Climbing the mountain: Grovedale’s trek back to the top

One of the founding members of the GFNL is making a strong push up the ladder this season.

By Ben Andonoudis

Grovedale’s resurgence is gathering momentum as the club eyes a return towards the top of the ladder.

For Grovedale Co-President Simon Hose, it’s a club that’s been home for 25 years.

Despite never playing a game for Grovedale, Hose became a part of the club after coaching his son in juniors and “just loved the community” that Grovedale is known for.

“It’s a working man’s club,” he says. “People enjoy coming here, not just for footy and netball, but to relax and see people that they see every weekend”.

With upwards of 570 junior netballers and footballers, Grovedale has become one of the competition’s strongest participation clubs, with numbers that underline its importance to the local community.

“The club is certainly progressing on the courts and on the footy ground, we’re moving in the right direction,” Hose said.

But that growth has presented new challenges.

Despite having great facilities at Burdoo Reserve, the rapid rise in participation has meant that what was once ample space is now being stretched.

Having access to a back oval is helpful for the club, but it requires a tight schedule.

“Everyone’s got to abide by their times and get off at their required training time, so other groups can use it,” Hose outlined.

“(The club) has been here a long time and we're just getting bigger every year, and (we’re) running out of room.”

2026 so far has been a successful one for the Tigers, with football and netball producing strong results across multiple senior grades already.

This doesn’t mean that the club is resting on its laurels though as the hunger for success continues.

“(We need) to move up the ladder, especially in senior footy,” Hose says.

(We’ve) had guys here for three or four solid pre-season’s now.”

Hose described the 67-point win against St Albans in round two as a performance that, “boosted a bit of confidence and a bit of morale around the place.”

The senior netball program has also surged this season, with a host of new recruits reinvigorating the club across multiple grades.

Coach Rachel Randall is a source of praise.

“She has been fantastic for our girls over the last three, four years,” Hose said of the coach. "(She) really switched on with the whole club environment.”

As for his future vision of the club, Hose has a simple aim.

“(A place) where people want to come and play and be happy to provide something for young people to do on a Saturday”.