The first football teams in the then outer eastern suburbs were formed in the years after the railway line was extended from Hawthorn to Lilydale in 1882, a destination which, until then, had been serviced by Cobb & Co Coaches which passed through Balwyn along Whitehorse Road.
In 1909 a group of local businessmen established a team to compete in the Reporter District League with the land, which became Balwyn Park, was acquired by the Camberwell Council in 1910. All senior football, apart from the VFL, was suspended for the duration of the Great War in 1915. The year following the tramway was extended to Mont Albert and in 1916, Balwyn's Under 18 Junior Team was established. Following the war years and the loss of young men from the district it took some years for the senior football club to re-form but in 1921 and 1922 Balwyn broke through with premierships.
Team photos from that era feature Jack Lowe, father of the Lowe brothers Bobby and Alan, whose local football careers were to follow separate paths. Bobby was a rugged ruckman in Balwyn's sides of the 50s and early 60s. He went on to be Club Secretary in the mould of Graham Richmond. In his later years Bob was the bane of goal umpires or players who the hesitated before entering the fray. He was renowned for offering his vocal advice from behind the sticks at the clubhouse end. Brother Alan went on to play at North Kew where he also became a revered administrator.
Sam Booth also features in the 1920s photos. His son Shern and grandson Steven also played with Balwyn and continued the dynasty both serving as Club Presidents in the 60s and 90s.
In the 1920s a two-storey weatherboard structure served as dressing rooms, and was also the home of the Balwyn Brass Band. A grandstand was built on the site of the present club rooms in 1935 and the old building was shifted to adjoin the tennis courts in 1941, where it still stands, having been since brick veneered.
Balwyn were finalists in 1926 finishing runners-up to Auburn. It was the last year of the Reporter District League and in 1927, these teams were admitted to the VFL League Sub-district Competition.
That year Balwyn appointed Wal Empey from Auburn, as Captain-Coach. After defeating Fairfield in a curtain raiser to the VFL second semi-final at the MCG, Balwyn then accounted for Middle Park to take the premiership. One of the last surviving menbers of that team died in recent years. Arthur Whyte, was a skilled backman who in 1996 aged almost 90, travelled from his retirement home in Gippsland to present back to the Club his three Club Best and Fairest trophies won in the 1930s. They now take pride of place in the trophy cabinet.
In 1928 Balwyn was promoted to A Grade and was forced to change colours from green and yellow colours to the Collingwood strip. The second match of the season saw Balwyn defeated by South Melbourne Districts. Significantly that day the best player for the victors was none other than the great Roy Cazaly.
In the 1930s Balwyn emerged as a force winning three flags under Bill Hudd. Balwyn Park became an enclosed ground but not all residents were impressed. The Box Hill Reporter had this to say: ".the fencing was done almost solely in the interests of the football club, which is not truly representative of the young men of Balwyn, as the majority of players reside in other suburbs".
Later the fence was removed but to this day the stonework gates and ticket box remain at the Whitehorse Road entry.
There was disillusionment with the VFL sub-district competition in 1931 when two nasty brawls attributed to the behaviour of East Brunswick supporters occurred at Box Hill and Canterbury. Those clubs and Balwyn, broke away to became foundation members of the Eastern Suburban Football League (ESFL) with Balwyn reverting to their "green & yellow" guernseys for the 1932 season.
Prior to coaching Balwyn, Bill Hudd has played at three VFL clubs. In 1926 for Essendon he was implicated in an incident during a final against Melbourne, which saw Bob Corbett KO'd. Hudd was a policeman and at Balwyn he recruited many members during the depression era, which helped secure three flags.
In 1937, after only one win, Balwyn was relegated to the ESFL "B" Grade. During this year, several players opted to transfer to one another of the three Balwyn teams playing in the Eastern Suburban Churches Competition. It's claimed that Bill Hudd enticed many fellow policemen to play for Balwyn under assumed names.
With the onset of World War Two the Club went into recess as the ESFL and all other senior competitions with the exception of the VFL, disbanded.
Balwyn Junior Football Club re-formed in 1944 and entered the Victorian Junior Amateur Football Association. Donations of clothing coupons by members enabled the club to purchase a set of moth-eaten green guernseys with white sash. However, the colours clashed with Hampton Scouts and Balwyn were forced to hire an alternative set when they met that club.
A drawn game this year was the best result but in 1945 the team missed the final four on percentage. Coach Dick Logan is remembered for his final words in the pre-match address "I want youse to get out there with plenty of guts and determination, and I sez you can do this mob".
Balwyn seniors re-formed in 1946 and were admitted to "C" section of the VAFA wearing new club colours of scarlet with white monogram, collars and cuffs.
Promotion and relegation of clubs in the Amateurs saw many guernsey clashes. It was not until 1948 the Tiger colours first emerged when Balwyn wore a yellow jumper with a black monogram, collar and cuffs. That season the Club fell just short of promotion to A grade beating the minor premier Brunswick, in a semi-final, then losing by seven points to Old Xavierians the following week.

