The Tallangatta and District Football League was officially formed in 1945 comprising six teams-Bethanga, Fernvale, Granya, Mitta/Eskdale, Sandy Creek and Tallangatta and kicked off on the 21st April 1945. At the same time the Dederang and District league became the Yackandandah League with the inclusion of Tawonga, Kergunyah and Kiewa joining Yackandandah, Mudgegonga, Dederang. A new rule was enforced that year-all club guernsey numbers had to be no smaller then 8 inches. The 1945 season saw the Tallangatta Magpies defeat Fernvale in the Grand Final at Sandy Creek on the 21st July to become the Leagues first official Premiers. On August 31st 1946 at Sandy Creek, Granya defeated Mitta 12.8.80 to 8.7.55 in the Grand Final in their first of three flags. In 1947 Sandy Creek left the League and joined the Yackandandah League. The same year Bullioh Valley applied to join the Tallangatta and District Football League filling the void left by Sandy Creek. That same year Granya achieved the rare distinction of back-to-back premierships by defeating Tallangatta. A knock out competition was run at the end of the 1947 season with 14 teams competing at Tallangattas Ormidale Oval. Tallangatta, Mitta Valley, Sandy Creek, Bullioh United, Myrtleford, Granya/Fernvale, Walbundrie, Tawonga, Wodonga Ex-servicemen, Corryong, Wodonga, Mansfield, Albury and Newport. Albury defeated Myrtleford in the competition to become district champions. A visiting Essendon team played Mitta Valley just defeating Mitta in a practice match the same year. In 1948 Bethanga dropped out of the League reducing the competition to six teams. Bert Kennedy was non-playing coach of Bullioh Valley in 1948. Fernvale defeated Tallangatta in the Grand Final avenging their 1945 Grand Final Loss to the Magpies. The 1949 season saw Mitta Town drop out of the League and Bethanga rejoin the comp. After being runner-up the two previous years Tallangatta led by Capt/Coach Dan Walsh finally broke through by defeating archrivals Bullioh Valley in the 1949 Grand Final.
1950 saw the return of Sandy Creek and Mitta Town reformed. Bullioh Valley won their first and last Flag defeating Granya by 1 point at Sandy Creek. In 1951 Bethanga did not field a team and Mitta Valley changed its name back to Eskdale. The 1951 premiers were Granya over Tallangatta. In 1952 Granya dropped out and Bandiana formed a football club joining the League but only for one year. Bethanga and Kiewa rejoining the League and Eskdale merged with Mitta Town and become Mitta United winning the 52 Premiership against Bullioh. Some of the 1952 finals were played at Bandiana with the Grand Final at Sandy Creek. In 1953 the TDFL was boosted by the return of Granya and the formation of a team from RAEME replacing Bandiana. Kergunyah gained acceptance after previously playing in the Yackandandah Association saw the TDFL boast 11 teams. Mitta United defeated Granya in the 1953 Grand Final winning back to back. The once powerful Granya Football Club disbanded in 1954 and during that same period Tawonga joined the League from The Yack Association and the Tallangatta Magpies defeated Kiewa in the Grand Final that year. RAEME dropped out, Dederang departed the Yack Association joining the TDFL in 1955 and the powerful Kergunyah team went on to defeat Mitta United in the 1955 Grand Final in the first of three consecutive flags. The 1956 season was racked with controversy with Bethanga joining the Chiltern League, the Yackandandah League folded and at the conclusion of the 1956 season the Chiltern League folded causing an upheaval in local footy. The 1956 TDFL consisted of Tallangatta, Mitta United, Fernvale, Bullioh, Sandy Creek, Tawonga, Dederang, Kergunyah and Kiewa. On September 8th at Sandy Creek Kergunyah defeated Kiewa in the 1956 Grand Final by 80 points with the final score Kergunyah-18.13.121 to Kiewa-5.11.41. In 1957 Yackandandah playing in Geelong colours and Bethanga playing in Essendon colours rejoined the League but saw Fernvale Football club fold. Most of the teams from the now defunct Chiltern League did not field teams in 1957. Kergunyah-11.14.80 defeated Mitta United by 42 points -5.8.38 in the 1957 Grand Final and the same year a Kiewa Valley representative team coached by Bethanga coach Bob Wise defeated a Mitta Valley rep team coached by Joe Rattcliffe. Mitta Valley went down by 2 points played at Sandy Creek. Both rep teams consisted of players from all the TDFL teams. The Tallangatta and District Footy League expanded rapidly in 1958 with the admission of Bandiana, Barnawartha and Lavington from the Chiltern League and saw the merger of Bethanga/Granya Bombers boosting the league to twelve clubs. Bullioh and Dederang drew the Preliminary Final