History of West Gambier Hockey Club

West Gambier Hockey Club started as a women's club in 1946 and won its first grand final in that year. West has remained one of the most sucessful clubs in the local competition.

It was not until 1988 when West decided to branch out and nominate its first men's team in grade B2. A majority of the team were made up of the husbands and partners of the West women, with no hockey experience. It took a very entertaining 5 years at this level for the men to gain their first Division 2 Men's premiership in 1993.

The West men promoted themselves to Division 1 in 1994 and only had to wait a year to taste success with their first Division 1 Men's premiership in 1995. This was a fantastic year for West, with the Division 1 women celebrating their 18th Division 1 / A Grade premiership in the same year; what a night of celebration that was!

1995 Premiers West Division 1 Men

Back L to R: Jeremy Cowan, Daniel Grosse, Adam Sochacki, Shane Lewis, Andrew Widdison, Chris Neave, Scott Martin.

Front L to R: Adrian O'Donnell, David Kenseley, James Martel, Greg Osmond, David Howell (Captain/Coach), Greg Hutchesson.

It took until 2021 for the Division 1 Men and Division 1 Women to again win the premiership in the same year. This was a significant milestone for the men after coming runners-up in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 premierships, at least twice losing in penalty shoot-outs to decide the premiership after drawn games. Due to covid-19 gathering restrictions, each team celebrated separately, but no less enthusiastically! The season was capped off by the Division 2 women winning their first premiership since 1990 and the U12 girls also being crowned premiers. A memorable season for many reasons!

Many parents and their children have taken to the field for the Club over the years. Parents who have not been so inclined to play the game have continued to support their children and the Club off the field during this time. This support and family commitment has contributed to West's successes over the years.

The original Club uniform was green and gold, and although the uniform colours now include navy, the club continues to promote the green and gold as their true colours.

West Club Song

Oh Westy Westy!

Oh Westy Westy!

Oh Westy Westy!

Wouldn't you want to be a Westy too?

Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!