A subsequent loss of players, a couple to the VFL and retirements, saw the team struggle during the next few years. Balwyn was relegated in 1950 and in the lower grade wore jumpers with black & gold vertical stripes. There was resurgence in 1954 when the Tigers finished third.
In following years ten Balwyn players crossed to Box Hill in the VFA with Don Brown going on to win the Liston trophy. In 1956 Balwyn re-entered the ESFL and now had a reserve eighteen instead of a junior team. The present Richmond jumpers were worn for the first time that year.
The club lost the preliminary final in 1958. District and family rivalries flared in in 1960 when Balwyn finished runners-up to North Kew.
The South East Suburban League was formed in 1963 by an amalgamation of the ESFL and the Caulfield/Oakleigh League. Balwyn was a foundation member of the new competition and won the toss against Burwood, to secure the Tiger jumpers. Burwood was forced to don the inferior Magpie strip.
With this new dawn and the Beatles first entering the charts, a musical era took hold of Balwyn. Local butcher Shern Booth, the second in the Booth dynasty was President. Another dynasty dawned soon after when Jack Douge, the singing President took over. After many a victory, Jack was seen on a chair leading supporters in the Club song with a beer in hand.
Jack opened the first supermarket in the district at Mont Albert Tram terminus, and some of his best recruiting was done while delivering groceries in his old green FB panel van.
Under his presidency, a recruiting coup was scored with the appointment of 1958 Collingwood premiershp player Brian Beers as coach. Secretary Bobby Lowe always claimed the prize signing and while the Tigers were competitive in these years, they could not break through for a flag.
In 1964 the famed `Battle of Burnley' occurred at Balwyn Park, a rugged match which included and all in brawl involving players and spectators. It drew the attention of the local Police and screaming headlines in the Sun which reported on the bloody stoush.
Over this period, Charlie Anderton played 300 games and won three best and fairests. He also later served as President.
Charlie's biggest win of the era was the heart his wife-to-be, Verna, one of two female Balwyn Life Members. Her younger sister Dianne is the other. Dianne went on to marry John Rushen, a cheeky young Balwyn player with a Dennis Lillee moustache and bad dress sense.
In 1968 at age 16 Jack Douge's son Brian won the senior best and fairest. He was soon recruited by Hawthorn. In 1976 Brian rewarded the Hawk's faith as back pocket in the premiership side. His skipper Peter Crimmins listened from his sick bed that day and Brian appeared in a famed press photo on Grand Final night with Don Scott and others bringing the Cup round for Crimmo.
Today the Crimmins name is well known at Balwyn, with Peter's brother Kevin, the Juniors Vice President and the SFL official photographer.
Jack Douge, together with Charlie Anderton, Peter Gardener and Mick Leahy set up Balwyn's Sunday juniors. Some say it was just as an excuse to back up for another beer after Saturday.
Mick Leahy came to Balwyn as a player from Richmond in 1962. He was rugged backman with a mad Irish streak. Mick was reputed to be Balwyn's first paid player but he repaid the Club many times over in a number of roles. Mick served as Club secretary and also coached the U15s to three premierships in the mid 70s. These teams produced many fine players who served the Club well both on Club Secretary, and off the field. Mick's juniors included five future life members, Kevin Fox, Peter Kaminski, Peter AndertonStephen, Booth and Mick O'Connor. Peter, like his dad Charlie, won three senior B&Fs and collected many broken noses as a fearless centreman. Mick Leahy traded his coaches clipboard for the `magic towel', and impersonated the head trainer at Balwyn until recent years. He started as a butcher in Shern Booth's shop across the road from the Balwyn Park and left to join Camberwell Council as the dog-catcher and local eccentric. Today Mick is semi-retired as the Templestowe postman and he hobbles around on one hip harrassing unsuspecting umpires and new coaches who have not caught on to his unique welcome to the Club (which is not for family reading).