that year with Dederang winning the replay and moving into the Grand Final. Dederang won the 1958 Flag in a close one downing Mitta United by 4 points 11.5.71 to 10.7.67. at the creek. In 1959 the league dropped to ten teams as Sandy Creek and Bullioh withdrew from the League and the Bethanga/Granya Club changed its name to Murray United playing their home games at Granya as the Bethanga ground was being graded and top dressed. Murray United was coached by Alf Deane who coached Dederang in last years Premiership. However Murray United did not have a very successful season winning just one game forfeiting two games as they struggled with numbers in a long and drawn out season for the bombers. That year the finals were played at various grounds with the second semi at Bandiana (coach-J. OConnell), the Prelim at Yackandandah (coach-Rex Grant) and the Grand Final at the Urana Rd Oval, Lavingtons (coach-Percy Appleyard), home ground at the time. Mitta United was coached by John Marks and had a perfect season as undefeated premiers defeating Kiewa by 21 points. The final score in the 1959 Grand Final was Mitta United-9.14.68 to Kiewa-6.11.47. Ex Barnawartha/Bethanga Coach Bob Wise coached Kiewa for 3 years from 1958 to 1960 when at 33 he retired. At the half time break of the 1959 Tallangatta League Grand Final between Kiewa and Mitta United his two wingmen came in at half time, showered, dressed and took off to a wedding. Colin Coulston and Graham Jenkins. Bob was on the bench with hamstring problems and couldnt play so with two players short it cost them the game. Its been 43 years since that Grand Final and hes never forgiven nor ever will forgive the two players involved and is still very bitter about the incident. Other 1959 Coaches. Kergunyah-Paul Crowe, Barnawartha-Merv Shultz, Dederang-Wally Sealy, Tallangatta-Max Mason, Murray United-Alf Deane. That year Neville Hadley from Kiewa won the league best and fairest on a countback from J ODonnell from Bandiana each on 22 votes.
The following year in 1960 saw the return of Sandy Creek and Bullioh who were coached by ex Wodonga player Phil Livingstone. Bogong joined the League but Murray United went into recess in March 1960 which saw the end of Granya who would not field a team again and Bethanga would not to field a team again till 1976. With these inclusions and exclusions the 1960 Tallangatta and District Football league consisting of twelve clubs was recognized as one of Victoria’s premier Leagues. Mitta United-9.15.69 defeated Lavington Saints-6.7.43 in the 1960 Grand Final which was played at Tallangatta and Bogongs Eric Tye won the TDFL best and fairest that year. Lavington was coached by Keith Murray and Kergunyah was coached by non-playing Jack Jones. The 1961 season saw Mitta United once again defeat Lavington this time by 37 points. The scoreline was Mitta United-10.10. 70 to Lavington-3.15.33 at Tallangatta. In 1962 Bogong went through the home and away season undefeated and drew with Dederang in the Grand Final vying for the Johnny Marks Trophy but lost the replay by 15 points. Scores from the drawn game showed that both combatants did not give an inch for the entire game. With Bogong kicking 4.13.37 to Dederangs-5.7.37 Bogong almost kicked themselves out of it. Scores from the replay -Dederang 10.13.73 to Bogong 8.10.58. 1963 saw Bogong lose another Grand Final by a heartbreaking 1 point to Mitta United from 6.14.50 to 7.7.49 at Sandy Creek. In 1964 Bogong merged with Tawonga to become Bogong/Tawonga. The same year Bullioh changed their colours to red, white and blue and Bandiana withdrew from the League. Yackandandah defeated Lavington 9.6.60 to 8.8.56 at Sandy Creek. Bandiana returned to the League in 1965 and saw Bogong-6.14.50 lose the Grand Final by 4 points against Lavington-8.6.54. 1966 Bogong were again the bridesmaid by 7 points against nemesis Lavington. The final score at Tallangatta was Lavington-9.13.67 to Bogong-9.6.60. The 1967 Premiers were Mitta United-11.9.75 to Dederang-8.6.54 at Tallangatta. The 1968 season saw Yackandandah stand out which knocked the League back to 11 teams causing a bye. Also that year the reserve grade competition started. Mitta United-11.9.75 defeated Dederang-11.8.74 again in the Grand Final this time by 1 point at Sandy Creek. The reserve grade Grand Final results Lavington-12.11.83 defeated Tallangatta-5.9.39 to become the Leagues first Reserve Grade Premiers. In 1969 Yackandandah was re-admitted but the club only fielded a team in the Reserve Grade Competition. Kiewa and Sandy Creek merged in 1969 and won the Grand Final defeating Lavington by 9.14.68 to 9.9.63 and Barnawartha defeated Lavington 10.11.71 to 4.5.29 in the 1969 Reserve Grade Grand Final.
