Australian Football

Ingle Farm

The Bulldogs did not even have a home ground when they commenced in the Central District Football Association in 1968 meaning that all matches had to be played on opposing teams’ ovals. When it came to training the Ingle Farm players would have to try to find a vacant sports field or paddock and use their cars as portable changing rooms.

Between 1974 and 1977 Ingle Farm competed in the Norwood North Football League before becoming a founder member in 1978 of the South Australian Football Association. During the early 1980s the club ran into serious financial problems but owing to the hard work and dedication of its members it not only survived but flourished. The 1989 season saw the club competing in the South Australian Amateur Football League where it enjoyed instant success with both seniors and reserves going on to reach their respective grand finals in A6 Grade (precursor of today’s Division Six). The seniors proved victorious, downing Campbelltown Magill by 25 points, 13.11 (89) to 9.10 (64), but the twos had to be satisfied with second place after losing a low scoring clash with the same opponent by 7 points.

Ingle Farm has since added four more SAAFL flags, two in A5 Grade/Division Five, and two in Division Seven. Just as importantly, the club now provides the local community with a range of sporting opportunities and activities. In addition to football, there are senior and junior grade cricket, darts, golf, netball, darts and 8-ball.

After obtaining promotion to Division Six as premiers of Division Seven the Bulldogs steadily improved and, after a couple of mid-table finishes, they made a breakthrough finals appearance in 2016. Opposed in the elimination final by Trinity Old Scholars they won everywhere except on the scoreboard in going down by the barest of margins. Scores were Trinity OS 13.7 (85); Ingle Farm 11.18 (84). With their disappointment in 2016 serving as motivation the Bulldogs made it through to a grand final from fourth place the following year. However, there was to be no fairytale resolution as opponents Pulteney won with considerable comfort by 45 points. Nevertheless, the significant consolation prize of promotion to Division Five had been attained. Sadly, however, the Bulldogs struggled at the higher level and their tally of just a single win for the year consigned them to the wooden spoon and a speedy return to Division Six.