Darebin Falcons

The club originated in 1990{{cite web | url=https://falcons.org.au/about/history/ | title=Our History }} after the Fairfield Falcons, a VWFL team, lost almost all their players to retirement or rival clubs and was about to dissolve after three seasons in the competition. A group of women from Northcote, inexperienced but wanting to play football, revived the club under the same name, training for a year at Fairfield Park with around 30 players. In 1991, the Falcons rejoined the VWFL and began playing at McDonell Park, which Northcote Council (now City of Darebin) had made a women's sporting field. After steady on- and off-field improvements, the Falcons finished atop the ladder in 1996 after a streak of wins in the second part of the season. After defeating the St Kilda Sharks in the semi-final, the club faced the Spurs in the grand final and recovered from a 36-point half-time deficit to win their first premiership by 13 points.

In 1997, the club expanded to field a soccer team in the second division of the Victorian Women's Soccer Association (now Football Victoria), claiming to be the first Australian women's sports club to field Australian rules football and soccer teams. Despite the side's mix of novices and experienced players, the team won a final in its first season. By 2000, the Falcons added a second team, competing in the fourth division, and the second-division team had won a premiership. The club changed its name from the Fairfield Falcons to Darebin Women's Sports Club, reflecting the new variety of sports available and its change in location since its origins. In the following years, the club introduced cricket (2001), football reserves (2002) and eight-ball pool (2004) sides, and affiliated itself with a Gaelic football team. The cricket side, competing in the Victorian Women's Cricket Association western competition, won the B-division competition in the 2003/04 season and advanced to A-division.{{cite web |title=Darebin Women's Sports Club |url=http://heritage.darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au/article/685 |website=Darebin Heritage |publisher=City of Darebin |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212135457/http://heritage.darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au/article/685 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=About the Darebin Womens Sports Club |url=http://falcons.org.au/default.aspx?s=historydisplay&aid=97409 |website=falcons.org.au |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820045520/http://falcons.org.au/default.aspx?s=historydisplay&aid=97409 |archive-date=20 August 2006 |url-status=dead}}

File:Women's tackle.jpg opponents in the 2006 VWFL grand final]]

In July 2005, the club moved to AH Capp Reserve; a purpose-built venue including football, soccer and cricket grounds, training facilities and a two-storey building for change rooms and social events, where the club were sole tenants. The site, located alongside the Merri Creek, was developed as part of an upgrade of sporting facilities for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, which were hosted in Melbourne. Darebin returned to the grand final in 2005 but lost to their opponents Melbourne University.

Darebin again progressed to the finals in 2006, but suffered a 35-point loss to University in the semi-final.{{cite news |last1=Hastie |first1=David |title=Girl power put to the test |work=Herald Sun |date=26 August 2006 |page=40}} However, the Falcons still managed to progress to the grand final, setting up a rematch of the previous year's decider at Whitten Oval. Darebin started as underdogs due to a string of losses to University during the season, but won 13.7 (85) to 5.7 (37) after a tight first-half contest gave way to a streak of nine straight goals from Darebin, ensuring their first premiership in a decade. Despite the 48-point difference on the scoreboard, the match was still reported as a close and exciting game, characterised by skilled and contested play, pack marks and attacking forays effected by the teams' centre half-forwards.{{cite news |last1=Higginbottom |first1=Nick |title=Boots on the other feet |work=Herald Sun |date=28 August 2006 |page=9}} Kathy Zacharopoulos, a Darebin midfielder, won the Lisa Hardeman Medal as best on ground, while Alisha Habib, Julia Boyle and Moana Hope kicked multiple goals apiece for the Falcons. The match was attended by roughly 1000 people.{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Lyall |title=Sweet indeed as Falcons' flag breaks drought |work=The Age |page=11}}

File:Women aussie rules.jpg

Darebin dominated the 2007 season, finishing unbeaten atop the ladder and conceding a mere 387 points in their 14 wins.{{cite news |last1=Xuereb |first1=Mario |title=Falcons fast track to their third premiership |work=The Age |date=20 August 2007 |page=10}} The club defeated University by 10 points in the semi-final, but for the third consecutive year, the rivals faced off in the grand final. At Preston City Oval (then known as NAB Oval), in front of a 1000-strong crowd, University enjoyed a fast start, kicking 7.0 (42) to take a 13-point lead into half-time. However, in the third quarter the Falcons answered with four consecutive goals while keeping their opponents scoreless, and went on to win 10.10 (70) to 8.0 (48). Hope kicked three goals for the Falcons while Roi Boutsikakis, a Darebin back, was named best on ground.{{cite news |title=Back-to-back flags for Falcons |work=Herald Sun |date=20 August 2007 |page=57}}

