| Ground Address | Stribling Reserve |
| President | Carly Enticott 0427 134 529
|
| Vice President | Miah Atwell |
| Secretary | Ingrid Wilson |
| Treasurer | Richard Coumans |
| Website | |
The Lorne Football Netball Club (LFNC), affectionately known as the Dolphins, boasts a rich and storied history that dates back to the late 19th century. Situated along Victoria’s picturesque Surf Coast, the club has been an integral part of the Lorne community, fostering local talent and promoting sportsmanship for generations.
While informal football matches were played in Lorne as early as the late 1850s, primarily to keep the local cricket team fit, the club was officially established in 1896. The first recorded match took place in May 1897 against Deans Marsh. In these early years, Lorne often played friendly matches against neighboring towns and local teams formed from guesthouses and sawmills.
In 1919, Lorne joined the Shire of Winchelsea Football Association, competing alongside teams like Winchelsea, Birregurra, Wensleydale, and Deans Marsh. The club’s colors during this period were red and blue with a star on the chest.
By the late 1920s, under the guidance of Mr. H. Stribling, Lorne entered the Polwarth Football Association, marking the beginning of a dominant era. The club secured eight premierships in this league, including victories in 1933, 1935, 1940, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1950.
In 1971, Lorne transitioned to the Colac & District Football Netball League (CDFNL), where it has continued to thrive. The Dolphins have clinched multiple senior football premierships in the CDFNL, with notable wins in 1974, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1998, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2013, 2018, 2019, and most recently in 2024, bringing their total to 14 premierships, the most in the league’s history.
Netball has been an integral part of the club, with the Lorne netball teams competing fiercely in the CDFNL. A highlight includes the A Grade netball premiership in 2017, showcasing the club’s commitment to excellence across both sports.
The club’s home ground, Stribling Reserve, is nestled in the heart of Lorne and offers one of the most scenic sporting venues in the region. Before the establishment of Stribling Reserve, matches were played on the foreshore. The reserve not only serves as the home for football and netball matches but also stands as a community hub, reflecting the club’s deep-rooted connection with the town.
Over the years, Lorne has donned various guernsey designs, including colored horizontal hoops, large stars, vertical black and white stripes, and the current design featuring a dark jumper with a deep “V”. Prior to adopting the “Dolphins” moniker, the club was often referred to as the “Seasiders” in early newspaper articles.
The club’s culture is built on resilience, unity, and community engagement. With a strong focus on nurturing juniors and fostering a love for the game, LFNC continues to be a cornerstone of the Lorne community.
In recent years, the club has undertaken significant initiatives to enhance its facilities and community engagement. A notable project includes the establishment of a Development Fund aimed at raising funds for various club initiatives, such as the installation of an electronic scoreboard at Stribling Reserve.
In 2024, the club appointed former AFL player Ed Curnow as the senior coach, bringing a wealth of experience and further elevating the club’s profile in the region
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