The 1970 TDFL Season Kiewa/Sandy Creek were Premiers once again defeating Lavington this time by 13.7.85 to 11.12.78. Lavington beat Kiewa/Sandy Creek by 20 points in the Reserves Grand Final with Lavington-10.8.68 to Kiewa/Sandy Creek-7.6.48. In 1971 Lavington reversed its fortune from the last two seasons exacting revenge and defeated Kiewa/Sandy Creek by 14.15.99 to 11.12.78 at Sandy Creek. In 1972 Yackandandah fielded a team in the Seniors and that year Kiewa/Sandy Creek were victorious over Bullioh to the tune of 41 points. The final score at Sandy Creek that day was Kiewa/Sandy Creek-17.13.115 to Bullioh-11.8.74. In 1973 the center square infringment rule was brought in and Lavington Rangers Football Club was formed which bought the league back up to 12 teams. Mitta United-17.10.112 defeated Lavington Saints-17.9.111 in the 1973 Grand Final at Sandy Creek. Bandiana Football Club went into recess. In 1974 Lavingtons application to join the Ovens and Murray was refused so the club stayed in the TDFL and Tallangatta defeated them in Grand Final. In 1975 Bogong/Tawonga had a name change to Mt Beauty and Kergunyah became Wodonga Demons and Mitta United triumphed over Tallangatta and became the 1975 Premiers. In 1976 Bethanga reformed and joined the league and Dederang and Mt Beauty merged as Dederang/Mt Beauty Football Club and Kiewa/Sandy Creek were Premiers in 1976/77 beating Bullioh and Yackandandah respectively. Lavington joined the Farrar League in 1977 and the same year South Albury formed and was admitted to the TDFL. In 1978 Tallangatta Magpies and Bullioh Bulldogs combined to become Tallangatta Valley winning back-to-back flags in 1979/80.
Holbrook and Culcairn were admitted to the League in 1981 and South Albury who were struggling on and off the field tried to relocate and start afresh as Thurgoona but the move didnt eventuate forcing the Club to fold. Yackandandah Football Clubs origins go back to the 1880s playing in several different comps and Leagues. The Club celebrated their centenary in 1985.The 1987 Premiers were Wodonga Demons defeating Mitta United in their only premiership as the Demons. In 1988 Thurgoona Football Club was formed and were admitted to the TDFL. In 1989 Wodonga Demons were successful in their bid to be admitted to the Ovens and Murray League after several unsuccessful applications and one premiership they moved on to bigger and better things after coming a long way since the Kergunyah days early in the century.
After Culcairn’s unsuccessful 1991 bid to join the Hume League the clubs 1992s bid was approved. So after 11 years in the TDFL and one premiership under their belt the Lions were about to embark into a new era. That same season Bethanga Football Club made the Grand Final under Coach Peter Cross for the first time in the League but lost by 15 points to Peter Copleys Holbrook. Holbrook held their centenary in 1993 having been affiliated with several Leagues in that time. In 1998 and three rejections Holbrook finally won admission to the Hume League on appeal and departed the TDFL. During their 18 years in the Tallangatta League Holbrook won two premierships and were runners-up four times. In 1999 Dederang/Mt Beauty Football Club won their first Premiership since 1962 defeating Kiewa/Sandy Creek. Back in 1962 they were Dederang Football Club.