In 2008, the Falcons continued their unbeaten streak and returned to the grand final at Trevor Barker Oval, again playing University. With 2000 in attendance, Darebin won by a comfortable margin of 68 points, 15.10 (100) to 4.8 (32).{{efn|Reports of University's score varied from 4.8 (32) (from The Age) to 5.2 (32) (Herald Sun), but the official Sporting Pulse score agreed with The Age}}{{cite news |last1=Sharkie |first1=Michael |last2=Battersby |first2=Lucy |title=Zebras boost slim finals hopes |work=The Age |date=25 August 2008 |page=9}}{{Cite web |url=https://websites.sportstg.com/round_info.cgi?a=MATCH&fixture=122763659&c=1-3068-0-170553-0&pool=1001 |title=Victorian Womens Football League Match Centre |access-date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011937/https://websites.mygameday.app/round_info.cgi?a=MATCH&fixture=122763659&c=1-3068-0-170553-0&pool=1001 |url-status=live }} Hope was the Lisa Hardeman Medallist after kicking six goals for the Falcons.{{cite news |title=Hope earns Darebin double billing |work=Herald Sun |date=25 August 2008 |page=77}} Darebin faced a new opponent in the 2009 grand final – Diamond Creek – at Box Hill City Oval. Advantaged by the direction of the wind, the Falcons took a 16-point lead into half-time, which would have been greater if not for inaccurate kicking. Darebin went on to win their fourth consecutive premiership by 44 points, breaking the VWFL record previously held by the Parkville Scorpions, which won premierships in 1987, 1988 and 1989.{{cite news |last1=de Kretser |first1=Chris |last2=Timms |first2=Daryl |title=Falcons swoop on Pies record |work=Herald Sun |date=25 August 2009 |page=69}} Sarah Hammond, who had competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in handball, won the Lisa Hardeman Medal as a Darebin midfielder.{{cite news |last1=Higgs |first1=Paddy |title=Four-in-a-row Falcons Darebin rewrites record books with 44-point win |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=26 August 2009 |page=28}} The Falcons implemented a zone defence system in 2010, in an attempt to counteract younger teams' pace. It proved effective – the club continued its winning streak, defeating Diamond Creek again in the grand final at Northcote Park, 9.9 (63) to 4.7 (31). Aasta O'Connor was the Lisa Hardeman Medallist.{{cite news |last1=O'Meara |first1=Patrick |title=Clean sweep Darebin wins all three women's premierships |work=Northcote Leader |date=25 August 2010 |page=30}}

Late in 2010, having coached the club to five consecutive premierships, Peta Searle moved on to coaching the Western Jets.{{cite news |last1=Rosenbaum |first1=Alana |title=Sherrin share alike: VFL shatters glass ceiling |work=The Age |date=20 December 2011 |page=5}} Anna McIllroy, previously the team's co-captain, began coaching the side. When the 2011 season began, Darebin's unbeaten run was finally broken by the St Albans Spurs in round 4, which defeated the Falcons by 48 points. The streak had stretched from the 2006 semi-final, totalling sixty-five games without a loss.{{cite news |last1=Landsberger |first1=Sam |title=Darebin's dynasty 65-win streak is over but another one's just begun |work=Preston Leader |date=25 May 2011 |page=24}} Darebin recovered to win seven of their first eight matches, averaging a 106-point winning margin. A number of Falcons played for Victoria at the AFL Women's National Championships in South Australia – O'Connor, Shevaun Hogan, Daisy Pearce, Anna Schwager, Samantha Smith and Natalie Wood.{{cite news |last1=Lane |first1=Patrick |title=Falcons flying again: Seven wins out of eight for Darebin |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=15 June 2011 |page=37}} However, the Spurs overcame Darebin again in round 15, by 22 points.{{cite news |last1=Lane |first1=Patrick |title=Falcons fall to VU |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=27 July 2011 |page=31}} In the semi-final, Darebin recovered to defeat their new rivals by three goals, but faced them again in the grand final at Coburg City Oval.{{cite news |last1=Jenkinson |first1=Lance |title=Crushing win to Spurs ends Falcons' run of five flags |work=Brimbank Weekly |date=30 August 2011 |page=87}} St Albans kicked eight of the first ten goals to enter half-time with a comfortable 33-point lead and continued to dominate in the second half, finishing 79-point winners (16.6 (102) to 3.5 (23)).{{cite news |last1=Lane |first1=Patrick |title=Darebin dynasty dashed: Spurs take cup in style |work=Preston Leader |date=31 August 2011 |page=27}} Karen Paxman, the Lisa Hardeman Medallist, muted Darebin captain Pearce's impact.

McIllroy stepped down as coach in 2012 due to her work commitments and was replaced by Richard Dal Pos, who previously coached the youth team.{{cite news |last1=Lane |first1=Patrick |title=Falcons ready to take flight again |work=Northcote Leader |date=1 February 2012 |page=25}} Darebin progressed to the finals, defeating St Albans in a semi-final by six points in extra time.{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Chris |title=Falcons eye a sixth flag |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=22 August 2012 |page=32}} The Falcons faced Diamond Creek in the grand final, again held at Coburg City Oval, where they started as favourites having only lost one match for the season. The sides were difficult to separate in the first half; Diamond Creek held Darebin to a single goal in 36 minutes but inaccurate kicking and another goal conceded to O'Connor close to half-time meant the club's lead was only 17 points going into the break. The Falcons kicked the next three goals and took the lead, but Diamond Creek regained momentum and held on for a five-point victory – 5.9 (39) to 5.4 (34).{{cite news |title=Diamond Creek shines |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/diamond-creek-shines-20120825-24tif.html |access-date=31 December 2019 |work=The Age |date=26 August 2012 |archive-date=31 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231074215/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/diamond-creek-shines-20120825-24tif.html |url-status=live }} It was the club's first victory over Darebin in their decade-long history.

