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Falcons 2000 SC

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Falcons 2000 Soccer Club
Morwell Falcons
Full nameFalcons 2000 Soccer Club Inc
NicknameFalcons
Founded1961; 64 years ago (1961)
GroundGippsland Sports and Entertainment Park
Capacity12,000
ChairmanTony Salvatore
ManagerAdrian Salvatore
LeagueLatrobe Valley Soccer League
2025LVSL, 3rd of 9
Websitefalcons2000.com.au
Active departments of
Falcons 2000 SC
Football
(Men's)		 Football
(Women's)		 Football
(Youth)

Falcons 2000 Soccer Club (formerly Morwell Falcons, Gippsland Falcons and Eastern Pride) is an Australian semi-professional soccer club based in the Victorian town of Morwell in the Latrobe Valley area of Gippsland. The club currently participates in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League.

As Morwell Falcons, the club achieved lasting national fame by achieving the rare feat of promotion to Tier 1 status in the Australian National Soccer League from what is described now as the Tier 10 Latrobe Valley Soccer League, via promotions in the Australian Association Football pyramid between 1973 and 1992, when promotion to the highest tier was available.

The club has won two Victorian State League titles (1984 and 1989), the 1994 Dockerty Cup, seven Latrobe Valley Soccer League titles and seven Battle of Britain Cup titles.

Origins

[edit]

Originally founded in 1961 by the local Latrobe Valley Italian-Australian Community as IASCOG (Italian-Australian Social Club of Gippsland), a sponsorship deal in 1962 saw them renamed as the Morwell Falcons.[1]

The deal to rename the club was done as part of a promotion for the new Ford Falcon, of which Ford Australia had just launched its first ever model, the XK.[2]

The club participated in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League between 1961 and 1973. Then the Victorian State League Football System at all levels between 1974 and 1992. Morwell Falcons were admitted to the National Soccer League in 1992-93 where it competed until folding after relegation in 2000–01. It was re-established as Falcons 2000 SC Inc in 2001. Since its inception the club has played under multiple names. Including Morwell Falcons, then Gippsland Falcons SC, before folding under the name Eastern Pride in 2001. The club bears its present name Falcons 2000 after its financial re-establishment

The Falcons were one of the most successful clubs in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. Gippsland is all of South-East Victoria (approximately the same size as Switzerland), and includes most of around 100 islands in the region and Bass Strait. Morwell Falcons were Champions of the Victorian State League on two occasions, winning the State League Championship and League Finals Cup double in 1984 and 1989, and the Statewide Dockerty Cup in 1994.

Morwell Falcons were the only club based in regional Victoria to have participated at National Soccer League level before the NSL disbanded in 2003–04. The NSL was replaced with the A-League Men in 2005–06, making the new Tier 1 exclusively for licensed teams only, with no promotion and relegation.

Morwell Falcons major difficulty was the location of Latrobe City Stadium at Crinigan Road, Morwell. The stadium itself was too far distant from Morwell Train Station for any serious attendance by public transport users who would have walked to the stadium from the train station. The club attracted competitive and sustainable attendances relatively speaking compared to other clubs, and had a large local following when in the National Soccer League via people watching the Australian National television coverage, including highlights and live games, on SBS. The club was also featured in the sports sections of the local newspapers. That included the Latrobe Valley Express, delivered free to every household in the Latrobe City Council area (where applicable).

Current senior squad

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  AUS Callum Dominguez
2 DF  AUS Dylan Smith
3 DF  ITA Gabrielle Bochicchio
4 FW  AUS Jamie Pistrin
5 MF  AUS Jayden Unmack
6 DF  AUS Joseph Auciello
7 FW  AUS Joshua Gangi
8 MF  AUS Joshua Patterson
9 FW  AUS Lachlan Spiteri
10 FW  AUS Lachlan Frendo
No. Pos. Nation Player
11 FW  AUS Mohamad Taleb
12 MF  AUS Sathaphone Latdasone
13 MF  AUS Scott Mackeown
14 MF  AUS Thomas D'Alia
18 DF  AUS Toby Capp
— DF  AUS Will Lester
— MF  AUS Toby Capp
— MF  AUS Jordi Vacca
— DF  AUS Edan Davies
— DF  AUS Willis Medd
— GK  AUS Benjamin Nicholls

From the Bottom Tier of the Victorian State League to the National Soccer League

[edit]

Morwell entered the Victorian State League System in Tier 7 in 1974, after winning the Latrobe Valley Soccer League Championship for the second time in 3 years.

Victorian Provisional League

[edit]

The Falcons were an instant success in the 7th Tier Victorian Provisional League, winning two consecutive Championships in 1974[3] and 1975,[4] making it 4 championships in 5 seasons. The team was finally promoted to the Tier 6 Victorian Metropolitan Soccer League Division 4 after a runner-up finish in its third season in the Victorian Provisional League in 1976.[5]

1974 Victorian Provisional League Table (Tier 7)
Pos Team P W L D GF GA GD Pts Result
1 Morwell Falcons (C) 22 15 3 4 60 27 33 33 Champions
2 Geelong 22 14 4 4 62 28 34 32
3 Fawkner 22 14 4 4 62 28 34 32
4 Werribee 22 15 2 5 46 29 17 32
1975 Victorian Provisional League Table (Tier 7)
Pos Team P W L D GF GA GD Pts Result
1 Morwell Falcons (C) 22 16 4 2 71 19 52 36 Champions
2 Fawkner 22 17 2 3 70 37 33 36
3 Geelong 22 12 5 5 50 36 14 29
4 Werribee 22 10 4 8 48 29 19 24
1976 Victorian Provisional League Table (Tier 7)
Pos Team P W L D GF GA GD Pts Result
1 Geelong (C) 22 13 6 3 69 24 45 32 Champions
2 Morwell Falcons (P) 22 14 3 5 80 31 49 31 Promoted
3 Fawkner 22 14 3 5 45 23 22 31
4 Frankston 22 11 8 3 56 35 21 30

Victorian Metropolitan Leagues

[edit]

Morwell Falcons were promoted in the Victorian State League part of the "Pyramid" 5 times in 6 years between 1976 and 1981. The Falcons first 4 seasons (of 5) in the Victorian Metropolitan Football League system produced a worst season finish of 3rd. The Falcons progressed from the Tier 6 Victorian Metropolitan Football League Division 4, to the Tier 3 Victorian Metropolitan Football League Division 1, via 3 Runners-Up promotions in 4 seasons.[6][7][8]

