150-year book in the works at Demonland

THE rich 150-year history of the Portarlington Football and Netball Club will be the focus of a new book being assembled ahead of the Bellarine club’s anniversary celebrations next year.

The City of Greater Geelong recently announced more than 118 local recipients from a $690,000 funding round, $10,000 of which is heading to the Demons to assist in the club’s research publication.

Portarlington will match council by providing $10,000 of its own funds to aid the history committee chaired by board and life member Peter Ashton, who is undertaking research of the club’s entire history dating back to August 1874.

Dr Ashton said the committee had estimated the cost to undertake this research, with the club possibly required to raise $60,000 more.

“This grant will allow us to undertake more research, we’ve been researching for over three years to this point,” Dr Ashton said.

“The committee was formed in 2018 and we recently celebrated our netball program’s 50-year anniversary, so we’ve been gathering more and more of the club’s history in that time.

“The Demons over 150 years have built a lot of tradition and culture. Over recent years it’s safe to say we have lost a little bit of that, but this publication we’re pulling together is a terrific way to consolidate and recount the history of this great club.”

Demons president Steve Cogger said the club would focus heavily on re-engaging the communities of Indented Head and St Leonards.

The three towns have shared history at the club level over the past century, producing countless past players from the junior level.

Mr Cogger is also asking the local community, past and present, to share what information may be in their family archives and records to add to the club’s information database.

“It’s one region spanning from Portarlington to St Leonards, it’s one community, and we’re proud to represent those residents here at the club,” he said.

“It’s been our drive the past few years to really be community-focused and the work Peter and his committee are doing is a real testament to that.

“150 years is quite significant and for a country football club to continue running as long as we have is really amazing. It’s a long journey and we feel we’re continually on our way as a club.”

Dr Ashton’s committee has a deadline to complete all necessary publication works by December this year.

Anyone with any historical information related to the Portarlington Football and Netball Club is encouraged to phone Dr Ashton on 0418 525 474.

The Demons’ official 150-year celebration will take place on August 8, 2024.