Panton Hill Football Club

The Panton Hill Football Club was founded in 1926, joining the Bourke - Evelyn Football League. The club originally wore a maroon jumper with a white Vee from shoulder to shoulder.

The club won its first premiership in 1934 against Yarra Glen who were undefeated all year. The club went into recess in 1937 and again during the season of 1939. The club re-emerged in 1947 in the newly formed Panton Hill Football League which consisted of seven teams - Panton Hill, Wallan East, Plenty Rovers (Mernda), Hurstbridge, Kinglake, Whittlesea and St Andrews. The new Panton Hill jumpers were the same as the old Melbourne colours but were changed to black with a red sash (Essendon jumpers) as the Melbourne jumpers were hard to come by.

The only senior premiership in the Panton Hill Football League was in 1955 but the juniors won back to back in 1964 - 1965 and more recently, after 42 years the juniors won the 2007 premiership.

After a stellar season in 1970 under first year coach Peter Ferne, the club was runner up to Hurstbridge. The only League Best and Fairest award won by a Panton Hill player was won by Mick Bowman in 1969.

The only players to kick 100 goals for the club in one season are Mick Carns (In 1960) and Errol Loeffler. Juniors to win a league best and fairest are Jack Sullivan, Barry Sullivan and Garry Skinner in the 60s and Joe Jach and Peter Hoppe in the 70s.

1987 proved to be a bitter sweet year for the Club after struggling early for numbers, the arrival of Gavin Ward saw the influx of a number of new players and by seasons end, Panton Hill not only made the finals but under Captain/Coach, John Stanley recorded a memorable come from behind win against Hurstbridge in the first semi final. Although beaten in the preliminary final against Coolaroo the good finish to the season looked set to be the catalyst of better things to come. Unfortunately with the departure of several Clubs and some struggling to survive, the Panton Hill Football League went into recess. The next year the League was formerly dissolved.

In 1988 the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League gave Panton Hill a lifeline. With Dennis Kerr as Senior Coach, the Club struggled again to attract players due to travel and the highly competitive nature of the League. While wins were few and far between in the early stages, the Club quickly gained a reputation for their "never say die" attitude and fierce determination.

In 1990 with former player and coach, Tony Cahir as President, former Seville Premiership player and coach Fritz Eigner, took over as Playing Senior Coach and brought a renewed enthusiasm and professionalism to the Club.

In 1992 the Club enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in over 20 years with both the Senior and Reserves teams both making the finals. Unfortunately both sides went down in the first semi final.

After the success of 1992 better things were expected but once again the Club went on a roller coaster ride and continued to struggle to recruit quality players.

In 1995 the ground was finally improved with the club forced to play at Yarrambat. With one of the wettest winters in years and no where to train the seniors recorded just one win.

During 1996, the club entered into discussions with the Diamond Valley Football League in regards to joining the proposed new third division. While the Diamond Valley Clubs voted against a third division, the League was so impressed with Panton Hill's submission, the club was offered a position in second division for 1997.

The club has largely struggled in the DVFL, wins being at a premium. However, Panton Hill was able to reach the finals for the first time in 2004.

The newly formed Panton Hill Junior Football Club won the Under 10's Premiership in 2007.

External links

* [http://www.pantonhillfc.com/ Club Homepage]
* [http://www.footypedia.com/00001906.htm/ Footypedia profile of Panton Hill FC]
* [http://www.nfl.org.au/ Northern Football League]