File:Aasta (3) VFLWGF17.jpg was the fourth pick in the inaugural AFL women's draft.]]

In May 2013, the inaugural AFL women's draft was held. 50 players were selected to make up {{AFLW|Mel}} and {{AFLW|WB}} sides, which played an exhibition game for the Hampson–Hardeman Cup. Ten Darebin players were recruited, the most of any club:{{cite news |last1=Burgan |first1=Matt |title=2013 AFL Women's Draft order |url=https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-05-16/2013-afl-womens-draft-order |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902123458/https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-05-16/2013-afl-womens-draft-order |archive-date=2 September 2013 |url-status=dead |work=melbournefc.com.au |publisher=BigPond |date=16 May 2013}}

{{collist|colwidth=30em|

• Daisy Pearce (no. 1, Melbourne)
• Aasta O'Connor (no. 4, Western Bulldogs)
• Karen Paxman (no. 6, Western Bulldogs)
• Melissa Hickey (no. 11, Melbourne)
• Lauren Arnell (no. 12, Western Bulldogs)
• Rebecca Privitelli (no. 14, Western Bulldogs)
• Elise O'Dea (no. 16, Western Bulldogs)
• Katie Brennan (no. 22, Western Bulldogs)
• Jessica Dal Pos (no. 46, Western Bulldogs)
• Natalie Wood (no. 50, Western Bulldogs)

}}

An eleventh Darebin player, Nicole Callinan, was named as an emergency.{{cite news |last1=Schetzer |first1=Alana |title=Darebin Falcons dominate draft |url=http://www.theweeklyreviewmelbournetimes.com.au/story/1595937/darebin-falcons-dominate-draft/?cs=12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301051841/http://www.theweeklyreviewmelbournetimes.com.au/story/1595937/darebin-falcons-dominate-draft/?cs=12 |archive-date=1 March 2014 |url-status=dead |work=The Weekly Review |publisher=Metro Media Publishing |date=25 May 2013}}

The Falcons were undefeated in the 2013 home-and-away season and again faced Diamond Creek in the grand final. Darebin were considered favourites, having defeated their opponents by 144 points during the regular season and 68 points in the semi-final. After a close first half, O'Connor kicked two goals in two minutes for Darebin at the start of the third quarter; after eight minutes the Falcons' lead was 17 points. Darebin increased their advantage to 28 points at three-quarter-time and continued to score heavily in the final quarter, finishing 49-point victors. The Lisa Hardeman Medallist was Darebin's Melissa Hickey.{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Chris |title=Darebin Falcons make for undefeated season with demolition of Diamond Creek in Victorian Women's Football League grand final |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/darebin-falcons-make-for-undefeated-season-with-demolition-of-diamond-creek-in-victorian-women8217s-football-league-grand-final/news-story/d89503e9299dea018253f2c5d5604db4 |access-date=1 January 2020 |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=13 August 2013 |archive-date=1 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101232112/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/darebin-falcons-make-for-undefeated-season-with-demolition-of-diamond-creek-in-victorian-women8217s-football-league-grand-final/news-story/d89503e9299dea018253f2c5d5604db4 |url-status=live }}

A second AFL women's draft for the Hampson–Hardeman Cup exhibition match was held in May 2014. 24 players were drafted; twelve by Melbourne, twelve by the Western Bulldogs. The rest of the squads were made up of players from the 2013 teams.{{cite news |last1=McNicol |first1=Adam |title=WA's Tiah Haynes picked at No.1 in 2014 AFL Women's Draft |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-05-19/tiahs-top-honour |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=AFL.com.au |publisher=BigPond |date=19 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326203125/https://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-05-19/tiahs-top-honour |archive-date=26 March 2018 |url-status=dead}} Two Darebin players were drafted, both to the Western Bulldogs: Darcy Vescio (no. 3) and Stephanie Simpson (no. 18). Jessica Dal Pos was the only Darebin player from the 2013 teams that was not retained for 2014.{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Chris |title=Two more Darebin Falcons selected for second AFL-sanctioned women's match |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/two-more-darebin-falcons-selected-for-second-aflsanctioned-womens-match/news-story/b61c84bd6e5369db5deb3c3cc9968015 |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=26 May 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102084349/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/two-more-darebin-falcons-selected-for-second-aflsanctioned-womens-match/news-story/b61c84bd6e5369db5deb3c3cc9968015 |url-status=live }} For the 2014 home-and-away season, the Falcons again went undefeated, facing Diamond Creek for the third consecutive year in the grand final at Coburg, which 1812 people attended. The margin at half-time was only eight points, but Darebin kicked away in the third quarter, keeping their opponents scoreless while scoring three goals themselves. The club finished 30-point winners, 10.15 (75) to 6.9 (45). Pearce was named best on ground while Katie Brennan scored four goals.{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Chris |title=Darebin Falcons go back-to-back with victory over Diamond Creek in VWFL Premier Division grand final |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/sport/darebin-falcons-go-backtoback-with-victory-over-diamond-creek-in-vwfl-premier-division-grand-final/news-story/57d859fbdb06edc2209106826a83d63a |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=8 September 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102084352/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/sport/darebin-falcons-go-backtoback-with-victory-over-diamond-creek-in-vwfl-premier-division-grand-final/news-story/57d859fbdb06edc2209106826a83d63a |url-status=live }}

