Grounds of the Past: Hurlingham Park, East Brighton

Hurlingham Park was the home of the old Brighton Soccer Club. The club played from the East Brighton venue from foundation in 1924 until a move to Elsternwick Park in 1954. In their time there the club were Dockerty Cup winners on five occasions, as well as securing the First Division Championship (then the State Championship) in 1949.

That year the reserves also won their league championship, and a photo of that team on their website gives us a small glimpse at Hurlingham Park featuring a pavilion that no longer stands:

We can see from the plaque on the current pavilion that it was erected in 1955, after Brighton had moved on to the enclosed ground at Elsternwick Park prior to relocating to Dendy Park in 1959.

The ground was, and still remains, the home of the Brighton Union Cricket Club (founded in 1907). As such it would have been another soccer ground in a large open park, probably with the sides roped off to keep spectators away from the touchlines.

The pavilion is situated on the busy Nepean Highway side of the ground. A pre-school sits to the east, housing in the north with a tennis club in the north west corner. To the west of the pavilion sits a memorial to those lost in the First World War:

Hurlingham Park is another ground thousands of people will drive past every day with little idea that the premier footballers in the state once strutted their stuff there. Four sets of traffic lights and less than two kilometres further down the Nepean Highway sits Dendy Park, current home of the Brighton SC. The club struck financial difficulties in the mid-1990's and ceased fielding a senior team in 1996. The strong junior base survived and thrived, and in 2007 a senior team was accepted into the FFV's Provisional League Division Three South East.

As per usual, click on photographs to enlarge.

Victorian Soccer Officials

As well as trying to gather the statistical history of Victorian football, I've also tried maintaining other records. Once such record follows, a list of executive and board positions of the governing body through the years.

I publish it without making any amendments. In some cases names, or at least middle initials mainly, vary for the same person. I've yet to correct these. I've added in where people have been made Life Members. To be a Life Member you obviously have to be alive, and the names of those deceased would be removed from the lists published in Yearbooks. Which makes it harder to ascertain the full number of people awarded the honour.

A Vice-President in 1888, David Gaunson was a solicitor who had represented Ned Kelly. He was also the basis for the Davie Garside character in Frank Hardy's Power Without Glory. Mr.T.Bent M.L.A. would become Sir Thomas Bent and a Premier of Victoria. The suburb of Bentleigh was named after him.


1884 Anglo-Australian Football Association
President: Dr.Beaney
Vice-President: Mr.T.Bent M.L.A.
Honorary Secretary.: A.E.Gibbs

1885 Anglo-Australian Football Association
Vice-Presidents: incl. Mr.T.Bent M.L.A.
Honorary Secretary.: A.E.Gibbs

1888 Anglo-Australian Football Association
Patron: Sir William.J.Clarke
President: E.G.Fitzgibbon
Vice-Presidents: Messrs. G.D.Carter, D.Gaunson, Wm.Cain, G.Chaffey, F.T.Derham, H.W.Danby, J.L.Dow, A.Gilmour, C.J.Ham, F.Lowe, G.Mackay, O.McLean, H.Byron Moore, J.W.Pierce, O.B.Snowball, W.H.Swallow, J.C.Teare, W.F.Walker, J.J.E.Willmott.
Honorary Treasurer: W.Bisiker
Honorary Secretary: P.McKinley
Secretary: A.E.Gibbs

1907 British Football Association of Victoria
President: H.L.Dockerty
Secretary: H.H.Wood
Treasurer: H.Miller

1909 British Football Association of Victoria
Patron: Lord Dudley

1913
Secretary: E.Crawford
Council: Messrs Gilbert, Armstrong, Price, Cumming, Kerr.

1915 Victorian Amateur British Football Association
President: H.L.Dockerty
Vice President: F.G.Godfrey
Honorary Treasurer: E.Harvey
Honorary Secretary: E.C.Crawford
Assistant Honorary Secretary: G.W.E.Dempster
Members of Council: E.Jones, W.A.Cumming, C.E.Price, J.Carroll, W.B.Gilbert.
Office: Amateur Sports Club
H.L.Dockerty presented with a badge for Life Membership during the year

1919
President: E.Crawford
Acting Vice-President: F.Godfrey
Secretary: G.W.Dempster
Assistant Secretary: T.Trigg
Treasurer: E.Harvey
Members of Council: G.Hawes, J.Carroll, R.Strachan, J.Owen, T.McKinley.

