INTRODUCTION

This website records the history of the Research Football Club (later being formally called the Research Lower Eltham Football Club), spanning more than thirty years. The Club began in the Panton Hill Football League, then transferred to the Diamond Valley Football League in 1986. After transferring, that formal name change was required in the Club's dealings with the Eltham Shire Council. The reason for this was that Research, the town, wasn't in the Eltham Shire and so for the Club to obtain funding, gain access to Eltham facilities and other assistance from the Council when it became part of the DVFL, the club had to include a reference to Eltham in its name.

After its beginnings in the later 1950s, the Club grew to become a large organization in the mid 1980s, until it finally had to wind up at the end of 1991. Use the menu list (above top right) to select a page of interest; or, if using a phone, click on the 'three bars' icon at the top left of the screen to see a list of page titles.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEBSITE ...

In 2024 and 2025, reunions were held by past players and officials to commemorate the fortieth anniversaries of the Club's two premierships. During and after those occasions, some discussions arose regarding the desirability of having a formal record of team performances and club events which could be available to those connected to the club. Significant research undertaken by a small group, particularly Barry Brennan, has resulted in the bringing together of many records which can be seen across this website. They appear as scanned copies of newspaper reports, team photos, club booklets, statistical records, and other items.

In addition to Barry's efforts, others involved in the collection and documentation of records were Ernie Thorneloe (the Coordinator), Graham Salter,  Shaun McGovern and Ken Parker. These names would be familiar to all those associated with the club over the years. In addition to their efforts, Paul McColl – one of Ernie's many good friends –  was able to bring together all those items in a website which tells the story of the Research Footy Club. 

There is much more that could be told, and will be told here, if others are able to add to the work already done. The above group would welcome any suggestions, ideas and items of memorabilia which could be added or used to improve the history already contained here. The email address below could be used to get in touch, or simply contact any of the group directly.