Research is continuing on a book recording the history of Sunbury Football Club.
And those directly involved have been inspired by the quality of the 248-page Lancefield Football Club 1873 – 2023 publication, which proved to be a sell out earlier this year.
Long-time Sunbury resident Mick Jensen is well known to many in the Macedon Ranges through football and cricket.
He was working with Sunbury historian Peter Free on the project of compiling the Sunbury Football Club’s history a couple of years ago, and the first stage of their research led to Peter’s book ‘Teams of the Decades 50s, 60s, 70s’ and the first inductions into the club’s Hall of Fame and Legends.
Peter, a nephew of SFC ‘great’ Roger Free, was afflicted with ill-health, which led to his untimely death.
With Peter’s passing, Brian O’Loughlin, a long-time resident and former football club official, has taken on the role as author.
“Brian and I were greatly impressed with the first-class publication of the history of the Lancefield Football Club, and we hope to eventually produce something near this high standard,” Mick said.
Sunbury Football Club was formed in 1879, and won its first premiership in 1892, defeating Woodend 3.16 to 2.6 in the grand final of what was then known as the Romsey District Football Association, a forerunner of the Riddell League.
Sunbury had won 19 premierships before crossing to the strong Ballarat League in 1997, after winning the Riddell League’s 1996 flag.
There were six Bowen Medals in the Riddell League won by Sunbury stars, the first going to highly skilled Barry Palmer with 25 votes in 1955.
“There’s no doubt generations of families involved with the Sunbury club many years ago are probably residing in the Macedon Ranges and surrounds, and we would love to hear from them if they can provide anything interesting for possible inclusion in the history book,” Mick said.
“Old photographs and bygone trophies may be extremely valuable and worth recording.”
He is the main point of contact for any helpful information, and has consulted with Denis Graham, a key figure in compiling the Lancefield history book.
Mick Jensen can be contacted on 0439 157 371 or email dianemick69@hotmail.com
