Club Formation
1890’s
The Evelyn Observer reported in the Friday 30th June 1893 edition that the first match of the recently formed Greensborough Football Club took place on Saturday last (24th June 1893).
It was played against Diamond Creek and resulted in a draw.
Greensborough played various games during the period 1890- 1910 but not in any organised competition.
Heidelberg District Football League
The Argus ofFriday 24 March 1911reported that at a meeting on22 March 1911, delegates of the Greensborough, Alphington, Templestowe andHeidelbergfootball clubs met and arranged a competition for the 1911 season. It was called the Heidelberg District Football Association
Diamond Valley Football Association
Greensborough left theHeidelbergdistrict at the end of 1921 and with 5 other sides Diamond Creek, Eltham, Templestowe, Kangaroo Ground and Warrandyte formed the Diamond Valley Football Association in February 1922.
Greensborough were the inaugural DVFA premiers. This was followed with other premierships in 1925 and 1927 and being runners up in ‘24, ‘26 and ’29.
In 1931 there were now eight clubs in the DVFA and Greensborough were Premiers in 1931 and 1934, Victoria’s Centenary Year.
In the first 26 years of DVFL, Greensborough was out of the finals on just 7 seasons, winning premierships in 1922, 25, 27, 31, 34 and 52.
Between 1955 and 1961 the club competed in 7 consecutive Grand Finals with premierships in 55, 58, 60 and 61.
1960’s
Greensborough were Premiers in 1960, 61, 66 and 67
1970’s
The club could achieve no higher than 3rd during this period finishing the season five times in this position on the ladder.
1980’s
After the 1967 premiership, Boro was not to taste success again until the eighties when 4 flags came our way (83, 84, 88, and 89).
1988/89 was the 4th occasion on which the club had dual premierships but each time were not able to go on and be the first club to win 3 premierships in a row
2000’s
Relegation! 2003 was a long difficult season. With just one win in the 3rd last round against Eltham, meant for the 1st time, the club went to 2nd Division, a very bitter pill
The 17th flag came in 2006 with promotion back to Division 1 after a 3 year stint in Division 2. It was a great season with all 3 sides winning premierships and the club losing just 1 game for the season (A Grade R4 against Whitttlesea).
Northern Football League
At the start of 2007 season the DVFL became the Northern Football League, the year Greensborough returned to Division 1 after 3 years in Division 2.
Greensborough is the only club to have competed in everyDiamondValleyseason. (1922-2006).
Greensborough’s colours were initially blue and white from 1893 to 1907 (approx)
At some stage between 1907 and 1911, this was changed to Green and White, the present day colours of the club.
Home Ground(s) Venues
Greensborough played home games at the rear of the Greensborough hotel which was located on the corner of Greensborough (later Grimshaw St) Road and Church Street, before settling at GreensboroughPark (1923 approx.) and then ultimately War Memorial Park (1952).
Origin of War Memorial Name
After World War 1 a Memorial was constructed and placed in Main St. adjacent to where the Post Office was located.
In 1927, at the request of the Greensborough Park Committee, the memorial was moved to lower park, where Greensborough also played football.
Subsequently, it was further moved to its present site in the now War Memorial Park. This was after Anzac Day 1959 but before Anzac Day 1960 which was probably when the park received its present name.
Further information
Greensborough maintains comprehensive records of its history. Further information about the club can be obtained from the secretary or by telephone to the clubrooms on 9435 7327
Rex Smith rsmith01@iinet.net.au August 2013
Photo: Greensborough Football Club 1934