1977 Victorian Metropolitan League Division 4 (Tier 6)
Pos Team P W L D GF GA GD Pts Result
1 Doncaster (C) 22 18 3 1 59 20 39 39 Champions
2 Morwell Falcons (P) 22 17 0 5 67 22 45 34 Promoted
3 Sandringham 22 14 2 6 52 33 19 30
4 Clayton 22 9 6 7 41 35 6 24
1979 Victorian Metropolitan League Division 3 (Tier 5)
Pos Team P W L D GF GA GD Pts Result
1 Park Rangers (C) 22 17 3 2 63 22 41 37 Champions
2 Morwell Falcons (P) 22 15 3 4 51 20 31 33 Promoted
3 Fawkner 22 12 4 6 46 27 19 28
4 Cloburg 22 9 6 7 42 39 3 24
1980 Victorian Metropolitan League Division 2 (Tier 4)
Pos Team P W L D GF GA GD Pts Result
1 Park Rangers (C) 22 16 4 2 43 15 28 36 Champions
2 Morwell Falcons (P) 22 15 3 4 58 24 34 33 Promoted
3 Knox City 22 9 7 6 31 29 2 25
4 Heidelberg United 22 8 6 8 34 30 4 22

1981 was the Falcons only season competing in the Victorian Metropolitan Football League Division 1. The team finished 9th, but was promoted to the Tier 2 Victorian State League regardless, due to a restructuring of the league system.[9]

Between 1971 and 1980 the Morwell Falcons finished no lower than 3rd in 10 consecutive seasons in 5 divisions. Results included 9 seasons in the top 2, 4 Championships, and 5 Runners-Up finishes (4 resulting in promotion). It included 3 Championships in a row in 1973-74-75. The team achieved promotion to the next Tier 5 times in 8 season during this period.

Morwell Falcons with the 1984 Victorian State League Championship and Finals Cup trophies

Victorian State League 1982 to 1992

[edit]

The team fared well in its first season at Tier 2 State League level, finishing a very creditable 4th in the League Championship in 1982.[10] The Falcons went on to finish Runner-Up in the State League Finals Cup in its first season in Tier 2, losing to Green Gully in the Final.

In its 3rd season in 1984 the Falcons won the League Championship and League (Finals) Cup Double, the teams first State League Championship. It was the first time a Latrobe Valley-Gippsland based team had won the State League Championship since Yallourn in 1951.[11] Jim Maclean won the Rothman's Medal for Victorian State League Player of the Year.[12]
See the only goal in the State League (Finals) Cup Final.
See the presentation to Morwell Falcons.[13]

The Falcons were offered the opportunity to apply to join the Tier 1 National Soccer League, but declined the offer. If Morwell Falcons had entered the NSL for the 1984–85 season, it would have been from "Non-League" (now Tier 9) Latrobe Valley Soccer League to Tier 1 National Soccer League via 7 promotions in 12 seasons.

1984 Victorian State League (Tier 2)
Pos Team P W L D GF GA GD Pts Result
1 Morwell Falcons (C) (F) 26 16 8 2 49 15 34 40 Champions, Finals Cup Winners
3 Maribyrnong 26 15 7 4 64 37 27 37
3 Fawkner 26 15 6 5 61 35 26 36
4 Box Hill 26 11 9 6 44 32 12 31

In 1985 the Falcons achieved a Runners-Up finish in both the League Championship and State League (Finals) Cup, following on from the double the previous season. The Falcons qualified for a 3rd State League (Finals) Cup Final in 4 years in 1985. Morwell repeated the successes of 1984 in 1989, again winning the Championship and League (Finals) Cup double.[14] See an image of the president and manager with the Victorian State League (Finals) Cup Trophy here.

1989 Victorian State League (Tier 2)
Pos Team P W L D GF GA GD Pts Result
1 Morwell Falcons (C) (F) 30 18 9 3 61 23 38 45 Champions, Finals Cup Winners
3 Brunswick Juventus 30 18 8 4 52 20 32 44
3 Croydon City 30 18 5 7 47 17 30 41
4 St Albans 30 15 9 6 41 23 18 39

In 1991 the Falcons finished the newly renamed Victorian Premier League Season in 3rd.[15] When APIA Leichhardt were relegated back to New South Wales State League at the end of the 1991-92 NSL Season due to financial difficulties,[16] the Falcons were offered promotion to the Tier 1 National Soccer League, and accepted. Morwell Falcons finished 8th in the clubs last season in the Tier 2 Victorian State League Winter season in 1992, and moved directly into the 1992-93 NSL Summer Season.[17]

The promotion to the Tier 1 National Soccer League completed a 20-year rise from the Latrobe Valley Soccer League through Tiers 7 to 2 of the Victorian State League, and final promotion to Tier 1, the NSL. Morwell Falcons were in the Tier 2 Victorian State League top division for 11 seasons.

In 2011, to celebrate the club's 50th anniversary, the club announced the "Team of the State League Era" - a selection of 18 players determined to be the finest to have worn the Falcons' shirt during their 11 seasons in the Victorian state league, with 1984 league winning coach Jimmy Dunne and 1989 league winning coach Bobby McLaughlin named as joint head coaches.

National Soccer League

[edit]
Chart of yearly table positions for Morwell Falcons in NSL

Morwell Falcons were admitted to the then National Soccer League for the 1992–93 season, the 4th NSL season with a Summer schedule. It meant that the Falcons had to complete the 26-game 1992 Victorian State League season, then move into the 26-game Summer NSL Season in the same year, after a break of just over six weeks. Morwell Falcons last game in the Victorian Premier League was in Round 26 on Sunday August 23, 1992. The Falcons drew 1–1 with Brunswick Juventus in Morwell.[18]

The Falcons had previously been offered entry into the National Soccer League during the 1980s, but initially declined. They also had the opportunity to win promotion to the NSL via the 1989 playoffs, however, they lost 5–2 over two legs to West Adelaide.

However, their opportunity in Australia's top flight would come in 1992, when Preston Makedonia pulled out of the competition, at which league officials again offered Morwell the chance to join - an offer that was accepted, despite the short time to prepare for the season.

