Note

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the historical details provided but we would benefit significantly with the provision of records and photographs which may be held by individuals or any further accurate information.

Would also be great to have someone with the time to undertake the role of Club Historian to gather and collate all available information.

Personal Achievements / Contributions

Whilst the Club’s history is something for which we can all be extremely proud, the successes were earned off the back of personal contributions and a lot of hard work by many people over the years.

Individual contributions and achievements are recognised on our Honor Roll and photographs displayed at the Club including in excess of 150 Life Members.

The Club has been fortunate to have had the services of many talented players, coaches and administrators over the years with the following among the most noteworthy.

Notable Coaching Achievements

The name Danny Harrington is synonymous with Pooraka Football Club and premiership successes.

Perhaps more than any other person, Danny changed the football culture of the Club and instilled a sense of self belief built off the back of discipline and hand work.

Danny coached the Senior side for 10 years (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992) during which time Pooraka won 5 “A Grade” flags and dominated the SAFA competition.

Notable Player Contributions

Jope Van Der Moer        Played in excess of 421 games, Won 1988 SAFA Division 1 Reserves Best and Fairest Award

Chris Wilton                    Played in excess of 400 games and won SAFA Best and Fairest awards in 1982, 1984, 1989 and 1999

Adrian Long                     352 games

Darren Crossman       350 games

Colin Kirkwood             343 games

Tony Hill                             342 games

Dave Sheldon                 Won 4 consecutive Club Best and Fairest awards (1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983), captained the Club in 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985 and won the 1981 SAFA Division 1 Best & Fairest award (Hartford Medal)

Paul Dittmar                    Captained the Club in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993 and was the Senior Coach in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2019.

Dale Armstrong              Captained the Club in 2026, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Notable Committee Contributors

Jope Der Moer                Served as Club Chairman from 2011 – 2021 and Club Treasurer from 2013 – 2024.

Dallas Zeliff                     Served as the Club Secretary from 1985 – 1996