Australian Football

Donvale

Donvale United was formed in 1971 and competed initially in the Eastern Suburban Churches Football Association’s A Grade competition. During its two decade stint in this competition the club’s record was quite outstanding, with the seniors claiming half a dozen premierships from eight grand final appearances.

In 1992 the club crossed to the Eastern District Football League where its successful record continued as it claimed that season’s senior grade flag in Division Three thanks to a resounding 17.14 (116) to 7.8 (50) grand final defeat of Warrandyte. After a 1993 season which saw the club dropping the word ‘United’ from its name its upward progress resumed in 1994 with a Division Two grand final triumph over Bayswater. In 1995 Donvale qualified for its first Division One grand final but lost heavily to Vermont. A year later the side attained revenge with a 12.12 (84) to 6.5 (41) grand final victory over the same opponent. Donvale and Vermont met for a third time on grand final day in 1998, but the Eagles proved too strong on this occasion, winning by 65 points. 

Two seasons later the Magpies were relegated to Division Two but managed to bounce back right away on the strength of 14.14 (98) to 7.9 (51) triumph over Mulgrave in the 2001 grand final.

The last decade and a half has seen a decline in fortunes for the Magpies who have, for the most part, competed in Division Four. After enduring the indignity of a wooden spoon in their debut season they improved considerably in 2016 to qualify for the finals and ultimately finish third. A year later they did even better, topping the ladder ahead of the finals and ultimately making it through to a grand final clash with Forest Hill in which the lead changed hands repeatedly before the Magpies pulled clear to record a two goal triumph, 10.8 (68) to 8.8 (56). Their first season in Division Three was a solid one which saw them win six out of 18 matches to finish eighth of 12 clubs. A year later they came fifth in an atrophied eight team competition.