Stirling Saints

History

The Stirling Amateur Football Club was established in 1998 as a result of a merger between the Osborne Park Football Club (competing in the Sunday Football League) and the Balcatta Amateur Football Club (competing in the West Australian Amateur Football League). Below is a historical record of the Club and its former entities.

OSBORNE PARK FOOTBALL CLUB (1922-1997)

The Early Years

The Osborne Park Football Club has a proud tradition which dates back to the 1920s. The year of establishment for the club is commonly known as 1922, however there are some indications that the Club existed in some form prior to this date. The earliest written account of the Club is a set of minutes from February 1922, which was obtained from the Battye Library of Western Australia. It is interesting to note that the colours of blue and gold were worn during these early years, and it was not until later on that the traditional colours of red and white were adopted.

From research and interviews with Richard Guelfi (the Club’s fairest and best winner of 1936), the Club was initially formed to provide entertainment on a Sunday, and it is believed that the Club had close ties with the local church. In this early period, the Club played and trained at the Osborne Park Showgrounds (later known as Robinson Reserve). It is not certain which league the Club was affiliated with in these early years, however the teams that were involved included Mt Helena, Sawyers Valley, Bellevue, Wanneroo, Wembley and the Oxford Hotel. The Club in this period was a great boon for local people and was basically a social outing for the players and supporters.

West Australian Amateur Football Association – 1947 to 1956

1947
The club joins the West Australian Amateur Football Association (WAAFA) and commences regular competition in C Grade. The Club only scores 1 behind in the first game against Swanbourne (against 23 goals 26 behinds) which remained the Club’s lowest score of all time. The Club’s first victory comes the following week with a 32 point win against Teachers Training College. At the end of the qualifying rounds, the club sits in 4th position, but is eliminated in the First Semi Final by East Perth.

1948
A restructure of the divisions in the WAAFA sees the Club placed in B Grade East. The club finishes the season in 5th place.

1949
The club remains in B Grade East and finishes the season in 7th place.

1950
Another restructure of the divisions in the WAAFA sees the club compete in B2 Grade. The club finishes 3rd after losing the Second Semi Final to Maylands by12 points and the Preliminary Final to Banks by 12 points.

1951
The club is promoted to B1 grade and finishes the season in 6th place. Mick Nanovich wins the Essex Medal for the Fairest and Best player in B1 grade. It is known that Mick Nanovich also won at least two club Fairest and Best medals during this period (Johns Medal).

1952
The club makes the finals in B1 grade, but is eliminated in the First Semi Final by Commonwealth Bank.

1953
The club finishes the B1 grade season as minor premiers, but loses the Second Semi Final (to University) and Preliminary Final (to West Perth). R Okely wins the B1 grade fairest and best medal.

1954
The club wins its first ever premiership competing in B1 grade. Coached by Doug Lind, the club defeats Claremont-Nedlands by 34 points - the scores being Osborne Park 13.11.89 to Claremont-Nedlands 7.13.55. R Okely wins the B1 Grade Fairest and Best Medal for the second consecutive year.

1955
The club is promoted to A Grade, but finds the going tough, only winning two games and finishing in 9th position.

1956
The club is relegated back to B1 Grade and hits an all-time low, finishing the season without a win in 8th position (wooden spooners). Despite the poor showing, R Okely defies the odds to win his third B1 Grade Fairest and Best Medal in four years.

Sunday National Football League – 1957 to 1983

1957
The Club decides to affiliate with the Sunday National Football League (SNFL), which is reputed to be the strongest competition outside of the WAFL. The first Annual General Meeting is held at the Osborne Park Showgrounds on 16 March 1957. Elections are held for the inaugural office bearers, those being successful are Doug Lind (President), J Somers (Vice President), F Dans (Secretary), H Grigg (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer), P O’Brien, J Brown, Guido Leuzzi, C Ferguson, L Hasler and K Hale (General Committee). Guido Leuzzi is appointed captain-coach. In the first year, the club competes in B Grade of the SNFL and finishes the season as minor premiers. After advancing to through the finals, the club narrowly loses the grand final to Postals by 7 points – the final scores being Postals 9.2.56 to Osborne Park 7.7.49. Captain-coach Guido Leuzzi wins the B Grade Fairest and Best Medal.

1958
The Club is promoted to A Grade of the Sunday League and finishes the season strongly in 2nd place. However, the club loses the Second Semi Final to Scarborough by 16 points and then narrowly loses the Preliminary Final by 2 points to Cardinals.