File:Dal Pos VFLWGF17.jpg was the 10th pick in the 2015 AFL women's mini-draft.]]

The Falcons had two players out of 34 selected in the 2015 AFL women's draft in April for the Hampson–Hardeman Cup: Elise O'Dea (no. 8, Melbourne) and Lauren Arnell (no. 15, Western Bulldogs). The clubs also chose to retain Brennan, Hickey, O'Connor, Pearce and Vescio from the previous year's squads.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=King crowned Dogs' No.1 in AFL women's draft |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/198954/king-crowned-dogs-no1-in-afl-womens-draft |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=AFL.com.au |publisher=BigPond |date=20 April 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102110406/https://www.afl.com.au/news/198954/king-crowned-dogs-no1-in-afl-womens-draft |url-status=live }} Additionally, Dal Pos was selected by Melbourne with the 10th and final pick in a subsequent mini-draft in July.{{cite news |last1=Herbertson |first1=Lisa |title=Aussie rules star Lael Kassem scores goal of the year but is shock omission in women's AFL mini-draft |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/sport/aussie-rules-star-lael-kassem-scores-goal-of-the-year-but-is-shock-omission-in-womens-afl-minidraft/news-story/0449637305fbbf048b3f48e7311f3283 |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=Inner West Courier |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=23 July 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102110402/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/sport/aussie-rules-star-lael-kassem-scores-goal-of-the-year-but-is-shock-omission-in-womens-afl-minidraft/news-story/0449637305fbbf048b3f48e7311f3283 |url-status=live }} In June, Darebin received council funding for lighting upgrades at their home grounds – AH Capp and WH Robinson reserves. The club and the council had collaborated to apply for an $80,000 grant, on the understanding the Falcons would contribute $10,000 and the council $330,000; however, the arrangement had been overlooked by the council in a draft budget.{{cite news |last1=Tippet |first1=Harrison |title=Council comes through for women's sport club with last-minute change of heart on lighting |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/council-comes-through-for-womens-sport-club-with-lastminute-change-of-heart-on-lighting/news-story/41277507035abd3b5326da068c75d34e |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=30 June 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102104904/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/council-comes-through-for-womens-sport-club-with-lastminute-change-of-heart-on-lighting/news-story/41277507035abd3b5326da068c75d34e |url-status=live }}

In the 2015 season, Darebin's two-season unbeaten run was stopped by University in round 2, but the Falcons went on to win the rest of their games for the home-and-away segment and won through to the grand final, against Diamond Creek once again. Several Darebin players were affected by injury – O'Connor was unavailable after hurting her knee, while Brennan played with a stress fracture in her foot. Shannon Egan stepped in to O'Connor's ruck role and Vescio played at centre half-forward to cover Brennan's change to a stay-at-home forward. Darebin kept Diamond Creek goalless in the first half, leading by 30 points going into half-time. The Falcons went on to kick seven more goals, winning 11.15 (81) to 2.6 (18) – a 63-point margin. Vescio was the Lisa Hardeman Medallist after kicking two goals, while Brennan managed to score three despite her injury.{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Chris |title=Darebin Falcons fly to eighth premiership in 10 years with victory over Diamond Creek in VWFL Premier Division grand final |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/darebin-falcons-fly-to-eighth-premiership-in-10-years-with-victory-over-diamond-creek-in-vwfl-premier-division-grand-final/news-story/9d8163b0d4a94fa462e2f337d11b3e3d |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=13 September 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102110409/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/darebin-falcons-fly-to-eighth-premiership-in-10-years-with-victory-over-diamond-creek-in-vwfl-premier-division-grand-final/news-story/9d8163b0d4a94fa462e2f337d11b3e3d |url-status=live }} Post-season, Richard Dal Pos stepped down as coach.{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Chris |title=Dal Pos departs Darebin Falcons |work=Preston Leader |date=10 June 2015 |page=25}}