Jack Douge's, Peter was wily centreman in the 1970s. He was just as cunning off the field. Unfortunately Peter's dubious fundraising with Balwyn and Hawthorn FC nearly nearly brought the Club undone when in `pre-Lloyd' casino days the Tigers gaming operations under the Glenferrie Oval grandstand, were raided one Friday night. Balwyn took the rap, and lost a few blackjack tables in the process, but the moneybag remained undetected having been stashed in the top of an old upright piano. The wallopers never twigged when Mick Young, a rugged Balwyn backman, failed to hit a note while tinkling the ivories as the Police continued their search for the cash.
Balwyn did taste some premiership success in the seniors but it was for a lighting premiership in 1972 over North Kew at the South Melbourne. Reserve's Coach, Ray `Polly' Lamey, guided that win. Polly was a larger than life figure who coached the `Twos' on and off for about 15 years in between sackings and reinstatements. His regular Sunday School was always a full house as Saturday's game was analysed over a beer or ten, while watching the Army Reserve Cup and other video amusements. Polly also coached Balwyn Reserves to the 1973 Premiership.
John `JR' Rushen was a member of those premiership teams. He also coached the Reserves for two stints between sackings, was President in the 1989 Premiership year, and is currently Vice President and a Club fashion consultant. JR learned much from Polly's team bonding practices when after forfeiting a game, he organised a team meeting at Casey's nightspot in Hawthorn for Wednesday night training.
In the late 70s, with nearest neighbours Canterbury, Hawthorn Citizens and North Kew in lower divisions, Balwyn fiercest rivals were Murrumbeena, Mount Waverley and Ashburton.
Senior coaches of the 70s and early 80s included, Ross Price, Bernie Maloney, Roger Hampson, Alan Cockerill and Jack Johnson. Jack, who today is Balwyn's elder statesman, also served two terms as President in between long lunches.
On the eve of the 1970 finals, Balwyn was forced to replay an earlier season match against Mount after Balwyn won by 3 points. The Blues claimed the timekeeper blew the siren too early and the game was replayed on a Sunday after the last round at Balwyn Park before a massive crowd. The Tigers dished out a 20-goal flogging to send Mount Waverly on their way. The beer tasted very good that night from all accounts.
That fateful year the flag eluded the Tigers when, at Oakleigh, Burwood turned around a 40 point third quarter deficit to beat Balwyn for the cup. In 1977 Balwyn stormed into the grand final having beaten Murrumbeena, in the preliminary final only to have the victory stolen when the SESFL discovered, that Paul Molan, the young Tiger ruckman just back from overseas, fell one game short of qualifying.
In the 1980s new rivalries were born with the entry of the old Federal League sides to the SESFL. None was fiercer than with Noble Park. In 1984 after a shaky start, Balwyn stormed into the finals with seven wins straight. In a tough Preliminary final encounter against Clayton before the days of the order off rule, Balwyn's young team was stopped in its tracks.
This period produced a three-time century goalkicker in Noel Rae who was recruited in the Clifton Hotel Kew, after the Tiger's brains trust convinced the North Kew backman he would be better placed at the other end of the ground.
The Clifton was a happy hunting ground as Balwyn also signed Collingwood's Under 19 captain Jim Hunt along with brothers Bernie and Peter. In the early 1980's during a beer strike, the Clifton was unable to supply grog for a Club function. A day-long search across Melbourne was undertken by Mick `Burger' O'Connor and Kevin Fox gathering two bottles a time for Saturday night bar stocks. At the end of the trip, new Harp of Erin publican Don Smith came to the rescue, offering all the large Melbourne Bitter cans they could load into the car. That was the start of a 20-year Harp partnership and since then the pub has been a sponsor, Friday night meeting spot and venue Balwyn's renowned chook raffle. Burger and Foxy also secured a unique sponsorship that year from Columbos Pizza in Balwyn, when the proprietor offered $50 on the condition that they not come in again for a feed on Saturday nights!
