Feature: History Is Against Us
23 March, 2026
Find below a feature article by our Reserves coach and Collegians legend, Mark Hibbins.
I am often told by the Collegians and VAFA community that the club will go straight back to Premier A. Perhaps we should, given our results last season (six and half wins, five losses by 7 points or less and a percentage over 96%. However, our history tells us a different story.
Since the Second World War, the club’s history shows the club has had to fight its way back into A Grade three times.
Relegated in 1948, the Club fought hard for 8 years before reestablishing itself as an A Grade team in 1957. A golden era followed, with five A Grade Grand Final appearances in a row resulting in four Premierships.
Relegated in 1971, ten years passed before the Club returned to A Grade in 1982. Once back in A Grade, this group took the club to another wonderful period, participating in eight A Grade Grand Finals, winning three Premierships.
Relegated in 1999 to B Grade, followed by the double drop to C Grade in 2000, the club returned to A Grade, eight years later in 2007 establishing itself as a powerhouse, participating in another eight Grand Finals for three Premier A Premierships.
Our history of being relegated shows that a return to Premier A, is clearly difficult and challenging. The Collegians community needs to understand that it will not just happen and a genuine chance of promotion back to Premier A, needs a community effort. The club needs your help.
If you are a Player: Come to Training.
If you are a Supporter:
Come to the Season Launch (organise a table) - Friday 27 March
Buy a Membership - Coterie or Player Sponsor
Make a donation (it is tax deductable)
The Coaches want to give more feedback to the players. The club needs:
a behind the goals camera,
video of the Reserves game,
real time match day stats,
a strength and conditioning specialist.
($15,000 should achieve this)
Attend a Match Day lunch
Come and support Match Day
See you at the club,
Hibbo