Ahead of the planned introduction of a national women's league in 2017 – the AFL Women's (AFLW) – AFL Victoria instituted the VFL Women's in 2016, a women's state league aligned with the existing men's Victorian Football League, to replace the VWFL. The competition included all six VWFL teams in the premier division (Darebin, Diamond Creek, Eastern Devils, Melbourne University, St Kilda Sharks and the Western Spurs) and the best four sides from a lower division (Cranbourne, Geelong Magpies, Knox and Seaford).{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title=Women's state league to fire up in 2016 |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/45342/womens-state-league-to-fire-up-in-2016 |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=AFL.com.au |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 November 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102135826/https://www.afl.com.au/news/45342/womens-state-league-to-fire-up-in-2016 |url-status=live }} In July, marquee players for the AFLW were named, including four Darebin players: Brennan (who would play for the {{AFLW|WB}}), Hickey and Pearce (both {{AFLW|Mel}}), and Vescio ({{AFLW|Car}}).{{cite news |last1=Matthews |first1=Bruce |title=Sixteen of the best: women's marquees named |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/158542/sixteen-of-the-best-womens-league-marquee-players-named |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=AFL.com.au |publisher=Telstra Media |date=27 July 2016 |archive-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229091906/https://www.afl.com.au/news/158542/sixteen-of-the-best-womens-league-marquee-players-named |url-status=live }}

The beginning of the AFLW proved troublesome for many VFLW teams; its commencement made elite-level women's football more professional – increasing the expected standards of clubs' staff, programs and venues. These new standards, in turn, increased the funding required to operate a VFLW club. For example, after the Australian Football League (AFL) introduced smaller footballs for women's leagues, Darebin had to crowdfund $8800 for 100 new balls.{{cite news |last1=Gardiner |first1=Ed |title=Women's player numbers soar but Darebin Falcons still need cash for new footballs |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/womens-player-numbers-soar-but-darebin-falcons-still-need-cash-for-new-footballs/news-story/d7636bdd3488b55ca398e068e9707cca |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=13 March 2017 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116095127/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/womens-player-numbers-soar-but-darebin-falcons-still-need-cash-for-new-footballs/news-story/d7636bdd3488b55ca398e068e9707cca |url-status=live }} As a volunteer-operated club, it was also difficult for Darebin to compete with teams such as Geelong and Box Hill that were endowed with improved facilities and financial support by their wealthy AFL counterparts.{{cite news |last1=O'Halloran |first1=Kate |title=AFLW expansion can be a double-edged sword for VFL community clubs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/may/16/aflw-expansion-can-be-a-double-edged-sword-for-vfl-community-clubs |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=16 May 2017 |archive-date=14 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214155133/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/may/16/aflw-expansion-can-be-a-double-edged-sword-for-vfl-community-clubs |url-status=live }} As a result of these pressures, three fellow foundation VFLW clubs left the competition after the 2017 season.{{cite news |title=Three clubs depart in revamped VFLW comp |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/145298/three-clubs-depart-in-revamped-vflw-comp |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=AFL.com.au |publisher=Telstra Media |date=3 November 2017 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109001448/http://www.afl.com.au/news/145298/three-clubs-depart-in-revamped-vflw-comp |url-status=live }} The alternatives to departure were affiliating with an AFL club, which Darebin members wanted to avoid in the hope of maintaining their name and independence,{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title=Why the Darebin Falcons will never say die |url=https://womens.afl/features/not-in-our-lifetime-darebin-falcons-photo-essay |access-date=12 December 2019 |work=womens.afl |publisher=Telstra Media |archive-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212135459/https://womens.afl/features/not-in-our-lifetime-darebin-falcons-photo-essay |url-status=live }} or finding external funding. In 2018, a $300,000 grant from Darebin City Council allowed the club to continue in the VFLW and reach the new requirements over the next years.{{cite news |last1=Schetzer |first1=Alana |title=Darebin Falcons dodge bullet to continue feeding the AFLW |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/oct/30/darebin-falcons-dodge-bullet-to-continue-feeding-the-aflw |access-date=12 December 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=30 October 2018 |archive-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212135455/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/oct/30/darebin-falcons-dodge-bullet-to-continue-feeding-the-aflw |url-status=live }}

On the field, the Falcons' new coach was Jane Lange, who also represented the side as a player in 2016.{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Chris |title=Darebin Falcons issue warning to their VFL Women's rivals |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/darebin-falcons-issue-warning-to-their-vfl-womens-rivals/news-story/c972bd2310292bae7c51942f0551166c |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=25 July 2016 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011959/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/darebin-falcons-issue-warning-to-their-vfl-womens-rivals/news-story/c972bd2310292bae7c51942f0551166c?nk=5442a750707631625922c96a411617f9-1636507198 |url-status=live }} Darebin won the inaugural VFLW premiership, defeating University in front of roughly 4000 people at Coburg. For the second consecutive year, Vescio was best on ground, kicking a goal at the end of the third quarter to extend a Darebin lead to five goals. The comfortable margin ensured a fourth-quarter comeback from University was not enough for victory.{{cite news |title=Darebin Falcons triumph in VFL women's grand final |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/darebin-falcons-triumph-in-vfl-womens-grand-final-20160918-grj1fi.html |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=The Age |date=18 September 2016 |archive-date=4 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104074350/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/darebin-falcons-triumph-in-vfl-womens-grand-final-20160918-grj1fi.html |url-status=live }}

File:Marinoff smothers VFLWGF17.jpg attempts to smother a Diamond Creek player's kick.]]

