The Greensborough Hockey Club, affectionately known as “The Burra,” has a rich history that reflects its commitment to excellence, community engagement, and the development of hockey in Victoria.
Foundation and Early Years (1958-1960s)
In 1958, Ric Purser, a former Victorian State Hockey player, founded the Greensborough Hockey Club to introduce organized junior sports to the area. At that time, there was little organized junior sport in the region, and Ric, having obtained a lot of enjoyment from his hockey, saw the opportunity to open up this activity to a new generation of youngsters and fulfill a community need. Ric played in the Victorian senior team from 1953 to 1958 and 1960 to 1961, and he was a leading forward with a great range of skills. He was also the playing coach of Greensborough from 1961 to 1975, prior to joining Altona in 1976.
With the help of a few local parents, the club began with junior teams at Lower Greensborough Oval. After a successful year running three junior teams, Ric canvassed a few old hockey friends, found a few ex-players, and the first senior men’s sides were launched in 1961, with games played at Eltham High School. The team started in C grade but, by mid-season, they were promoted to B grade and finished the season as runners-up. The club also participated in carnivals held in Albury and Portsea, winning the pennant for “Best Presented Team” at the Albury carnival.
Growth and Development (1970s-1980s)
The 1970s marked a period of significant expansion for the club. By the early 1970s, Greensborough was fielding six to eight junior teams and seven senior men’s sides. This growth was primarily driven by local junior players developed within the club, as many of the older players had retired. However, the increasing number of teams led to challenges, particularly regarding facilities. Training and playing 13 to 19 teams on Partington’s Flat ground during winter resulted in overuse, forcing the club to hire a ground from the Victorian Hockey Association in Parkville.
In 1979, Doug Dowling from the Greensborough Hockey Club formed a separate club, the Greensborough Women’s Hockey Club, with Lorraine Cortous as the president. Starting in E grade, the club worked its way up to Melbourne League One (Premier League equivalent) before merging with the Greensborough Hockey Club in 1992. This merger marked the inclusion of women’s teams under the Greensborough banner, although they initially played as Diamond Valley until the merger was finalized.
Infrastructure and Competitive Edge (1990s)
The 1990s were a transformative decade for the club. In 1990, Greensborough entered its first masters team into the competition, achieving immediate success, with Neill Patterson gaining selection in the Australian Masters team. In 1992, the club relocated from Whatmough Park to Plenty Park in Plenty, where it continues to operate today. This move provided enhanced facilities to accommodate the growing number of teams and players.
The mid-1990s saw a focus on junior development, with the introduction of the first girls’ teams. In 1994, the under-17 girls’ team was established, followed by the under-13 girls’ team in 1995. Recognizing the need for modern facilities, work on the first synthetic hockey pitch began in early 1998, with the ground opening in May of that year. This development significantly improved training and match conditions, contributing to the club’s competitive success.
Modern Era and Achievements (2000s-Present)
The 2000s brought further infrastructure improvements, including modern clubrooms and a second synthetic pitch in 2011, making Greensborough one of only four clubs in Melbourne with a two-pitch facility. The club achieved significant success in the Premier League, with both men’s and women’s teams securing multiple championships. The women’s team made history by winning three consecutive flags in 2013, the first club to achieve this in Victorian hockey. The men’s team has also been a pace-setter, with their most recent win in 2015.
The club has produced many representative players in its proud history, including two who have captained their country. Notably, Rachael Lynch, who started playing hockey at Greensborough in 1998 in the under-13 girls’ team, has had an illustrious career. Her career highlights include:
Rachael commenced her hockey in the club’s junior section and is now an ambassador of the Northern District Hockey League (NDHL), which promotes hockey in the region, particularly among youth.
Contributions and Legacy
The Greensborough Hockey Club’s history reflects its dedication to fostering a love of hockey and sport, building a strong community, and achieving excellence on and off the field. The club’s focus on development is evident in its programs for players, officials, coaches, and administrators, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and improvement. Initiatives like the NDHL have promoted hockey in the region, particularly among youth, ensuring the sport’s growth and sustainability for future generations.