 15 games, won 1 lost 14 = 4pts. April 10: Stony Creek defeated Bass. April 17: Stony Creek drew with Inverloch. April 24: Stony Creek 8.9 to Meeniyan 6.10. May 1: Stony Creek 8.15 to Shops 12.14. May 8: Stony Creek 4.7. to Dalyston 8.14. May 15: Stony Creek 5.15 to Dumbalk 10.14. May 29: Stony Creek 8.13 to Phillip Island 18.17. June 5:Stony Creek 17.21 to East Wonthaggi 16.4. June 19: Stony Creek 6.3 to Bass 15.12. June 26: Stony Creek 13.5 to Inverloch 12.12. July 3: Stony Creek 11.9 to Meeniyan 12.18. July 10: Stony Creek 14.7 to Shops 16.10. July 17: Stony Creek 7.6 to Dalyston 15.15. July 24: Stony Creek 9.12 to Kilcunda 2.1. July 31: Stony Creek 8.9 to Dumbalk 9.4. Aug 7: Stony Creek 9.8 to Phillip Island 15.15. Aug 14: Stony Creek 17.10 to East Wonthaggi 2.5. Better players during year: E. Wright, A. Christofferson, W. Helms, E. McKaughan, A. Bright, A. Bengtsson, J. Charlton, J. McGrath, J. Gilligan, K. Dempsey, B. Dempsey, P. Carmichael, A. McGrath, J. Moran, R. Miller, K. Halvorsen, K. Crowley, F. Bentley, M. Dunlop, T. Stewart, D. O'Loughlin. 2nd XVIII Stony Creek 2.4 to Shops 12.8. Best and Fairest: Ralph Miller, Best Trier: Barry Zeuschner.
1955
The South Gippsland Football League is up and running with 1st XVIII sides: Korumburra, Stony Creek, Meeniyan, Leongatha & Wonthaggi with Poowong being admitted later. Shop Assistants disbanded and joined Wonthaggi in SGFL. Mirboo North and Dumbalk join mid Gippsland Football League. This upheaval in football leagues was in part caused by the dumping of three clubs (Korumburra, Leongatha & Mirboo North) from the central Gippsland Football League so that their clubs did not have to 'cross the hills' as they put it. April 27: Stony Creek 10.2 to Meeniyan 7.14. April 30: Stony Creek 6.10 to Wonthaggi 4.15. May 11: Stony Creek 3.5 to Leongatha 19.18. May 18: Stony Creek 7.5 to Korumburra 8.12. May 25: Stony Creek 12.8 to Poowong 20.17. Interleague SGFL v Bass Valley Wonthaggi District FL, Stony Creek representative A. Christofferson (ruck). Emergencies: B. Dempsey and F. Bentley. BVWDFL 13.13 to SGFL 10.10. July 13: Stony Creek defeated by Meeniyan. July 27: Stony Creek 12.4 to Leongatha 6.11. Aug 3: Stony Creek 7.5 to Korumburra 9.14. Aug 10: Stony Creek 11.5 to Poowong 17.14. Ladder: Korumburra 48pts - 160%, Leongatha 44pts - 148%, Poowong 44pts - 123%, Stony Creek 20pts - 83%, Meeniyan 20pts - 76%, Wonthaggi 4pts - 51%. 1st Semi Final, Stony Creek 16.13 to Poowong 13.11. Best players: A. Christofferson, E. Wright (9 goals). 2nd Semi, Leongatha defeat Korumburra. Preliminary Final, Stony Creek 6.11 to Korumburra 12.14. This match played in continuous rain all day. Best players: R. Simpson, P. Carmichael, A. McGrath. Grand Final, Leongatha 4.6 to Korumburra 3.9. 2nd XVIII Stony Creek 2.6. to Poowong 3.6. Best players: L. Dempsey & Miller Snr & Jnr. Grand Final Korumburra 7.11 to Meeniyan 2.4.
1956
Premiership year. J. Charlton appointed captain & coach. 22nd March Third XVIII sides started with eligible players to be under 16 years on April 1st. May 3: Stony Creek 7.7 to Wonthaggi 8.11. May 16: Stony Creek 10.15 to Korumburra 4.6. June 20: Stony Creek 9.10 to Poowong 14.12. June 27: Stony Creek 6.10 to Korumburra 8.16. July 3: Stony Creek 12.17 to Leongatha 2.3. June 30 Poowong ground so bad play was abandoned at 1/2 time with Poowong leading 11.9 to Meeniyan 2.1, game later awarded to Poowong by League decision. July 19: Stony Creek 7.9 to Wonthaggi 8.7. July 25: Stony Creek 6.5 to Poowong 5.5. Aug 1: Stony Creek 13.13 to Korumburra 4.5. Although defeated by Wonthaggi twice during the season Stony Creek were able to win the second Semi Final by a small margin. Stony Creek 8.9 to Wonthaggi 7.12. Second Semi Final side: R. Miller, J. Crowley, D. Loughlin, R. Thorson, L. Dempsey, A. McGrath, K. Thorson, K. Crowley, B. Thorson, B. Dempsey, A. Christofferson, J. Charlton, A. Sinclair, E. Moyes. Preliminary Final, Korumburra 6.7 to Wonthaggi 4.6. Grand Final Stony Creek 10.7 to Korumburra 9.8. Best players: R. Miller, F. Bentley, W. Helms, A. Christofferson, K. Crowley, J: Gilligan, K. Thorson, Dempsey bros. Grand final team had 2 sets of three brothers playing: R. K. & B. Thorson and K. B. & L. Dempsey. 2nd XVIII Stony Creek 0.0 to Korumburra 18.6. Stony Creek 2.3. to Poowong 16.19. Stony Creek 0.1 to Korumburra 16.17. Our girls’ basketball team was also premiers in this year. In the week leading up to the Grand Final, it was reported in the Melbourne Press that when Stony Creek last won a premiership in 1951 it had snowed on grassy spur and as this had happened again this year we were looking to another premiership. After we won the Argus headline read Stony Creek win with 18 snowmen.
1957 - 1965
1957
After our premiership year we again had a good season and only poor kicking in the preliminary final kept us from defending our title. Stony Creek 12.12 to Wonthaggi 8.13. Stony Creek 10.9 to Poowong 15.11. Stony Creek 8.17 to Wonthaggi 8.17. Stony Creek 9.12 to Poowong 9.11. Stony Creek 18.13 to Korumburra 10.5. Stony Creek 5.7 to Leongatha 11.11. Stony Creek 17.17 to Meeniyan 6.8. Stony Creek 11.7 to Wonthaggi 12.10 our first defeat at Stony Creek in 2 seasons). Stony Creek 12.14 to Poowong 3.6. Last game of season Stony Creek defeated Leongatha by 1 point and kept them out of the four. 1st Semi Final, Stony Creek 3.2/4.6/6.7/10.10 to Poowong 2.5/5.10/7.16/8.18. Best players: R. Miller, W. Helms, C. Young & A. Sinclair. Preliminary Final, Stony Creek 3.1/5.8/7.10/9.15 to Korumburra 5.3/8.3/10.7/11.7. Best players: R. Miller, Thorson bros, P. Carmichael. Grand final Korumburra 10.9 to Wonthaggi 9.9.
1958
E. Wright captain & coach. SGFL expanded to include Mirboo North and Dumbalk during July umpires started to be transported by car instead of train. In order to catch the train at night some high-speed dashes had been necessary, and one game was played without time on for the same reason. The cost was up from 28-0-0 to £12-0-0. During season Stony Creek and Meeniyan were finding it difficult to field sides and talk of amalgamation tossed about. B. Dempsey chosen in inter-league side to play Mornington Peninsula. Won by South Gippsland 10.16 to Mornington 9.17. Matches: Stony Creek 11.7 to Meeniyan 3.7. Stony Creek 5.6 to Leongatha 9.12. Stony Creek 15.11 to Poowong 7.15. Stony Creek 5.3 to Mirboo North 8.17 (terrible day gale force winds) Stony Creek 9.9 to Wonthaggi 12.8. Stony Creek 7.12 to Dumbalk 8.7. Stony Creek 10.10 to Korumburra 13.20. Stony Creek 7.4 to Poowong 11.11. Stony Creek 8.9 to Wonthaggi 10.1. Stony Creek 9.8 to Dumbalk 10.6. Stony Creek 4.6 to Korumburra 4.8. Stony Creek 11.14 to Meeniyan 7.8. Stony Creek 3.7 to Leongatha 15.17. 1st Semi Final, Wonthaggi 15.8 to Leongatha 10.11. 2nd Semi Final, Mirboo North 10.11 to Korumburra 5.4. Preliminary Final, Korumburra 10.16 to Wonthaggi 10.15. Grand Final, Mirboo North 15.20 to Korumburra 5.12. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 1.4 to Poowong 11.25. Stony Creek lost to Meeniyan. Stony Creek 0.0 to Leongatha 33.19. Stony Creek lost to Poowong by 3 points.
