Find out about the history of our club.
Formation of the Mandurang-Strathfieldsaye Junior football Club. This club was formed due to the need to facilitate the increasing population of junior footballers in the Mandurang/Strathfieldsaye district. The club commenced playing in the Bendigo Junior Football League.
2004: Following recent population growth in Strathfieldsaye,discussions held with City of Greater Bendigo regarding the need to develop new recreational facilities in Strathfieldsaye.
Club later become known as Strathfieldsaye JFC.
Following recent population growth in Strathfieldsaye,discussions held with City of Greater Bendigo regarding the need to develop new recreational facilities in Strathfieldsaye.
Development of the Strathfieldsaye & District Community Enterprise (SDCE). This organisation aimed to raise funds for infrastructure improvements within the Strathfieldsaye community. Very first model of community enterprise in Australia.
Funding for development of new recreational facility in Strathfieldsaye secured through the City of Greater Bendigo, Victorian State Government and SDCE.
Acquisition of “Ryalls” paddock on the Strathfieldsaye – Eppalock Rd (aka Wellington St), enabling the council to commence construction of the Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve.
Construction of the Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve commences.
June 2007: Establishment of new recreation reserve created the opportunity for a senior football/netball club to be based at Strathfieldsaye.
Discussions were held with several existing clubs re: relocating to Strathfieldsaye. These discussions proved unsuccessful.
September 2007: Public meeting was held, expressing interest to form own senior football/netball Club.
This meeting was strongly attended by members of the S’saye community.
Late September 07: Strathfieldsaye Football Netball Club (SFNC) was formed.
Ray Patterson elected inaugural President.
November 07: Club became an incorporated entity.
April 08: Public meeting was held to determine which football & netball league to pursue (Heathcote DFL or Bendigo FNL). Public voted in favour 3 to 1 to pursue BFNL admission.
June 08: Executives of SFNC meet with board of BFNL regarding acceptance into the BFNL from season 2009.
July 08: Business plan developed and presented to BFNL board.
August 08: Board of BFNL admits Strathfieldsaye as 10th team to the Bendigo Football Netball League.
September 08: Club identity “Strath Storm” was created. Club to adopt playing colours of Blue & White hoops (Geelong), as these were the colours of the Strathfieldsaye JFC.
September 08: Completion of multi use complex known Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve.
October 08: Club sources coaches for both football and netball. Clint Whitsed appointed inaugural senior football coach. Louise Chilver appointed inaugural senior netball coach.
Sep 08 – Nov 08: Recruitment of footballers and netballers begin.
By mid November the club has recruited approximately 60 footballers and 40 netballers for pre season training.
April 09: Club appoints Jono Gawthrop and Michael Pilcher as senior captain & vice captain respectively.
11th April 09: Club competes in first ever game for BFNL premiership points against Castlemaine at home. Watched by a strong crowd (approx 3,000), Strath Storm have a dream start to BFNL competition, winning 6 of its 7 matches in the various football and netball grades.
Strath Storm make their first Grand Final after finishing the Home and Away season on top with 12 wins and 1 draw. Lost the Grand Final to Golden Square by 21 points.
On the back of recruiting former St. Kilda AFL stars Stephen Milne and Steve Baker, The Strom wins in first premiership.
Milne kicks his 100th goal of the season during the grand final and Sam Mildren awarded Best on Ground after a dominant performance up forward.
For the first time in the clubs short history every grade of football and netball make it through to the BFNL finals with five teams making it through to the Grand Final
Lachlan Sharp becomes the first Storm footballer to kick 100 goals in a Home and Away season.
Troy Coates takes over as Senior Coach.
Seniors, Reserves and B Reserve Grand Final runners up.
Seniors, Reserves and B Reserve Premiers.
Darryl Wilson returns to the Senior Coach role along with Co-Coach and former premiership captain Shannon Geary. After a long build up and Season delays due to COVID-19, the season is eventually called off in the interest of player and public safety.
Jack Ginnivan is drafted by the Collingwood Football Club who used Rookie Pick 13 for the dynamic forward/mid.