National Soccer League Inaugural Game: Round 1 1992-93 Season

[edit]

NSL Round 1

Morwell Falcons Australia2-0Australia Sydney Olympic
  • Zlatko Markovski
  • Billy Wright
 Report
Attendance: 3676
Referee: Not Available


The tired looking Falcons finishing 12th in the inaugural season in Tier 1.[19]

The Di Fabrizio Stand: Opened Round 18 1993-94

What followed was a disappointing listed finish of 7th in 1993–94. Morwell missed out on Final 6 qualification via a series of bizarre refereeing decisions, which resulted in the Falcons finishing 7th and missing the playoffs.[20] The new Di Fabrizio stand on the outer side of Falcons Park was opened before the Round 18 home game against South Melbourne. See a short television news feature on the stand opening here. The game drew a record crowd of well over 4 times the number of seats available at the venue of 8,256.[21] Morwell's season finished with 3 wins in a row, including a 3–2 away win against Marconi Fairfield in Sydney who qualified for the playoffs in 4th, and a 4–3 away win over 1st placed Melbourne Knights at Somers St Stadium, Melbourne. Morwell had the 7th highest average home attendance (of 14 teams) in the league.[22]

Morwell went on to win the statewide Dockerty Cup in 1994 with a win over Melbourne Zebras in the final 2–1. Morwell Falcons became the first Gippsland based team to win the Dockerty Cup since Wonthaggi Magpies in 1931. The Dockerty Cup was open to all teams based in the state of Victoria. As an NSL team the Falcons entered the competition in the Quarter Final stage and had wins over Frankston Pines, South Melbourne, and Melbourne Zebras to win the tournament.[23]

1994 Dockerty Cup

[edit]

Quarter Final

Morwell Falcons Australia6–1Australia Frankston Pines
 Report
  • Watson
Attendance: Not Available
Referee: John Santa Isabel

Semi Final

Morwell Falcons Australia2–1 (a.e.t.)Australia South Melbourne
  • Armstrong 35', 109'
 Report
Attendance: Not Available
Referee: John Fraser.

Final

Melbourne Zebras Australia1-2Australia Morwell Falcons
  • Karkaletsis 36' (Penalty)
 Report
Referee: John Santa Isabel

Morwell Falcons:
Jason Dastey, Gary Upton, Claudio Canosa, Steve Douglas, Shaun Parton, Marcus Stergiopoulos, Sonny Sevin, John Waddell, Brian Bothwell,
Carlo Villani, Lachlan Armstrong.
Coach: Bobby McLachlan

Finals 1994-95

[edit]

Morwell Falcons played in its only National Soccer League Finals Series in 1995. The team had arguably its best season ever, qualifying 4th in the top 6. The league system involved a penalty shootout at the end of every draw. The Falcons lost just 5 games outright (of 24) for the season, finishing with 8 wins and 11 draws (4 penalty shootout wins and 7 penalty shootout losses). Morwell Falcons hosted leg 1 of the NSL Finals Series Elimination Final versus South Melbourne. A large finals crowd at the Crinigan Road Latrobe City Stadium of 6,565 saw the Falcons play well, but ultimately lose the game 0–1. In the return leg the Falcons lost 5–1 in front of 5,807 in Melbourne at Olympic Park. John Markovski scored the Falcons only goal in an NSL Final in the 66th minute of leg 2. Morwell later won through to the final four of the Dockerty Cup for the second consecutive year, losing to South Melbourne in the Semi Finals.

The National Soccer League Top 6 1994-95

[edit]
Pos Team Pld W PW PL L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Melbourne Knights (C) 24 16 2 2 4 56 25 +31 70
2 Adelaide City 24 16 1 3 4 41 20 +21 69
3 Sydney United 24 15 3 2 4 34 19 +15 68
4 Morwell Falcons 24 8 4 7 5 41 37 +4 47 Qualification for the Finals series
5 West Adelaide 24 8 5 3 8 28 32 −4 45
6 South Melbourne 24 9 3 2 10 42 36 +6 44
Updated to match(es) played on unknown. Source: rsssf.com
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
(C) Champion

1994-95 National Soccer League Elimination Final

[edit]

Leg 1

Morwell Falcons Australia0–1Australia South Melbourne Hellas
Report
Attendance: 6,565
Referee: Gerry Connolly

Leg 2

Australia South Melbourne Hellas5–1Morwell Falcons Australia
 Report
Attendance: 5,807
Referee: Eugene Brazzale

South Melbourne Won 6–1 on aggregate.[24]

National Soccer League era comes to an end

[edit]

Morwell Falcons finished no higher than 10th in all of the seasons between 1995–96 to 2000–01, not qualifying for the NSL finals series again after 1994–95. The team name changed to Gippsland, then again to "Eastern Pride" for the 2000–01 season.

Morwell Falcons' final win in the NSL was under the name Eastern Pride in Round 25, 2000–01. A 2–1 win over Parramatta Power on 31/03/2001. The club forfeited its last four matches of the season, all marked as a 0–3 loss. The team was stripped of its 20 competitions points for regulations breaches by league administration. The club was relegated from the NSL after finishing 15th (of 16) in 2000-01 and subsequently folded. The club was re-established in 2001 as Falcons 2000 and rejoined the rated Tier 9 Latrobe Valley Soccer League.

The National Soccer League was replaced with the A-League Men in 2005–06, making the new Tier 1 exclusively for licensed teams only with no promotion and relegation from the State League "pyramids". The new Tier 1 was established before restructuring that included Australia (including the Socceroos) transferring from Oceania Football Confederation to the Asian Football Confederation before qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup began.

Some would argue that the Morwell Falcons - 1971 through to the 1994-5 Dockerty Cup win and Tier 1 National Soccer League Finals Series participation - is Australia's only "football purists" historical example of promotion from "non-league" to Tier 1 in Australia's Association Football history.

Morwell Falcons (Gippsland Falcons, Eastern Pride) NSL Home Record in Morwell 1992 to 2001
Year P W D (PW) (PL) L GF GA ATTENDANCE AVERAGE
1992-93 13 5 4 - - 4 21 19 37172 2859
1993-94 13 5 4 - - 4 12 10 37987 2922
1994-95 13 2 6 (1) (5) 5 16 16 40075 3083
1995-96 16 6 5 - - 5 19 22 34088 2131
1996-97 13 4 5 - - 4 15 13 35953 2766
1997-98 13 4 6 - - 3 13 12 35416 2724
1998-99 14 4 4 - - 6 8 17 26938 1924
1999-00 17 4 4 - - 9 13 18 34347 2147
2000-01 14 4 5 - - 5 19 20 20802 1734
9 Seasons 126 38 43 (1) (5) 45 136 (1.1) 147 (1.2) 302,778 2422
% - 30% 34% (17%) (83%) 36% 48% 52% - -

Yearly Results

[edit]

Morwell Falcons - Gippsland Falcons - Eastern Pride - Falcons 2000 (1961-2025)