Grand Final Heartbreaks
1959
R. Stone captain & coach. New fence erected round football ground. Stony Creek defeated last year’s premiers by 10 goals in first game of season. April 1: Stony Creek 18.20 to Mirboo North 8.12. April 18: Stony Creek 10.21 to Wonthaggi 12.11. May 2: Stony Creek 9.23 to Dumbalk 3.7. May 9: Stony Creek 10.14 to Korumburra 8.13. May 16: Stony Creek 13.10 to Meeniyan 6.8. May 23: Stony Creek 11.19 to Poowong 11.7 (our first win at Poowong). June 6: Stony Creek 6.21 to Mirboo North 7.14. June 20: Stony Creek 11.14 to Wonthaggi 10.10. June 27: Stony Creek 6.9. to Dumbalk 3.6. July 4: Stony Creek 16.15 to Korumburra 11.9. July 11: Stony Creek 20.20 to Meeniyan 4.3. July 18: Stony Creek 10.4 to Leongatha 11.9. July 25 Stony Creek 18.9 to Poowong 5.4. Aug 1: Stony Creek 13.15 to Mirboo North 8.7. Aug 8: Stony Creek 17.21 to Dumbalk 0.2. Aug 15: Stony Creek 9.14 to Wonthaggi 3.9. Aug 22: Stony Creek 12.8 to Korumburra 10.7. 1st Semi Final, Leongatha 15.17 to Korumburra 10.13. 2nd Semi Final, Draw - Stony Creek 12.16 to Wonthaggi 13.10 best players: D. Poore, E. Wright, A. McGrath, R. Stone, Dempsey bros. Replay Stony Creek 8.18 to Wonthaggi 10.8. Preliminary Final, Stony Creek defeated Leongatha. Grand final Stony Creek 9.8 to Wonthaggi 11.11. B. Zeuschner broken nose 2nd quarter upset team balance. Interleague game SG 10.16 to Alberton 9.12. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 1.2 to Mirboo North 11.6. Stony Creek 4.4 to Dumbalk 6.8. Stony Creek 1.0 to Korumburra 14.1. Stony Creek 4.2 to Meeniyan 9.4. Stony Creek 0.1 to Poowong 19.14. Stony Creek 1.4 to Mirboo North 6.8. Stony Creek 0.0 to Wonthaggi 17.14. Stony Creek 0.3 to Korumburra 9.13. Stony Creek 0.5 to Meeniyan 8.7. Stony Creek 1.2 to Leongatha 15.11. Stony Creek 7.4 to Meeniyan 8.7. Stony Creek 8.10 to Dumbalk 1.1. Third XVIII competition started this season.
1960
R. Stone captain & coach. Electric lights installed in dressing sheds to replace pressure lanterns then in use. Four members of Stony Creek in Interleague side to play Alberton: R. Stone (captain & CHB), L. Dempsey (full back, B. Zeuschner (Half forward), B. Dempsey (ruck). April 14: Stony Creek 11.15 to Korumburra 10.7. April 21: Stony Creek 3.9 to Poowong 3.5. April 28: Stony Creek 28.36 to Mirboo North 4.8 E. Wright 13 goals. Stony Creek defeated Meeniyan. May 19: Stony Creek 2.12 to Wonthaggi 11.19. May 26: Stony Creek 7.8 to Leongatha 5.11. June 2: Stony Creek 9.15 to Korumburra 8.13. June 9: Stony Creek 7.12 to Poowong 8.8. June 16: Stony Creek 17.20 to Mirboo North 2.4. July 13: Stony Creek 14.8 to Wonthaggi 8.8. July 20: Stony Creek: 5.8 to Leongatha 12.9. July 27: Stony Creek 2.8 to Korumburra 8.4. Aug 3: Stony Creek 9.8 to Poowong 3.12. Aug 10: Stony Creek 10.9 to Dumbalk 6.9. 1st Semi Final, Poowong 12.11 to Wonthaggi 9.7. 2nd Semi Final, Stony Creek 9.6 to Leongatha 7.13. Preliminary Final, Leongatha 8.13 to Poowong 9.2. Grand final Stony Creek 10.9 – 69 to Leongatha 11.12 – 78. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 2.2 to Poowong 4.9. Stony Creek 8.7 to Mirboo North 3.9. Stony Creek 0.1 to Wonthaggi 8.14. Stony Creek 1.2 to Leongatha12.16. Stony Creek 2.4 to Poowong 8.9. Stony Creek 2.4 to Mirboo North 4.4. Stony Creek 0.3 to Wonthaggi 13.13. Stony Creek 2.5 to Leongatha 11.9. Stony Creek 8.1 to Dumbalk 5.2.
1961
Stony Creek enter team in Thirds XVIII competition, and Meeniyan started on July 20th. League best and fairest W. Fary from Mirboo North 20 votes. M. Zeuschner 15 votes. 2nd XVIII best and fairest J. Carr equal second 20 votes. 3rd XVIII best and fairest Keith Cummins got 15 votes. M. Zeuschner won Boston award by 2 votes from P. McRae of Wonthaggi. Stony Creek unbeaten at home this season. April 20: Stony Creek 1.15 to Korumburra 13.14. April 27: Stony Creek 14.12 to Mirboo North 6.8. May 25: Stony Creek 8.17 to Meeniyan 9.12. June 1: Stony Creek 12.10 to Wonthaggi 7.11. June 8: Stony Creek 14.13 to Korumburra 11.21. June 22: Stony Creek 11.18 to Mirboo North 3.5. Stony Creek 9.13 to Dumbalk 4.9. Stony Creek 7.3 to Poowong 9.6. July 20: Stony Creek 7.13 to Meeniyan 7.4. Stony Creek 4.15 to Wonthaggi 6.8. Aug 3: 8.9 to Korumburra 13.8. Aug 10: Stony Creek 21.19 to Mirboo North 0.2. Aug 24: Stony Creek 9.12 to Poowong 8.8. 1st Semi Final, Korumburra 7.9 to Stony Creek 6.8. 2nd Semi Final, Wonthaggi 9.2 to Leongatha 7.9. Preliminary Final, Leongatha 11.13 to Korumburra 8.18. Grand Final Leongatha 10.12 to Wonthaggi 6.10. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 4.5 to Meeniyan 4.5. Stony Creek 6.1 to Wonthaggi 6.5. Stony Creek 1.2 to Mirboo North 4.6. Stony Creek 3.3 to Poowong 14.8. Stony Creek 7.5 Meeniyan 2.4. Stony Creek 0.5 to Wonthaggi 10.8. Stony Creek 0.1 to Korumburra 14.12. Stony Creek 0.5 to Mirboo North 4.8. Stony Creek 1.2 to Poowong 8.9. Grand Final, Korumburra 6.12 to Wonthaggi 3.5. Third XVIII matches: Stony Creek 1.3 to Meeniyan 2.5. Stony Creek 0.3 to Mirboo North 9.5. Stony Creek 2.2 to Poowong 1.6 (thirds first win). Stony Creek 4.2 to Meeniyan 2.2. Stony Creek 0.2 to Wonthaggi 8.5. Stony Creek 0.1 to Mirboo North 10.11. Stony Creek 1.0 to Poowong 4.7. During season: B. Dempsey broken leg, L. Dempsey broken ankle, J. Dempsey broken arm.
1962
A. Poole captain & coach. Night football preseason at Korumburra, won by Leongatha 1959 & 60, Bena 1961. Stony Creek entered this year and were beaten by Loch who went on to win against Bena. 1st XVIII Best & Fairest votes by Stony Creek players A. Poole 11, A. McGrath 8. 2nd XVIII Best & Fairest won by J. Carr Stony Creek. 3rd XVIII Best & Fairest D. Findlay equal third. Interleague: South Gippsland played mid Gippsland, S. Gippsland 13.13 to Mid Gippsland 11.10. Best on ground A. Poole. Stony Creek players in side: A. Pool (CHF), A. McGrath (forward pocket & roving), G. McCaughan 19th man. 2nd XVIII Interleague K. Cummins (back pocket & 2nd ruck), K. O'Neill (emergency). Senior matches: April 18: Stony Creek 4.8 to Wonthaggi 11.21. Stony Creek 13.13 to Dumbalk 6.8. Stony Creek 6.7 to Mirboo North 11.13. Stony Creek 5.9 to Korumburra 1.6. Stony Creek 10.8 to Meeniyan 10.15. Stony Creek 6.10 to Leongatha 11.15. Stony Creek 11.7 to Poowong 0.13. Stony Creek 12.17 to Dumbalk 4.1. Stony Creek 7.13 to Mirboo North 3.7. Stony Creek 11.6 to Korumburra 12.12. Stony Creek 8.13 to Meeniyan 3.7. Stony Creek 6.6 to Leongatha 9.17. Stony Creek 5.7 to Poowong 12.11. Stony Creek 6.9 to Wonthaggi 6.6. Stony Creek 8.21 to Dumbalk 2.7. Stony Creek 10.9 to Mirboo North 9.9, Stony Creek 3.4 to Korumburra 4.10. Stony Creek 4.6 to Wonthaggi 10.10. 1st Semi Final, Wonthaggi 8.16 to Korumburra 7.13. 2nd Semi Final, Leongatha 15.9 to Poowong 11.9. Preliminary Final Wonthaggi 9.17 to Poowong 5.10. Grand Final, Wonthaggi 9.10 to Leongatha 5.15. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 0.0 to Wonthaggi 11.14. Stony Creek 3.6 to Dumbalk 4.5. Stony Creek 1.2 to Mirboo North 11.8. Stony Creek 0.0 to Korumburra 6.13. Stony Creek 6.5 to Meeniyan 3.3. Stony Creek 1.3 to Leongatha 11.7. Stony Creek 1.1 to Poowong 11.6. Stony Creek 6.5 to Dumbalk 1.6. Stony Creek 0.0 to Meeniyan 4.8. Stony Creek 0.0 to Mirboo North 4.8. Stony Creek 0.1 to Korumburra 12.5. Stony Creek 4.8 to Meeniyan 5.1. Stony Creek 2.2 to Leongatha 13.5. Stony Creek 1.3 to Poowong 7.6. Stony Creek 1.0 to Wonthaggi 26.8. Stony Creek 6.7 to Dumbalk 0.4. Stony Creek 0.0 to Mirboo North 15.15. Stony Creek 2.2 to Korumburra 1.11. Stony Creek 2.2 to Wonthaggi 26.21. 1st Semi Final, Mirboo North beat Korumburra. 2nd Semi Final, Wonthaggi beat Poowong. Preliminary Final, Poowong beat Mirboo North. Grand Final, Wonthaggi beat Poowong. Third XVIII matches: Stony Creek 3.3 to Wonthaggi 14.15. Stony Creek 8.6 to Dumbalk 8.9. Stony Creek 0.2 to Mirboo North 22.19. Stony Creek 0.3 to Korumburra 13.14. Stony Creek 7.7 to Meeniyan 9.7. Stony Creek 1.1 to Leongatha 17.16. Stony Creek 3.4 to Poowong 11.7. Stony Creek 1.0 to Dumbalk 9.10. Stony Creek 0.0 to Mirboo North 4.6. Stony Creek 0.0 to Korumburra 19.13. Stony Creek 4.4 to Meeniyan 0.5. Stony Creek 1.0 to Leongatha 23.14. Stony Creek 0.1 Poowong 8.6. Stony Creek 1.2 Wonthaggi 10.12. Stony Creek 0.1 to Dumbalk 15.15. Stony Creek 0.1 Mirboo North 25.18. Stony Creek 0.1 to Korumburra 19.18. Stony Creek 1.4 to Wonthaggi 8.9.