1959
The club finishes the season in 3rd position, but is eliminated by Scarborough in the First Semi Final. K White wins the A Grade Fairest and Best Medal.

1960
Under the leadership of former South Fremantle player Tony Parentich, the club makes the finals and is forced to play Scarborough again in the First Semi Final. The two teams draw the first game but Scarborough wins the replay a week later.

1961
A Reserves side is introduced, competing in B Grade of the SNFL. The League side narrowly misses out on the finals while the Reserves finish their first season in 9th position.

1962
The club again narrowly misses the finals, finishing one game out of the top four.

1963
The club finishes the season in 5th place in both A Grade and B Grade.

1964
The club makes the finals and finishes the season as minor premiers. However the club narrowly loses the second semi final to Scarborough by 7 points and then loses the Preliminary Final to Metropolitans by 2 points. The Reserves also finish the season as minor premiers and reach the B Grade grand final. However, they are defeated by Cockburn in a very low scoring game by 14 points - the final scores being Cockburn 3.6.24 to Osborne Park 1.4.10. Ray Schofield wins the SNFL League goalkicking award with 77 goals for the season.

1965
The club has a very successful season with both the League and Reserves sides winning their respective grand finals – the first club in the Sunday League to do so. The league team wins their Grand Final against Inglewood by 14 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 12.11.83 to Inglewood 10.9.69. The reserves team wins their Grand Final against East Fremantle by 9 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 10.7.67 to East Fremantle 8.10.58.

1966
The league team finishes the season in 4th position. The reserves team wins their second consecutive premiership.

1967
The league team wins their second Sunday League premiership defeating arch rivals and close neighbours Scarborough by 37 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 12.21.93 to Scarborough 8.8.56. The club at this time was coached by Guido Leuzzi, who unfortunately never played in the grand final due to injury. F Smith wins the League Fairest & Best Medal. It is also during this season that the Sunday National Football League (SNFL) changed its name to the West Australian Football Association (WAFA).

1968
The Club makes the grand final from 4th position, but is defeated by Scarborough by 30 points - the final scores being Scarborough 8.11.59 to Osborne Park 3.11.29. The reserves side also makes the grand final from 3rd position and wins their 3rd premiership by defeating Metropolitans. R Ayre wins the WAFA League goalkicking award with 74 goals for the season.

1969
After making their 3rd consecutive grand final under captain-coach Guido Leuzzi, inaccurate kicking leads to a narrow loss to arch rivals Wanneroo by 6 points - the final scores being Wanneroo 11.8.74 to Osborne Park 8.20.68. The reserves team also make the finals but are eliminated in the Preliminary Final by Wanneroo. Graham Sertorio wins the WAFA Reserves Fairest & Best Medal, while Ray Drewett wins the WAFA Reserves goalkicking award. Late in 1968, planning started on a mammoth project which was the proposed trip to Singapore in 1969. Led by trip co-ordinator Norm Smith and his committee, fund raising was undertaken in various guises, such as bottle collecting, cleaning building sites, general odd jobs and gambling nights. Attendance at these fund raisers was rewarded with points towards their targets. After narrowly losing the grand final to Wanneroo, 39 players, officials and supporters left on the 2nd October on board the “Centaur” en route to Singapore and Malay – the first non-WAFL club to go overseas at that time.

1970
The club misses out on the finals for the first time in seven years, finishing the season in 6th place. Despite missing out on the finals, the club scores one of it's highest scores of all time in Round 1 against Bayswater - the final scores being Osborne Park 44.35.299 to Bayswater 3.8.26. The reserves team makes the grand final but is defeated by Metropolitans.

1971
Both League and Reserves finish the regular season in 4th position. The Reserves side loses their First Semi Final to South Perth, while the League side is eventually eliminated in the Preliminary Final by Belmont-Victoria Park. L Johns wins the WAFA Reserves Fairest & Best Medal.

1972
The club finishes the season in 2nd position, but loses the 2nd Semi Final to eventual premiers South Perth and then the Preliminary Final to Cockburn-East Fremantle. Ivan Ukich wins the WAFA Reserves goalkicking award with 38 goals for the season.

1973
Mal McCrae and Trevor Clarey were coaching the league and reserves respectively and Jack Friend was in his eleventh consecutive year as president. The League snuck into the finals on the last game of the season, but lost the First Semi Final to eventual premiers Inglewood-Bayswater. Graham Sertorio took off the League Fairest and Best Medal. One of the more significant decisions of the time was the establishment of a Colts side, competing in the B Colts grade of the West Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL). Bob Mitchell is appointed coach, but unfortunately leaves during the season to go interstate. His job is taken over by Bruce Arlow, who eventually coaches the side to a well deserved premiership. As an added bonus, G Miller wins the B Colts Fairest and Best Medal.