[edit]
Year Name Division Tier Position Played Wins Draws Losses
1962 IASCOG Latrobe Valley Soccer League VII 4th 16 7 3 6
1963 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League 4th 18 13 0 5
1964 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League 3rd 16 9 4 4
1965 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League 8th 14 4 1 9
1966 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League 8th 18 5 2 11
1967 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League 5th 16 9 1 6
1968 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League 4th 18 10 3 5
1969 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League 4th 18 8 4 6
1970 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League 5th 20 13 2 5
1971 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League Champions 22 20 0 2
1972 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League 2nd 22 17 3 2
1973 Morwell Falcons Latrobe Valley Soccer League Champions ↑ 22 21 0 1
1974 Morwell Falcons Victorian Provisional League VI Champions 22 15 3 4
1975 Morwell Falcons Victorian Provisional League Champions 22 16 4 2
1976 Morwell Falcons Victorian Provisional League 2nd ↑ 22 14 3 5
1977 Morwell Falcons Victorian Metropolitan League Division 4 VI`` 2nd ↑ 22 17 0 5
1978 Morwell Falcons Victorian Metropolitan League Division 3 V 3rd 22 15 3 4
1979 Morwell Falcons Victorian Metropolitan League Division 3 2nd ↑ 22 14 4 4
1980 Morwell Falcons Victorian Metropolitan League Division 2 IV 2nd ↑ 22 15 3 4
1981 Morwell Falcons Victorian Metropolitan League Division 1 III 9th ↑ 22 6 6 10
1982 Morwell Falcons Victorian State League II 4th
State League Cup: Runner Up 		26 13 6 7
1983[25] Morwell Falcons Victorian State League 10th 26 8 5 13
1984[26] Morwell Falcons Victorian State League Champions
State League Cup: Winners 		26 16 8 2
1985 Morwell Falcons Victorian State League 2nd
State League Cup: Runner Up 		26 17 5 4
1986 Morwell Falcons Victorian State League 5th 26 14 2 10
1987 Morwell Falcons Victorian State League 7th 26 7 11 8
1988 Morwell Falcons Victorian State League 10th 30 9 10 11
1989 Morwell Falcons Victorian State League Champions
State League Cup: Winners 		30 18 9 3
1990 Morwell Falcons Victorian State League 6th 31 14 11 6
1991 Morwell Falcons Victorian Premier League 3rd 26 14 5 7
1992 Morwell Falcons Victorian Premier League 8th ↑ 26 9 10 7
1992-93 Morwell Falcons National Soccer League I 12th 26 7 7 12
1993-94 Morwell Falcons National Soccer League 7th
Dockerty Cup Champions 		26 11 7 8
1994-95 Morwell Falcons National Soccer League Ladder: 4th
Finals: 5th 		24 8 4 7
1995-96 Morwell Falcons National Soccer League 10th 33 9 8 16
1996-97 Gippsland Falcons National Soccer League 12th 26 8 6 12
1997–98 Gippsland Falcons National Soccer League 11th 26 8 7 11
1998–99 Gippsland Falcons National Soccer League 14th 28 5 10 13
1999–00 Gippsland Falcons National Soccer League 15th 25 7 3 15
2000–01 Eastern Pride National Soccer League 15th ↓ 25 5 5 15
2000 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VIII 15th 22 3 0 19
2001 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 4th 22 12 4 6
2002 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 5th 18 9 3 6
2003 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 5th 22 10 1 11
2004 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 3rd 18 8 6 4
2005 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 4th 22 12 5 5
2006 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 5th 20 6 4 10
2007 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League IX 6th 20 10 0 10
2008 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 8th 18 4 3 11
2009 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 3rd 20 14 1 5
2010 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 3rd 18 3 1 4
2011 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 5th 18 9 2 7
2012 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 7th 18 5 7 6
2013 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VII 7th 18 6 3 9
2014 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VIII 2nd 20 4 1 5
2015 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League Champions 24 17 3 4
2016 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 2nd 24 17 3 4
2017 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League Champions 22 18 2 2
2018 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League Champions 20 16 2 2
2019 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 4th 25 18 1 6
2020 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League COVID-19 1 0 0 1
2021 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League IX 2nd 15 11 2 2
2022 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League Champions 18 15 1 2
2023 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League 2nd 18 13 1 4
2024 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League Champions 18 15 2 1
2025 Falcons 2000 Latrobe Valley Soccer League X 3rd 16 10 3 3

NB: Progressive changes to the Victorian Soccer Pyramid account for the change in tier of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League between 2000 and 2025.[27]
``Approximate equivalent tier relevant to the formation of the NSL in 1977 and the current structure.
↑ Promoted: To a Higher Tier or NSL Finals
↓ Relegated from the NSL, Re-Formed as Falcons 2000 in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League (Tier IX)

Return to the Latrobe Valley Soccer League (2000-)

[edit]

With the then-named Gippsland Falcons (and then Eastern Pride for one season in 2000–01) in persistent financial trouble in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and concerns over what would happen to the club's identity and famous junior program, a decision was made in the year 2000 by the club's members to form Falcons 2000 Soccer Club, who would be entered into the Latrobe Valley Soccer League.

The club's initial focus was to create a pathway for talented junior players, with its inaugural men's team largely made up of teenage players.

Upon the collapse of the National Soccer League team with the winding up of Eastern Pride, the Falcons 2000 assumed the official lineage of the professional club, albeit deciding to stay in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League rather than seek re-entry into the Victorian Soccer League, where the club left in 1992.

The club struggled to compete with the more established LVSL teams, many of who fielded experienced sides as the level of competition proved far above the Falcons - whose only result of note in the 2000s was finishing as runner-up in the 2002 Battle of Britain Cup.

However, victory in the 2009 Battle of Britain Cup - a 4–2 in over Monash SC - heralded a breakthrough moment in the club's rebirth, winning the same title 3–2 against Monash a year later. Despite suffering losses in the next two Cup finals, the Falcons went on to win the Battle of Britain Cup in 2014,[28][29] 2015,[30][31] and 2016.[32]

However, the club's hunt for a long-awaited LVSL title would last until 2015, when they finally broke through for their first triumph since 1973 with victory dramatically secured on the last day of the season when Sale United unexpectedly lost 3–2 at home to Newborough-Yallourn United after conceding a last-minute goal.[33]

The 2015 season was also notable for the form of star striker Jesse Kennedy, whose 46 goals saw him awarded as the highest goal scorer in any senior men's Victorian league. Kennedy in scored in 21 of his 24 league appearances.[34]

That season would spark what the club would later declare a "decade of success", with the Falcons going on to win the LVSL again in 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024, firmly re-establishing themselves as the dominant club in the Latrobe Valley.[35][36]

Home Venue

[edit]

Maryvale Reserve (1961-1973)

[edit]

When Morwell Falcons were first admitted into the Latrobe Valley Soccer League, the club were designated the purpose-built football facilities at Maryvale Reserve.

The Falcons stayed at the facility for 12 seasons, which saw the club claim league championships in 1971 and 1973.

Whilst the facility was the first one built specifically for football in Morwell, it was not enclosed - meaning the Falcons could not charge admission for games, which began to draw large crowds in the early 1970s.

Keegan Street Reserve (1974-1980, 2025-2026)

[edit]

After initially being offered use of Ronald Reserve for their entry into the Metropolitan Leagues, the Falcons' baulked at the idea of displacing local rivals Morwell Pegasus and instead requested to be moved to Keegan Street Reserve, neighbouring the Morwell Recreation Reserve.