1963
A. Poole captain and coach. South Gippsland made major league: Fish Creek may join Interleague players, A. Poole (CHF), Estock (ruck rover), B. Dempsey (ruck). A. Poole League best and fairest 14 votes = 4th. Stony Creek beat last year’s premiers first up, Stony Creek 1.15 to Wonthaggi 9.5. May 2: Stony Creek 21.8 to Poowong 16.12. Stony Creek 11.13 to Mirboo North 11.11. Stony Creek 9.14 to Korumburra 5.19. Stony Creek 15.23 to Meeniyan 10.12. Stony Creek 10.17 to Poowong 12.7. Stony Creek 13.12 to Mirboo North 14.10. Stony Creek 8.4 to Korumburra 18.26. Stony Creek 4.4 to Leongatha 6.6. Stony Creek 10.9 to Dumbalk 7.6. Stony Creek 11.17 to Meeniyan 11.12. Stony Creek 5.4 to Wonthaggi 5.4. Stony Creek 13.16 to Poowong 9.12. Stony Creek 8.10 to Wonthaggi 5.16. 1st Semi Final, Stony Creek lost to Wonthaggi. Grand Final, Leongatha beat Korumburra by 8 pts. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 0.3 to Mirboo North 6.8. Stony Creek 0.1 to Korumburra 12.14: Stony Creek 7.13 to Dumbalk 10.11. Stony Creek 6.7 to Meeniyan 4.6. Stony Creek 0.5 to Poowong 6.6. Stony Creek 2.6 to Mirboo North 7.14. Stony Creek 0.0 to Korumburra 15.15. Stony Creek 1.0 to Leongatha 12.19. Stony Creek 3.1 to Dumbalk 1.8. Stony Creek 0.2 to Meeniyan 6.11. Stony Creek 1.3 to Wonthaggi 11.14 Stony Creek 2.5 to Poowong 6.10. Stony Creek 1.8 to Wonthaggi 4.4. Grand Final, Leongatha beat Korumburra by 8 points. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 0.3 to Mirboo North 6.8. Stony Creek 0.1 to Korumburra 12.14. Stony Creek 7.13 to Dumbalk 10.11. Stony Creek 6.7 to Meeniyan 4.6. Stony Creek 0.5 or Poowong 6.6. Stony Creek 2.6 to Mirboo North 7.14. Stony Creek 0.0 or Korumburra 15.15. Stony Creek 1.0 to Leongatha 12.19. Stony Creek 3.1 to Dumbalk 1.8. Stony Creek 0.2 to Meeniyan 6.11. Stony Creek 1.3 to Wonthaggi 11.14. Stony Creek 2.5 to Poowong 6.10. Stony Creek 1.8 to Wonthaggi 4.4. Third XVIII matches: Stony Creek 0.1 to Mirboo North 19.13. Stony Creek 0.0 to Korumburra 7.10. Stony Creek 3.9 to Dumbalk 1.0. Stony Creek 4.11 to Meeniyan 3.4. Stony Creek 2.2 to Poowong 14.12. Stony Creek 0.2 to Mirboo North 12.22. Stony Creek 1.3 to Korumburra 4.19. Stony Creek 0.0 to Leongatha 19.9. Stony Creek 4.4 to Dumbalk 3.1. Stony Creek 1.5 to Meeniyan 2.2. Stony Creek 1.2 to Wonthaggi 1.13. Stony Creek 1.1 to Poowong 14.15. Stony Creek 5.1 to Wonthaggi 3.14. August 12th - talks on future of SGFL. Wonthaggi suggested that League invite Warragul and Drouin to join. Stony Creek, Meeniyan, Dumbalk and Mirboo North hold a joint meeting to discuss futures of clubs and amalgamation of clubs tossed about. No decision reached.
1964
Ron Stanfield captain and coach. 2nds coach E. McCaughan. Meeniyan and Dumbalk clubs unite. Nyora admitted to third XVIII competition. Stony Creek become only team ever to hold Leongatha goal less for a game 7.8 to 0.7. Disputed score in Leongatha and Wonthaggi match, won by Leongatha by 5 points. Shot at goal on 45-degree angle appeared through centre of goal but W. Ryan Leongatha goal umpire signalled 1 point. Field umpire said it was worst decision he had ever seen. April 1: Stony Creek 10.23 to Mirboo North 11.12. Stony Creek 17.11 to Leongatha 7.11. Stony Creek 11.9 to Wonthaggi 6.16. Stony Creek 10.13 Korumburra 7.10. Stony Creek 14.14 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 11.8. Stony Creek 11.10 to Mirboo North 12.19. Stony Creek 4.8 to Leongatha 5.11. Stony Creek 10.5 to Wonthaggi 9.9. Stony Creek 11.9 drew with Korumburra 10.15. Stony Creek 14.4 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 7.9. Stony Creek 19.19 to Poowong 2.6. Stony Creek 3.2 to Mirboo North 2.6. Stony Creek 7.8 to Leongatha 0.7. Stony Creek 5.7 to Wonthaggi 5.8. 1st Semi Final, Mirboo North 10.8 to Wonthaggi 9.13. 2nd Semi Final, Leongatha 11.11 to Stony Creek 9.6. Preliminary Final, Mirboo North 16.10 to Stony Creek 8.14. Grand Final, Leongatha 7.6 to Mirboo North 6.6. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 4.2 to Mirboo North 6.8. Stony Creek 3.11 to Leongatha 6.3: Stony Creek 1.3 to Wonthaggi 2.6. Stony Creek 7.1 to Korumburra 4.3. Stony Creek 3.4 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 7.3. Stony Creek 2.6 to Mirboo North 5.7. Stony Creek 2.1 to Leongatha 6.6. Stony Creek 1.3 to Wonthaggi 3.2. Stony Creek 6.0 to Korumburra 3.11. Stony Creek 1.1 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 7.5. Stony Creek 3.1 drew with Poowong 2.7. Stony Creek 2.2 to Leongatha 3.8. Third XVIII matches: Stony Creek 0.0 to Mirboo North 27.13. Stony Creek 0.0 to Leongatha 23.23. Stony Creek 0.1 to Wonthaggi 7.14. Stony Creek 1.1 to Korumburra 18.16. Stony Creek 1.0 to Meeniyan Dumbalk 11.20. Stony Creek 0.1 to Mirboo North 16.16. Stony Creek 0.0 to Leongatha 24.14 Stony Creek 1.4 to Wonthaggi 4.8. Stony Creek 0.1 to Korumburra 17.13. Stony Creek 1.1 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 8.5. Stony Creek 0.0 to Leongatha 16.19.