1974
The club again participates in the amateur competition by fielding a Thirds team in F Grade of the WAAFL. The League side missed out on the finals but the Reserves were knocked out in the Preliminary Final by Midland. M Gough wins the WAFA Reserves Fairest & Best Medal. Despite winning the premiership the previous year, the Club is not able to field a Colts team.

1975
The League wins through to the Grand Final from 3rd position on the ladder, but loses to arch rivals Wanneroo by 17 points - the scores being Wanneroo 12.12.84 to Osborne Park 9.13.67. The Reserves lose their First Semi Final to South Perth.

1976
After a barren eight seasons, the Club again wins a coveted double in league and reserves, coached by John Hill and Geoff Wade respectively. The League team defeats arch rivals Wanneroo by 13 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 13.9.87 to Wanneroo 11.8.74. The Reserves team defeats Midland by 53 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 14.14.98 to Midland 6.9.45. G Smit wins the WAFA League Fairest and Best Medal, while John Marinovich wins the WAFA Reserves goalkicking award with 60 goals for the season (including 18 goals in the last qualifying game of the season).

1977
To prove the previous year was no fluke, the Club follows up with another double, with Graham Sertorio at the helm of the league side and Geoff Wade again coaching the reserves. The League team defeats Wanneroo by 2 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 11.10.76 to Wanneroo 10.14.74. The Reserves team go through the season undefeated, including a 61 point win in the Grand Final against Wanneroo - the final scores being Osborne Park 15.14.104 to Midland 7.1.43. The Thirds team, competing in F Grade of the WAAFL, also win the grand final under the leadership of captain coach Greg Murphy, making it a trifecta in 1977. K Robartson wins the WAFA Reserves goalkicking award with 51 goals for the season.

1978
Former West Perth player Dennis Cometti is appointed captain-coach of the league side and leads the club to its fourth successive grand final against old enemies Wanneroo. In a reversal from the previous year, both the League and Reserves are defeated in their respective grand finals by Wanneroo. Wanneroo are victorious in the League by 31 points - the final scores being Wanneroo 15.19.109 to Osborne Park 11.12.78. The Reserves lose their grand final by 20 points - the final scores being Wanneroo 9.13.67 to Osborne Park 6.11.47. During the season, the Reserves extend their remarkable run of consecutive victories to 29 wins, stretching back to late 1976. The Thirds side, who were promoted to D Grade following their 1977 premiership, unfortunately complete the treble by losing their Grand Final to Commonwealth Bank by 21 points - the final scores being Commonwealth Bank 11.10.76 to Osborne Park 7.13.55.

1979
The league side miss out on the finals for the first time in 5 years, however the Reserves reach the Preliminary Final before being eliminated by South Perth. The club re-introduces a Colts team in the WAAFL with immediate success. With R Truscott at the helm, the colts win the D Colts Grand Final against Mt Hawthorn-West Perth by 47 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 10.15.75 to MHWP 3.10.28.

1980
The green light is given to the first stage of development for the Club’s new premises at Delawney Street in Balcatta. The league side has a disappointing year, finishing in 7th position. The Colts make the D Colts grand final again from 4th position, but go down to the undefeated Forrestfield in the Grand Final. As well as having a Thirds team in D Grade, the Club has sufficient player numbers to enter a Fourths team in K Grade of the WAAFL. Under the leadership of captain-coach R Francesconi, the Fourths win the grand final by defeating Melville by 9 points - the final scores were Osborne Park 5.11.41 to Melville 4.8.32.

1981
The league side finish the season in 2nd position, but lose the Second Semi and Preliminary Finals to Wanneroo and South Perth respectively. The club wins another premiership in the Thirds by defeating Commonwealth Bank in the grand final by 32 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 14.20.104 to Commonwealth Bank 10.12.72. The Colts leave the Amateurs and join the newly formed Colts competition organised by the WAFA. Despite finishing on top of the ladder, the Colts are eliminated in the Preliminary Final.

1982
The League side finish in 3rd position and despite a First Semi Final defeat of Applecross, the club is defeated by arch rivals and eventual premiers Wanneroo in the Preliminary Final. The reserves, coached by Lou De Cinque, defeat South Perth in the Grand Final by 44 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 22.16.148 to South Perth 16.8.104. The Colts also make the grand final, but are defeated by Southern Port by 21 points - the final scores being Southern Port 14.8.92 to Osborne Park 10.11.71. An increase in the number of young players allows the Club to field a second Colts team competing in the C Colts grade of the WAAFL. Ken McCabe wins the WAFA Reserves goalkicking award with 85 goals for the season.

