Our season is officially up and running, with our MiniRoos, Juniors, State League Women and Metro Men all kicking off on Sunday under glorious autumn sunshine across pitches all over Melbourne.

They join our State League Men as part of the 41 teams representing the club this season.

A huge thank you to all the coaches, managers and behind-the-scenes volunteers who made it happen. And a massive well done to every player who laced up their boots this weekend and wore the black and white with pride. Wishing you all a great season ♥🦓

Our cup run has come to an end following a thrilling 120-minute fourth round clash against Essendon Royals under lights at Sumner Park.

In an entertaining and hard-fought contest, the Zebras showed great intent from the outset, twice taking the lead in an impressive first-half display against our higher-ranked opposition. The visitors responded on each occasion, setting up a tightly contested battle that carried through the second half.

With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match was pushed into an additional 30 minutes, where the intensity remained high. Despite a tireless effort from the lads, Essendon Royals scored twice in the opening period of extra time and were able to hold on through to the final whistle.

While the result brings our cup campaign to a close, it was a tremendous performance full of character, resilience and quality against strong opposition.

Thank you to everyone who came down to Sumner Park to support the team under lights – your backing means the world.

A huge congratulations to our Girls Miniroos U11.1 who finished 1st in the Plate Final at the Maccas City Cup
The Maccas City Cup brings together junior teams from across the region for a fun and competitive carnival, and our girls were outstanding throughout the tournament.

Well done to Coach Bill, Chris and all the players on a fantastic win — amazing effort!

Also congratulations to our Boys U12.1
The boys finished runners up in the Merri‑bek Cup, a strong local tournament featuring clubs from across the municipality. A great achievement and a strong campaign from start to finish.

Well done to Ian, Sam and all the players

What a great result for our young Zebras 🦓⚽

The countdown is on to one of the biggest weekends of the year, Italianissimo Round!

We’ll be sharing details of what’s on this weekend over the next couple of days but to kick the week off we’re launching our Italianissimo raffle!

Thanks to our new friends at Omega Appliances we’re giving away a 120 Can Freestanding Beverage Centre!

And no one wants an empty fridge, so the lucky winner will also take home 5 cases of Stomping Ground Zebras Italian Pilsner Cans (120) fill it!

To enter, simply purchase a case of Zebras Italian Pilsner here.
One case = one entry.

Beer not your thing or you want to increase your chances? Tickets will be available to purchase at the Sumner Park Club rooms until the prize is drawn on 02/05/2026

Spots are filling fast for the 2026 season – and we’ve got just a handful of places left across our Junior and MiniRoos boys’ and girls’ teams. ⚽🦓

If your child is keen to build skills, make great mates and be part of a positive, community-driven club, now’s the time to jump in.

With preseason underway and teams nearly finalised, these remaining spots won’t last long. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a fun, supportive environment.

See below for the teams with availability and secure your place today 👇

U9 Boys Wallabies and Joeys
U10 Boys Joeys
U11 Girls Kangaroos
U12C/D Boys
U13A Boys
U13C Boys
U14/15C Girls
U16B Boys

U9-U11 EOI form here.
U12-U16 EOI form here.

Our senior men’s team has progressed to the third round of the Dockerty Cup in style. Despite Melbourne’s unseasonal humidity, the boys delivered a dominant performance at Sumner against East Kew FC, securing a convincing 3-0 win.

Lindsay Gust struck in each half, while Oscar Ling added a classy finish just before the break.

A big thank you to our home crowd for the vocal support – it made a big difference on the day.

Next up: a Round 3 showdown on the weekend of March 14 against Meadow Park SC. See you there!

Last night was another terrific example of the spirit that defines Brunswick Zebras F.C. 🦓

Our Senior Men’s State 3 squad gathered for their annual shirt auction, with a fantastic turnout and a lively atmosphere from the outset. A handful of spirited phone bids added an extra layer of intrigue to proceedings, keeping everyone engaged and contributing to an enjoyable night for all.

Thanks to the generosity of those in the room – and strong support at the bar – a significant sum was raised to benefit the club. It was a tremendous result and a credit to the playing group.

Most pleasing of all was seeing the squad embrace the opportunity not just as a social occasion, but as a meaningful way to give back to the club community.

A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success.

Last Friday night, some of our Mini-Roos and Junior Zebras took the pitch at The Home of the Matildas, walking out with the teams and playing a small-sided game as part of the Melbourne Victory vs Canberra United Round 6 A-League Women’s match.

The result may not have gone Victory’s way, but our young Zebras had an unforgettable night – playing on a big stage and meeting both teams. ♥🦓

We’re pleased to share that Brunswick Zebras FC has secured seed funding from the Community Bank Clifton Hill-North Fitzroy to establish a Hardship Fund, with the aim ensuring no player misses out on football because of financial difficulties.