1965
Stony Creek won first year of Under 14 Lightning Premiership. Interleague: South Gippsland 8.8 to Latrobe Valley 19.15. April 22: Stony Creek 9.5 to Wonthaggi 8.8. April 29: Stony Creek 8.8 to poowong 12.9. May 6: Stony Creek 6.7 to Mirboo North 18.23. May 20: Stony Creek 10.8 to Korumburra 13.7. May 27: Stony Creek 9.6 to Meeniyan Dumbalk 5.5. June 3: Stony Creek 7.7 to Leongatha 17.13. June 10: Stony Creek 6.8 to Wonthaggi 10.10. June 17: Stony Creek 9.3 to Leongatha 6.13. June 24: Stony Creek 1.8 to Poowong: 7.14. July 1: Stony Creek 3.7 to Mirboo North 19.13. July 15: Stony Creek 10.10 to Korumburra 13.15. July 22 Stony Creek 13.12 to Meeniyan Dumbalk 8.8. July 29: Stony Creek 8.8 to Leongatha 10.15. Aug 5: Stony Creek 6.5 to Wonthaggi 6.10. Aug 12: Stony Creek 6.12 to Poowong 6.4. Aug 19: Stony Creek 6.11 to Mirboo North 14.19. Sept 2: Stony Creek 6.11 to Korumburra 16.17. Sept 9: Stony Creek 10.12 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 10.10. 1st Semi Final, Leongatha 16.11 to Poowong 8.4. 2nd Semi Final, Korumburra 10.7 to Mirboo North 7.9. Preliminary Final, won by Leongatha. Grand Final Korumburra 6.7 to Leongatha 4.11. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 2.5 to Wonthaggi 8.9. Stony Creek 1.0 to Poowong 8.14. Stony Creek 0.0 to Mirboo North 11.19. Stony Creek 1.3 to Korumburra 12.10. Stony Creek 1.2 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 2.5. Stony Creek 2.0 to Leongatha 11.17. Stony Creek 0.0 to Wonthaggi 14.24. Stony Creek 0.0 to Leongatha 15.17. Stony Creek 0.2 to Poowong 10.9. Stony Creek 2.0 to Mirboo North 12.25. Stony Creek 4.4 to Nyora 10.11. Stony Creek 0.0 to Korumburra 14.8. Stony Creek 2.7 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 6.10. Stony Creek 0.0 to Leongatha 16.7. Stony Creek 1.1 to Wonthaggi 11.16. Stony Creek 0.0 to Poowong 14.10. Stony Creek 2.3 to Mirboo North 14.8. Stony Creek 0.0 to Korumburra 24.10. Stony Creek 2.1 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 3.8. Third XVIII matches: Stony Creek 2.1 to Wonthaggi 4.10. Stony Creek 0.3 to Poowong 3.7. Stony Creek 0.0 to Mirboo North 17.17. Stony Creek 1.3 to Korumburra 10.12. Stony Creek 2.2 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 3.12. Stony Creek 0.1 to Leongatha 23.13. Stony Creek 5.5 to Wonthaggi 1.3. Stony Creek 0.0 to Leongatha 18.16. Stony Creek 4.6 to Poowong 0.3. Stony Creek 7.7 to Mirboo North 7.10. Stony Creek 2.1 to Nyora 5.8. Stony Creek 2.1 to Korumburra 12.13. Stony Creek 6.4 Meeniyan/Dumbalk 6.8. Stony Creek 1.1 to Leongatha 16.22 Stony Creek 5.7 to Wonthaggi 2.1 Stony Creek 3.5 to Poowong 4.1. Stony Creek 0.4 to Mirboo North 8.11. Stony Creek 3.7 to Nyora 5.2. Stony Creek 2.4 to Korumburra 7.10 Stony Creek 3.2 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 6.5.
1966 - 1970
The Alberton League
1966
Stony Creek under 14 runners up in Lightning Premiership, ruck-man I. Maddison, centreman Don McKnight. Nyora 2nd XVIII admitted to League. Best first year player L. Maloney later at Essendon. May 2: Stony Creek 7.6 to Wonthaggi 8.18. May 10: Stony Creek 5.11 to Korumburra 14.16. May 24: Stony Creek 8.10 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 8.11. May 31: Stony Creek 4.8 to Mirboo North 11.15. June 7: Stony Creek 3.3 to Leongatha 19.23. June 21: Stony Creek 9.15 to Poowong 8.13. June 28: Stony Creek 3.5 to Wonthaggi 8.12. July 5: Stony Creek 4.12 to Korumburra 9.12. July 19: Stony Creek 6.17 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 3.12. July 26: Stony Creek 5.5 to Mirboo North 10.9. Aug 2: Stony Creek 3.4 to Leongatha 18.16. Aug 9: Stony Creek 13.9 to Poowong 5.8. Sep 1: Stony Creek 11.6 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 8.11. Grand Final Mirboo North 12.13 to Wonthaggi 4.9. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 0.3 to Wonthaggi 9.4. Stony Creek 1.2 to Korumburra 6.7. Stony Creek 3.2 to Nyora 8.6. Stony Creek 4.6 to Mirboo North 7.9. Stony Creek 0.1 to Leongatha 14.7. Stony Creek 2.1 to Poowong 22.11. Stony Creek 2.2 to Wonthaggi 9.10. Stony Creek 0.0 to Korumburra 15.14. Stony Creek 2.3 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 7.3. Stony Creek 2.1 to Poowong 7.8. Stony Creek 4.4 to Nyora 3.6. Stony Creek 5.6 To Meeniyan/Dumbalk 5.3. Third XVIII matches: Stony Creek 5.5 to Wonthaggi 0.2. Stony Creek 0.2 to Korumburra 5.12. Stony Creek 3.6 to Nyora 6.12. Stony Creek 0.7 to Mirboo North 7.9. Stony Creek 0.0 to Leongatha 9.15. Stony Creek 2.4 to Poowong 8.8. Stony Creek 11.10 to Wonthaggi 0.0. Stony Creek 0.3 to Korumburra 8.17. Stony Creek 1.0 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 6.7. Stony Creek 3.5 to Poowong 4.7. Stony Creek 7.9 to Nyora 1.1. Stony Creek 3.1 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 9.11.
1967
SGFL best and fairest Glen Millar, SGFL 2nd XVIII best and fairest John Gidley - nice double! Stony Creek 2nd XVIII club best and fairest W. Helms, runner up J. Gidley. Poowong and Nyora left SGFL. May 4: Stony Creek 7.6 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 15.12. May 11: Stony Creek 7.7 to Wonthaggi 20.15. May 18: Stony Creek 2.1 to Leongatha 17.13. May 25: Stony Creek 2.5 to Korumburra 18.22. June 1: Stony Creek 5.15 to Mirboo North 15.8. June 8: Stony Creek 7.2 to Wonthaggi 18.22. June 15: Stony Creek 3.4 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 6.22. June 22: Stony Creek 5.1 to Korumburra 25.15. July 4: Stony Creek 3.4 to Leongatha 10.14. July 11: Stony Creek 5.6 to Mirboo North 6.14. July 18: Stony Creek 9.7 to Wonthaggi 7.5. July 25: Stony Creek 14.11 Meeniyan/Dumbalk 16.13. Aug 1: Stony Creek 3.7 to Leongatha 14.14. Aug 8: Stony Creek 6.4 to Korumburra 12.17. Aug 15: Stony Creek 1.7 to Wonthaggi 8.12. Aug 22: Stony Creek 10.7 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 4.14. Aug 29: Stony Creek 8.10 to Mirboo North 9.6. Sep 5: Stony Creek 3.8 to Leongatha 10.11. 1st Semi Final, Wonthaggi 13.8 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 5.11. 2nd Semi, Korumburra 10.16 to Leongatha 9.10. Preliminary Leongatha 7.5 to Wonthaggi 4.12. Grand Final, Korumburra 13.12 to Leongatha 10.3. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 4.2 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 7.9. Stony Creek 4.5 to Wonthaggi 7.12. Stony Creek 2.0 to Leongatha 9.12. Stony Creek 2.4 to Korumburra 5.10 Stony Creek 4.5 to Mirboo North 5.8. Stony Creek 4.8 to Wonthaggi 5.3. Stony Creek 3.5 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 6.4. Stony Creek 2.1 to Korumburra 12.15. Stony Creek 3.4 to Leongatha 10.12. Stony Creek 3.9 to Wonthaggi 5.3. Stony Creek 3.1 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 6.5. Stony Creek 1.3 to Leongatha 4.11. Stony Creek 2.1 to Korumburra 5.9. Stony Creek 1.3 to Wonthaggi 3.2. Stony Creek 1.5 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 5.5. Stony Creek 3.6 to Mirboo North 6.7. Third XVIII matches: Stony Creek 8.5 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 5.3. Stony Creek 19.17 to Wonthaggi 0.0. Stony Creek 3.0 to Leongatha 11.8. Stony Creek 3.5 to Korumburra 6.5. Stony Creek 3.11 to Mirboo North 5.4. Stony Creek 17.12 to Wonthaggi 3.1. Stony Creek 4.0 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 4.2. Stony Creek 2.1 to Korumburra 6.8. Stony Creek 2.4 to Leongatha 4.6. Stony Creek 14.14 to Wonthaggi 0.0. Stony Creek 3.6 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 2.2. Stony Creek 0.0 to Leongatha 4.8. Stony Creek 2.6 to Korumburra 6.15. Stony Creek 4.10 to Wonthaggi 0.2. Stony Creek 2.11 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 4.12. Stony Creek 5.4 to Mirboo North 5.9.
