THE Violet Town Football Netball Club celebrated its illustrious 125 + 1 history on Saturday with many past and present players in attendance.

The club was first formed in 1880 and first played in an organised competition in the Euroa Ramblers Association in1895.

Since that time the club has played in five different leagues now playing in the Kyabram and District League.

Visitors back to the club were welcomed with an outstanding performance from the senior side.

During the half time break Strathbogie Mayor Chris Raeburn congratulated the club on its fine history commenting on the huge pool of volunteers required to make a successful club.

President Matthew Holmes then welcomed all the visitors saying how thrilled the club was to have so many club legends both footballers and netballers return for the celebration.

After the post-match celebration and the acknowledgement of Josh Mellington's 27 goals, the formal celebration commenced.

The start of proceedings was made even grander with the arrival of club legend Bill Pinder.

On arrival there were quite emotional scenes as ex-team mates flocked to meet Bill at the door.

Grown burly men on the football field had their ‘hankies’ out drying their eyes on greeting the 92 year old stalwart.

Bill was the coach of the 1960 and 1961 sides who won the flag in the Tungamah League.

President Matthew Holmes again welcomed all guests and thanked all those who had supported the club over the years.

He especially thanked Richard Byrnes from Rba Financial Group who has been the club's major sponsor for 37 years.

Matthew then handed the microphone over to another club legend, club games' record holder, Gary Abley, who had played 464 games.

Gary then interviewed many of the guests who vividly recalled the past.

Bill Pinder remembered his time in Violet Town commenting that: “I was lucky to have a great bunch of blokes that I coached and played with.”

Roly Holmes 1965 and 1968 'Best and Fairest' shared his memories of those great days along with other champions of the club including Andrew Knowles, John Binnie, Lindsay Birch and John Ramage.

The netball teams going back to the 50s were equally acknowledged.

A 1958 premiership player Dianne Lamomt (Blake) spoke about their team and the great battles they had over the years.

She especially mentioned Barb Ramage as a skillful and tenacious player.

Di commented that: "Of course it was called basketball when we played.”

Joanne Woolcock remembered the great victory in 1999 when they won the Central Goulburn League Netball premiership.

Jo recalled the number of 'classy' players in that team including Sarah Locke, Leah Smith, Billie-Jo Smyth, Carla Enright, Amanda Fulton, Paula White and Jodie Ramage.

A Grade Netball premierships were won in 1958, 1960, 1963, 1967, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

The stories and tales went on into the night.

With a well-known ex-player saying: “I don’t remember it like that! But I suppose you shouldn’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.”

Congratulations to the VTFNC on 126 glorious years.