1983
The Club’s new premises at Balcatta Reserve in Delawney Street are officially opened by the City of Stirling councillor Graham Burkett on Sunday 27th February 1983. The League, Reserves and Colts all make the WAFA grand finals, but only the Reserves and Colts are successful on the day. Wanneroo are victorious in the League by 42 points - the final scores being Wanneroo 15.13.103 to Osborne Park 7.19.61. Lou De Cinque lead the Reserves to their second successive premiership by defeating Wanneroo by 46 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 18.16.124 to Wanneroo 11.12.78. Captain-coach Gerard McNeill wins the WAFA League Fairest and Best Medal. The colts, coached by P White, defeat Melville in their grand final by 17 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 14.14.98 to Melville 12.9.81. The second colts team also make the finals of the C Colts Grade in the WAAFL, but are eliminated in the Preliminary Final by Whitford.

Sunday Football League – 1984 to 1992

1984
The Osborne Park Football Club takes another important decision in its football future. Along with other ex-WAFA clubs Wanneroo, South Perth and Applecross, they joined thirteen clubs from the South Suburban Murray Football League to form the new seventeen club Sunday Football League (SFL) of WA. Success in the new league would have to wait, with the League, Reserves and Colts all missing the finals in the first year.

1985
Geoff Wade again distinguished himself as a coach by leading the Reserves to the Club's first premiership in the new league. The Reserves defeated Willetton in the Grand Final by 12 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 10.8.68 to Willetton 7.14.56. The League also made the finals and was able to reach the Preliminary Final from 5th position on the ladder. This year saw the advent of Saturday Football organised on a proper basis in the SFL. Greg “Spud” Murphy led the inaugural side to victory by defeating Willetton in the Grand Final. Osborne Park was the main instigator of this competition, fielding two sides in 1985 and 1986 - known as Osborne Park Red and Osborne Park White. P Stephenson won the Reynolds Medal for the Fairest and Best player in the SFL Reserves.

1986
Success in the League finally came after the appointment of ex-Sydney Swans and Claremont big man Barry Beecroft as coach. Under Beecroft, the Club defeated Kalamunda in the Grand Final by 39 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 16.15.111 to Kalamunda 11.6.72. The Reserves made the Grand Final again, but lost to Maddington by 38 points - the final scores being Maddington 21.11.137 to Osborne Park 15.9.99. The Thirds team also made their second consecutive grand final in the SFL Saturday Amateurs competition, but were defeated by Wanneroo. Due to a decrease in player numbers, the Fourths (playing as Osborne Park White in the SFL Saturday Amateurs competition) were forced to withdraw with three rounds remaining. Another overseas trip was organised for the end of the 1986 season. A travelling party of 30 players and supporters left for the balmy shores of Bali.

1987
With Barry Beecroft again at the helm of the League side, the Club won its second successive premiership, defeating Maddington by 58 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 21.19.145 to Maddington 12.15.87. The grand final victory was made more meritorious by the way the Club had to survive the year with the state of the oval. The ground was closed for the entire season and all games were played on the adjacent baseball ground. Losing only one game all year just showed what a good side this was. A club stalwart in Rob Hedley lead the Saturday Amateurs (Thirds) side to another grand final with a 63 point win over Maddington - the final scores being Osborne Park 15.17.107 to Maddington 7.2.59.

1988
The League side did not make the finals, but the Thirds made their fourth successive grand final appearance. Unfortunately, Wanneroo were victorious on the day by 60 points - the scores being Wanneroo 15.4.94 to Osborne Park 4.10.34. As a consolation, Brad Cova wins the SFL Saturday Amateurs Fairest and Best Medal.

1989
Life Member Steve Sertorio coached the reserves to a well deserved 32 point grand final win against Gosnells - the final scores being Osborne Park 17.15.117 to Gosnells 12.13.85. The thirds also made the grand final (the fifth Grand Final in succession), but were beaten by Maddington by 50 points - the final scores being Maddington 13.14.92 to Osborne Park 6.6.42. The League side, under new coach Cam Shepherd, reached the finals but were knocked out in straight sets by Wanneroo (in the Qualifying Final) and Canning (in the First Semi Final).