1968
Glen Millar resigns as coach after 2 rounds, Don Earl appointed new coach. Recruits: Richard Dobson (back pocket), Dennis Maloney (ruck). Cleared L. Maloney to Essendon, O. Bentley to Malvern. SGFL wants talks with BVWDFL re amalgamation. April23: Stony Creek 3.8 to Korumburra 19.24. April 30: Stony Creek 4.8 to Wonthaggi 23.15. May 7: Stony Creek 4.5 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 4.15. May 14: Stony Creek 10.8 to Mirboo North 8.16. May 21: Stony Creek 1.4 to Leongatha 18.17. May 28: Stony Creek 4.6 to Korumburra 6.18. June 11: Stony Creek 4.10 to Wonthaggi 11.12. June 18: Stony Creek 9.10 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 14.13. June 25: Stony Creek 9.11 to Mirboo North 14.13. July 2: Stony Creek 3.7 to Leongatha 4.4. July 9: Stony Creek 9.13 to Korumburra 11.18. July 16: Stony Creek 9.3 to Wonthaggi 9.12. July 23: Stony Creek 7.18 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 6.5. July 30: Stony Creek 15.15 to Mirboo North 10.4. Aug 6: Stony Creek 2.8 to Leongatha 4.6. 1st Semi Final, Leongatha 15.13 to Mirboo North 5.5. 2nd Semi Final, Korumburra 18.11 to Wonthaggi 13.10. Preliminary final Leongatha 13.13 to Wonthaggi 6.10 Grand final Korumburra 14.7 to Leongatha 11.10. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 0.10 to Korumburra 18.11. Stony Creek 2.2 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 3.7. Stony Creek 4.4 to Mirboo North 6.6. Stony Creek 3.4 to Leongatha 10.12. Stony Creek 6.5 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 9.7. Stony Creek 4.9 to Mirboo North 3.4. Stony Creek 2.5 to Leongatha 3.6. Stony Creek 4.8 to Korumburra 6.8. Stony Creek 8.6 to Wonthaggi 4.4. Stony Creek 6.2 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 2.8. Stony Creek 4.9 to Mirboo North 3.0. Stony Creek 0.3 to Leongatha 6.10. 1st Semi Final, Leongatha 15.13 to Mirboo North 5.5. 2nd Semi Final, Korumburra 18.11 to Wonthaggi 13.10. Preliminary Final Leongatha 13.13 to Wonthaggi 6.10. Grand Final Korumburra 14.7 to Leongatha 11.10. 2nd XVIII matches: Stony Creek 6.5 to Korumburra 18.11. Stony Creek 2.2 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 3.7. Stony Creek 4.4 to Mirboo North 6.6. Stony Creek 3.4 to Leongatha 10.12. Stony Creek 6.5 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 9.7. Stony Creek 4.9 to Mirboo North 3.4. Stony Creek 2.5 to Leongatha 3.6. Stony Creek 4.8 to Korumburra 6.8. Stony Creek 8.6 to Wonthaggi 4.4. Stony Creek 6.2 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 2.8. Stony Creek 4.9 to Mirboo North 3.0. Stony Creek 0.3 to Leongatha 6.10. Grand final Leongatha 10.6 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 4.9. Third XVIII matches: Stony Creek 2.3 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 7.7. Stony Creek 7.7 to Mirboo North 8.0. Stony Creek 5.2 to Leongatha 7.12. Stony Creek 7.0 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 6.5. Stony Creek 7.9 to Mirboo North 0.1. Stony Creek 4.0 to Leongatha 9.7. Stony Creek 1.5 to Korumburra 6.4. Stony Creek 10.8 to Wonthaggi 0.1. Stony Creek 5.8 to Meeniyan/Dumbalk 6.5 Stony Creek 18.11 to Mirboo North 1.0. Stony Creek 8.3 to Leongatha 2.13. 1st Semi Final, Stony Creek 5.5 beat Meeniyan/ Dumbalk 3.7. Stony Creek lost preliminary final.
1969
The Stony Creek Football Club decided at its Annual Meeting to join the Alberton League on October 14, 1968. An application to be admitted was sent to the League Secretary. On February 19, 1969, we were admitted. Delegates at that meeting were W. Helms, K. McGrath and Russ Thorson. Don Earl was the coach but the team struggled for the first few years as lack of top players was a big problem. Keith McGrath (President) and Ed McCaughan (Secretary) were putting in a lot of hard work. Keith Cummins' best and fairest and the McCaughan Medal were won by Laurie Moloney who went on to become a Victorian League player with Essendon. Keith Cummins was fourth in the League best and fairest. Allan Bengtsson was coach of the 2nds, only winning 4 games. Allan won the Leage 2nds best and fairest.
1970
This year was similar to the last with Doug Prue as non playing coach. Best and fairest and McCaughan Medal winner was Brian Davies with the 4ths winning the flag.
1971 - 1980
Beginning of a Dynasty
1971
Doug Prue was once again coach and winning only 1 game against Foster. Don McKnight won the best and fairest of the League with 30 votes and also winning the Club's best and fairest and the McCaughan Medal, with Allan Bengtsson winning the 2nd’s best and fairest of the League for the second time and the 4ths were once again premiers.
1972
Captain and coach was Lyle Miller, only 3 wins for the 1sts, but the 3rds beat Devon in the Grand Final to win the flag and the 4ths were premiers once again. With the juniors doing so well there appeared to be a little hope for the Club's future. Best & Fairest for the 1sts was L. Miller and K. Cummins, 2nd’s I. Benson, 3rds S. Eddy, 4ths S. Fisher, and the McCaughan Medal was won by L. Miller.
1973
Lyle Miller was coach of the 1’s that season and the 2nd’s were runners up being beaten by 3 points in the Final, with the 3rds winning the Premiership. D. McKnight won the Best & Fairest and the McCaughan Medal.
1975
Lauchie Hughes was appointed coach and with 8 wins were very competitive. The 2nd’s finished 7th, the 3rd’s were undefeated Premiers with a Grand Final score of 11.20 - 86 to 2.2 - 14. The 4th’s had a good win over Devon for the flag. Best & Fairest and McCaughan Medal were won by D. McKnight.
1976
Otto Bone was appointed non playing coach, finishing the year with 6 wins to the seniors and the 2nd’s making the semi final when they were beaten, and the 3rds only reach the first semi final. D. Thorson was the best and fairest and McCaughan Medal winner.
1977
The new coach in season 1977 is Laurie Pitt and the seniors finished just outside the four in 5th place, the 2nds finished 5th, and the 3rds came through undefeated Premiers. Laurie Pitt was runner up in the League best and fairest, while Vic Davies was best and fairest in the 3rds and also the Newspaper Award, with the Club being very competitive in all grades. Laurie Pitt won the Club's best and fairest and the McCaughan Medal.
1978
Laurie Pitt is coach again, and once again just missing the finals by a whisker with 9.5 wins. The 2nds were unlucky runners up, the 3rds were also runners up, but the 4ths were undefeated champs. L. Pitt was Best & Fairest for the club and the McCaughan Medal went to Brian Hanrahan.
1979
Laurie Pitt coaching for his 3rd year and this was the start of a very successful period for the Club; we finished in the final four for the first time in many years. We lost the first semi final to Welshpool after being in the lead by 8 goals at the start of the last quarter. The 2nd’ s were runners up to MDU and 4ths were undefeated champions for the 2nd year in succession. Brian Davies won the Best & Fairest for the League and the Newspaper Award, with Peter Fisher winning the League's Best & Fairest in the 3rds with 37 votes. The Club's Best & Fairest winner was a tie between B. Hanrahan and R. Davies, with the McCaughan Medal being won by R. Davies.
1980
This season started off with a good win over Fish Creek, with new players joining the Club - Dennis Storti (coach), Alan Beasley (assistant coach), plus Andrew Westaway, Nick Commadeur, Peter Brooks, Ian Chambers, Jon Hughes and Kel Miller, with some juniors now coming on through to the top. At the half way mark Stony were on top of the ladder undefeated with 9 wins. On July 5 we defeated Won Wron 29.19 to 3.4 with Tom Browne kicking 9 goals, and the following week the team kicked 29.21 to Devon 6.9, whilst on July 26 we kicked 24.24 to Yarram 8.14 and finished the home and away games with only the one loss and on top of the ladder, with our 2nd’s and 3rds also on top of their respective ladders. We won the 2nd semi final against Foster 15.15 to 8.12, but in the grand final Foster turned the tables on us scoring 11.17 to Stony Creek 8.7. B. Cleaver and A. Westaway finished 3rd and 4th on the umpires votes for the League, D. Storti won the League Goal kicking with 77 goals for the seniors, G. Beech and V. Davies tied for the 2nd’s with 30 goals whilst B. Dempsey won the best and fairest for the League's 3rds and W. Twite won the 3rds goal kicking with 55. Best and fairest for the Club was A. Westaway, with Don McKnight winning the McCaughan Medal. The 2nds won the flag and the 3rds were beaten in the preliminary final.
1980 - 1982
Reserves 3-peat!
1980
This season started off with a good win over Fish Creek, with new players joining the Club - Dennis Storti (coach), Alan Beasley (assistant coach), plus Andrew Westaway, Nick Commadeur, Peter Brooks, Ian Chambers, Jon Hughes and Kel Miller, with some juniors now coming on through to the top. At the half way mark Stony were on top of the ladder undefeated with 9 wins. On July 5 we defeated Won Wron 29.19 to 3.4 with Tom Browne kicking 9 goals, and the following week the team kicked 29.21 to Devon 6.9, whilst on July 26 we kicked 24.24 to Yarram 8.14 and finished the home and away games with only the one loss and on top of the ladder, with our 2nd’s and 3rds also on top of their respective ladders. We won the 2nd semi final against Foster 15.15 to 8.12, but in the grand final Foster turned the tables on us scoring 11.17 to Stony Creek 8.7. B. Cleaver and A. Westaway finished 3rd and 4th on the umpires votes for the League, D. Storti won the League Goal kicking with 77 goals for the seniors, G. Beech and V. Davies tied for the 2nd’s with 30 goals whilst B. Dempsey won the best and fairest for the League's 3rds and W. Twite won the 3rds goal kicking with 55. Best and fairest for the Club was A. Westaway, with Don McKnight winning the McCaughan Medal. The 2nds won the flag and the 3rds were beaten in the preliminary final.