Darebin won through to the grand final again in 2017, losing to Diamond Creek by 25 points in the semi-final{{cite news |last1=Cowan |first1=Geordie |title=VFL Women's grand final: Darebin claims fifth consecutive flag with win tense win over Diamond Creek |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/vfl-womens-grand-final-darebin-claims-fifth-consecutive-flag-with-win-tense-win-over-diamond-creek/news-story/218f02b8f1e43a7759ad552f730e2350 |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=24 September 2017 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011958/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/vfl-womens-grand-final-darebin-claims-fifth-consecutive-flag-with-win-tense-win-over-diamond-creek/news-story/218f02b8f1e43a7759ad552f730e2350?nk=36c17625592e006ed173113a539e675e-1636507198 |url-status=live }} but recovering to defeat St Kilda by five points in the preliminary final, 4.4 (28) to 3.5 (23).{{cite news |title=Falcons in finals |work=The Sunday Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=17 September 2017 |page=10}} The Falcons faced Diamond Creek at Docklands Stadium (then known as Etihad Stadium) in the decider. Darebin kept their opponents goalless in the first half, and amassed a 20-point lead close to three-quarter-time. The margin dropped to eight points in the final quarter, but the Falcons held on for a close victory, 5.5 (35) to 4.4 (28). Darebin midfielder Karen Paxman won the Lisa Hardeman Medal.{{cite news |last1=Prime |first1=Toby |title=Darebin Falcons capture fifth straight VFL Women's premiership over Diamond Creek |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/darebin-falcons-capture-fifth-straight-vfl-womens-premiership-over-diamond-creek/news-story/2b04972b8638058c29335e1c95b652ba |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=Herald Sun |date=24 September 2017 |archive-date=11 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211092857/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/darebin-falcons-capture-fifth-straight-vfl-womens-premiership-over-diamond-creek/news-story/2b04972b8638058c29335e1c95b652ba |url-status=live }}

Post-season, Lange expected some AFLW-listed players to leave Darebin for their clubs' VFLW affiliates. For 2018, the Falcons retained the majority of their squad, but Carlton-listed players Vescio and Lauren Arnell played for their club's VFL affiliates and other AFLW-listed players were expected to play fewer games. Pearce, Darebin's captain, rested for a season.{{cite news |last1=Michell |first1=Tim |title=VFLW: Darebin Falcons set to contend again after retaining key members of premiership side |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/vflw-darebin-falcons-set-to-contend-again-after-retaining-key-members-of-premiership-side/news-story/50b62919c0e032f1fb4cffd10cda66b3 |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=Preston Leader |publisher=Leader Community Newspapers |date=13 March 2018 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011936/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/vflw-darebin-falcons-set-to-contend-again-after-retaining-key-members-of-premiership-side/news-story/50b62919c0e032f1fb4cffd10cda66b3?nk=d4e86e3bb0aaf428fc5d6dc52e7720ee-1636507176 |url-status=live }} Among the new players for 2018 was Hannah Mouncey, a transgender woman who the AFL had barred from participating in the AFLW for 2017.{{cite news |last1=Hinchcliffe |first1=Joe |title=Game-day controversy at VFLW had nothing to do with Hannah Mouncey |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/game-day-controversy-at-vflw-had-nothing-to-do-with-hannah-mouncey-20180505-p4zdkm.html |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=The Age |date=5 May 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109010408/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/game-day-controversy-at-vflw-had-nothing-to-do-with-hannah-mouncey-20180505-p4zdkm.html |url-status=live }} The Falcons finished fifth in 2018, missing the grand final for the first time since 2004. By 2019, Darebin's only AFLW-listed players were Arnell, Elise O'Dea, Lauren Pearce, and Jamie Stanton, and the side finished 11th. Michael Ericson was the team's coach for 2019,{{cite news |last1=Higgins |first1=Ben |title=Darebin Falcons have high expectations under new coach |work=Northcote Leader |date=5 August 2019}} but only led the club for one season; Mitch Skelly was appointed for 2020.{{cite news |last1=Smirnoff |first1=Alison |title=Darebin VFLW Senior Coach Appointed for 2020 |url=https://falcons.org.au/darebin-vflw-senior-coach-appointed-for-2020/ |access-date=4 January 2020 |work=falcons.org.au |date=10 November 2019 |archive-date=29 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229053712/https://falcons.org.au/darebin-vflw-senior-coach-appointed-for-2020/ |url-status=live }}

