BHJFC HISTORY

In 1967 a Public Meeting was called by the Fitzroy Football Club, the outcome of which was the formation of the Doncaster and District Junior Football League, of which Beverley Hills was a foundation member. At a meeting held in December 1967, at the home of John Thompson, it was decided in conjunction with Les Smith and Jim Tonkin to form a football club in the East Doncaster area.

A further meeting was held and other interested persons were invited. At this meeting a constitution was adopted, Les Smith was elected President and John Thompson was elected Secretary. All other positions were filled and it was decided to field sides in both competitions provided by the League, Under 12’s and Under 14’s in 1968.

After considerable discussion regarding a name for the Club and due to the total lack of funds and equipment, it was decided to call the club Beverley Hills Football Club, as it was thought that with this name, the Club may be able to borrow jumpers from the Beverley Hills Primary School.

Before the start of the 1968 Season, our Club was advised that the Fitzroy Football Club would donate a set of jumpers in Fitzroy colours to any new club formed especially to enter in YJFL. As Beverley Hills was the only new club we notified the YJFL that our colours would be maroon and blue. Shortly afterwards, we were advised that two sets of jumpers would be presented to us. This was later amended to half a set, however, the jumpers were never received, so a fortnight before the first match the Club purchased two sets of jumpers in Fitzroy colours. 

In 1982 the junior component of the Club broke ranks with the seniors to form the Club as we now know it, the Beverley Hills Junior Football Club. The seniors still playing at Zerbes Reserve are now known as the Doncaster East Football Club.

In 1983 with the co-operation of the East Doncaster Cricket Club and the Doncaster East Football Club, major extensions were undertaken to the pavilion including a new change room and social rooms. This work was planned and mostly erected by members associated with all three clubs. 1986 saw the Club become an Incorporated Body, which meant the adoption of a new Constitution.

In 1993, improvements were made to the ground by the council and funds allocated to erect a new pavilion in 1995/96.  The Beverley Hills Junior Football Club, originating from humble beginnings, has built up a fine tradition in the community and the Yarra Junior Football League is extremely proud of it’s contribution to our great game of Australian Rules.

Over the years many boys have come and gone but the large majority have stayed for the duration of their careers in junior ranks. Many boys have gone on to play 100 and 150 games with the Club. Some have one on to AFL level whilst many play at senior level in local competitions. Above all, most cherish the memory of playing in our Club. 

Our prodigal son is Paul Roos, who played all his junior football with the Club and is now one of the greats in AFL ranks. In 1993, Darren Bourke was drafted to St. Kilda and in 1994, Emil Parthenides was drafted to the Sydney Swans, Mark Cullen to the Carlton Football Club, and more recently Adam Kingsley to Port Power and Michael Clark to Melbourne. We can now add Stephen Gilham to this list as he was drafted by Port Adelaide before moving to Hawthorn and John Baird to the Kangaroos in 2002. Julian Rowe was picked by Collingwood before moving to Essendon and in 2005 Marc Murphy went to Carlton at number 1 in the National Draft. 2006 saw Nathan Batsanis and David Mackay head to Port Adelaide and Adelaide respectivley having starred in the Oakleigh Chargers TAC Cup Premiership win.

The preceding paragraphs represent a brief summary of our history and how it all started. Other parts of our history are recorded in Honour Boards included in this book and in the social rooms, but these do not completely demonstrate the real strength of the Club since 1968, and that has been the tireless commitment of parents and most importantly the players.