Cranbourne football club

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Cranbourne Football Club (Australian rules football) is a senior football club based in Cranbourne, whose history can be traced back to 1889. The club is currently a member of the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League and plays its home games at the new Casey Fields complex. For many years the clubs' home ground was the E.G. Allen reserve (situated in the middle of the Cranbourne Racing Complex) and the club still trains there. Well known past coaches of the club include Tom Reynolds (ex Essendon and brother of Dick Reynolds) in the 1940s, Bill Barrot (ex Richmond, St Kilda and Carlton) and Colin Eales (ex Geelong) in the 1970s.

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[edit] Golden Era

The 'golden era' of the Cranbourne Football Club was in the mid 80's through to the mid 90's. Boosted by the appointment of Daryl Nisbet (ex St. Kilda and Berwick) and buoyed by a rapidly growing town that boasted a good sprinkling of stalwarts keen to see the club succeed, the club broke through for its first senior premiership in over 20 years by winning the S.W.G.F.L. grand final over Doveton in 1985. This was quickly followed by premierships in 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991 and again 1993, (this time captain/coached by notable player Paul Garrett Jnr., eldest brother of the 2 Garretts mentioned below). In 1995 they entered the M.P.N.F.L. and again won the premiership.

[edit] Legendary Players

During this period certain player's efforts elevated them to the exalted status of club legend. With apologies to those who probably deserve to be there some of these are;

  • Andrew Dalgleish - Tough and uncompromising and yet won the respect of all of those who played against him.
  • Paddy Garrett - A most devastating finisher. At his best: simply unstoppable.
  • Tim Ostrom - As hard as nails. His determination made those he playes with have no fear.
  • Steve Dalgleish - A big man who made the ball come through him.
  • Chris Garrett - His skills and pace were, quite simply, exceptional.

From different eras other players that are still talked about in hushed terms include Jim Breen from the early part of the 20th century, Joe & Owen Kelsall and Jack Rennie from the 1950s, and Graham Kelsall and Chris Holland who virtually carried the club on their shoulders for large periods of time in the 1970s.

[edit] Recent Years

Cranbourne Football Club's on-field form over recent years has been less than ideal, with the Senior team finishing low on the ladder for the past few seasons. However, the Reserve and Under-18 teams have fared much better, with both teams reaching the finals of the 2007 season.

[edit] The Future

With the facilities available at the outstanding Casey Fields complex, the recent improvement shown by the Reserves as well as the continuing potential shown by the Under-18s, and of course the talent base provided by the ever-strong Cranbourne Junior Footbal Club, there is much reason to believe that the Cranbourne Football Club's recent poor-patch will soon come to an end.