Eastern Suburbs FC

History

The club was formed in 1922, making it one of the oldest and most established clubs in Queensland. It is the most centrally located of all the semi-professional clubs in Brisbane, situated approximately 2.7 kilometres (1.7 mi) from the city centre. The history of the club and its association with Heath Park goes back to the 1960s. In 1969 the Easts-Aston Villa Club, a successful 2nd Division competitor consisting mainly of young players who had advanced through their junior ranks, amalgamated with the 1st Division Merton Rovers. It was the blend of experience and youth that ensured the newly founded Merton-East Football Club continued success.

The current name of the club, Eastern Suburbs FC, was introduced in September 1980 and was incorporated the same year. This most recent name change was done primarily to identify the club with a specific area of Brisbane, as well as to promote sponsorship and to differentiate the club for its prospective entry into the Queensland State League.

Under its various guises, including Merton Rovers, Merton-Easts and finally Eastern Suburbs FC, the club has played in 11 First Division Grand Finals and have been successful on 6 occasions.

Eastern Suburbs FC has been affiliated with Football Queensland (formerly Queensland Soccer Federation) for 88 years.

Current squad

The squad detailed below appear as listed in the match program for The Trophy Superstore Brisbane Premier League game against Capalaba FC on 5 May 2013. The 2010–2011 Queensland floods devastated much of the local area and given its proximity to Norman Creek and the Brisbane River, the Eastern Suburbs Clubhouse and facilities were left in ruins. The timing of the flood couldn't have been worse occurring only weeks before the season commenced. However, once the waters receded Brisbane's football community rose as one to help with the massive clean up and amongst the volunteers were many senior Capalaba FC players. This fixture has been known henceforth as the 'Salvation Shield' as a mark of respect and to commemorate the close ties between the two clubs.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Senior Men's Divisional history

Source:

Junior Football

In the junior ranks East's suffered a decline in numbers during the 1980s as urban sprawl saw young families move to outlying suburbs of Brisbane in search of new houses and affordable land. However, the club has seen a strong resurgence in the number of junior registrations, particularly among the very young players. This would indicate that families are now beginning to move back into an area that has been so greatly affected by redevelopment in the last decade. The increasingly favorable demographics give the club great hopes for the future.

In 2010 Easts fielded 28 junior teams. Further growth is anticipated amongst the junior membership in coming seasons as more qualified coaches join the club and Eastern Suburbs FC solidifies its leadership role in youth development in Queensland.

As of 2013, the club participates in the Brisbane Premier League age competitions, fielding elite youth teams for boys at the U12, U13, U14, U15 and U16 age groups.

Former players

Distinguished 'old boys' of the club include Ross Melville, current Chairman of the Brisbane Strikers and the CEO of YMCA Bill Hayden, the former Governor-General of Australia. Throughout its history Easts have produced many players who have gone on to play international football for Australia, including Eddie Riley, Eric Pattison, Steve Dolan, Leif Peterson and Steve Perry.

In 2010, first team player James Meyer signed professional forms with local A-league side Brisbane Roar.