The 2020 VFLW season was scheduled to begin in May, but was initially postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic before eventually being cancelled the following month.{{Cite web |last=Cherny |first=Daniel |date=2020-06-16 |title=VFL revamped, VFLW season substituted with new series |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/vfl-revamped-vflw-season-substituted-with-new-series-20200616-p5537a.html |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=The Age |language=en}} A planned four-team 'super series', in which Darebin players had the chance to compete to audition for a place on an AFLW list, was then announced and also subsequently cancelled in August.{{Cite web |date=2020-08-04 |title=VFLW forced to cancel season |url=https://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/808868/vflw-forced-to-cancel-season |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Collingwood Football Club |language=en}} Competitive VFLW football finally returned in February 2021, with Darebin's opening round match ending in a low-scoring 2-point loss to Williamstown.{{Cite web |last=Farley |first=Paddy |date=2021-03-01 |title=VFLW Match Report: Round 1 vs Darebin |url=https://www.williamstownfc.com.au/club/10-latest-news/2074-vflw-match-report-round-1-vs-darebin |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Williamstown Football Club}} Skelly was buoyant about his side's chances pre-season, explaining that the new league format – which restricted AFLW players from taking part until the second half of the year – would give the Falcons "a chance to be really competitive".{{Cite web |last=Alvaro |first=Michael |date=2021-02-20 |title=2021 VFLW season preview: Darebin Falcons |url=https://central.rookieme.com/afl/2021/02/20/2021-vflw-season-preview-darebin-falcons/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central |language=en-US}} Despite this optimism, Darebin would ultimately record just one win (over North Melbourne in round 6) and one draw (in their return match against Williamstown) from its 14 matches in the 2021 VFLW season.{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=Darebin WFC's 2021 Fixture |url=https://australianfootball.com/clubs/stats/darebin+wfc/2837/2021 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Australian Football}} The club soon appointed former Falcon player and four-time premiership winner Kate Tyndall to the role of senior coach for 2022 and beyond.{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Ben |date=2021-08-19 |title=Darebin Falcons appoint a four-time premiership great as VFLW coach |work=Northcote Leader |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/vic-womens/darebin-falcons-appoints-a-fourtime-premiership-great-as-vflw-coach/news-story/542c42be88b77de7d9f3e53521bdf511?amp |access-date=2023-09-22}}

Darebin's 2022 season would get off to an improved start under Tyndall, when the Falcons recovered from a scoreless first quarter and 32-point deficit against Williamstown to prevail by 3 points in what was described as "a famous win to rival any of [Darebin's] great performances of the pre-AFLW era".{{Cite web |last=Rhodes |first=Brendan |date=2022-02-14 |title=Round one wrap: Pies' streak finally ends, Darebin dazzles in stunning comeback |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/704362/round-one-wrap-darebin-dazzles-in-stunning-comeback-dons-shut-out-dogs |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=AFL.com.au |language=en}} The remainder of the season could best be described as a year of two halves; after losing their next two matches, the Falcons hit form to record four consecutive victories and sit in fourth place on the ladder after seven rounds.{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Darebin WFC's 2022 Fixture |url=https://australianfootball.com/clubs/stats/darebin%2Bwfc/2837/2022 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Australian Football}}{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=VFL Women's Premiership Season 2022 – Round 7 Review |url=https://australianfootball.com/round/round_view/115/2022/Round_7 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Australian Football}} Yet in the weeks to come, Darebin struggled against its more favoured opponents and ultimately failed to win another game for the rest of the season, finishing the year in eighth place.

Season seven of the AFLW began less than two months after the conclusion of the 2022 VFLW season, and for the first time featured all 18 AFL clubs. This would impact Darebin more than any other VFLW club as they could no longer access any AFLW-listed players, and by virtue of being the only independent team in the league, had the smallest talent pool to select from for the upcoming 2023 VFLW season.{{Cite web |last=Rhodes |first=Brendan |date=2023-03-23 |title=2023 rebel VFLW season preview |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/887674/2023-rebel-vflw-season-preview |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=AFL.com.au |language=en}} This was reflected on-field as the Falcons suffered through possibly their least successful season in history; the team finished with its first VFLW wooden spoon, losing every match for the season by an average of 47 points.{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Darebin WFC's 2023 Fixture |url=https://australianfootball.com/clubs/stats/darebin%2Bwfc/2837/2024 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Australian Football}} Darebin won just five of 56 individual quarters across the year, and managed to kick more than three goals in a game on only one occasion.

After season's end, the Falcons announced a new senior coach for the 2024 VFLW season, with Lache Walker to take the reins after previously being assistant coach at North Melbourne.{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Brigid |date=2023-09-14 |title=Lache Walker: A New Era of Leadership for Darebin Falcons VFLW team |url=https://falcons.org.au/lache-walker-a-new-era-of-leadership-for-darebin-falcons-vflw-team/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Darebin Women's Sports Club |language=en-AU}}

File:Daisy VFLWGF17.jpg captained Darebin from 2008 to 2016, winning seven league best and fairests in that time.]]

File:Brennan 2 VFLWGF17.jpg was named the VWFL's best first-year player in 2013 and went on to win the VFLW best and fairest in 2017.]]