In a bold move to survive Bethanga Football Club moved to Wodonga’s Martin Park in 2000. Also in season 2000 Yackandandah defeated Barnawartha winning just their second flag, the other being in 1964. In 2001 Bullioh Football Club reformed and joined the Upper Murray League. Playing in Footscray colours as the Bulldogs (their original strip) Bullioh had a long association with the Tallangatta League since joining in 1947. In 2001 Barnawartha once again attempted to win their first flag since 1956 but fell short this time against Dederang/Mt Beauty. In 2002 Bethanga Football Club changed their name to Wodonga Saints Football Club as they are permanently based in Wodonga. The move into town proved beneficial for the Saints as they were competitive and fielded Thirds for the first time in five years making the finals. Season 2002 saw the League become a more competitive and evenly balanced competition and not so one sided as in previous years. Barnawartha won their first flag since 1956 when they were playing in the Chiltern and District League. After being runner up two years in a row in the 2000/2001 seasons it was third time lucky for the rampant Tigers easily defeating Tallangatta Valley by 80 points. Barnawartha scooped the pool in season 2002 winning all grades in the football and winning the A and B grade Netball flags enjoying a stellar year. Ovens and King League power Chiltern Football Club were admitted to the TDFL in 2003 and the Tallangatta and District Football League had a big year. Big improvers Wodonga Saints won the minor premiership but went out in straight sets against Dederang/ Mt Beauty and Mitta United. The 2003 Grand Final saw combatants Mitta United and Dederang/Mt Beauty battle it out for the flag with the Bombers victorious. In 2004 Season the TDFL was boosted by the inclusion of Ovens and King League teams Beechworth Bushrangers and Rutherglen Cats. The League now consisted of 11 clubs making it one of the strongest Leagues around. In 2004 Mitta United won their 18th Premiership with a 28 point win over the Wodonga Saints. In 2007 Mitta United completed a run of 4 flags in a row, a feat never before achieved in the history of the league. Kiewa Sandy Creek, led by non-playing coach Simon Bone saluted in 2008 and another non-playing coach, Darren Mathey led the Tallangatta Hoppers to a much awaited flag in 2009, in a year when nearby Bullioh also won the Upper Murray FL premiership.
Information obtained from the Upper Murray and Mitta Herald, The Border Mail, Rhonda and John Maddock, Tim Brockwell, The Branch Line written by Lloyd Holmes..
The Tallangatta and District Football League was officially formed in 1945 comprising six teams-Bethanga, Fernvale, Granya, Mitta/Eskdale, Sandy Creek and Tallangatta and kicked off on the 21st April 1945. At the same time the Dederang and District league became the Yackandandah League with the inclusion of Tawonga, Kergunyah and Kiewa joining Yackandandah, Mudgegonga, Dederang. A new rule was enforced that year-all club guernsey numbers had to be no smaller then 8 inches. The 1945 season saw the Tallangatta Magpies defeat Fernvale in the Grand Final at Sandy Creek on the 21st July to become the Leagues first official Premiers. On August 31st 1946 at Sandy Creek, Granya defeated Mitta 12.8.80 to 8.7.55 in the Grand Final in their first of three flags. In 1947 Sandy Creek left the League and joined the Yackandandah League. The same year Bullioh Valley applied to join the Tallangatta and District Football League filling the void left by Sandy Creek. That same year Granya achieved the rare distinction of back-to-back premierships by defeating Tallangatta. A knock out competition was run at the end of the 1947 season with 14 teams competing at Tallangattas Ormidale Oval. Tallangatta, Mitta Valley, Sandy Creek, Bullioh United, Myrtleford, Granya/Fernvale, Walbundrie, Tawonga, Wodonga Ex-servicemen, Corryong, Wodonga, Mansfield, Albury and Newport. Albury defeated Myrtleford in the competition to become district champions. A visiting Essendon team played Mitta Valley just defeating Mitta in a practice match the same year. In 1948 Bethanga dropped out of the League reducing the competition to six teams. Bert Kennedy was non-playing coach of Bullioh Valley in 1948. Fernvale defeated Tallangatta in the Grand Final avenging their 1945 Grand Final Loss to the Magpies. The 1949 season saw Mitta Town drop out of the League and Bethanga rejoin the comp. After being runner-up the two previous years Tallangatta led by Capt/Coach Dan Walsh finally broke through by defeating archrivals Bullioh Valley in the 1949 Grand Final.