In the early 1980's the Hunt boys livened up the Club and they were great players too. Bernie Hunt played more than 200 games and coached Balwyn in 1993. He also led and won the City v Country drinkoff for the cityslickers and celebrated by bodysurfing along table spilling 30 pots. Jimmy Hunt won an SESFL Best and Fairest. After the 1984 finals he was poached by Noble Park, sparking a rivalry that cranked up even higher in 1990, when Balwyn's Premiership coach David Dickson crossed to join the Bulls.
Dickson who played in Carlton's 1972 Premiership, built a formidibale team over three years. It included `will of the wisp' rover, Terry Hagenmuller, who won an SFL B&F, century goalkicker Noel Rae, centre half back Billy Graham who was also an SFL B&F winner and Darren Pollard, a flamboyant long-kicking forward who marked everything and played the crowd like Andrew Jarman. Current Oakleigh Chargers coach, John Lamont was skipper. Ex Fitzroy strongman Brett Grimley provided steel to the side, which walked tall on that windy September day in 1989 against Oakleigh Districts. The only downside was for Balwyn's Reserves who stomed home in a seven goal last quarter only to fall two points short of breaking Noble Park's unbeaten flag sequence,
Balwyn's 1989 flag success against Oakleigh Districts broke a 50 year drought.
The Tigers stumbled in the years following with the loss of many players. This was compounded when the Club was forced off Balwyn Park for ground resurfacing works in 1991.
After being Gipsies early in the season, Balwyn finally found a home at the Camberwell VFA ground when the Cobras folded. At one stage a merger seemed likely as Balwyn had a team and no ground, while Camberwell had a ground but no team. Thankfully talks came to nothing. After two years away from Balwyn Park, the Tigers still had to fight hard to secure tenancy on their old ground. President Gerry Canty (another ex-seconds coach and a father-son Presidential duo with his dad Adrian) staved off efforts in some quarters to relocate Balwyn away from its home of 80 years.
Thankfully after this turmoil, the Club emerged to a new era back at Balwyn Park with relative success.
1993 saw the birth of the SFL and next year with the inclusion of the ESCFA teams, Balwyn was shunted into Division Two. Bernie Hunt then Darren Pollard, coached until 1995. Gifted ex-junior Darren Ward won the senior Best and Fairest, and a young Tim Banks down from the Terang, showed signs of promise. Next year Martin Beatie was appointed coach and took the Tigers to a grand final against Ashwood.
While victory eluded the ones, the twos under first year coach Graham Harvey tasted success, which they repeated the next year. Martin stood down to concentrate on playing in 1997. Together with current President and senior ruckmen Travis Mullenger, they took out the Division two flag down under the coaching of Cameron Doyle. With back-to-back Reserves flags to his name, Graham Harvey stepped up to the top job next year in Division 1. He created history by coaching his fourth consecutive premiership, and won back-to-back Senior flags in 1998 and 1999. Even sweeter for oldtimers, these victories were over Balwyn's 1980s arch-rival, Noble Park.
In 1999, Reserves team manager, Club umpire and Secretary, Peter Dickson also marked his 10th year in gold letters on the Rod Kelly Honour Board.
But that's all ancient history. Its up to the 2000 Tigers to take up the challenge on and off the field to make some of history of their own.
Even now its being made as ex-junior Luke Power makes his mark for the Brisbane Lions, while another junior James White, has just broken into Senior ranks at Richmond with a chance soon to show his Balwyn Tigers heritage at AFL level.
Next Issue: Tassie Tigers.Tall tales but true from 20 years of Hobart Footy Trips

