EST 1988

The Tarwin Football Netball Club was first conceived in 1986, when Buck Moncur, John Box and Brendan Laube discussed the idea at our local pub. Their early vision involved relocating the Stony Creek Football Club to Tarwin Lower, and they approached Stony Creek president Buck Thorson and secretary John Giroud to explore the possibility. The discussions were centred around relocating to Tarwin Lower due to the muddy winter conditions at Stony Creek and the more reliable sandy surface available at Tarwin. While the proposal gained support from many players, it was ultimately rejected after strong resistance from long-standing Stony Creek members. Undeterred, Tarwin officials continued to push forward independently, engaging with the Alberton Football League and working to establish the foundations of a new club, despite mixed support from neighbouring teams who feared losing players.

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By late 1986, Tarwin had applied to join the league as a non-playing club, aiming to enter competition in 1988. The club faced significant challenges, including strict financial and infrastructure requirements, all while competing with offers from the Bass Valley League that had fewer requirements. At the same time, a netball committee was formed, with early matches played at Middle Tarwin before the construction of dedicated courts between 1988 and 1989. A symbolic moment came when Laurie Sutherland presented the remaining funds from the original Tarwin Football Club, marking a link to the past. Despite the obstacles, the club’s persistence paid off, and today it stands as a proud and thriving community hub, built on hard work, resilience, and a shared passion for football and netball.