At the time, the ground was encircled by a grass athletics track, with a football pitch in the middle.

The Falcons saw tremendous success at Keegan Street, winning the Victorian Provisional League in 1974 and 1975, before finishing runner-up in 1976 - where promotion was finally awarded. They and promoted again in 1977 when they finished runner-up in Victorian Metropolitan League Division Four.

In the Falcons' final season at Keegan Street Reserve, they finished second in the 1980 Victorian Metropolitan League Division Two, earning promotion to the 1981 Victorian Metropolitan League Division One in time for their move to what was then known as North Criningan Reserve.[37]

In a twist of fate, Falcons 2000 returned to Keegan Street Reserve in mid-2025, when the club was forced to vacate the Gippsland Sport and Entertainment Centre due to the ongoing redevelopment.

They will play matches at Keegan Street or on the synthetic field at the adjoining Morwell Recreation Reserve until the works at GSEP are complete.[38]

Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park (1981-2025, 2027-)

[edit]

Originally known as North Criningan Reserve, the Falcons' new home on the northern edge of Morwell was chosen because of its vast opportunity for expansion and proximity to Traralgon, which was less than 10 minutes from the site.

The Falcons moved to the vast precinct at the end of the 1980 season, in time for the 1981 Victorian Metropolitan League Division One season. The Falcons finished ninth in their first season[39], but were promoted to the Victorian State League as result of their strong financial position and commitment to building up North Crinigan Reserve from virtual farmland into outstanding soccer facility, which had already begun to take shape with the construction of the clubrooms and function rooms, both completed in 1982.

On March 14, 1992, with the Falcons having invested several million dollars of their own money into the development of GSEP after arriving at the venue in 1978 - taking it from bare farmland into the one of the finest sporting facilities in regional Australia - Latrobe City Council approved the sale of the precinct to the Falcons for $30,200.[40]

Upon entry into the National Soccer League in 1992, the facility was known as Falcons Park before becoming known as Mobil Park after a naming rights deal was struck with petroleum giant Mobil Australia, who maintained a presence in the nearby Gippsland Basin.

The ground achieved national acclamation upon completion of the Don Di Fabrizio grandstand,[41] considered to be one of the finest pieces of architecture in Australian football.[42]

After the club exited the National Soccer League in 2001 and returned to the Latrobe Valley Soccer League, the facility moved into private ownership[43] before being acquired by Latrobe City Council in 2017,[44] who embarked on a major redevelopment in conjunction with the Victorian State Government, due for completion in October 2026.[45]

Colours and Crest

[edit]
  • Gippsland Falcons Logo (1995–2000)
    Gippsland Falcons Logo (1995–2000)

Sponsors

[edit]
Period Brand Primary Sponsor Secondary Sponsor
1961 Bisleri Italian Australian Social Club of Gippsland
1962 Ford Australia
1963-1970 Italian Australian Social Club of Gippsland
1970-1980 DiFabro
1980-1987 Inter
1984-1987 Buffalo Sports
1988-1989 VicHealth GPG Mobil
1990-1991 3GG
1992-1993 Soccer Shirts International Southern Cross Network
1993-1995 GPG Mobil Quit
1995-1996 Covo Sports Quit GPG Mobil
1996-2000 Federation Health
2000–2001 Valsport Regional and Rural Telecommunications (RRT) Pura Milk
2012-2020 Nike Mattioli O&M
2021-2025 Legea
2024-2025 O&M Mattioli
2026- New Balance


Owing to the Italian influence in the club's creation, the Morwell Falcons have - for the vast majority of their history - played in a blue shirt in the similar hue as the Italian national football team. In the first few decades of existence, the club would mimic the Azzurri by playing in navy blue shirts and white shorts.[46]

With the club entering Victoria's top league in 1982, the Victorian State League, the club added the Italian tricolour to a new v-neck jersey collar, coinciding with the arrival of the shirt manufacturer Inter. The club's junior teams had been playing in the v-neck tricolor since the 1970s. When playing away, the Falcons typically played in a white jersey.[47]

The 1993–94 home jersey added a red colouring to the shoulder of the jersey.[48] The home shorts were changed from white to blue, with a red, white and green tricolour was added to the shorts, denoting the club's connection to Italy.[49]

In 1993–94, the away kit of that season was predominantly red for the first time, with hues of red and green[50] before switching to a mostly white kit in 1994–95, with red and green stripes.[51]

The change to jersey manufacturer Covo in late 1995 saw the adopt an entirely new home design for the 1995–96 season. For the first time, the Falcons would play in a sky blue jersey, adorned with multiple 'Falcons' logos across the front and back of the jersey.[52] A red away reverse kit was also adopted in the same style.[53]

The club returned to navy blue jersey between 1996 and 2000, adopting a near-identical style to Juventus' 1995–96 away kit, which was notable for a large yellow star on either sleeve - although Morwell's yellow star overlaid a yellow strip down the length of the sleeve.[54] Again, the Falcons played in a red away kit.[55][56]

A short-lived name change to Eastern Pride in 2000 brought another colour change, this time reverting to a mostly sky blue jersey with white panels, navy shorts and sky blue shorts.[57]

When the club was re-launched as Falcons 2000, they initially played in the Gippsland Falcons' 1996-1999 kits,[58] before moving to sky blue kits in the mid-2000s.

By 2010, the club had shifted to a style inspired by Inter Milan,[59] with black-and-navy blue stripes becoming the preferred style as the Falcons won multiple league titles between 2015 and 2022.

The club would again adopt a majority sky-blue home kit in 2021, with Legea stepping in as kit sponsor for the first time.[60]

The club announced it would partner with New Balance prior to the 2026 LVSL season.[61]

History

[edit]

The club was formed in 1961 by Italian migrants as the Italian Australian Social Club of Gippsland (IASCO), and initially played in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League.[62]

In 1964, the club changed its name to Morwell Falcons as a result of a sponsorship arrangement with the Ford Motor Company.[63] Morwell joined the wider ranks of the Victorian leagues in 1974, initially being accepted as a member of the Victoran Provisional League - which they promptly won in their first two seasons.

At the end of the 1976 season, the decade-long suspension of North Carlton created a vacancy in the Victoran Metropolitan League, and the Falcons beat off 25 other applicants to be selected to make the jump for 1977. The club was chosen for its "...financial strength, sound administration, strong junior setup and good backing from Morwell Shire Council."[64]

A double-page spread in Soccer Action highlighted the Falcons' big ambitions, boldly declaring "State League is their aim" - despite having only just won promotion from Victoria's fourth division.[65]

But the vision foretold by the club's legendary leader Don Di Fabrizio was proven correct as the Falcons exceeded all expectations to reach the Victorian State League in 1982, moving into their expansive modern premises on Crinigan Road, on Morwell's northern fringe, that very same year.[1]

In 1984, just two years after arriving in the top tier, the Falcons would win their first Victorian State League title under the tutelage of famed Irish coach and ex-Fulham icon Jimmy Dunne.

