Historical information
Established in 1880, the Eaglehawk Football Club was one of the first teams to join the Bendigo Football League and to date the senior team has won twenty eight premierships, the most of any team in the league. The Eaglehawk colours are represented by two blues, the light blue of Oxford University and dark blue of Cambridge University which is represented on this pin in the coloured enamel. This pin issued in 1925 commemorates Eaglehawk Football Club's 1924 win which was played at Kennington Oval against Rochester. Final scores were 14.17.101 to 8.9.57.
The Bendigo Football League formally known as the Sandhurst Football Association was formed in 1881 and over the decades has grown to include some of the longest established teams in Australia including Castlemaine (formed 1859 - joined 1925) and Kyenton (formed1875 - joined 1947).
The local municipal councils worked with the League to provide playing fields for the competition and the Upper Reserve now known as the Queen Elizabeth Oval continues to host many League games. In 1928 at the annual dinner it was noted by the Bendigo Football League that the 'grounds were not all that could be desired, but that they were getting along well with the councils'. Mayor Batchelder responded saying that the council realised that 'the League was a major tenant and was out to do its best for them'. (1) (FN The Riverine Herald, Fri 19 Oct 1928 Page 1).
The City of Greater Bendigo continues to work with the various leagues to provide playing fields for competitions as well as supporting the emerging of football and netball clubs and the introduction of women's football teams which has seen great changes to traditionally male dominated football clubs.
Physical description
Diamond shaped commemorative medal with circular scroll. Football sits inside inner diamond shape.
Inscriptions & markings
front; Eaglehawk Football Cub 1925 / Premiers / 1924
verso; Stokes & Sons / Melb
Subjects
References
- FOOTBALL.. The Bendigo Independent (Vic. : 1891 - 1918), Mon 23 Jul 1900 Page 2 Description of a game between South Bendigo and Cummeraguja Mission Aboriginal team in 1900 at the Upper Reserve Oval.
- BENDIGO FOOTBALL LEAGUE The Riverine Herald Fri 19 Oct 1928 Page 1 Description of annual league dinner attended by Mayor Batchelder.
- Eaglehawk Wins Bendigo Football Pennant. Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Sat 25 Oct 1924 Page 79 An account of the grand final between Eaglehawk and Rochester, 1924.
- Bendigo Football Netball League