1928 Melbourne Association
President: Mr Hugh Boyd

1929 Victorian Soccer Football Association
President: H.R.Boyd
Chairman: J.O.Wilshaw
Secretary: H.Bingham
Treasurer: J.W.Thompson
Honorary Assistant Secretary: A.Mackie
Patron is His Excellency the Governor (Lord Somers)

1930
Victorian Soccer Football Association
President H.R. Boyd
Chairman: W.Cummings
Secretary: H.Bingham
Asst. Sec: A.Mackie
Treasurer: H.King
Made life members: Messrs Boyd, McLeod and T.Williams

1933 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: H.Boyd
Chairman Council W.Wellington
Hon Treasurer: H.King
Secretary: H.Bingham
Honoray Assistant Secretary: A.Mackie
Vice-Presidents: J.Seivewright, F.Cranshaw, A.McLeod, H.Parker, J.O.Wilshaw
Life Members: S.Crawshaw, H.King, W.Paul, J.O.Wilshaw

1935 Victorian Soccer Football Association
President: J.J.Liston
Chairman: W.Wellington
Honorary Treasurer: J.O.Wilshaw
Secretary: H.Bingham
Honorary Assistant Secretary: A.Mackie
Vice Presidents: H.Boyd, S.Yaffer, H.Parker, A.McCallum, T.Williams, C.Vanacharen and Captain H.G.C. Franklin R.N.

1939 Victorian Soccer Football Association
President: J.J.Liston
Chairman: J.G.Hawes
Honorary Treasurer: J.O.Wilshaw
Secretary: H.Bingham
Honorary Assistant Secretary: A.Mackie
Vice Presidents: H.C.Donaldson, A.Gardner, J.Guthrie, A.McCallum, W.Paul, J.B.Scott, T.Williams.
Patron: Lord Huntingfield

1941 Victorian Soccer Football Association
President: J.J.Liston
Chairman: W.A.Cummings
Honorary Treasurer: J.O.Wilshaw
Secretary: H.K.Ingham
Assistant Secretary: A.Mackie
Vice-Presidents: Messrs H.Armstrong, T.Williams, G.J.Hawes, A.Gardner, G.Raitt, H.Lowe and P.G.Sandy

1945 Victorian Soccer Football Association
President: J.E.Liston
Chairman: W.A.Cumming
Treasurer: J.O.Wilshaw
Secretary: H.K.Ingham
Assistant Secretary: H.Armstrong

1948 Victorian Soccer Football Association
President: J.E.Liston
Vice-Presidents: H.J.Dockerty, J.G.Hawes
Chairman: W.A.Cumming
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: S.Crawshaw, Cr W.R.Dawnay Mould, W.H.Hall, H.K.Ingham, H.Lowe, J.Parker, G.Smith, R.Stynis
Secretary: H.Armstrong
Honorary Assistant Secretary: A.Jarvis

1949 Victorian Soccer Football Association
President: Sir Errol Knox then Major G.Cohen from November
Vice-President: H.J. Dockerty, W.W.Tunn
Chairman: H.K.Ingham
Deputy Chairman: J.Parker
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: Cr H.Armstrong, C.Armstrong, V.J.M.Dixon, E.Harvey, D.Hamilton, F.Lang, J.A.Olsen, J.Paul, R.Stynis, W.Thomas, T.Williams
Secretary: A.M.Mackie
Assistant Secretary: S.Beaton
Trustees: R.Stynis, J.Parker, Price, Lang.