This allowed them to apply for the NSL's Southern Conference, but the club declined the offer.[62] It was that same year that Jim McLean was the named as the Victorian Premier League Player of the Year (known as the Rothmans Medal at the time).

Despite the triumph in 1984, heartbreak would follow in 1985 as the slow-starting Falcons finished the season with a sensational flourish to win seven of their last eight matches - including a 1–0 victory over eventual league champions Croydon City. Despite the barnstorming run, Croydon - now with Falcons' 1984 league champion Billy Whiteside in goal - held their nerve to claim the league title with a 5–1 away win over Maribyrnong Polonia on the final day of the season.

Dunne left the club in 1986 and the club moved on to Scottish coach Bobby McLachlan, who stayed for eight years.

In 1989, Morwell won its second Victorian championship, pipping Brunswick Juventus to the title by a solitary point. The Falcons were placed in a two leg playoff for a spot in the National Soccer League/ However, the Falcons failed to progress to the top flight after losing 5–2 on aggregate against South Australian champions West Adelaide.[62][66]

The club eventually joined the NSL's ranks in season 1992/93.[62] Morwell won the statewide Dockerty Cup in 1994, after entering the competition as an NSL team in the Quarter Final Stage. The Falcons qualified for the NSL finals once in season 1994/95 after finishing fourth. The club found itself in the bottom half of the NSL table thereafter, although the club never finished with the wooden spoon.[67]

The Falcons' professional era ended when financial difficulties meant they were prevented from playing in the final four matches of the 2000-01 National Soccer League[68][69][70] and a proposed sale to Melbourne-based furniture entrepreneur Tony Schiavello fell through.[71]

Falcons 2000 were simultaneously created by the Falcons' members in the year 2000 and entered into the Latrobe Valley Soccer League that same year. With the collapse of Eastern Pride - as the club was known in their final year - in April 2001, Falcons 2000 would ultimately absorb the Falcons' full lineage and history, spanning back to 1961.[72]

1984 Victorian State Championship winning season

[edit]

Australia
Whiteside
Australia
Bruns
Australia
Higham
Australia
Train
England
McLean
Scotland
Bingham
Australia
O'Callaghan
Republic of Ireland
Moore
England
Aythersych
Scotland
Stirton
1984 Victorian Champions Starting XI

Despite finishing fourth in their first year in the Victorian State Men's League in 1982, the Falcons slipped to the 10th in 1983 - although expectations for the 1984 season were boosted for Latrobe Valley-based club when they recruited some key players - including Northern Irish youth international Gerry Clarke, Irish midfielder Stephen Moore and dynamic Englishman Russell Athersych - and ex-Fulham star Jimmy Dunne as head coach.

While Clarke went on to become something of an icon in Gippsland football in later life, coaching numerous local clubs, Moore's prowess in front of goal in 1984 - scoring 17 goals in 26 games - proved an incredible return from the midfied.

The Falcons won just one of their first five games but a 5-0 thumping of Knox City in round six ignited their season and they then claimed victory in six of their next seven matches to climb to the top of the league.

A series of powerful victories - including a 6–0 thrashing of Knox City and a 4-0 hammering of St Albans - meant the Falcons were in the box seat to claim the highest honour in Victorian football, with the signing of Doveton striker Iain Stirton after round 14 proving to be an inspired choice after he was relegated to the Doveton bench by coach Hammy McMeechan. Stirton had an extraordinary impact, netting 10 goals in his first seven games for Morwell and adding another to finish with 11 for the season. Stirton would go on to score more goals than any other player for the Falcons at State League level - 46 goals in 101 games - before leaving the club at the end of the 1988 season.

Leading the league by two points, the Falcons needed only a draw in their final match against Albion Rovers to claim the title. A 0–0 draw at Selwyn Reserve in Albion ensured the Falcons would win their first ever state championship. A sterling performance by young Morwell local Effie Cassar stood out on the day, with Soccer Action journalist Peter Desira acclaiming the defender's "...safe, early passing game, (then) tackling tenaciously and moving forward with the aplomb of a veteran."[73]

The Falcons then went on to win the post-season State League Cup, defeating Fawkner 9–8 on penalties in the semi-final before claiming a 1–0 victory over Maribyrnong Polonia in the final.

1989 Victorian State Championship winning season

[edit]

Australia
Reynolds
Australia
O'Donnell
Australia
Bruns
Australia
Cassar
Australia
Nelson
Scotland
Bingham
Republic of Ireland
Doyle
Australia
McBride
Croatia
Basara
1989 Victorian Champions Starting XI

The Falcons entered the 1989 Victorian State League having finished the 1988 season in 10th position, 11 points behind league champions Heidelberg United - who were subsequently promoted to the National Soccer League. Seeking to make their move up the table, Falcons' president Don Di Fabrizio spearheaded an ambitious off-season recruiting drive of overseas talent.[74]

The second and third placed teams of 1988 - St Albans and Croydon City - were widely expected to contend for the 1989 title but the Falcons shocked the football world to soar back into contention for the league title, largely thanks to the goals of Darko Basara (11 goals) and New Zealand international New Zealand international Billy Wright (eight goals) - with Northern Irish import Ron Manley proving an astute mid-season pick-up, grabbing six goals in 13 games. Popular captain Jim McBride also hit six goals in 28 games and club veteran Sean Byrne - who did not miss a game all season - added five of his own.

After a critical slip up by equal-first placed Brunswick Juventus on the penultimate day of the season, losing 2–1 to Northcote City, the Falcons moved a point clear heading into the final round thanks to a crucial 0–0 draw at home to Frankston Pines.

Holding to their league lead by a point, the Falcons needed only a win against Ringwood City in the final game of the season to ensure they would be crowned champions for the second time.

In one of the Falcons' finest ever displays, Manley began the rout in the 13th minute before Roy Walsh doubled the Falcons' advantage just before half-time. Wright all but sealed the championship with his effort two minutes after the break before captain Jim McBride sent the capacity crowd at North Crinigan Reserve into a frenzy by making it 4–0 in the final minute.

In October, Morwell had a barnstorming Dockerty Cup run, highlighted by a 2–0 victory over NSL club Footscray JUST - who fielded a star-studded team including Socceroos' trio Mehmet Durakovic, Oscar Crino and Joe Palatsides - in the quarter-finals at Heidelberg. However, the Falcons ran out of steam in the semi-finals, losing 5–0 to eventual runner-up Altona Gate.