1990
Former Swan Districts player Ed Blackaby was appointed to coach the League side. His professional attitude and hard discipline approach brought immediate success, winning his first flag for the Club by defeating Kelmscott in the Grand Final by 22 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 13.17.95 to Kelmscott 11.7.73. The Reserves also reached the grand final, but were narrowly beaten by Armadale by 10 points - the final scores being Armadale 10.14.74 to Osborne Park 9.10.64. For the first time since joining the SFL, the Colts side made the finals. However, they were eliminated early after losing the Qualifying Final (to Armadale) and First Semi Final (to Thornlie).

1991
The League side finished the season in 4th position, but were knocked out in the Elimination Final by South Perth. The Thirds, who are coached by Dom De Cinque, reach their sixth Saturday Amateurs grand final in seven years and defeat Gosnells by 52 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 15.11.101 to Gosnells 7.7.49. C Todd wins the SFL Colts goalkicking award with 63 goals for the season.

1992
The League side finished the season as minor premiers and made their second grand final under coach Ed Blackaby, but inaccurate kicking let the side down and they were beaten by arch rivals Wanneroo in the Grand Final by 24 points - the final scores being Wanneroo 10.17.77 to Osborne Park 6.17.53. Grand Final day was not a happy one for the Club, with the Reserves also losing to Kelmscott by only 3 points - the final scores being Kelmscott 9.3.57 to Osborne Park 7.12.54. During the season, the Reserves scored its highest ever score against Maddington - the final scores were Osborne Park 48.22.310 to Maddington 0.0.0. The Colts and Thirds both reached as far as the Preliminary Final, but were beaten by Canning and Kelmscott respectively. Club veteran Tony Mirco wins the Reynolds Medal for the Fairest and Best player in the SFL Reserves. In a rare double, Patrick Erdelyi wins the Saturday Amateurs Fairest and Best Medal and goalkicking award with 41 goals for the season. Ray Ewen wins the SFL League goalkicking award with 80 goals for the season. Players from the Club’s Saturday Amateurs (Thirds) team held a Back to Mt Helena trip, celebrating a visit by the club in 1932.

1993
After the departure of Ed Blackaby, the coaching reins were handed to captain Greg Carpenter, formerly of East Perth and Subiaco. While the League side finished the season in 6th place, the Reserves side, coached by Mick Daff, defeated Applecross in the Grand Final by 26 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 14.14.98 to Applecross 9.18.72. Tony Mirco won his second consecutive Reynolds Medal for Fairest and Best player in the SFL Reserves. The Colts also reach their first SFL Grand Final and, in a hard fought battle, lost to Willetton by 3 points - the final scores were Willetton 8.9.57 to Osborne Park 8.3.54.

1994
For the first time since joining the Sunday League, the League, Reserves and Colts all make the Grand Finals. Unfortunately only the Colts are successful. The League side lose their grand final to Canning by 10 points - the final scores being Canning 15.11.101 to Osborne Park 13.13.91. The Reserves, who were playing in their sixth consecutive grand final, win every game of the season except the Grand Final, losing to Willetton by 30 points - the final scores being Willetton 14.8.92 to Osborne Park 9.8.62. The Colts team, coached by Dave Hicks, break an 11-year drought and win their one and only Sunday League premiership by defeating Kenwick by 14 points - the final scores being Osborne Park 8.13.61 to Kenwick 7.5.47. During the season, the League scored its highest score of all time against Gosnells - the final scores being Osborne Park 49.28.322 to Gosnells 3.4.22. In another milestone, Vince Lazzaro becomes the first and only Osborne Park player to win the Bowden Medal for being the Fairest and Best player in the League. Also, Graeme Pratt wins the SFL Colts goalkicking award with 67 goals for the season.

1995
In a disappointing turnaround from the previous year, the League, Reserves and Colts all miss the finals. After sneaking into the Finals in the last round of the season, the Thirds side reach the Saturday Amateurs Preliminary Final from 5th position. However, they are eliminated by Gosnells.

1996
Former East Perth player Ray Ewen rejoins the Club from Thornlie and takes over the coaching position from Greg Carpenter. The League teams finishes the season in 5th position, but loses the Elimination Final to Thornlie by only 2 points - the final scores being Thornlie 16.9.105 to Osborne Park 16.7.103.

1997
The Club reaches its lowest point since joining the Sunday League and for the first time in 41 years, the League side finishes the season as wooden spooners. The Thirds team finish the season in 5th spot but are knocked out by Kelmscott in the Elimination Final.