1950 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: Major G.Cohen
Vice-Presidents: H.J.Dockerty, W.W.Tunn
Chairman: H.K.Ingham                                        
Deputy Chairman: W.R.Thomas
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: T.Burns, T.Beddoes, V.J.M.Dixon, D.Hamilton, F.Lang, J.A.Olsen, J.Paul, R.Simon, J.Parker, R.Stynis, P.Polites, J.Rickerby
Secretary: S.Beaton
Trustees: J.Parker, F.Lang, J.Price, R.Stynis

1951 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: Major G.Cohen
Vice-Presidents: H.J.Dockerty, W.W.Tunn
Chairman: H.K.Ingham                                        
Deputy Chairman: W.R.Thomas
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: T.Burns, V.J.M.Dixon, D.Hamilton, F.Lang, E.H.Low, J.Parker, J.Paul, P.Polites, K.S.Warburton, M.Zonenberg, R.Carlson
Secretary: S.Beaton
Assistant Secretary: J.A.Olsen
Trustees: W.R.Thomas, J.Parker, F.Lang, R.Stynis

1952 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: E.B.Coles
Chairman: W.R.Thomas
Senior Vice-President: H.J.Dockerty
Junior Vice-President: N.Rothfield
Secretary: S.Beaton
Treasurer: A.Kerr

1953 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: E.B.Coles
Vice-Presidents: H.J.Dockerty, N.Rothfield
Chairman: W.R.Thomas
Deputy Chairman: J.Paul
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: E.J.Clarkson, J.Cleworth, C.Dodd, H.Dodman, J.W.Gray, D.J.Hamilton, S.Horrobin, F.Lang, E.H.Low, Dr C.Walker
Secretary: S.Beaton
Assistant Secretary: J.Stewart

1954 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: E.B.Coles
Vice-Presidents: H.J.Dockerty, N.Rothfield
Chairman: W.R.Thomas
Deputy Chairman: J.Paul
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: A.Balish, K.Defris, C.Dodd, D.J.Hamilton, S.Horrobin, F.Lang, R.R.G.Lawrence, K.W.Martin, J.Parker, Dr C.Walker

1956 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: H.J.Dockerty
Vice-Presidents: N.Rothfield, Dr C.Walker
Chairman: W.R.Thomas
Deputy Chairman: J.Paul
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: C.Dodd, D.J.Hamilton, S.Horrobin, A.Kiburg, F.Lang, Z.Lukinovic, J.P.Oliphant, J.A.Olsen, K.Defris, A.Balish
Secretary: S.Beaton
Assistant Secretary: J.G.F.Stewart

1957 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: H.J.Dockerty
Vice-Presidents: N.Rothfield, Dr C.Walker
Chairman: W.R.Thomas
Deputy Chairman: J.Pauk
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: W.Campbell, C.Dodd, D.J.Hamilton, S.Horrobin, A.Kiburg, F.Lang, R.R.G.Lawrence, J.A.Olsen, K.Defris, A.Balish
Secretary: S.Beaton
Assistant Secretary: J.G.F.Stewart

1958 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: H.J.Dockerty
Vice-Presidents: N.Rothfield, Dr C.Walker
Chairman: W.R.Thomas
Deputy Chairman: J.Paul
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: W.Campbell, C.Dodd, A.Balish, K.Defris, C.D.Harris, S.Horrobin, F.Lang, R.R.G.Lawrence, J.P.Oliphant, T.Walker
Secretary-Manager: S.Beaton
Office: Olympic Park, Swan Street, Melbourne

1959 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: H.J.Dockerty
Vice-Presidents: N.Rothfield, Dr.C.Walker
Chairman of Council: W.R.Thomas
Deputy Chairman of Council: J.Paul
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: A.Balish, M.Buckner, G.F.d'Andrea, C.D.Harris, K.Defris, C.Dodd, D.J.Hamilton, S.Horrobin, D.Ivanovic, F.Lang, J.P.Oliphant, A.Pavlas, L.Rezzara, S.Rubenstein
Secretary-Manager: S.Beaton
Office: Olympic Park, Swan Street, Melbourne