• Premierships: 9 (1996, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015)
• Grand final appearances: 12 (1996, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
• Premierships (reserves): 4 (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011){{cite web |title=Premiers |url=http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3068-0-0-0&sID=248599 |website=Victorian Women's Football League |publisher=SportsTG |access-date=4 January 2020 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011937/https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3068-0-0-0&sID=248599 |url-status=live }}

• Helen Lambert Medallists (league best and fairest): Kris Gardiner (1992), Bronwyn Hutchinson (1997), Daisy Pearce (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015){{cite web |title=Best & Fairest |url=http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3068-0-0-0&sID=248592 |website=Victorian Women's Football League |publisher=SportsTG |access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-date=17 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317143323/http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3068-0-0-0&sID=248592 |url-status=live }}
• Rohenna Young Medallists (leading goalkicker): Moana Hope (2006, 2007, 2008), Jane Lange (2010){{cite web |title=Leading Goal Kickers |url=http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3068-0-0-0&sID=248597 |website=Victorian Women's Football League |publisher=SportsTG |access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011937/https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3068-0-0-0&sID=248597 |url-status=live }}
• Lisa Hardeman Medallists (best on ground in grand final): Kathy Zacharopoulos (2006), Roi Boutsikakis (2007), Moana Hope (2008), Sarah Hammond (2009), Aasta O'Connor (2010), Melissa Hickey (2013), Daisy Pearce (2014), Darcy Vescio (2015)
• Debbie Lee Medallists (best first-year player): Daisy Pearce (2005), Katie Brennan (2013){{cite web |title=Best First Year Player |url=http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3068-0-0-0&sID=248600 |website=Victorian Women's Football League |publisher=SportsTG |access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110012010/https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3068-0-0-0&sID=248600 |url-status=live }}

File:Celebrations 3 VFLWGF17.jpg

Correct to the end of the 2019 season.{{cite web |title=Darebin Falcons Historical Data |url=https://vfl.com.au/darebin-historical-data/ |website=VFL.com.au |publisher=AFL Victoria |access-date=13 December 2019 |archive-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212135500/https://vfl.com.au/darebin-historical-data/ |url-status=live }}

• Premierships: 2 (2016, 2017)
• Grand final appearances: 2 (2016, 2017)
• Highest score: 18.8 (116) vs. {{AFLW|WB}}, 2016
• Lowest score: 0.1 (1) vs. {{AFL Col}}, 2019

• Lambert–Pearce Medallists (best and fairest): Daisy Pearce (2016), Katie Brennan (2017), Lauren Pearce (2019)
• Rohenna Young Medallists: Katie Brennan (2017), Monique DeMatteo (2024)
• Lisa Hardeman Medallists: Darcy Vescio (2016), Karen Paxman (2017)
• Debbie Lee Medallists: None

File:Melissa Hickey VFLWGF17.jpg was a half-back in Darebin's Silver Jubilee side.]]

In 2015, a four-member club panel selected a Silver Jubilee team, made up of the best Darebin coach and players from their twenty-five years of football.{{cite news |title=DWSC 25th Anniversary – Silver Jubilee Football Team announced |url=http://falcons.org.au/index.php/dwsc-25th-anniversary-silver-jubilee-football-team-announced/ |access-date=15 December 2019 |work=falcons.org.au |date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011942/http://falcons.org.au/dwsc-25th-anniversary-silver-jubilee-football-team-announced/ |url-status=live }}

{{Aussie rules team | title = Silver Jubilee team

| backpocket1 = Patricia Kinnersly

| fullback = Roi Boutsikakis

| backpocket2 = Shevaun Hogan

| halfbackflank1 = Melissa Hickey

| centrehalfback = Kerryn Stephens (vice-captain)

| halfbackflank2 = Yasmin Horsham

| wing1 = Natalie Wood

| centre = Daisy Pearce (captain)

| wing2 = Monique Kelly

| halfforwardflank1 = Anna McIlroy

| centrehalfforward = Bronwyn Hutchinson

| halfforwardflank2 = Lauren Arnell

| forwardpocket1 = Jane Lange

| fullforward = Moana Hope

| forwardpocket2 = Kate Burke

| ruck = Aasta O'Connor

| ruckrover = Sarah Hammond

| rover = Kathy Zacharopoulos

| interchange1 = Kris Gardiner

| interchange2 = Anna Schwager

| interchange3 = Georgina Thompson

| interchange4 = Anna Brown

| interchange5 =  

| interchange6 =  

| coach = Peta Searle

}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://www.falcons.org.au/}}

{{VFL Women's}}

{{VFL Women's premiers}}

{{DVFL}}

{{VWFL}}

Category:Victorian Women's Football League clubs

Category:Northern Football Netball League clubs

Category:Australian rules football clubs in Melbourne

Category:Women's cricket teams in Australia

Category:1990 establishments in Australia

Category:Sports clubs and teams established in 1990

Category:Women's soccer clubs in Australia

Category:Women's Australian rules football clubs in Australia

Category:Sport in the City of Darebin