May 2000
BFCHistory3

ADDED August 2003

'The Reporter' 4(superscript: th) November 1927.
BALWYN ? PREMIERSHIP BALL.

The culmination of celebrations occasioned by the Balwyn Football Club obtaining its first premiership was reached at a grand ball given by the president, Mr. William Pockett, in the Canterbury Memorial Hall on Thursday evening of last week.  Mrs. Pockett, who, with Mr. Pockett received the guests, was gowned in a handsome black frock with which she carried a posy in rich tones of red.  The club's colours, green and gold, banked with palms and growing plants, were used effectively as a decoration for the stage, from whence came the dance-compelling strains of the Merry Makers' orchestra.  Each of the twenty-two players were, during the evening, presented with a gold medal by Mr. Pockett, who congratulated them warmly on the success achieved, and commended the splendid teamwork displayed. The Mayor of Camberwell (Cr. J.D. Howie) presented to each of the trainers a handsomely framed photo of the team, and to Mr. Pockett, expressing the appreciation and goodwill of the club. A beautiful illuminated address.

 Some 160 people sat down to the daintily decorated and well-laden supper tables, at which was provided a sumptuous repast.  The toast of 'The King,' submitted by Mr. Pockett, was received right royally, followed by that of the Mayor and Mrs. Howie.  Cr. Howie, in responding, expressed thanks for the way in which the toast was proposed, and the hearty manner in which it was received.  He was delighted to be present, and to join personally in the rejoicings in connection with the recent victory.  He hoped that next year the club would enter a higher grade, and still prove its prowess. Referring to the ground at Balwyn, it was desired that it should be made suitable for the players next year, and with that object the council were prepared to advance pound for pound up to 400 Pounds for the building of a pavilion and other conveniences, and the putting in order generally.  There was no reason why Balwyn Park should not be one of the best grounds in the metropolitan area, and he urged the footballers and ladies to work with that object, and wished them further success in the higher grade which they should enter next year

 The toast of 'The President' (Mr. Pockett) was proposed by Mr. Smith (president of the League Sub-District Association) and received with musical honours.  Mr. Pockett was an ideal president, and had given largely of his time and energy to help the club in every way, and he was sure all present realised the splendid work both Mr. and Mrs. Pockett had done and were doing.

Amid prolonged cheering, which spoke well for his popularity, Mr. Pockett rose and responded briefly, calling on Mr. Stuart to propose the toast of the team, all working together for the honour of the club.  The toast was most heartily received, response being made by the captain and coach, Mr. Empey.

'The Reporter' 29(superscript: th) June 1928.

BALWYN FOOTBALL CLUB DANCE.

More largely attended that ever was the very enjoyable dance held by the Balwyn Football Club, in the local hall, on Saturday evening last.  The stage, under the clever ministrations of the president, Mr. Pockett, was a veritable bower of beauty being banked with growing ferns and palms of excellent quality, and in great profusion.  A pleasant ceremony was the presentation to Mr. Pockett, by Mr. S. Taylor (club secretary), of a life-membership medal, for which Mr. Pockett expressed deep thanks.  His association with the club had always been one of the happiest.  Mr. Bert Scanlon (committeeman and trainer) whose wedding was recently celebrated, was made the recipient of a handsome silver cake basket.  He, in a happy little speech, expressed the best thanks of himself and his wife to the club, for which he hoped to be associated for many years yet to come.  The Monte Carlo dance again caused much fun, and was won by Mr. J. Tomlin and partner, who received a silver stud box and a silver  cake fork, respectively.  The Regent orchestra again provided excellent music, to which dancing continued until close upon midnight.

 'The Reporter' 18(superscript: th) January 1929.

BALWYN PARK IMPROVEMENTS.

 By banking up, filling and levelling, Balwyn Park is being put in first class order for the coming football season.  This park occupies a central position in Balwyn, and when all improvements are complete will offer facilities for sport as fine as any in the suburban area.  In1912 the Camberwell City Council purchased the first portion of this park (9 acres 1 rood 13 perches) at a cost of 1,626 Pounds 5 shillings and 7 pence and in 1922 the further area of 1 acre 3 roods 23 perches for 1,556 Pounds 9 shillings and 9 pence.  The land is used for sports purposes and is under control of a committee of management, with a member of the Camberwell City Council as chairman.