1961 Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association
President: H.J.Dockerty
Vice-Presidents: N.Rothfield, Dr C.Walker
Chairman: W.R.Thomas
Deputy Chairman: J.Paul
Honorary Treasurer: A.Kerr
Council Members: G.F.d'Andrea, M.Buckner, L.Debono, K.Defris, C.Dodd, C.D.Harris, S.Horrobin, D.Ivanovic, F.Lang, T.Marmaras, J.P.Oliphant, S.Rubenstein, F.Villiers
Secretary-Manager: S.Beaton
Office: Olympic Park, Swan Street, Melbourne

1962 Victorian Soccer Federation
Chairman: T.Marmaras
Deputy Chairman: D.S.D.Sutherland
Honorary Treasurer: E.Heath
Secretary-Manager: S.Beaton
Office: Olympic Park, Swan Street, Melbourne

1963 Victorian Soccer Federation
Chairman: T.Marmaras
Deputy Chairman: J.Barclay
Honorary Treasurer: F.Varrenti
Secretary-Manager: S.Beaton
Metropolitan League Management Committee Chairman: N.Stanley
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

1964 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: H.J.Dockerty
Vice-Presidents: A.Kun, L.Pellegrini
Chairman: T.Marmaras
Deputy Chairman: J.Barclay
Secretary: S.Beaton
State League Management Committee Chairman: H.Dressler
Metropolitan League Management Committee Chairman: N.Stanley
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

1966 Victorian Soccer Federation
President:
Vice-President: T.Burns
Chairman: T.Marmaras
Deputy Chairman: J.R.Gorton
Honorary Treasurer: J.P.Oliphant
Board Members: M.Weinstein, J.O.Barclay, L.Debono
Secretary: G.T.Edgar
State League Management Committee Chairman: M.Weinstein
Metropolitan League Management Committee Chairman: J.O.Barclay
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Life Members: T.Burns, K.Defris, S.Horrobin, A.Kerr, F.Lang, J.Paul, J.Parker, W.R.Thomas, C.Walker

1967 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: T.Marmaras
Vice-Presidents: T.Burns, J.R.Gorton
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: J.O.Barclay
Secretary: G.T.Edgar
Treasurer: J.Mitchell
State League Management Committee Chairman: J.P.Oliphant
Metropolitan League Management Committee Chairman:J.O.Barclay
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

1968 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: T.Marmaras
Vice-Presidents: T.Burns, A.Kun
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: J.R.Gorton
Treasurer: D.Melidonis
Secretary: G.T.Edgar
State League Management Committee Chairman: J.Oliphant
Metropolitan League Management Committee Chairman: J.O.Barclay
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Life Members since 1966: T.Marmaras, H.Dressler, M.Weinstein, J.Pick, L.Debono, J.Demetrie, W.Thomas, H.Baytch, J.Van Hoboken, A.Kovac, E.Begovic, J.Wirt, F.W.McIver, A.Kun, E.Heath.

1969 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: T.Marmaras
Vice-Presidents: T.Burns, A.Kun
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: J.R.Gorton
Treasurer: E.Begovic
Secretary: L.Willmer
State League Management Committee Chairman: J.Oliphant
Metropolitan League Management Committee Chairman: J.O.Barclay
District League Management Committee Chairman: J.Morrison
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Life Members since 1968: E.Harvey, J.Castellini.

1970 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: T.Marmaras
Vice-Presidents: T.Burns, A.Kun
Chairman: J.R.Gorton
Deputy Chairman: J.Castellini
Treasurer: J.Klimecki
Board Members: E.Begovic, J.O.Barclay, H.Dressler, V.Manson, J.Oliphant, G.Sawczak
Secretary: L.Willmer
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Life Members since 1969: J.Oliphant, W.Campbell

1971 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: Sir David Hill-Wood
Vice-Presidents: T.Burns, A.Kun
Chairman: J.R.Gorton
Deputy Chairman: J.Castellini
Treasurer: J.Borg
Board Members: E.Begovic, J.O.Barclay, S.Wilson, V.Manson, L.Dimos, J.Oliphant
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees: T.Marmaras, T.Burns, M.Weinstein, E.Heath, P.J.O'Connor
Life Members since 1970: J.Barclay