1950 saw the return of Sandy Creek and Mitta Town reformed. Bullioh Valley won their first and last Flag defeating Granya by 1 point at Sandy Creek. In 1951 Bethanga did not field a team and Mitta Valley changed its name back to Eskdale. The 1951 premiers were Granya over Tallangatta. In 1952 Granya dropped out and Bandiana formed a football club joining the League but only for one year. Bethanga and Kiewa rejoining the League and Eskdale merged with Mitta Town and become Mitta United winning the 52 Premiership against Bullioh. Some of the 1952 finals were played at Bandiana with the Grand Final at Sandy Creek. In 1953 the TDFL was boosted by the return of Granya and the formation of a team from RAEME replacing Bandiana. Kergunyah gained acceptance after previously playing in the Yackandandah Association saw the TDFL boast 11 teams. Mitta United defeated Granya in the 1953 Grand Final winning back to back. The once powerful Granya Football Club disbanded in 1954 and during that same period Tawonga joined the League from The Yack Association and the Tallangatta Magpies defeated Kiewa in the Grand Final that year. RAEME dropped out, Dederang departed the Yack Association joining the TDFL in 1955 and the powerful Kergunyah team went on to defeat Mitta United in the 1955 Grand Final in the first of three consecutive flags. The 1956 season was racked with controversy with Bethanga joining the Chiltern League, the Yackandandah League folded and at the conclusion of the 1956 season the Chiltern League folded causing an upheaval in local footy. The 1956 TDFL consisted of Tallangatta, Mitta United, Fernvale, Bullioh, Sandy Creek, Tawonga, Dederang, Kergunyah and Kiewa. On September 8th at Sandy Creek Kergunyah defeated Kiewa in the 1956 Grand Final by 80 points with the final score Kergunyah-18.13.121 to Kiewa-5.11.41. In 1957 Yackandandah playing in Geelong colours and Bethanga playing in Essendon colours rejoined the League but saw Fernvale Football club fold. Most of the teams from the now defunct Chiltern League did not field teams in 1957. Kergunyah-11.14.80 defeated Mitta United by 42 points -5.8.38 in the 1957 Grand Final and the same year a Kiewa Valley representative team coached by Bethanga coach Bob Wise defeated a Mitta Valley rep team coached by Joe Rattcliffe. Mitta Valley went down by 2 points played at Sandy Creek. Both rep teams consisted of players from all the TDFL teams. The Tallangatta and District Footy League expanded rapidly in 1958 with the admission of Bandiana, Barnawartha and Lavington from the Chiltern League and saw the merger of Bethanga/Granya Bombers boosting the league to twelve clubs. Bullioh and Dederang drew the Preliminary Final that year with Dederang winning the replay and moving into the Grand Final. Dederang won the 1958 Flag in a close one downing Mitta United by 4 points 11.5.71 to 10.7.67. at the creek. In 1959 the league dropped to ten teams as Sandy Creek and Bullioh withdrew from the League and the Bethanga/Granya Club changed its name to Murray United playing their home games at Granya as the Bethanga ground was being graded and top dressed. Murray United was coached by Alf Deane who coached Dederang in last years Premiership. However Murray United did not have a very successful season winning just one game forfeiting two games as they struggled with numbers in a long and drawn out season for the bombers. That year the finals were played at various grounds with the second semi at Bandiana (coach-J. OConnell), the Prelim at Yackandandah (coach-Rex Grant) and the Grand Final at the Urana Rd Oval, Lavingtons (coach-Percy Appleyard), home ground at the time. Mitta United was coached by John Marks and had a perfect season as undefeated premiers defeating Kiewa by 21 points. The final score in the 1959 Grand Final was Mitta United-9.14.68 to Kiewa-6.11.47. Ex Barnawartha/Bethanga Coach Bob Wise coached Kiewa for 3 years from 1958 to 1960 when at 33 he retired. At the half time break of the 1959 Tallangatta League Grand Final between Kiewa and Mitta United his two wingmen came in at half time, showered, dressed and took off to a wedding. Colin Coulston and Graham Jenkins. Bob was on the bench with hamstring problems and couldnt play so with two players short it cost them the game. Its been 43 years since that Grand Final and hes never forgiven nor ever will forgive the two players involved and is still very bitter about the incident. Other 1959 Coaches. Kergunyah-Paul Crowe, Barnawartha-Merv Shultz, Dederang-Wally Sealy, Tallangatta-Max Mason, Murray United-Alf Deane. That year Neville Hadley from Kiewa won the league best and fairest on a countback from J ODonnell from Bandiana each on 22 votes.