1981
The club lost a few players but retained Dennis Storti as Coach. The Seniors finished in the Semi Finals and won the 1st Semi Final against Toora 13.9 – 87 to 3.7 – 25 but performed badly in the preliminary final to be defeated by Foster at Foster 25.15 – 165 to 5.8 – 38. The 2nd’s won another flag and the 3rds also were premiers with Hugh Merton as Coach. Best & Fairest for the year was N. Speers and the McCaughan Medal was won by B. Cleaver. W. Twite won the goal kicking in the 3rds for the League with 47.
1982
Lauchie Hughes was recruited back to the Club as Coach and again we lost a few players, but more juniors were coming up to senior ranks. Thirds players who played with the seniors were G. Thorson, W. Twite and S. Dempsey. Our list of players were: D. Hilet, Don McKnight, G. Browne, B. Dempsey, P. Fisher, K. Miller, Doug McKnight, D. Martin, C. Westaway, B. Davies, Andy Renden, E. Thorson, L. Hughes, P. Eddy, W. Twite, A. Westaway, M. Schawalder, T. Browne, D. Sinclair, N. Speers, G. Renden, S. Eddy, G. Thorson, G. Roylance, B. Dewar, S. Fisher, P. Byatt, G. Beech, A. Stephens, N. Commadeur, K. Potter, Geoff Cope, G. Zerbe, R. Burns, D. Wilson, P. Hulshof, W. Roylance, R. Browne, M. Bright, Graeme Cope, Art Renden, M. Estorffe, R. Moyes, D. Bentley, P. Burke, A. Appleyard, B. Thorson, B. Laube, J. Schelling, R. Jackson, S. Dempsey and W. Twite. The seniors finished 6th with 7 wins and the 2nds won the premiership (making it 3 in a row) defeating MDU 18.10 to 6.7, with the 3rds winning the flag also by defeating Foster by 2 points, which included 5 goals for N. Hollier. S. Dempsey won the League 3rds goal kicking with 58, whilst he still played a few senior games. The 4ths got as far as the preliminary final. Best and fairest for the seniors was A. Westaway, whilst Don McKnight won the McCaughan Medal.
1983
3/4 Flags and 27 years in the making
1983
This was the year the Club had been looking for since 1956; the ultimate aim, that of the senior flag, but bagging 3 out of 4 flags made it a sweeter finale for the year. A top performance by Lauchie Hughes as coach again, with Joey Smith as assistant coach. D. Thorson back after playing several seasons with Leongatha and G. Allott from Welshpool. Non playing selectors were Otto Bone and Leo Dempsey with several juniors improving more each year.
ROUND 1: The first game was Welshpool where Stony Creek won 27.18 to 10.12; best players were B. Laube, J. Smith, L. Hughes, P. Fisher and G. Allott.
ROUND 2: Game 2 was against Yarram 22.13 to 16.11 won by Stony Creek.
ROUND 3: Stony Creek beat MDU 17.12 to 9.10; T. Browne and W. Twite 4 goals each, best players M. Estorffe, G. Beech, S. Dempsey, A. Westaway, G. Allott and N. Speers.
ROUND 4: Stony Creek defeated Won Wron Woodside 17.15 to 13.9; best players M. Estorffe, A. Westaway, N. Speers, D. McKnight and J. Smith.
ROUND 5: - Bye
ROUND 6: Foster 16.12 defeated Stony Creek 10.7; best players J. Smith, L. Hughes, B. Thorson, I. Chambers and R. Burns.
ROUND 7: Devon 27.7 defeated Stony Creek 12.14; best players B. Laube, M. Schawalder, I. Chambers, W. Twite and G. Allott.
ROUND 8: Stony Creek 23.20 beat Toora 6.6; best players G. Allott, I. Chambers, J. Smith and G. Browne.
ROUND 9: Stony Creek 9.10 defeated Fish Creek 1.10; best players J. Smith, G. Beech, L. Hughes, K. Potter and D. McKnight.
ROUND 10: Stony Creek 26.15 to Welshpool 7.6; best players G. Allott (14 goals), Des Thorson, G. Beech and K. Potter.
ROUND 11: Stony Creek 14.9 to Yarram 6.4; best players I. Chambers, B. Laube, G. Allott, A. Westaway and G. Thorson.
ROUND 12: Stony Creek 5.8 defeated MDU 3.7 in very wet conditions; best players B. Laube, Des Thorson, J. Smith, T. Browne and K. Potter.
ROUND 13: Travelling to Woodside we played very well as a team and won easily 21.11 to 13.9; best players Des Thorson, G. Thorson, B. Laube, G. Allott, K. Potter, J. Smith and N. Speers.
ROUND 14 - Bye
ROUND 15: Stony Creek 20.11 defeated Foster 17.13; best players G. Allott (6 goals), Don McKnight, B. Laube, K. Potter and B. Thorson.
ROUND 16: Stony Creek defeated Devon at Stony 9.9 to 5.5; best players B. Laube, Des Thorson, N. Speers, J. Smith, B. Thorson and I. Chambers.
ROUND 17: Stony Creek 14.19 defeated Toora 1.6 with the Toora coach giving a pay out on the condition of the ground; best players G. Allott, J. Smith, G. Beech, P. Fisher and Des Thorson.
ROUND 18: The last home and away game with Fish Creek being beaten by Stony Creek 22.15 to 12.13; best players J. Smith, I. Chambers, B. Laube, N. Speers and G. Allott.
2nd SEMI FINAL: We finished with 14 wins and 2 losses, we went into the 2nd semi final at Welshpool in very windy condi-tions, and in a low scoring game we saw Stony Creek 3.5 to Devon 4.2 at half time. At 3/4 time Stony Creek were 4.10 to Devon still on 4.2. A tough battle in the last quarter saw the ball often on the turf or out of bounds, and Stony Creek held on grimly to a 2 point win - 5.11 to Devon 6.3; best players Don McKnight, Des Thorson, I. Chambers, G. Thorson, D. Bentley, B. Laube and G. Zerbe who kept Profitt without a goal.
GRAND FINAL: Grand Final Day saw the wind blowing down the ground at Yarram, Lauchie Hughes out injured for Stony Creek while Devon lost Profitt who was suspended. Stony Creek won the toss and kicked with the breeze and scored 6.8 to 1 point. In the 2nd quarter Devon scored 4 goals, but Stony Creek still kicked 3 into the wind; this was a good lead but Gary Allott was off with an eye injury, getting 5 goals before leaving the ground. The 3rd quarter was a bit closer as play closed up a little, spite crept into the game as Devon were trying to rough Stony Creek up. Stony Creek stayed cool in the crises and booted 3.3 to Devon 1.1 and went into orange time with a good lead. we kicked 2.2 in the last quarter to Devon 2.3 to finish with a very good win. Final scores Stony Creek 14.13 to Devon 7.6; best players J. Smith, B. Laube, M. Schawalder, A. Westaway, Des Thorson, I. Chambers, G. Allott and Don McKnight.
The 2nds also won the Premiership for the 4th time in a row. They went through the season undefeated beating MDU 9.6 - 60 to 6.10 - 46. Best players were: S. Fishe:, N. Commadeur, D. Sinclair, J. Schelling, P. Eddy captain), Don Thorson and B. Dempsey. We won our third flag when the 4ths came home with a win - Stony Creek 5.5 defeated Devon 4.4. Best players: B. Davies, T. Haughton, D. & G. Wood, B. Anderson and J. Langdon. B. Davies got the vote or best on ground. G. Allot was third in the League goal kicking with 86. D. Sinclair won the goal kicking for the 2nds and P. Helms the 3rds Best and Fairest. B. Laube and N. Commadeur won the Newspaper Awards for the seniors and the 2nds respectively. In summing up I would just like to mention a few things that went our way for this to happen. First the coach, and we were privileged to Lauchie Hughes grace our football club. He was a top coach on and off the field, moulding a team together, and he went through the season without a selection as he worked in well with the Coach and was a good team man and top footballer. Otto Bone and Leo Dempsey, the Selectors we chose; strong in decisions and always had things under control, spending endless hours at their job. The team of footballers they had to work with also deserve lots of praise, nothing was too much for them when asked for big efforts. The team spirit was of a very high standard, the experienced players and the young ones coming along, combining with a top unit. The Committee also worked hard at their job, John Giroud was our Secretary for several years and was a tireless worker. Kelvin Miller (Treasurer), Don McKnight and Bill Fisher (Vice Presidents), and the Committee - Mick Estorfee, David Hilet, Leo Dempsey, Bryan Dempsey, Mike Martin, Dave Smallwood, Hugh Merton, Tom Browne, Robert Browne, Alf Bright and Reg Twite. The Social Club were a very hard working body with Lyn Bloch, Anne Davies, Brian Dewar and Brian Davies, just to mention a few, and last but not least was the Ladies Committee, one of the strongest band of working girls you could hope for. Flo Wilson and Verna McKnight leading the team.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody concerned who helped bring this glory to our Stony Creek Football Club, which would have to be the highlight of Stony Creek's time in the Alberton Football League to this day.