1972 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: Commander M.Parker
Vice-Presidents: A.Kun, T.Burns
Chairman: J.R.Gorton
Deputy Chairman: J.Castellini
Treasurer: J.Borg
Board Members: A.Kovac, J.O.Barclay, S.Wilson, T.Marmaras, M.Weinstein, V.Manson
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees: T.Marmaras, T.Burns, M.Weinstein, E.Heath, P.J.O'Connor
Life Members since 1971: J.Klimecki, N.Stanley

1973 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: Commander M.Parker
Vice-Presidents: T.Burns, A.Kun
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: V.Manson
Treasurer: J.Borg
Board Members: A.Kovac, J.O.Barclay, J.Collins, T.Marmaras, K.Mitterlehner, J.R.Gorton
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees: T.Marmaras, T.Burns, M.Weinstein, E.Heath, P.J.O'Connor
Life Members since 1972: V.Manson

1974 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: T.Marmaras
Vice-Presidents: A.Kun, E.Heath
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: V.Manson
Treasurer: G.Kerry
Board Members: A.Kovac, J.Collins, J.Barclay, J.Borg, K.Mitterlehner, S.Papasavas
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees: T.Burns, T.Marmaras, M.Weinstein, P.J.O'Connor, E.Heath

1975 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: T.Marmaras
Vice-Presidents: E.Heath, T.Burns
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: V.Manson
Treasurer: J.Dimtsis
Board Members: S.Papasavas, J.Barclay, A.Kovac, T.Bailey, L.Shorrock, V.Cilauro
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
State League Management Committee Chairman: S.Papasavas
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees: T.Marmaras, M.Weinstein, P.J.O'Connor, E.Heath, T.Burns

1976 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: T.Marmaras
Vice-Presidents: T.Burns, E.Heath
Chairman: A.Kovac
Deputy Chairman: J.Barclay
Treasurer: J.Dimtsis
Board Members: S.Papasavas, M.Weinstein, L.Shorrock, V.Cilauro, A.Attard, M.McCulloch
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
State League Management Committee Chairman: S.Papasavas
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees: M.Weinstein, P.J.O'Connor, E.Heath, T.Burns, T.Marmaras

1977 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: T.Marmaras
Vice-Presidents: E.Heath, T.Burns
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: V.Cilauro
Treasurer: J.Dimtsis
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
State League Management Committee Chairman: V.Cilauro
Metropolitan League Management Committee Chairman: M.McCulloch
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: L.Shorrock
District League Management Committee Chairman: E.Begovic
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Life Members since 1973: P.J.O'Connor, H.M.Knott, G.Culbard, F.Hutchison, A.Brant, J.D'Andrea.

1978 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: T.Marmaras
Vice-Presidents: T.Burns, E.Heath
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: V.Cilauro
Treasurer: J.Dimtsis
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
State League Management Committee Chairman: V.Cilauro
Metropolitan League Management Committee Chairman:J.Whittaker
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: L.Stafrace
District League Management Committee Chairman: B.Tessari
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees: E.Heath, T.Burns, T.Marmaras, M.Weinstein, P.J.O'Connor
Life Member since 1977: J.Oliver

1980 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: J.Dimtsis
Vice-President: E.Heath
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: V.Cilauro
Treasurer: J.Borg
Board Members: J.Whittaker, F.Burin, H.Gussenhoven, J.Hodgson, G.Pegg, L.Stafrace
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees
President: T.Marmaras
Secretary: E.Heath
Members: M.Weinstein, J.P.O'Connor, V.Cilauro

1981 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: J.Dimtsis
Vice-President: E.Heath
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: V.Cilauro
Treasurer: J.Borg
Board Members: J.Whittaker, F.Burin, H.Gussenhoven, J.Hodgson, G.Pegg, L.Stafrace
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees
President: T.Marmaras
Secretary: E.Heath
Members: M.Weinstein, J.P.O'Connor, V.Cilauro