The following year in 1960 saw the return of Sandy Creek and Bullioh who were coached by ex Wodonga player Phil Livingstone. Bogong joined the League but Murray United went into recess in March 1960 which saw the end of Granya who would not field a team again and Bethanga would not to field a team again till 1976. With these inclusions and exclusions the 1960 Tallangatta and District Football league consisting of twelve clubs was recognized as one of Victoria’s premier Leagues. Mitta United-9.15.69 defeated Lavington Saints-6.7.43 in the 1960 Grand Final which was played at Tallangatta and Bogongs Eric Tye won the TDFL best and fairest that year. Lavington was coached by Keith Murray and Kergunyah was coached by non-playing Jack Jones. The 1961 season saw Mitta United once again defeat Lavington this time by 37 points. The scoreline was Mitta United-10.10. 70 to Lavington-3.15.33 at Tallangatta. In 1962 Bogong went through the home and away season undefeated and drew with Dederang in the Grand Final vying for the Johnny Marks Trophy but lost the replay by 15 points. Scores from the drawn game showed that both combatants did not give an inch for the entire game. With Bogong kicking 4.13.37 to Dederangs-5.7.37 Bogong almost kicked themselves out of it. Scores from the replay -Dederang 10.13.73 to Bogong 8.10.58. 1963 saw Bogong lose another Grand Final by a heartbreaking 1 point to Mitta United from 6.14.50 to 7.7.49 at Sandy Creek. In 1964 Bogong merged with Tawonga to become Bogong/Tawonga. The same year Bullioh changed their colours to red, white and blue and Bandiana withdrew from the League. Yackandandah defeated Lavington 9.6.60 to 8.8.56 at Sandy Creek. Bandiana returned to the League in 1965 and saw Bogong-6.14.50 lose the Grand Final by 4 points against Lavington-8.6.54. 1966 Bogong were again the bridesmaid by 7 points against nemesis Lavington. The final score at Tallangatta was Lavington-9.13.67 to Bogong-9.6.60. The 1967 Premiers were Mitta United-11.9.75 to Dederang-8.6.54 at Tallangatta. The 1968 season saw Yackandandah stand out which knocked the League back to 11 teams causing a bye. Also that year the reserve grade competition started. Mitta United-11.9.75 defeated Dederang-11.8.74 again in the Grand Final this time by 1 point at Sandy Creek. The reserve grade Grand Final results Lavington-12.11.83 defeated Tallangatta-5.9.39 to become the Leagues first Reserve Grade Premiers. In 1969 Yackandandah was re-admitted but the club only fielded a team in the Reserve Grade Competition. Kiewa and Sandy Creek merged in 1969 and won the Grand Final defeating Lavington by 9.14.68 to 9.9.63 and Barnawartha defeated Lavington 10.11.71 to 4.5.29 in the 1969 Reserve Grade Grand Final.
The 1970 TDFL Season Kiewa/Sandy Creek were Premiers once again defeating Lavington this time by 13.7.85 to 11.12.78. Lavington beat Kiewa/Sandy Creek by 20 points in the Reserves Grand Final with Lavington-10.8.68 to Kiewa/Sandy Creek-7.6.48. In 1971 Lavington reversed its fortune from the last two seasons exacting revenge and defeated Kiewa/Sandy Creek by 14.15.99 to 11.12.78 at Sandy Creek. In 1972 Yackandandah fielded a team in the Seniors and that year Kiewa/Sandy Creek were victorious over Bullioh to the tune of 41 points. The final score at Sandy Creek that day was Kiewa/Sandy Creek-17.13.115 to Bullioh-11.8.74. In 1973 the center square infringment rule was brought in and Lavington Rangers Football Club was formed which bought the league back up to 12 teams. Mitta United-17.10.112 defeated Lavington Saints-17.9.111 in the 1973 Grand Final at Sandy Creek. Bandiana Football Club went into recess. In 1974 Lavingtons application to join the Ovens and Murray was refused so the club stayed in the TDFL and Tallangatta defeated them in Grand Final. In 1975 Bogong/Tawonga had a name change to Mt Beauty and Kergunyah became Wodonga Demons and Mitta United triumphed over Tallangatta and became the 1975 Premiers. In 1976 Bethanga reformed and joined the league and Dederang and Mt Beauty merged as Dederang/Mt Beauty Football Club and Kiewa/Sandy Creek were Premiers in 1976/77 beating Bullioh and Yackandandah respectively. Lavington joined the Farrar League in 1977 and the same year South Albury formed and was admitted to the TDFL. In 1978 Tallangatta Magpies and Bullioh Bulldogs combined to become Tallangatta Valley winning back-to-back flags in 1979/80.
