Bill West
Lancefield Football Netball Club will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year, and the hunt is on to collect a wealth of information and photographs adding to the Tigers’ illustrious history.
The intent is to put together a comprehensive pictorial history to mark the milestone, and a call has gone to anyone who can help in any way.
Already there has been heaps of relevant material “dug up” from various sources, and the search is stepping up now to ensure the outcome is something which will make the club, and town, proud of past achievements.
Initially it was thought the Tigerland celebrations were due this year, but research through newspapers proved the big 150th occasion will be spread across much of 2023.
Denis Graham, a member of one of the pioneering families, has the role as the main compiler of relevant information.
“We’ve already found much material the current generation was completely unaware of, and the Romsey-Lancefield Historical Society is playing its part,” he said.
Lancefield Football Club was formed in 1872, and its first premiership (as far as can be ascertained) came in 1888 with a 4.14 to 3.5 grand final victory against Rose of Kilmore. Many more have followed with Romsey often one of the club’s arch rivals.
In the early years Lancefield played against some sides which have long disappeared, and are almost a part of folklore.
Old photographs that can be copied and returned to their owners are being sought; relevant names are a huge asset.
In particular, photos are being sought from the 1970s and 1980s for both football and netball teams, hopefully labelled.
THE 1923 PHOTO
Pictured is the Lancefield 1923 premiership side that defeated Romsey 7.5 to 3.9.
The Tigers’ team included two members of the inter-generational premiership families – The Shannon’s (Dave and Bill).
The photo also includes the legendary Ike Johnston, the Tigers’ first life member and former Carlton player.
Names that cannot be matched in the photo are: Boyne, Roberts, Gutheridge, Carkeck, Kelly, Day, Belcher, Hayes, Smith and Gellion. Can you help?
Any information can be conveyed to Denis Graham by email denis.graham@icloud.com or phone 0437 551 517; alternatively contact historical society secretary Shirley Kishere.