Honours

[edit]

Club

[edit]

Records

[edit]

Highest Crowds

[edit]
No. Date Teams Competition Crowd
1 15 April 1995 Morwell Falcons v. South Melbourne Elimination Final, 1994-95 National Soccer League Est. 9,000``[76][77]
2 29 January 1994 Morwell Falcons v. South Melbourne R18, 1993-94 National Soccer League 8,256[78][79]
3 29 January 1995 Morwell Falcons v. South Melbourne R16, 1994-95 National Soccer League 6,500[80]
4 6 February 1993 Morwell Falcons v. South Melbourne R19, 1992-93 National Soccer League 5,837[81]
5 31 December 1993 Morwell Falcons v. Melboune Knights R13, 1993-94 National Soccer League 4,684[82]

`` Crowds for this match were reported as "almost 9000" by ABSW and "more than 9000" by AAP/Sunday Herald Sun (see references)

Most NSL Games (1992-2001)

[edit]
Rank Name NSL Games NSL Goals Position Career
1 Claudio Canosa 132 8 DF 1992-99
2 Doug Marcina 125 7 DF 1994-98, 99–2000
3 Clayton Bell 118 5 MF 1996–2001
4 Manny Gotis 104 3 DF 1996–2001
5 Brian MacNicol 95 13 FW 1997–2001
=6 Marcus Stergiopoulos 89 3 DF 1992–97, 2000–01
John Hutchinson 89 7 MF 1996-2001
8 Sonny Sevin 88 4 MF 1992–96
9 Will Hastie 87 5 MF 1996-2000
10 John Waddell 84 5 MF 1992–96

Most NSL Goals (1992-2001)

[edit]
Rank Name NSL Goals NSL Games Ratio Career
1 John Markovski 20 48 0.42 1993-95
2 Brian Bothwell 16 68 0.24 1993–96
3 Brian MacNicol 13 95 0.14 1997-2001
4 Warren Spink 12 47 0.26 1994–96
5 Sasha Becvinovski 10 43 0.23 1992-93, 1998–99
=6 Lachlan Armstrong 10 39 0.26 1993-95, 1998–99
Archie Thompson 10 43 0.23 1996–99
8 Billy Wright 9 38 0.24 1992-93, 1996–97
=9 Claudio Canosa 8 132 0.06 1992–99
Ernie Tapai 8 48 0.17 1994–96
Tony Sekulic 8 34 0.24 1996–98

Most Victorian State League Games (1982-1992)

[edit]
Rank Name State League Games State League Goals Position Career
1 Effie Cassar 215 26 DF 1982-92
2 Emil Bruns 201 10 DF 1984-92
3 Harry Bingham 179 16 DF 1982-90
4 John O'Callaghan 177 13 DF 1982-88
5 Dave Reynolds 113 0 GK 1988-92
6 Gerry Clarke 102 7 DF 1984, 86-88, 90
7 Iain Stirton 101 41 FW 1984-88
8 Jim Train 92 0 DF 1983-86
9 Anthony Cassar 91 10 MF 1986-88, 91-92
10 Jeff Doyle 81 6 DF 1987-90

Most Victorian State League Goals (1982-1992)

[edit]
Rank Name State League Goals State League Games Ratio Career
1 Iain Stirton 46 101 0.46 1984-88
=2 Billy Wright 26 57 0.46 1989-92
Effie Cassar 26 215 0.12 1982-92
4 Russell Athersych 22 51 0.43 1984-85
5 Stephen Moore 21 43 0.49 1984-85
=6 Gavin McMullen 17 37 0.46 1991-92
Kevin Harrison 17 41 0.41 1991-92
8 Harry Bingham 16 179 0.09 1982-90
9 Bobby McGuinness 15 30 0.5 1983-84
10 Stan Webster 14 69 0.2 1984, 87-88

Notable former players

[edit]
MORWELL FALCONS TEAM OF THE LATROBE VALLEY SOCCER LEAGUE ERA (1962–1973)[83]
Player Position
Italy Frank Di Giulio GK
Malta Joe Sciberras GK
Italy Fortunato Bianconi DF
Italy Bruno Padovan DF
Malta Paul Tanti DF
Malta Tony Tanti DF
Italy Charlie Del Busso DF
Malta George Cassar DF
Poland Fred Kaminski MF
Germany Henry Richter MF
Malta Emmanuel "Leli" Cassar MF
Australia Pino Di Giulio MF
Italy Benito Ingravelli MF
Netherlands Herman Terhorst MF
England Rodney Walker FW
Italy Emilio Auciello FW
Italy Roberto Morisi FW
Italy Luciano Fiovanti FW
Italy Mario Sluga COACH
Italy Frank Marsili Team Manager
MORWELL FALCONS TEAM OF THE VICTORIAN PROVISIONAL AND METRO LEAGUE ERA (1974–1981)[84]
Player Position
Italy Frank Di Giulio GK
Scotland Billy Whiteside GK
England Colin Kroska DF
Scotland Graeme Irvine DF
ScotlandAustralia Sandy Irvine DF
Australia David Wilson DF
Australia Andy Bednarski DF
Australia Pino Di Giulio MF
Malta Ray Tanti MF
Northern Ireland Kevin Flanagan MF
Australia Sasha Pavlovic MF
Northern Ireland Tom Leckey FW
England Ken Parker FW
England Rodney Walker FW
Australia Jos Adrichem FW
Netherlands Tony Van Baar FW
ScotlandAustralia Sandy Irvine COACH
Australia Peter Viggiano Team Manager
MORWELL FALCONS TEAM OF THE VICTORIAN STATE LEAGUE ERA (1982–1992)[85]
Player Position Years VSL Games VSL Goals
Scotland Billy Whiteside GK 1982–84 67 0
New Zealand David Reynolds GK 1988–92 113 0
Scotland Harry Bingham DF 1982–90 179 16
England John Higham DF 1982–84 70 0
Australia Emil Bruns DF 1984–92 201 10
England Jimmy Train DF 1983–86 92 0
Northern Ireland Gerry Clarke DF 1984, 86–88, 90 102 7
Australia Adrian Pender DF 1990–92 43 0
Australia Manny Gotis MF 1987–88, 1992 44 1
Australia Effie Cassar MF 1982–92 215 26
Scotland Jim MacLean MF 1983–85 73 5
Scotland Jim McBride MF 1989–90 40 7
New ZealandRepublic of Ireland Sean Byrne MF 1989–90 47 10
Australia Anthony Cassar MF 1986–88, 91–92 91 10
England John O'Callaghan FW 1982–88 177 13
Scotland Iain Stirton FW 1984–88 101 46
EnglandNew Zealand Billy Wright FW 1989–92 57 26
England Russell Athersych FW 1984–85 51 22
Scotland Bobby McLaughlin COACH 1998–1992 NSL: 1992–95
Republic of Ireland Jimmy Dunne COACH 1984–1985
Australia Jason Reddiex Team Manager
MORWELL/GIPPSLAND FALCONS TEAM OF THE NSL ERA (1992–2001)[86]
Player Position Years NSL Games NSL Goals
Australia Jim Kourtis GK 1995–98 78 0
Australia Bojo Jevdjevic GK 1998–2001 72 0
Australia Doug Marcina DF 1994–98, 99–2000 125 7
New Zealand Sean Douglas DF 1996–97 25 1
New Zealand Shaun Parton DF 1993–95 50 2
Argentina Claudio Canosa DF 1992–99 132 8
Australia Scott Miller DF 1994–96 49 3
Australia Mehmet Durakovic DF 1999–2000 25 0
Australia Ernie Tapai MF 1994–96 48 8
Australia Clayton Bell MF 1996–2001 118 5
Australia Sonny Sevin MF 1989–90 88 4
MaltaAustralia John Hutchinson MF 1996–2001 89 7
Australia Andy Vargas MF 1998–2000 57 6
ScotlandAustralia Brian Bothwell FW 1993–96 68 16
New ZealandEngland Billy Wright FW 1992–93, 1996–97 38 9
Australia Archie Thompson FW 1996–99 43 10
Australia Warren Spink FW 1994–96 47 12
Australia John Markovski FW 1993–95 48 20
SerbiaHungary Frank Arok COACH 1996–1998
Australia Rolf Lamb Team Manager 1992–1998
FALCONS 2000 TEAM OF THE GIPPSLAND SOCCER LEAGUE ERA (2000–2011)[87]
Player Position
Australia Andy Soplakow GK
Australia Chris Alimpic GK
Australia Stephan Baccega DF
Australia Thomas Hanlon DF
Australia Kenny Higgins DF
Australia Joe Castellano DF
Australia Joe Auciello DF
Australia Adrian Fazoli DF
Australia Ben Cassar MF
Australia James Alesi MF
Australia Adam Reddiex MF
Australia Tony Pardo MF
Australia Luke Cheney FW
Australia Shayne Cassar FW
Australia Jesse Kennedy FW
Australia Nick D'Alessandro FW
Australia Tony Pardo COACH
Australia Tony Coltman Team Manager