Despite the disappointing finish in the last couple of years in the Sunday League, the Club has enjoyed enormous on-field success – playing in 21 grand finals and winning ten of these. The people whose names appear on the Honour Rolls of the Club can be justifiably proud of their achievements.

BALCATTA AMATEUR FOOTBALL CLUB (1980-1997)

The Club was established in 1980 as was known as the Australian Italian Cultural Association (AICA). In keeping with its Italian heritage, the Club adopted the colours of green, white and red and is based at Wordsworth Reserve in Dianella.

1980
The Club joins the West Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL) and commences regular competition in the Sunday Amateurs Division. In its first game, the club loses to Fire Brigade by 81 points. The Club has to wait until Round 11 for its first victory, which is a 36 point win against against Doubleview. The club completes the season with only two wins, finishing as wooden spooners in its first year.

1981
Under the guidance of captain coach Leo Italiano, the club finish the home and away season on top of the ladder. After defeating Graylands in the Second Semi Final, the club defeats Fire Brigade in the grand final by 5 points to complete a fairy tale turnaround from wooden spooners to premiers in only one year - the final scores being AICA 11.13.79 to Fire Brigade 10.14.74.

1982
After finishing the season as minor premiers, the Club wins it second consecutive premiership under Leo Italiano by defeating Swan Athletic in the grand final by 40 points - the final scores being AICA 21.12.138 to Swan Athletic 15.8.98. The Club also introduces a Reserves team competing in K Grade of the WAAFL. The Reserves also finish minor premiers, but lose the Second Semi Final and Preliminary Final (to Scarborough and Mt Hawthorn-West Perth respectively) to finish their first season in 3rd position.

1983
This is the most successful year in club's history. Leo Italiano guides the League team to their third consecutive Sunday Amateurs premiership and the Reserves team win the I Grade premiership. For the second year in a row, the League side defeats Swan Athletic in the grand final by 3 points (with the winning goal being kicked in the dying seconds) - the final scores being 12.13.85 to Swan Athletic 12.10.82. The Reserves team defeats the City of Perth in the grand final by 44 points - the final scores being AICA 16.19.115 to City of Perth 10.11.71. Given that the League and Reserves teams played their Grand Finals on different days, four players - Charlie Bertilone, S Buxton, Aldo Dellasanta and Vic Ioannou - are able to play in both (League and Reserves) premierships.

1984
The Sunday Amateurs division of the WAAFL is discontinued and the League team is placed in C Grade. The club also fields an under 19s team competing in C Colts of the WAAFL. All three sides make the finals, but all three are knocked out in their respective Elimination Finals. The League team lose their Elimination Final to Morley by 37 points, the Reserves team lose their Elimination Final in H Grade to Innaloo and the Colts team lose their Elimination Final to Forrestfield. Brian Smith wins the C Colts fairest and best medal.

1985
The club changes name to become Northbridge-AICA. The League side lose the Elimination Final to Morley, Reserves finish 8th in H Grade and Colts lose a replay of the first semi final to University after playing out a draw the previous week. Con Zaekis wins the C Colts goalkicking award with 76 goals for the season.

1986
The League and Reserves sides finish the season as wooden spooners in C Grade and H Grade respectively. The Colts side make the finals for the third consecutive year, but lose the elimination final to Whitford.

1987
Due to a fall in player numbers, the reserves team is discontinued. The league team is demoted to D Grade and finish the season in 5th position. Rockingham are defeated in the Elimination Final and Brentwood are defeated in the First Semi Final, but the team is beaten in the Preliminary Final to WACAE. The Colts team also suffer a drop in player numbers and are forced to withdraw from D Colts grade after 14 rounds.

1988
The club's homeground at Wordsworth Reserve is made unavailable by the City of Stirling, forcing the relocation of its homeground to Jones Paskin Reserve in Balcatta. The club is back to competing as a single team club, with no reserves or colts teams. The league team finishes the season in D Grade in 6th position. Aldo Dellasanta wins the D Grade fairest and best medal.

1989
A decrease in player numbers leads to the AICA club disbanding at the end of the 1988 season. However, a core group of players, lead by new president Chris Re and Tony Tarulli, decide to form a new club, hence the Balcatta Amateur Football Club was formed. The Club receives a generous donation from major sponsors Odin Tavern to purchase a new set of guernseys. However, the guernseys would not be ready for the start of the season, meaning that the red, white and green guernseys of AICA would have to be worn during the first season. The first year of the new club is unfortunately not successful, with the League team finishing wooden spooners in D Grade.