1984 - 1988
2’s win 5 in a row!
1984
Lauchie Hughes retired from Football, going out on a high note, Guy Amos was appointed to the position of Coach after coming from Echuca. We lost several players from our premiership team, but gave the chance to several new ones to come up a grade; A. Fletcher, B. Dempsey, Don Thorson, Greg Roylance, A. Renden and M. Stone all getting plenty of games, with P. Helms up from the 3rds. We struggled all year and missed the finals by a couple of games. Our presentation night saw 3 new Life Members in Don McKnight, Brian Davies and Flo Wilson. Other award winners were - Best and Fairest and McCaughan D. Hilet, M. Estorffe won the 2nds, with P. Cummins Best Clubman. The 2nds won the grand final 12.9 to MDU 7.8 to break the League record of 5 premierships in a row. This record could exist for a long time as it was an amazing effort. Brian Davies was the man behind the 2nds; he worked very hard to mould them into a good unit. In 1980 he produced a team playing good football and kept the team spirit for 5 successive flags; three players played in all 5 flags - Doug McKnight, Aart Renden and John Schelling; three more played in 4 - Shane Fisher, Rob Burns and Don Wilson. Other names involved with the 2nds regularly were Rod Jackson, Mick Bright, Terry Anderson, Brian McNamara, Graeme Cope, Robert Browne, Peter Hulshof, Nick Commadeur, Allen (Bottles) Stephens, Brian Dewar, Shane Bright, John Giroud, Stuart Eddy, Greg Burge, Peter Eddy (Captain 1983), Dave Finkmeyer, Dan Leddin, Kelvin Miller, Ern Thorson, Peter Dempsey, Daryl Sinclair, Peter Byatt, Wayne Henan, Tim Bright, Chris Dewar, Wayne Roylance, Mick Estorffe, Russ Moyes, Martin Stone, John Cottee, Rob Butta, Vic Davies, J. (Spike) Markcolonga, Damian Crowe, Chris Westaway, Andy Renden, Andrew Appleyard, Pat Burke, and many more.
1985
Joey Smith came back to the Club after a season with Inverloch, took over the coaching job. Gary Allott, Stewie McKinnon, Mick Hibbert and Jim Byrnes were new players from last year's team, plus R. Meuller up from the 3rds. On May 5 Stony Creek kicked a record score since joining the A.F.L.; 34 goals 16 points against Won Wron Woodside. Gary Allott booting 12 goals; at the half way mark we were close leaders on the ladder. On July 6 we kicked 22 goals against Welshpool; G. Thorson kicked 12 goals, the following week he kicked 11, and yet again the following week he kicked 9 against Devon. The Club finished the home and away games with 14 wins and 2 losses, and on top of the ladder. The 2nd semi final saw Fish Creek beat Stony Creek 13.14 to 9.12. Preliminary final Stony Creek 17.16 beat Devon 8.15, and Fish Creek won the grand final 8.9 to 3.11. Best and Fairest was S. McKinnon and P. Helms equal, and the McCaughan Medal went to Joey Smith. The 2nds were beaten by 3 points in the grand final after being undefeated all season. D. Sinclair again won the League's Goal Kicking Award for the 2nds.
1986
Several players left the Club, out Joey Smith was still our Coach and Rod Newton was Assistant Coach. On May 3, Gavin Zerbe played his 300th game and Don McKnight his 350th. At the half way mark Stony Creek were again on top of the adder, then dropping to third place at the end of the season. In the 1st semi final we played won Wron Woodside, we played a good first half but faded in the second to lose 20.18 to 14.5. Best and Fairest was B. Thorson, and the McCaughan Medal was won by Rod Newton. The 2nds also went out in the Ist semi final. The 3rds got to the grand final but lost.
1987
Joey Smith was appointed Coach for his third term. The Club obtained a grant from the Woorayl Shire to upgrade the football oval. Home games were played at Meeniyan (3) and Leongatha (5), and trained at Dumbalk. The team finished the season with only 2 wins, but the 2nds made the preliminary final. R. Burns and Don McKnight were equal Best and Fairest and Don Thorson won the McCaughan Medal.
1988
Neil Park was the new coach and Stony played their home games on the new oval, not all that well grassed, but improved as the year progressed. Only 4 wins for the seniors, 2nds and 3rds not so good either, but the 4ths got to the grand final but lost by 3 points. R. Davies was equal 3rd in the League's vote counting. Best and Fairest was R. Davies and N. Park equal winners, and R. Davies won the McCaughan Medal.
1989 - 1993
Rebuild Years
1989
Neil Park again coached, and new players being T. Lawson, P. Byrnes, A. Fawcett, D. Hanks, B. Wright, P. Van Zuyden and T. Cousins. June 17 saw Don McKnight play his 400th game with the Club, 350 in the A.F.L. and 50 in the South Gippsland League. Stony Creek finished with 5 wins. Best and Fairest was N. Park and McCaughan Medal went to J. Byrnes. The 4ths made the preliminary final but lost.
1990
More work to the ground during the summer months and the ground was becoming well grassed and water drainage was good. Luke Alexander was the new Coach, with Neil Park as Assistant. June 16 was John Schelling's 200th Club game and he made it a good year as he went on to win the 2nds Best and Fairest. John has had a go at almost all jobs in the Club from President to coaching to Club Director, and has been a very valuable member of the Club. Stony Creek won 3 matches in the first half of the season, and missed winning a couple nar-rowly. The last half was not so good with injuries weakening the team a little and won only 1 game. The Best and Fairest went equally to L. Alexander and N. Park. The 3rds were beaten in the 1st semi final.
1991
The Club appointed a non playing Coach in Pat Byrnes; new players were M. Neal, D. Box and R. Anthony, with some good 3rds coming up - M. Dyer, S. Martin, D. O'Connor, S. Kemper and J. Laws. With the Club a little low in experience we failed to score any points. D. Box won the Best and Fairest and M. Bailey won the McCaughan Medal. The 3rds were beaten in the grand final by MDU, and G. Stephenson won the League's goal kicking with 63.
1992
Playing Coach was Rob Davies, and again concentrating on juniors the Club only won 2 games. One win was against MDU by a point 12.8 to 12.7 in a big upset. R. Davies was runner up to the League's Best and Fairest and he won the Club Best and Fairest and the McCaughan Medal.
1993
Rob Davies was Coach, but after 11 games Barry Goodwin was appointed to take over. In round 4 Stony Creek won by a point at Woodside in a big upset; best players were D. Bowler, R. Davies and R. Vitacca. Round 5 saw a reunion of the 1983 premiership sides, with Stony Creek winning this one as well by defeating Devon 18.15 to 14.7. Unfortunately this was the seniors last win for the season. R. Vitacco won the Club's Best and Fairest and the McCaughan Medal. Aaron Hooten - Shandley won the League's Best and fairest for the 3rds.
1994
100 Years of Stony Creek
1994
Non playing Coach is Keith Kelly and he started the season if nicely with a win over Toora 14.14 to 9.11. The 2nds and 3rds also had a win. President that year was D. Smallwood, with D. Byrnes Secretary. A. Matthews won the McCaughan Medal Senior Best & Fairest with H. Nelson winning the 2nds and A. Beasley winning the 3rds. The club didn’t make the top 4 that season with Won Wron-Woodside winning the premiership defeating Fish Creek 12.15 (87) to 5.10 (40) at Foster.
Summing up of our stint with the A.F.L. since joining in 1969 we started off with an ordinary side which struggled for a few years with our juniors being competitive from the early 70's, so our future looked fairly safe with top efforts from Keith McGrath and Ed McCaughan being President and Secretary for several years.
Laurie Pitt was appointed coach in the late 70's and this was the start of our success; on his third year we made the final 4 in 1979 and became very competitive for the next decade. lau-rie was a good footballer and brilliant mark, and also coached very well. He was a very important coach to have at this time.
In 1980 we were at the top for most of the year with Dennis Storti, a top footballer, and Brian Cleaver who was recruited from Prahran, one of the best footballers to grace the Club, but he was injured for the grand final and we lost the game, which was a big disappointment for the Club as we thought we had a good side.
Lauchie Hughes came as coach and his effort was tremendous, during his first year he moulded the team together, bought up some good juniors and he was rewarded in 1983 with the long awaited flag. The club rooms on premiership night and the next day was a sight you would never forget, and I hope that everybody who worked for the flag was there to enjoy the suc-cess. It is always hard to hold a top side together, and the next year saw a decline in our lineup, but in 1985 we came back with another top side which was coached by Joey Smith. We were beaten in the grand final, and here again a couple of injuries let us down when it counted.
From 1985 on we slowly lost our grip at the top. The district started losing players as they left the area looking for work, and workers were a little harder to find.
The Club has dropped down the ladder, but are still fielding four teams every Saturday and the Committee are still hard workers, and the Ladies and the Social Clubs are still at their best, so here is hoping for another rise like we did in the 80's.
I would like to give a mention to a few outstanding club men inmy time as President. All coaches of all 4 teams, the hours they put in is enormous, they all do a great job.
Don McKnight and Brian Davies, both tremendous workers and players with our Club.
They have records that will be hard to beat.
Another good performance was John Giroud, six years as Secretary and another on as Treasurer; a very hard worker who spent many hours at his job. A little story about John, who became the first Stony Creek player to win a game for the opposition - On a very wet and muddy day John was full back for our 2nds playing against the old foe MDU. He kicked out after a point to Meeniyan, the ball slithered off his boot and rolled through for another point, and of course we lost the match by a point. This effort found its way to the Melbourne newspaper on the Monday after the game; well done John.