1982 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: J.Dimtsis
Vice-Presidents: E.Heath, P.Collins
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: V.Cilauro
Treasurer: S.Hargitay
Board Members: H.Dressler, J.Whattaker, J.Hodgson, G.Pegg, J.Barclay, L.Stafrace, R.Wilson
Secretary: G.F.Wallace
Assistant Secretary: A.Jensen
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees
President: T.Marmaras
Secretary: E.Heath
Members: M.Weinstein, J.P.O'Connor, V.Cilauro

1983 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: J.Dimtsis
Vice-Presidents: E.Heath, P.Collins
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy-Chairman: V.Cilauro
Treasurer: S.Slazyk
Members: J.Hodgson, A.Langer, J.Diamataris, P.Crawley, F.Burin, L.Stafrace, J.Whittaker
Secretary: G.E.Wallace
Assistant-Secretary: A.Crawley
State League Management Committee Chairman: V.Cilauro
Metropolitan League Management Committee Chairman: J.Hodgson
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: J.Whittaker
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Trustees
President: T.Marmaras
Secretary: E.Heath
Members: M.Weinstein, J.P.O'Connor, V.Cilauro
Life Members since 1978: J.Barclay, V.Manson, B.Tessari, J.E.Abalon, W.Cuuran, A.Merrills, K.Slack

1985 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: J.Dimtsis
Vice-Presidents: E.Heath, G.Kerry
Chairman: M.Weinstein
Deputy Chairman: V.Cilauro
Treasurer: J.Hodgson
Executive Director: G.F.Wallace
State League Management Committee Chairman: V.Cilauro
Metropolitan League Management Committee Chairman: J.Hodgson
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: A.Corsar
Amateur League Management Committee Chairman: M.Leach
Life Members since 1978: V.Manson, B.Tessari, J.E.Abalon, W.Curran, A.Merrills, K.Slack, C.Cutajar, W.Bates.

1988 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: J.Dimtsis
Vice-President: G.Kerry
Chairman: J.Reilly
Executive Director: G.F.Wallace
Honorary Life President: M.Weinstein

1989 Victorian Soccer Federation
Honorary Life President: M.Weinstein
President: J.Dimtsis
Vice-President: Mrs.A.McPhee, H.Siwka
Chairman: V.Cilauro
Deputy Chairman: P.Crawley
Treasurer: G.Zafiropoulos
Executive Director: G.F.Wallace
State League Management Committee Chairman: L.Stafrace
Victorian League Management Committee Chairman: P.Crawley
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: J.Oliver
Amateur League Management Committee: L.Goldman
Life Members since 1985: E.Barrett, Mrs.N.Bosma, R.Bosma, S.David, V.Cilauro, G.Kerry.

1990 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: J.Dimtsis
Vice-Presidents: Mrs.A.McPhee, J.Kriaris
Chairman: V.Cilauro
Deputy Chairman: L.Stafrace
Treasurer: G.Vasilopoulos
Executive Director: G.F.Wallace
State League Management Committee Chairman: L.Stafrace
Victorian League Management Committee Chairman: J.Docherty
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: Mrs.L.De Marchi
Amateur League Management Committee Chairman: L.Goldman
Life Members since 1989: J.Dimtsis, J.Paul.

1992 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: J.Hodgson
Vice-Presidents: A.Cikoja, M.Antolos
Chairman: V.Cilauro
Deputy Chairman: J.Docherty
Treasurer: G.Vasilopoulos
Executive Director: T.Jones
Premier League Management Committee Chairman: J.Caruso
State League Management Committee Chairman: J.Docherty
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: Mrs.L.De Marchi
Life Members since 1990: E.Richardson, F.Royston, E.Slack, M.Taussig, G.Crossley, G.Wallace.

1993 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: J.Hodgson
Vice-Presidents: A.Cikoja, M.Antolos
Chairman: J.Caruso
Deputy Chairman: J.Docherty
Treasurer: E.Sewards
Executive Director: T.Jones
Premier League Management Committee Chairman: T.Raponi
State League Management Committee Chairman: J.Docherty
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: Mrs.L.De Marchi
Life Members since 1992: J.Sampson, J.Murphy, D.Di Fabrizio.