1990
The official club colours are changed to navy blue and white. The Club is relegated to E Grade. After finishing the regular season in 5th position, the Club defeats St Norberts in the Elimination Final and Sawyers Valley in the First Semi Final before losing to West Coast in the Preliminary Final. Club captain Charlie Bertilone wins the E Grade fairest and best medal.

1991
The Club finishes the E Grade season in 5th position again and loses the Elimination Final to University. This is the lowest position ever reached by the club.

1992
The Club wins the Qualifying Final versus Dianella-Morley and the Second Semi Final versus Redcliffe to reach its first ever grand final. However, the team is unsuccessful on the day and loses the grand final to Redcliffe by 40 points - the final scores being Redcliffe 12.12.84 to Balcatta 5.14.44.

1993
Despite losing the 1992 grand final, the team is promoted back to D Grade. There is also an introduction of a Reserves team, competing in J Grade. Both teams make the finals, but both lose their respective Elimination Finals to North Beach (in D Grade) and Wanneroo (in J Grade).

1994
Under new coach Andrew Rottigni, the League team finishes the season in 3rd spot and then progresses to the D Grade grand final after wins in the First Semi and Preliminary Finals. The Grand Final is a hard fought battle and the Club loses to Cowan University by 9 points - the final scores being Cowan University 12.5.77 to Balcatta 9.14.68. The Reserves teams makes the finals but loses the Elimination Final to Wembley.

1995
The League team is promoted again to C Grade and finishes the season in 4th position. After defeating Brentwood in the Elimination Final, the Club loses to Wanneroo by 12 points in the First Semi Final. The Reserves team progress through to the Preliminary Final but are defeated by High Wycombe. In a rare double, League coach Andrew Rottigni wins the C Grade fairest and best medal and Dragi Kostadinoski wins the J grade fairest and best medal.

1996
The appointment of former AFL and Swan Districts player Kevin Caton as captain coach brings immediate success to the Club. The League team breaks a premiership drought to win the C grade grand final versus Redcliffe and earn automatic promotion up to B Grade - the final scores being Balcatta 13.5.83 to Redcliffe 3.8.26. The Reserves team, who were promoted to I Grade, make the finals but are knocked out by Melville in the First Semi Final.

1997
The Club makes the Grand Final in B Grade but is narrowly defeated by Mt Lawley by 4 points - the final scores being Mt Lawley 8.7.55 to Balcatta 7.9.51. In a restructure of divisions in the WAAFL, the reserves side competes in the newly formed B Reserves grade, but finishes the season in 8th position.

STIRLING AMATEUR FOOTBALL CLUB (1998-now)

Osborne Park initially wanted to join the WAAFL as a stand alone club, but would have been forced to start in lowly D Grade (as was the rules for any new club), while Balcatta wanted to upgrade their existing facilities at Jones Paskin Reserve in anticipation of playing A Grade football in the near future. As a result, a merge of the two clubs into one super club, operating from Osborne Park's homeground at Richard Guelfi Reserve, was seen as the best solution for the future of football in the District. The Club was initially known as the Balcatta-Osborne Park Amateur Football Club.

1998
The Club joins the West Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL) and commences regular competition with 5 teams - B Grade, B Reserves, B Colts, E Grade and E Reserves. The new Club does not have to wait long for success, winning a coveted premiership double in league and reserves, coached by Kevin Caton and Joe Wallam respectively. The League team defeats Hamersley-Carine by 42 points - the final scores being Balcatta-Osborne Park 15.10.100 to Hamersley-Carine 8.10.58. The Reserves team defeats Bassendean by 72 points - the final scores being Balcatta-Osborne Park 16.9.105 to Bassendean 5.3.33. Patrick Erdelyi wins the E Grade Fairest and Best Medal.

1999

The Club is promoted to A Grade and appoints ex-West Perth player Darren O'Brien as League coach. The Club finishes its first season in A Grade in 7th position, with 7 wins and 11 losses. Due to a decrease in the number of younger players, the Club is unable to field a Colts team.

2000

The League team finish the season in 9th position. There is a re-introduction of a Colts team and the Thirds team moves from E Grade to F Grade. The Fourths team (previously competing in E Reserves) is also discontinued.

2001

The appointment of ex-West Perth and Peel player Trevor Green as playing coach brings immediate success to the Club. The Club reaches the finals in A Grade for the first time and defeats Nollamara by 4 points in the Elimination Final, before losing the North Fremantle in the First Semi Final by 38 points. Matt Cullen wins the A Grade goalkicking award with 86 majors for the season. The Thirds reach the finals in F Grade and advance to the Preliminary Final, but are knocked out by eventual premiers Marangaroo. The Colts, who are coached by Anthony Peou, also reach the finals for the first time but lose the Elimination Final to University.

