Australian Football

Hillside

Hillside Football Club - originally known as Sydenham Hillside - has only been in existence for a brief time, but has already made its presence felt with premierships at under ten, under fourteen levels and, more recently, senior levels. The seniors commenced in 2005 in the EDFL’s B Grade competition, and although it would probably be fair to observe that they took some time to make their mark (1 win in their debut season, 3 wins in 2006, 1 win and a draw in 2007, a couple of wins in 2008 and a more promising 5 wins in 2009), the addition of a third tier (Division Two) to the EDFL structure in 2012 appears to have helped the club. After qualifying for the Division Two finals in 2012 and ultimately finished third the Sharks achieved an emphatic premiership success the following season. Top of the ladder at the end of the home and away series they went on to score two crushing wins over Moonee Valley to clinch the flag. The second semi final saw the Sharks win 22.12 (144) to 5.8 (38) and although the grand final was somewhat more of a contest Hillside still prevailed with some comfort, winning by 63 points, 22.13 (145) to 13.4 (82). The last five seasons have seen the Sharks competing in Division One, finishing seventh (of nine) in 2014, eighth in 2015, fifth in 2016, third in 2017 and fourth in 2018. Meanwhile, the fact that the club is based in one of the fastest growing areas of Melbourne should stand it in good stead in the years to come.