Managers

[edit]
Country Name Period
Italy Beniamo Di Lotero (1961–63)
Italy Mario Sluga (1964–65)
Italy Lino Sirocchini (1965–67)
Italy Mario Sluga (1968–73)
Australia Phil Blunt (1974)
Malta/Australia Paul Tanti (1975)
Hungary Joe Fodor (1976)
Poland Fred Kaminski (1976)
Scotland John Lawson (1977)
England Mel Strong (1978)
Italy Salvino Del Colle (1978)
Australia/Scotland Sandy Irvine (1979–81)
Malta Joe Sciberras (1981)
England Dave O'Connor (1982)
Italy Tony Boggi (1983)
Republic of Ireland Jimmy Dunne (1984–85)
England David O'Connor (1986–87)
Scotland Bobby McLachlan (1988–95)
Scotland Harry Bingham (1995–1996)
Serbia/Hungary Frank Arok (1996–98)
Scotland Stuart Munro (1998–99)
Wales Jeff Hopkins (1999–2001)
England Paul Hutchinson (2000 - LVSL)
Australia Adam Reddiex (2001)
Wales Jeff Hopkins (2002)
Australia/Malta Ben Cassar (2005–06)
Scotland Thomas Hanlon (2007–08)
Australia/Spain Tony Pardo (2009–11)
Australia/Italy Mauro De Luca (2011–13)
Australia/Italy Nick D’Alessandro (2014–18)
Australia/Northern Ireland Conor Clarke (2019)
Australia/Italy Nick D’Alessandro (2020–21)
Australia/Malta Mark Cassar (2022)
Australia/Italy Adrian Salvatore (2023-)

Women's

[edit]
Gippsland Falcons/Falcons 2000 Women's Results (1999-)
Year Division Victorian Tier Position Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference
1999 Victorian Women's League Division Two SE III 4th 14 6 3 5 28 21 7
2000 Victorian Women's League Division One II 10th 18 1 1 16 6 84 -78
2008 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VI 4th 14 6 3 5 28 11 7
2012 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VI 12th 18 2 0 16 17 131 -114
2013 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VI 9th 18 1 1 16 10 96 -86
2014 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VI 6th 19 5 2 12 20 65 -45
2015 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VI 8th 16 3 2 11 12 63 -51
2016 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VI 8th 22 8 3 11 45 55 -10
2017 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VI 5th 22 13 3 6 53 35 18
2018 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VI 6th 18 8 3 7 42 37 5
2019 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VII 6th 18 8 3 7 60 39 21
2020 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VII COVID-19 1 1 0 0 3 0 3
2021 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VIII 2nd 15 11 0 4 91 19 72
2022 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VIII Champions 12 10 2 0 62 6 56
2023 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VIII 4th 20 12 3 5 78 49 29
2024 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VIII 2nd 18 15 0 3 83 18 65
2025 Latrobe Valley Soccer League VIII 8th 16 3 4 9 14 48 -34
TOTAL 282 115 27 140 640 834 -194

Falcons 2000 has long prided itself on having girls and women's teams, with the club fielding teams in the metropolitan competition in the 1990s and early 2000s - known as the "Morwell Falcons Flyers" before later dropping the Flyers' moniker.[88][89]

As soon as they were formed, the Falcons' women's team enjoyed immediate success in 1995, when they won that year's VWSA Lightning Premiership in Seaford. After winning their way through the group stage with victories over Yarraville and Clayton, the Falcons defeated Carringbush in the final on penalties 4–3 after the match finished 0-0.[90]

The team featured Victorian representatives such as Kim Weeks and Amy Porter,[91] with Porter named as the Hoar-Melvin Award winner in 1996 for being Victoria's most valuable junior state team player.[92]

With the collapse of the Gippsland Falcons' professional men's team in 2001, then women's team was also disbanded and a team representing the "Gippsland Soccer League" took their place.[93]

A Falcons' women's team did not resume until 2008, when the Latrobe Valley Soccer League introduced a women's division for the first time. They played a solitary season in the LVSL finishing fourth - before resuming permanently from 2012.

In 2022, Falcons 2000's women's team won their first and so far only LVSL league title. In a remarkable season, Falcons went unbeaten throughout the year to claim their maiden women's trophy[94][95] with Savannah Lapenta scoring 14 goals in 12 games to top the league's scoring charts.[96][97]

Five-time club player of the year winner Sheedy Whadcoat was the first player to reach 200 women's games for the club, hitting the milestone in 2024,[98] with Danica Di Ciero reaching the milestone in the same year.[99]

References

[edit]
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[edit]


Preceded by Dockerty Cup Champions
1994 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Victorian State Champions
1984 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Victorian State Champions
1989 		Succeeded by
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