by Thomas Dullard, Weekly Times
CAMPBELLS Creek Football Club almost didn't make it to its 150th birthday.
The Magpies, in the Maryborough Castlemaine league, were forced into recess in 2007 by a severe player shortage.
But dedicated volunteers ensured the club returned to the field the following season.
And while Campbells Creek has failed to make a senior finals appearance since its rebirth, Magpies faithful from across the decades turned out to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary last weekend.
Campbells Creek vice-president Ben Klimeck said the milestone was made all the more momentous by the club's recent struggles.
"To know the club has been through some dark times, but to know we are always getting better as a club and each year we are improving makes the 150 years even more special," Klimeck said.
The Magpies' only senior flag came in 1953, and premiership player Pearce Perry was on hand on Saturday to regale Magpies fans with stories about what life used to be like at Campbells Creek.
"We had a gala ball on Saturday night and Pearce was terrific to listen to," Klimeck said.
"Everyone was really interested in hearing the different stories and how people would travel to the footy back then."
In a thrilling end to Saturday's senior match, the Magpies ran out of legs to fall three points short of arch rival Harcourt, despite leading by three goals at the final change.
Off the field, 150 years of Magpies memorabilia was on display in the clubrooms.
"The feeling is pretty good around the club at the moment - everyone was excited by the anniversary," Klimeck said.
"We will finish off the year strongly and then build on what we have for next year."
Last Modified on 31/07/2013 11:33