By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Belgrave Junior Football Club was buzzing with excitement last week as AFL legend Brendan Fevola dropped by for a special footy clinic with the club’s U11s and U17s girls’ teams.
The clinic was part of a well-deserved reward for the club’s win in the “Club Upgrade” competition, supported by Monarch Painting and FOX FM.
The event was a huge hit, with kids and parents alike thrilled by Fevola’s presence on the field.
Fev, known for his larger-than-life personality both on and off the field, didn’t disappoint, running drills with the younger players and sharing his goal-kicking expertise with the older girls.
But it wasn’t just the training that had everyone talking — Fevola stayed around after the session, signing footies and taking photos, creating lasting memories for the players and their families.
“It was amazing,” the club’s president, Melania Serwylo said.
“Fev was fantastic, taking the time to interact with everyone long after the clinic ended. The kids were absolutely thrilled, and the vibe around the ground was fantastic. It felt like a real celebration.”
While Fevola’s visit was the highlight of the evening, the occasion also marked an important milestone for the club: a long-awaited ground upgrade.
Thanks to the competition win, the club’s facilities received a professional makeover, including freshly painted line markings and new logos that now proudly feature the junior club’s and sponsors’ branding.
This is the first significant upgrade to the ground in years, and it’s a game-changer for both the players and the local community.
“The ground looks amazing now,” Ms Serwylo said.
“The professional line marking and the club logo make it feel so much more official. Our players, especially the girls, now have a ground that reflects how much they’ve grown. It’s a real source of pride for everyone involved.”
Since 2016, the club has gone from strength to strength, particularly with the rise of the girls’ teams, which have seen significant growth. This expansion has been vital in keeping the club going, especially after it faced the possibility of folding just a few years ago.
“Our growth has been incredible,” Ms Serwylo said.
“It’s been a team effort from everyone – from the committee and our supporters to the players themselves. The community here in Belgrave has been so supportive, and it’s made a huge difference. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
The club’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of sponsors like Monarch Painting and FOX FM.
Tim Hogan from Monarch Painting spoke about the company’s involvement in the upgrade, emphasising the importance of supporting local community projects.
“We love the idea of nurturing growth from the ground up,” Mr Hogan said.
“It’s been a privilege to help the Belgrave Junior Football Club with their field upgrade, and it’s been great to see the community come together around the event. Fevola’s clinic was the cherry on top.”
The event wrapped up with a classic community barbecue, where players and families gathered to share a meal and reflect on what had been an unforgettable evening.
For the Belgrave community, this event wasn’t just about a footy clinic with an AFL legend – it was a reminder of the importance of community, pride, and the power of grassroots sport.
For the young girls of Belgrave Junior Football Club, having their contributions recognised and celebrated was a message loud and clear – they have a vital place in the game, and their passion for footy matters.
“It shows our players that they are valued,” Ms Serwylo said.
“This kind of recognition is so important. It encourages them to keep chasing their dreams and to know they belong in this game.”