1994 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: G.Wallace
Vice-Presidents: A.Cikoja, M.Antolos
Honorary Life President: M.Weinstein
Chairman: J.Caruso
Deputy Chairman: T.Raponi
Treasurer: T.Raponi
C.E.O.: T.Jones
Premier League Management Committee Chairman: T.Raponi
State League Management Committee Chairman: J.Docherty
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: Mrs.L.De Marchi
Life Members since 1993: A.Blacklaw, D.Phillips, V.Ballerini

1995 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: G.Wallace
Vice-Presidents: T.Cikoja, M.Antolos
Chairman: H.Siwka
C.E.O.: T.Jones
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

1996 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: G.Wallace
Vice-Presidents: A.Cikoja, M.Antolos
Honorary Life President: M.Weinstein
Honorary Executive President: J.Kennett
Chairman: H.Siwka
Deputy Chairman: T.Raponi
Treasurer: A.Augello
C.E.O.: T.Jones
Premier League Management Committee Chairman: T.Raponi
State League Management Committee Chairman: J.Docherty
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: P.Randall
Life Members since 1994: D.McIntosh, T.Dunkerley, D.Trimboli, S.Slazyk, F.Burin.

1997 Victorian Soccer Federation
Honorary Life President: M.Weinstein
Honorary Executive President: J.Kennett
Chairman: J.Brondolino
Commissioners: M.Galanos, J.Hoar, V.Stojcevski, S.David, T.Dunkerley, P.Randall.
C.E.O.: G.Miles
Premier League Management Committee Chairman: T.Cikoja
State League Management Committee Chairman: J.Docherty
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: B.Poulsen
Office: Soccer House, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Life Members since 1996: D.Sutherland

1998 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: G.Wallace
Honorary Life President: M.Weinstein
Honorary Executive President: J.Kennett
Chairman: J.Brondolino
Commissioners: M.Galanos, J.Hoar, V.Stojcevski, T.Dunkerley, J.Dimitropoulos, J.Mills.
C.E.O.: G.Miles
Premier League Management Committee Chairman: T.Cikoja
State League Management Committee Chairman: T.Parry
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: B.Poulsen
Office: 236 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne.
Life Members since 1997: J.Docherty

1999 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: G.Wallace
Honorary Life President: M.Weinstein
Honorary Executive President: J.Kennett
Chairman: J.Brondolino
Commissioners: M.Galanos, J.Hoar, V.Stojcevski, T.Dunkerley, J.Dimitropoulos, J.Mills.
C.E.O.: G.Miles
Premier League Management Committee Chairman: A.Cikoja
State League Management Committee Chairman: J.Mills
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: B.Poulsen
Office: 236 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne.
Life Members since 1998: J.Hodgson

2000 Victorian Soccer Federation
President: G.Wallace
Honorary Life President: M.Weinstein
Chairman: M.Galanos
Deputy Chairman: V.Stojcevski
Commissioners: T.Dunkerley, J.Dimitropoulos, J.Mills, K.Evans, T.Parry, I.Skunca.
C.E.O.: G.Miles
Premier League Management Committee Chairman: V.Stojcevski
State League Management Committee Chairman: T.Parry
Provisional League Management Committee Chairman: B.Poulsen
Office: 236 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne.
Life Members since 2000: L.Stafrace

Soccer? Football? Or is the name of the game now Souvlaki?

There's been a lot of good come out of the FFA Cup, and a few things that can be improved on. A cliche in itself, the magic of the cup has been clouded with an overdose of stereotypes and tokenism. Is the only stat we can get for a lower tier club really how many kilograms of lamb they have ordered for the spit?

The Fox Sports obsession with souvlakis at Kingston Heath has gone more than a tad overboard. I'm told (was at the game) that the commentary even referred to the venue as Souvlaki Stadium last night.. They probably think the SC in Bentleigh Greens SC stands for Souvlaki.Club.

Whilst it has been a boon for canteen sales, it can also be seen as demeaning to the Greens as a footballing entity. When they would rather talk about your food than your football, it has to be seen as a slap in the face. How about pondering whether Andrew Redmayne or Tando Velaphi are any better than Alistair Bray? Or could John Anastasiadis ever be considered for an A-League coaching gig without having to do a Phil Stubbins and go overseas for a few years to wash away the VPL/NPL stigma?

