Football - Willaston Football Club
| Type of organisation: | Sporting |
| Also known as: | Donnybrooks
|
| Town or locality: | Willaston
|
The Willaston Football Club, famously known as the Donnybrooks, is a bedrock of the Gawler community with a history deeply rooted in the town’s industrial past. Founded in 1889, it remains one of the most resilient and spirited clubs in the Barossa Light & Gawler Football Association (BLGFA).
Foundation and "Working Class" Roots
- Established: 1889.
- The "Clay-Pit" Connection: The club was formed by workers from the Willaston clay pits located along the North Para River. This industrial origin is a point of immense pride, and the club still identifies with the gritty, hard-working values of its founders.
- Early Struggles: In its earliest years, the club lacked facilities. Players famously had to get changed under the Willaston Bridge before matches.
Identity and the "Donnybrook" Spirit
- Nickname: The Donnybrooks.The term "Donnybrook" traditionally refers to a free-for-all brawl or a heated riot (named after the Donnybrook Fair in Ireland). This reflects the club's historical reputation for being tough and uncompromising on the field.
- Colors: Navy blue and Red.
- The Creed: The club officially embraces the "Donnybrook Spirit," defined as a "one in, all in" attitude characterized by courage, strength, and determination.
Historical Timeline and Grounds
- 1889: Formed as a foundation member of the Gawler Junior Football Association.
- 1964: The club moved to its long-term home, Elliott Goodger Memorial Park. The site has a unique history, having previously served as a RAAF base and later a migrant hostel.
- 1977: The current clubrooms were officially opened, marking the transition from a "cow paddock" ground to one of the premier sporting facilities in the region.
Premiership Success
Willaston has a rich trophy cabinet, though they endured a notable drought in the late 20th century before returning to the top.
- Total A-Grade Premierships: They have secured 23 Senior Premierships.
- Key Winning Years: 1889 (inaugural), 1896, 1897, 1903, 1915, 1928, 1930, 1933, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1941, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1961, 1972, 1978, 1980, 1985, 1988, 1999, and 2024.
- Recent Glory: The 2024 Premiership was a massive milestone for the club, ending a 25-year wait for an A-Grade flag.
Notable Figures
- The Pasin Family: Long-serving contributors to the club;
- Andrew Jarman: The SANFL and AFL legend coached the club in the early 2020s, helping revitalize the senior program.
- Caitlin Wendland: In 2023, she became the first "BLGW" (Barossa Light & Gawler Women) player from Willaston to play in the AFLW.
WILLASTON FOOTBALL CLUB. was formed in 1889. the same year as the Gawler Football Association. The Willaston team were premiers in that year. and were, therefore. the first premiers of the Gawler Football Association. That year's captain was Mr. J. A. Harker. and Secretary Mr, Jno. Barnfield. In July and August, 1890 a disturbance between the Willaston Club and the Association occurred over the disqualification of some of its players who had been reported to the Association by the umpire. The report not having been sent in in time. Willaston's claim was not in accordance with rule, and therefore informal. This led to strained relations between the W.F.C. and the Association. At the end of the season the Association was disbanded and a new Association formed with the same name, the idea being to exclude the Willastons. But owing to the efforts of the then delegates and Secretary of the club and the Corporation. matters were finally fixed up and the Willastons admitted.
This Association has continued up to the 1980’s The President of the Association at that time was Mr. W. H. Cox, J.P. Willaston delegates. Messrs. T. Coombe, A. Harris, and P. Carmody mid. Secretary (Mr. W. A. James). The 1908 officers of the Willaston Football club were Patron, Mr. E. H. Coombe. M.P. ; President. Mr. E. Gwynne. Delegates. Messrs. E. Gwynne, E. A. Gwynne, and F. V. Parker ; Hon. Secretary, Mr. F. V. Parker ; Assistant Secretary, Mr. E. A. Gwynne.
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Memories of Football - Willaston Football Club
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