The 2009 season promised big things with the return of former VFL Liston Medalist Julian Field to the team.
The seniors finished the home and away season as minor premiers and looked to be a big chance of winning the first premiership since 1998.
However it did not work out as Dunolly rolled Avoca by one point in the preliminary final and Newstead eventually defeated Dunolly in the Grand Final.
Dunolly recruited a number of indigenous players in 2009 from Darwin including Shannon Motlop who eventually won the medal for best player in the Grand final.
Jualian Field won Avoca’s Best & Fairest and was third by three votes in the MCDFNL equivalent which was an outstanding achievement considering he missed four games for the season.
Avoca won the Carlton Trophy for the Champion Club of the MCDFNL.
Gary Wardlaw played his 300th game.
Anthony Neil played his 250th game.
Luke Calder played his 150th game.
Seniors – R/Up
Reserves – 5th
Under 17 – 5th
go to 2010