Casey Hockey Club – A Proud History

Casey Hockey Club, formerly known as Berwick Hockey Club, was established in 1989 by Kevin Moore, an experienced coach within Victorian women’s hockey circles and formerly involved with Dandenong Hockey Club.

The club was originally based at Sydney Pargeter Reserve in Endeavour Hills, commencing operations with two women’s teams and three junior teams. Success came quickly, with the Women’s Seconds (MD5) team, captained by Kerry Hicks, winning the club’s first premiership in its inaugural season.

Growth and Early Development (1990–1999)

In 1992, the club expanded by introducing its first men’s team, while the junior program continued to grow. By 1993, a strong push began to move away from grass pitches to synthetic surfaces. Berwick Hockey Club subsequently played more regularly at Mills Road, Dandenong, following the installation of a new synthetic pitch.

A significant milestone occurred in 1998, when the club officially changed its name to Casey Hockey Club. During this period, success at senior level was limited; however, the junior program flourished, claiming two premierships, the first junior premierships in the club’s history.

Expansion and Infrastructure (2000–2009)

Further expansion occurred in 2000 with the introduction of a Veterans team, reflecting the growing depth and diversity of the playing group.

The club’s fortunes rose dramatically in 2001. Although the men’s SL5 team narrowly lost a preliminary final by one goal, the club was promoted to SL4. Later that year, the City of Casey announced the construction of a new synthetic turf pitch, providing a long‑awaited home for the club. On 26 March 2002, Casey Hockey Club trained on its new pitch at Berwick Secondary College for the first time.

Membership continued to grow steadily throughout the 2000s. In 2007, the club celebrated another major step forward with the construction of new clubrooms, strengthening both facilities and community spirit.

Sustained Success and Higher Grades (2010–2019)

The early 2010s proved highly successful, with the club achieving an exceptional run of three consecutive premierships from 2011 to 2013.

Continued development culminated in the men’s program reaching Premier Grade in 2015, followed by the women’s team securing promotion to VL1 in 2016—a significant milestone for the club.

In 2019, the men’s Metro C team won the premiership, capping off a strong season just prior to the disruptions caused by COVID‑19. The club entered 2020 with high expectations; however, no matches were played that year, and only a half‑season was completed in 2021.

Recent Achievements and Junior Growth (2022–2024)

Success returned strongly in 2022, with both Women’s 1s and Women’s 2s claiming premierships, while the Men’s 1s reached the grand final.

The 2023 season marked an extremely positive year for the club. All women’s teams competed at higher grades and maintained strong performances. The junior program experienced rapid growth, highlighted by the Under 12 Pennant team winning a premiership.

In 2024, the club continued its upward trajectory. The women’s program expanded to four teams, while the men’s teams consolidated their positions. The most significant growth occurred within the juniors, with the addition of an Under 14 Girls team, an Under 12 Shield team, as well as Under 10s and Under 8s, further strengthening the club’s development pathways.

A Landmark Year – 2025

The 2025 season was marked by substantial growth in player membership, driven primarily by the expanding junior program. Additional Under 16 Girls and Under 14 Girls teams were introduced.

The senior ranks featured four men’s teams, four women’s teams, and a Masters Over 45 team. On-field success followed:

• Women’s VL1 team climbed the ladder to finish 3rd
• Men’s VL2 team reached the Grand Final, narrowly missing the premiership in a penalty shootout
• Junior teams won premierships in:
  • Under 16 Girls
  • Under 12 Mixed
  • Under 12 Girls

A significant personal milestone was also celebrated, with club legend Jeff Reidy playing his 700th game, a testament to dedication and longevity at Casey Hockey Club.

Looking Ahead

Entering 2026, the club is poised for continued growth, with plans to introduce a fifth women’s team and further expansion across the junior ranks. With strong foundations, modern facilities, and a thriving community, Casey Hockey Club looks forward to building on its proud legacy well into the future.