Moe

Moe Football Netball Club
Location: Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe 3825
Mailing Address: PO Box 361, Moe 3825
Email: mfnc@mail.tidyhq.com

About:
Moe has been a member of the Gippsland League since its inception in 1954.

The club’s history dates back well over a century, when the Lions competed in the Central Gippsland Football Association (1909-1933), and Central Gippsland Football League (1934-1953). Moe’s affiliation with these leagues was broken up by the onset of both World Wars and brief periods of recess.

Moe as a football club is said to have been founded in 1888, although given demographics and the overall casual nature of local football during the early part of the 20th century, it is likely the club did not start playing proper games for premiership points until their time in the Central Gippsland Football Association started.

When the Gippsland League was formed, taking in clubs on the ‘main line’, Moe was an obvious choice to be a part of the makeup.   

The Lions have competed in the major league (the only one in Gippsland) ever since - one of only four clubs to do so.

The strong competition has meant premiership success has been elusive, with Moe only ever winning the senior football premiership on two occasions.

The Lions did not have to wait long to win their first flag in 1956, however, the next premiership in 1967 remains the last time Moe saluted at senior level.

As such, Moe currently holds the longest senior football premiership drought in the Gippsland League.   

In an added cruel twist, the Lions also have the second-most runner-up finishes in league history.

The unfortunate run saw Moe lose three consecutive Grand Finals by less than a goal in the 1970s, the aftermath of which led to some very lean years over the next two decades, before the Lions were back on the big stage as the world drew near the new millennium.

Those lean years coincided with a time when the Gippsland League was arguably at its strongest, as three clubs all within the Moe catchment competed in the major league. With Newborough and Yallourn Yallourn North, often considered ‘feeder clubs’ for the likes of Moe and Morwell competing in the same competition, access to the best players was severely thinned out.  

Poor timing of possibly the highest order came in 1999 and 2000, when Moe made the Grand Final, only to come up against a Traralgon team fresh off their time in the VFL.    

The year 2000 remains the last time Moe played in a senior Grand Final, although there has been 10 finals appearances in 21 seasons since.

Moving into the 21st century, netball has become a vital part of the club, particularly in recent years.

Building up from a low base, the Lions have experienced on-court joy over the last decade, with most grades sharing in premiership success.

A maiden A Grade flag came in 2018, which was followed by another in 2023.

Socioeconomic factors within Moe have reflected the Lions’ reputation as a battling club, offset however with an equally loyal and passionate supporter base.  

Today, the Lions play their home games at Ted Summerton Reserve, a facility generally regarded as one of the best in all of Gippsland. Moe footballers wear a maroon jumper with a blue V. 

Gippsland League Premierships