Celebrating 25+ Years of the
Eastern Devils
Getting a women’s football team to stand strong through 25 years of highs and lows is no small feat. The Eastern Devils began in 1999, riding the waves of misogyny, displacement, and lack of funding, surviving an era when the idea of girls playing footy was barely accepted.
Spend time with our life members, long-time players or loyal supporters, and you’ll hear countless stories of resilience, camaraderie, heartbreak, triumph, and the fierce determination that’s kept this player-run club alive against the odds.
Through it all, the Devils have built something special: an inclusive, winning culture that celebrates every player, every milestone, and every moment of growth. We’ve watched players begin and end their football journeys with us, celebrated 50, 100, 200, and even 300+ game legends, and proudly seen Devils rise all the way to AFLW premiership glory.
From humble beginnings to witnessing the explosion of the women’s game across the country the Eastern Devils have not just endured, but helped pave the way. Here’s to 25 years of grit, growth, and the unstoppable spirit of women’s football.
2024: The Devils 25th Silver Jubilee celebration and announcement of the Silver jubilee team.
A SNAPSHOT OF 25 YEARS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEVILS
1999 – The Deakin Devils Women’s Football Club was established, as a representative of Deakin University, to compete in the Victorian Women’s Football League (VWFL).
2008 – The Devils cut ties with the University, move to new premises and became a part of the East Burwood Football Club.
2008 – The Reserves win the Devils first Premiership in the VWFL.
2009 – The Devils enter their inaugural team into the Youth Girls League, a competition designed to give young female footballers the opportunity to play the game as well as provide a pathway to senior football.
2012 – The East Burwood Devils change their name to the Eastern Devils to better reflect their place in the eastern suburbs community.
2013 – The Devils find a new home at Mulgrave Reserve.
2013 – The Reserves win their second Premiership in the VWFL.
2016 – The Seniors compete in the inaugural VFL Women’s season (VFLW).
2017 – The Devils field 3 senior women’s teams for the first time, one team competing in the VFLW and two teams competing in the South Eastern Women’s Football League (SEWFL)
2017 – The Division 1 side win their 3rd premiership in the SEWFL, finishing the season undefeated.
2018 – The Division 1 side wins their 4th (first back to back) premiership in the SEWFL
2022 – The Devils join the Eastern Football Netball League.
2022 - The Premier Division side goes on to win the premiership against South Croydon, with the reserves also competing in the grand final.
2023 - Mulgrave Reserve Clubrooms major renovations are completed giving the club brand new facilities.
2023 - Premier Division goes back to back winning the flag again in a nail bitter.
2024 - Silver Jubilee Team announced.
FROM THE DEVILS TO THE AFLW
The Eastern Devils have played a proud part in shaping the AFLW since day one. When the elite competition began, the Devils led the way — with 14 players drafted in the inaugural season, and many more elevated in the years that followed.
AFLW stars such as Sarah Perkins, Emma King, Tara Bohanna, and Jaimee Lambert all wore the black and white before shining on the national stage.
We’re incredibly proud to have been part of their journeys and to continue supporting the development of women’s football at every level.
