TOMORROW marks a significant day in the history of the Tathra Australian Rules Football Club.
Not only do the first grade side have the opportunity to seal their spot in the finals, but they will commemorate a major milestone in local footy.
This weekend, the Sea Eagles will celebrate 25 years in the South Coast Australian Football League (SCAFL) competition.
Incorporated in the milestone round will be 150 years of AFL in Australia.
According to Tathra president, Kevin May, the club is looking forward to a big weekend of celebrations.
“There is definitely plenty for the club to chirp about tomorrow,” May said.
“We’ve had a lot of success over the years in the SCAFL.”
Celebrations will kick-off tonight with a special awards ceremony at the Tathra Beach Bowling Club.
A brief look at the club history tells us that 23 Tathra residents met to form an Australian Rules Football Club on August 17, 1983.
Club stalwart Rob Little was elected as the first president, with Ewan Munro as secretary and Greg Wilson as treasurer.
In a sad moment for the club and the town of Tathra, Wilson passed away in May this year, aged 64.
Greg spoke of his intention to organise a 20-year premier reunion last year and had worked hard to get the team together for the event.
Tathra joined the SCAFL competition in 1984, losing their first senior match to the Diggers (10.14.74 to 4.11.35).
It wasn’t until September 3, 1988 that the first grade side tasted premiership success.
In a dominant performance, the Sea Eagles romped home against Narooma Lions by 45 points (16.15.111 to 9.12.66).
Half-forward Bill Caddey starred for his side, collecting the best on ground award.
Before the club’s seniors match clash with Eden Whalers at home, the 1988 flag will be raised with members of the team to be introduced to the crowd.
Celebrations will continue into the night when the club hosts a Black Tie Reunion Dinner at the Tathra Bowling Club.
Since winning their inaugural premiership, success has continued for the club.
In the past 20 years, the Sea Eagles first grade side has been premiers six times.
This makes the club the second most successful in the history of the competition.
In addition, the reserves have won the flag twice while the junior sides have combined to win 10 premierships.
“Our club rooms will be decked out with all the premiership flags tomorrow,” May said.
“It’s going to be an impressive sight with nearly 20 flags on offer.”
The Sea Eagles also lay claim to having four SCAFL best and fairest winners, which included Paul Holdsworth taking out the prestigious award twice in his career (1987 and 1996).
After 25 years in the league, Tathra is still going strong with five teams regularly playing competition matches.
In an area that has been prone to a number of clubs folding in all sports, this been a rare and great achievement.
“Not many clubs in the SCAFL can boast having five teams every year for the past two decades,” May said.
“With membership as strong as ever, we will only continue to grow in the future.”
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