Kelvin Miller was a good Treasurer covering four seasons which was a top effort. Anne Davies, possibly the best kept book ever seen at the Club; 3 years as Treasurer and also a very hard worker at all Club activities, whatever they may have been. The ladies at our Club were always of a high standard and also our Social Club were hard workers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their help over the many years, whether big or small it was always appreciated.
The Club was invited to travel to Cohuna to play a practice match at the start of the 1980 season. Two buses were hired to travel up; this was one of the best social events ever by the Club. The harmony and togetherness was tops, a letter from the Union Football Club thanked our Club for the visit and commended us on our good behaviour whilst there; another couple of trips were arranged for the next couple of years to Echuca, they were good trips and created a good team spirit also.
Players to come up through our juniors and go on to better foot-ball: Laurie Moloney - Leongatha and Essendon, Des Thorson - Leongatha, representing the L.V.F.L. and a member of the winning team in the country championships and Best and Fairest, Rob Davies - Leongatha, Peter Hanrahan - Leongatha, Gerry Renden - Leongatha, Glen Thorson - Leongatha, representing the L.V.F.L., leading goal kicker for that League with 91 goals,
Barry Thorson - Leongatha, Don Thorson - Leongatha, Shane Dempsey - Hamilton in the Western Border League, Assistant Coach under Billy Picken (ex Collingwood), coached Balmoral and holds the goal kicking record with 165 goals, also (Assistant Coach) Penshurst goal kicking record with 161 goals.
1944 - 2023
Stony Creek Netball Club
The first official record of a regular Stony Creek team was in 1944. The competition was unofficially organised and no premierships were awarded for 2 years; Stony Creek were undefeated in 1946.
The South Gippsland competition was formed in 1947 and followed the football. Stony Creek played their games on a sometimes muddy court at the recreation reserve near where the present football dressing rooms are. In 1948 we shifted to newly formed tennis courts in the town and these were used for many years until 1974 when the new court was prepared at the betting ring back of the recreation reserve.
Stony Creek had strong sides in the early days with a lot of success. In 1966 the central courts were built in Meeniyan. 1969 saw the Football Club enter the A.F.L., so the Club formed a team to go with them. Premierships won before playing at the central courts were 1947, 1948, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1958, 1959 and 1960 (shields held), and B grade also winning their share in 1956, 1957, 1958 (shield held) and 1962. In 1978 Stony Creek won the premiership; members of that team were F. Hanrahan, F. Hogan, L. Pitt, J. Thorson, V. Hanrahan, A. O'Connor, D. Hassett and L. Davis (coach). C grade won premierships in 1963 and 1965. Premierships won in the Alberton League were B Grade: 1981 & 1983. Under 17’s: 2013, Under 15’s: 2000 & 2011 and Under 13’s: 1999.
Association Best and fairest winners were (C grade) Dorothea Hassett, Melinda Davies, Janine Browne and Janet Renden. Anne Davies and Lesley Davies obtained A Grade umpires badges. Life Memberships have been awarded to Jean McGrath, Lesley Davis and Daisy Helms for Stony Creek, and Daisy Helms Life Member of the South Gippsland Association. In recent years Helen Helms-Boyle, Barbara Bruning, Anne Davies and Dawn Cope have received Life memberships.
Stony Creek members to hold office the South Gippsland Netball Association were June Davis, Nell Dempsey, Kath Dempsey, Jean McGrath and Daisy Helms. From 1969 on in the A.F.L. we had Margaret House, Ellen Madison, Anne Davies, Virginia Koetsveld, Carol Giroud, Denise Thorson, Dianne Schelling and Nicki Renden. Lisa Alexander, Jo Crofts and Dot Cope have represented the Gippsland Regional Team.
Netball is still going strong out at Stony Creek to this day. Stony’s last netball premierships came in 2013 for under 17’s and 2011 for under 15’s. During the 79 years of Netball at Stony, there has only been 2 League Best & Fairest winners. Dianne Schelling - C Grade (2009) & Oliver Cope - Under 15's (2011). In 2023, Stony had Senior sides in A, B, C & D Grade and Junior sides in Under 11’s, 15’s & 17’s.
1995 - 2000
Disappointing Years at Stony
More information coming soon.
2001 - 2008
Building Something Special
More information coming soon.
2009
Stony are premiers once again
More information coming soon.
2010 - 2016
Finals Heartbreak
More information coming soon.
2017 - 2019
Reserves 1 point off 3peat
More information coming soon.
2020 - 2022
The Covid Years
More information coming soon.
2023
Building for the Future
2023 The club celebrated the Premiership reunions this year with more importantly 40 years since the incredible 83 Flags for the Seniors, Reserves & Fourths. More work to the ground during the summer months and the ground was becoming well grassed and water drainage was looking the best its ever looked. Chris Verboon, 2009 Premiership player took over the reins as Senior Coach, unfortunately only able to achieve 3 wins finishing the season 12th. Whereas Bryce Rawson was able to take the 2’s to an Elimination Final for the second year in a row, after winning the last 7 games of the season. Jeanette Brown, coached her first season of A Grade, finishing 10th with 2 wins and 13 loses. Unfortunately, no netball teams were able to make finals this year. Mark Le Page continued with the role of President marking 6 years in the role, with M. Stretton as Secretary. The club recruited some great young talent that season both in Football and Netball and look to build for a stronger future. Cody Loughridge won the Seniors Best & Fairest, with Nick Svenson cleaning up in the Reserves. Jeanette Brown won A Grade Best & Fairest with J. Brown (B Grade), S. Margo (C Grade), A. Challis (D Grade), S. Dyke (17’s) & M. Weir (15’s) winning their respected grades Best & Fairest. Throughout the season we celebrated some major milestones with both club legends Andrew Verboon & Dylan Zuidema notching up 350 Games, joining an elite group. Both have said they can’t wait to catch Don at 400 Games played.
CLUB LEGENDS
DON McKNIGHT Don played some 490 games of football; 50 in the South Gippsland League - winning a Best and Fairest in the 3rds for the League in 1968 as well as Club Best and Fairest.
In 1969 Stony Creek joined the Alberton Football League and Don continued his football career playing another 430 Club games, approximately 10 inter-league games, and then retired in 1992 at the age of 40.
He won a League Best and Fairest in 1971 with 30 votes, and was also runner up on three more occasions. Don won the Club Best and Fairest five times, being 1971, 1974, 1975, 1982 and 1987, the McCaughan Medal five times, being 1971, 1974, 1975, 1980 and 1982, as well as Club President for four years from 1987 to 1990, Vice President nine times and was appointed to the Club's Committee at the age of 17 where he was a member in some capacity until 1992. He coached our 2nds and 3rds, and is a Life Member of the Club.
During Don's years he sustained two knee injuries which required surgery and also a serious eye injury playing basketball which gave him double vision which affected his marking. Don's skills were of a very high standard, his all round ability to get the ball, strength when the ball hit the ground, balance at all times, and the most outstanding part of his football was dedication and determination.
As you look back over Don's career and you know he will be out on the field competing; he has been a big part of Stony Creek in the A.F.L.
Well done Don McKnight.
JEAN McGRATH Jean started playing netball for Stony Creek at a very early age, beginning in 1944 she played continuously until 1968, and became the first Life Member of the Club after 20 years of service.
Amazingly Jean played in 10 premiership sides in A grade as she was a very good and skilful player and top goaler who won many goal throwing trophies.
Jean worked very hard off the court as well, becoming President of the Association, Vice President, Selector, Coach and B Grade umpire. Regularly Jean played Country Week, being runner up in the goal throwing several times, and participated in many tournaments through out Gippsland.
Jean was instrumental in obtaining central courts at Meeniyan (of which she was very proud), as well as being a hard working member of the Ladies Committee for the Football Club, and for many years washed football jumpers for the footballers as well as always being willing to help younger players.
Jean, who passed away years ago was an inspiration to the people of our district, her dedication towards playing netball and working for the Club will be hard to equal; her happy smiling face will never be forgotten by all those who knew her.
A great performance Jean McGrath.
BRIAN DAVIES Brian came to Stony Creek in 1969 and retired in 1993 after playing 336 Club games and won Best and Fairest for the Club in 1970.
Whilst being Captain/Coach for 5 years in the 2nds and 2 years as Coach he won 5 consecutive premierships, which is a League record; 4 as Captain/Coach and 1 as Coach (owing to injury).
Brian won the League Best and Fairest with the 2nds in 1979, 2 Newspaper Awards in 1979 and 1982, won the Best and Fairest for the 2nds in 1981, won Best Clubman Awards in 1979, 1980, 1988 and 1992, and many other awards. He was Coach of the 3rds for one year, Vice President three times and on the Committee from 1970 until 1990.
Playing 100 games straight after coming to Stony Creek "Benny" as known to his mates, was one of the toughest small men seen at Stony Creek, had good skills on both sides and was a great team man who had the desire to win at all costs, determination, balance and his delivery to a team mate was at its best.
The success in the 2nds and the League record which the Club is proud of was due mainly to Benny's leadership on and off the ground. The Best Clubman Awards would have to be a record at the Club which proves his value off the field as well.
Congratulations and well done Brian Davies.
