Colac Imperials Football Netball Club, also known as Colac Imperials FNC, is a highly regarded sports club located in the town of Colac, Australia. The club was initially established from the former St Andrews Football Club, which had participated in the Colac Churches Association. The term “Imperial” was chosen to honour the military “Imperial Forces” connexion, as many of the players were ex-servicemen. Additionally, the club intentionally avoided being solely identified as Colac to avoid any potential financial obligations of the previous club.
In its early years prior to World War II, Colac Imperials FNC engaged in matches against various teams like Coragulac Rovers, Warrion, Swan Marsh, Alvie, Nalangil, Elliminyt, and St Mary's (Colac) within the Colac Association. However, due to the war, the club went into recess from 1940 to 1944. An interesting historical note is that in May 1940, Colac Imperials played against a team from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base located in Cressy.
After the war, the club regrouped and achieved a significant victory by winning the grand final in 1945. Furthermore, in 1948, Colac Diggers Football Club, comprised of returned servicemen, disbanded, and a number of their players joined Colac Imperials. In the following year, many Imperials players transferred to the newly-formed Colac Tigers. As a result, the Imperials returned to playing at the Colac Showgrounds after previously moving to the Western Oval.
In 1950, after achieving success in the Colac and District Football League (CDFL), the club transitioned to the Polwarth Football Association. The participating teams included Apollo Bay, Lorne, Winchelsea, Deans Marsh, Birregurra, Beeac, Coragulac Rovers, and Forrest. Due to the similarity of their dark blue jumper with a white monogram to that of Winchelsea, it became necessary for Colac Imperials to change their jumper to the Geelong style.
Subsequently, in 1955, the club returned to the CDFL and once again played at the Colac Showgrounds for a period of seven years. However, in 1972, they finally made their permanent move to the Western Reserve. Throughout their rich history, Colac Imperials FNC has secured an impressive 12 senior flags since 1945, establishing themselves as the second most successful club in the Colac and District Football League, preceded only by Alvie.
Colac Imperials Football Netball Club is renowned for its family-oriented environment, welcoming individuals of all ages and skill levels. The club actively encourages community participation and fosters a sense of belonging among its members. As a testament to their dedication, the club's website was created by Small Dog Design and reflects their commitment to providing an engaging digital experience for both players and fans.
Whether you're interested in football or netball, Colac Imperials FNC offers an excellent platform for individuals to showcase their talent, develop their skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of team sports. Join this esteemed club now and become part of the enduring legacy of Colac Imperials Football Netball Club.