2002

Although the Balcatta-Osborne Park name served the Club well in the early years, it is decided to change name to the Stirling Amateur Football Club to encompass the entire district that the two clubs originally came from. The League team moves one step closer than the previous year, finishing the season in 2nd place on the A Grade ladder. In the finals, the Club loses to CBC by 5 points in the Qualifying Final, defeats Trinity-Aquinas by 16 points in the First Semi Final and finally loses to North Beach by 17 points in the Preliminary Final. Matt Cullen wins his second successive A Grade goalkicking award with 46 goals for the season. The Thirds, coached by Russell Taylor, also improve on the previous season by reaching the Grand Final in F Grade. In a hard fought battle, the Club defeats Swan Athletic by 6 points in the grand final to claim its first Thirds premiership - the final scores being Stirling 6.9.45 to Swan Athletic 5.9.39.

2003

The League team finishes the season in 5th position and defeats Collegians by 10 points in the Elimination Final. However, for the second time in 3 years, the Club is defeated by North Fremantle in the First Semi Final. The Thirds prove that 2002 was no fluke by winning their second successive F Grade premiership, defeating Mt Lawley by 57 points - the final scores being Stirling 12.12.84 to Mt Lawley 4.3.27. The Thirds are coached by Jeff De Cinque, who becomes the third family member to coach a premiership - father Lou coached the Osborne Park Reserves to flags in 1982 and 1983, while brother Dom coached the Osborne Park Thirds to a premiership in 1991.

2004

The club appoints Andrew Rottigni to coach the League side, but it was always going to be a difficult task, having lost 12 of the previous season's starting line up including a wealth of experience. The Club finishes the season in 10th position (wooden spooners) with only 2 wins and 16 losses, however six of those losses were by 15 points or less. Despite the low position on the ladder, Jarod Hayman wins the A Grade leading goalkicking award with 64 goals for the season. The Thirds reach the finals but are knocked out in straight sets by Swan Athletic (in the Qualifying Final) and Hamersley-Carine (in the First Semi Final). The massive loss of player numbers in the League side has a flow-on effect in the Club's other teams, with many players playing up a grade. Consequently, the Club is unable to field a Colts team for the year.

2005

After being relegated to B Grade, former Claremont and East Perth player Chris Gerreyn is appointed as coach of the League team. After a slow start, the Club wins 7 consecutive games to finish the season in 3rd position. The Club narrowly loses the Qualifying Final to Wembley by 7 points, but recovers to defeat Mt Lawley by 23 points in the First Semi Final. In the Preliminary Final, the Club goes down to eventual premiers Wembley by 42 points. Rhys Croxford wins the B Grade Fairest and Best Medal. There is a re-introduction of a Colts team.

2006

A slow start to the season sees the club in 8th position on the ladder at the half way mark of the season. However, the Club goes on to win 9 of their last 10 games to finish the season in 3rd position. Wins in the Qualifying Final vs CBC (by 7 points) and the 2nd Semi Final vs Hamersley-Carine (by 36 points) sees the club advance to its first league grand final since 1998, therefore gaining automatic promotion to A Grade for the 2007 season. Unfortunately the Clubs is defeated in the Grand Final rematch vs Hamersley Carine by 13 points - the final scores being Hamersley-Carine 11.14.80 to Stirling 9.13.67. For the second time in the Club's short history, the Colts team, coached by John Batten, also reach the finals but are defeated in the Elimination Final by Willetton. Due to a decrease in player numbers, the Club is unable to field a Thirds team for this season.

2007

Another slow start to the season saw the Club dwell in the lower half of the ladder for the first half of the season. However, the Club wins 7 of the last 8 games of the season to finish in 4th position. Unfortunately, the Club is defeated in the first week of the finals, going down to North Fremantle by 19 points - the final scores being North Fremantle 11.11.77 to Stirling 8.10.58. An increase in player numbers allowed the re-introduction of a Thirds team in 2007, competing in F-Grade.

2008

Former Fremanlte, Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn star, Kingsley Hunter, is appointed as League coach for 2008. The Club fails to play to its potential and finishes the season in 7th position, missing out on the finals by a game and percentage. For the first time since 2000, none of the Club's sides make the finals. However, the silver lining to the season is the resurgence of the Thirds team, in particular that of Troy Mellidis, who ties with two other players to win the WAAFL F-Grade Fairest and Best Medal.