History of the Uni Blacks
Four of the eight teams that represent Melbourne University Football Club (MUFC) play as University Blacks. The MUFC is the third oldest Australian Rules football club in Australia, with only Melbourne and Geelong founded earlier. University played in the VFL between 1908 and 1914, and the club has been a powerhouse in Amateur football since 1921.
University Blacks is arguably the most famous name in Amateur football. The Blacks have won more A Grade flags than any other team, produced scores of famous footballers who have won Brownlow Medals, captained AFL clubs and Victoria, and won AFL best and fairest awards and premierships. After slipping down the grades in the 1980s and most of the 1990s, the Blacks are again vibrant and resurgent. Four senior and five reserves premierships in the last ten years, including back to back senior premierships in 2004-2005, have us keen and confident for tackling B Section in 2009. Rigorous recruiting has borne fruit, but we can always fit in more quality players.
The home ground for the Blacks is the University Oval within the grounds of Melbourne University, named one of the ten most beautiful cricket grounds in the world. If a Blacks player is having a bad day, at least he can enjoy the superb surroundings. For the past five years we have played two or three games on Optus Oval. It is expected that the Blacks will again play on Optus this year. A new senior coach will be taking over the club for 2009 - announcement expected by the end of September. David Parkin is coaching supervisor and mentors several of our young, top quality players. President is Ray Wilson, former Blacks premiership captain and Hawthorn premiership player. Ray is in his eigth year and has an energetic committee behind him.
An outstanding feature of the Blacks is its quality medical set-up. A doctor attends all senior matches, and physiotherapy students and a qualified masseur attend all matches and training sessions. Our extensive past player network is active in supplying players with assistance with education, employment and personal assistance, and the use of this facility means the advantage of being a Blacks player could last a lifetime.
While the Blacks are serious about winning on the field, we don't lose sight of the fact that football should be fun, so the off-field social program is nicely balanced between organized functions and informal gatherings. Players like being at the Blacks so much that in 2001 we had to form a Club XVIII in addition to the seniors, reserves and Under 19s, because former heroes loved the place so much they wouldn't leave.
With the tradition of the Blacks, the use of Optus and the momentum on the field, we know it is a tremendous time to be part of it. Recruits are most welcome, so please take note of our contact details and give us a call.