A Fox face eating a souvlaki on air has been a staple of network's FFA Cup coverage in it's inaugural season.. Can't recall seeing footage of the commentators eating a hot dog or a bucket of chips at any of the hundreds of A-League games I've watched. Patronising at all? 

It's interesting to see such culinary appreciation portrayed by some as a healing in the relationship between "Old Soccer" and "New Football". I've yet to see anyone pushing that line address the issue of the FFA's National Club Identity Policy. 

If a group of Afghan refugees decided to start a new club, and wanted it to maintain links to their heritage, they would not be allowed to do so. No tasty treats in the canteen will get you past that. There's more freedom in the detention centres than there is under the FFA in this case. 

During the draws the teams outside of the A-League were referred to as "member clubs". This piqued my interest given the legal battles between Victorian clubs and the FFV over the years. Unlike American Express, it seems membership does not have it's privileges. Who would join a club where your membership fees were spent to benefit others, not on anything you are entitled to? That is what has happened when State Federations have been engaged to run the Youth and Women's components of A-League teams. 

The compromised draw is something a few would like to see done away with. It probably needs to be maintained though, especially if the plan to eventually have the Final played annually on Australia Day takes place. Once the NPL teams go too far out of season, it will be near impossible for any to progress to the latter stages in an open draw. That would mean no souvlaki, cevapi or kebapi fairytale stories for the broadcaster. 

If the draw remains compromised, I'd suggest seeding the A-League clubs to give more prospects of an early upset. Two pots of balls for the A-League clubs, one with the top teams drawn to play each other, and the other for the bottom of the table teams from the previous season to be placed in to face the member clubs.

I also think the week before the A-League season starts to be the ideal time for the FFA Cup Final. It gives member clubs a leg up facing A-League teams in pre-season. It also gives A-League clubs meaningful competitive games rather than training ground friendlies, which is always a preferred arrangement. It would suit teams in the latter stages of the Asian Champions League in dealing with the A-League close season. Like the Charity/Community Shield, it would provide a marquee fixture to lead into the season proper.

Grounds of the Past: St Kevin's Oval, Heyington

Ever since I first saw an old ad in Soccer News promoting Hakoah playing games at St Kevin's Oval in the 1950's I've been fascinated with the idea of top level football being played there.

Going the opposite direction at Heyington Station will take you to what is now Kevin Bartlett Reserve, home of Richmond in NPL1. The St Kevin's Ovals sit wedged between the College next to the station on the west, the Monash Freeway to the north, the Kooyong Tennis Club with it's historic stadium to the east and the Glen Waverley railway line to the south.

The claim "Victoria's Premier Soccer Ground" seems a bit far fetched. Public transport access would have been good, car parking more problematic. Facilities would probably have been pretty basic, no different to the other roped off pitches in open parks that prevailed in that era. If the ground surface is what it is like today, that would probably have been something to boast about though.

There was also a pavilion, as captured in this photograph from Soccer News in 1954:

Now from the Freeway, and the Gardiner's Creek Bike Trail that runs under it, you can see a pavilion between the two ovals. Closer inspection reveals it to be a more modern building than what would have stood on the site when it was a Victorian Division One soccer venue.

To the right (as you look at it in the photo) of the building I found the following plaque:

So that would have been the quaint building captured in Soccer News. Behind the plaque is a tree probably planted at the time of the new facility being built, and behind that a rubbish bin. Which gave me an opportunity to try and take a photo from roughly the same spot the Soccer News photographer took his from.

So that is where top level football was played in Melbourne as it entered the soccer boom of the 1950's. Hakoah would soon find their way to making Middle Park their new home. Securing enclosed grounds was a major issue as the game moved from primarily being participant-based into becoming a spectator sport with the emergence of powerful, ethnic-based clubs.

It may remain unknown to most, but St Kevin's Oval is a part of Victorian football history.

(Click on photos to enlarge)