Holbrook and Culcairn were admitted to the League in 1981 and South Albury who were struggling on and off the field tried to relocate and start afresh as Thurgoona but the move didnt eventuate forcing the Club to fold. Yackandandah Football Clubs origins go back to the 1880s playing in several different comps and Leagues. The Club celebrated their centenary in 1985.The 1987 Premiers were Wodonga Demons defeating Mitta United in their only premiership as the Demons. In 1988 Thurgoona Football Club was formed and were admitted to the TDFL. In 1989 Wodonga Demons were successful in their bid to be admitted to the Ovens and Murray League after several unsuccessful applications and one premiership they moved on to bigger and better things after coming a long way since the Kergunyah days early in the century.
After Culcairn’s unsuccessful 1991 bid to join the Hume League the clubs 1992s bid was approved. So after 11 years in the TDFL and one premiership under their belt the Lions were about to embark into a new era. That same season Bethanga Football Club made the Grand Final under Coach Peter Cross for the first time in the League but lost by 15 points to Peter Copleys Holbrook. Holbrook held their centenary in 1993 having been affiliated with several Leagues in that time. In 1998 and three rejections Holbrook finally won admission to the Hume League on appeal and departed the TDFL. During their 18 years in the Tallangatta League Holbrook won two premierships and were runners-up four times. In 1999 Dederang/Mt Beauty Football Club won their first Premiership since 1962 defeating Kiewa/Sandy Creek. Back in 1962 they were Dederang Football Club.
In a bold move to survive Bethanga Football Club moved to Wodonga’s Martin Park in 2000. Also in season 2000 Yackandandah defeated Barnawartha winning just their second flag, the other being in 1964. In 2001 Bullioh Football Club reformed and joined the Upper Murray League. Playing in Footscray colours as the Bulldogs (their original strip) Bullioh had a long association with the Tallangatta League since joining in 1947. In 2001 Barnawartha once again attempted to win their first flag since 1956 but fell short this time against Dederang/Mt Beauty. In 2002 Bethanga Football Club changed their name to Wodonga Saints Football Club as they are permanently based in Wodonga. The move into town proved beneficial for the Saints as they were competitive and fielded Thirds for the first time in five years making the finals. Season 2002 saw the League become a more competitive and evenly balanced competition and not so one sided as in previous years. Barnawartha won their first flag since 1956 when they were playing in the Chiltern and District League. After being runner up two years in a row in the 2000/2001 seasons it was third time lucky for the rampant Tigers easily defeating Tallangatta Valley by 80 points. Barnawartha scooped the pool in season 2002 winning all grades in the football and winning the A and B grade Netball flags enjoying a stellar year. Ovens and King League power Chiltern Football Club were admitted to the TDFL in 2003 and the Tallangatta and District Football League had a big year. Big improvers Wodonga Saints won the minor premiership but went out in straight sets against Dederang/ Mt Beauty and Mitta United. The 2003 Grand Final saw combatants Mitta United and Dederang/Mt Beauty battle it out for the flag with the Bombers victorious. In 2004 Season the TDFL was boosted by the inclusion of Ovens and King League teams Beechworth Bushrangers and Rutherglen Cats. The League now consisted of 11 clubs making it one of the strongest Leagues around. In 2004 Mitta United won their 18th Premiership with a 28 point win over the Wodonga Saints. In 2007 Mitta United completed a run of 4 flags in a row, a feat never before achieved in the history of the league. Kiewa Sandy Creek, led by non-playing coach Simon Bone saluted in 2008 and another non-playing coach, Darren Mathey led the Tallangatta Hoppers to a much awaited flag in 2009, in a year when nearby Bullioh also won the Upper Murray FL premiership.
Information obtained from the Upper Murray and Mitta Herald, The Border Mail, Rhonda and John Maddock, Tim Brockwell, The Branch Line written by Lloyd Holmes..