The Hardship Fund will support players and families by covering registration fees and essential participation costs for those facing genuine financial barriers. With this seed funding, and by using the Australian Sports Foundation’s tax-deductible donations platform, we’re working toward a long-term, sustainable fund that strengthens inclusion and supports our community.

At the end of the 2024 season, two-thirds of our members surveyed told us they would consider donating to a fund like this. With this strong support from our membership – and the initial backing from Community Bank Clifton Hill-North Fitzroy – we’re hopeful the Hardship Fund will grow into a lasting resource that supports the Zebras community for many years.

We are now seeking club members to join a small sub-committee that will oversee the assessment of applications and ensure the fund is delivered fairly, transparently, and respectfully. If you’re interested in contributing your time or expertise, we’d love to hear from you.

More information about how members can contribute or apply for support will be shared soon.

For now, we invite anyone interested in joining the Hardship Fund sub-committee to get in touch.

Together, we can ensure football remains accessible to every Zebra. ❤️🦓

Although we’re already full steam ahead with preparations for the 2026 season, we want to take a moment to celebrate some truly outstanding individual achievements from this year. At our AGM last month, we proudly presented our 2025 club awards – a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work, talent, and dedication that make our club so special.

A huge congratulations to all our award recipients, and to everyone across the club for an incredible season.

David Baker Award – Best and Fairest Senior Male Player
Adrian Pitfield

Rob Colla Award – Best and Fairest Senior Female Player
Lotte Newton

Fabio Incantalupo Golden Boot Award – Highest Goal Scorer (U14 and older)
Zac Kings-Lyon

Melissa Barbieri Award – Goalkeeper of the Year
Jai Jackson-Jin

Noel Bruzzese Award – Coach of the Year
Vincenzo Papasergi

Team Manager of the Year
Marie Demortain

D’Intino Award – Best Club Person
Janelle Roca

Best and Fairest Junior Female Player
Isabelle Reichl

Best and Fairest Junior Male Player
Jack MacLeod

Bruno Saico Award – Best Under 20 Player
Jakob Haskell

Congratulations once again to all our award winners, and thank you to everyone at the club for making 2025 a truly remarkable season – here’s to an even brighter 2026! ♥🦓

A huge congratulations to our U17 Boys, who claimed the U17B championship yesterday in a nail-biting final against south-east division premiers Mount Martha SC.

After falling behind early, Jack Hill-Smith equalised just before half-time, before Zac Kings-Lyon struck the decisive winner early in the second half.

The boys showed great determination to hold on in the closing minutes and are very deserving champions!

From our youngest Zebras to our senior squads, more than 30 teams have pulled on the black and white this year — each one adding to the story of our club.

There have been wins and losses, heartbreak and joy, and plenty of memories in between. But most of all, there’s been community: players, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters coming together week after week to make it all possible.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of 2025 at Brunswick Zebras. We’re proud of every single team and can’t wait to go again next season.

From Sumner Park to the world!

Newly minted Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro dropped by Sumner on Saturday during our Italianissimo weekend – a return to the place where it all began. After managing some of the biggest names in world football, it was special to see Pep back on familiar turf. Once a Zebra, always a Zebra. 🦓♥

A Season of Growth and Grit

It’s been a season full of twists, turns, and plenty of learning for the Brunswick Zebras U15.1B team. With five new players joining the squad, we hit the ground running, winning all our Division C matches, and even securing a friendly victory during a bye week. That strong start gave us the confidence to step back up into Division B.

Our return to Division B began with a tough away fixture against Keon Park SC, played in classic Melbourne conditions, cold, windy, and unpredictable. Despite a strong first half with the wind at our backs and several missed opportunities, we went into the break at 0-0. Unfortunately, the second half didn’t go our way, and we were handed a 4-0 loss that didn’t quite reflect the balance of play.

Since then, our home form has been outstanding, with solid wins against strong opposition. Away games, however, have been a different story, close contests decided by narrow margins and late goals. But every match has been a valuable lesson, and the team continues to grow in confidence and cohesion.

We’ve made some smart adjustments to player positions, resulting in a dependable backline, a dynamic midfield, and an increasingly dangerous attacking trio. The boys have also delivered some truly memorable goals from a spectacular bicycle kick and a long-range strike into the wind, to a thunderous volley and even a cheeky goal straight from a corner.

As we look ahead, we’re aiming to break our away-game hoodoo this week and continue our steady climb up the ladder. The Mixed North 15B division is proving to be highly competitive, but with continued focus and teamwork, we’re confident the boys can push into the top four by season’s end.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, go Zebras! 🦓⚽

Michael (Coach), Dom (Assistant Coach), and Mark (Team Manager). The brains, heart, and clipboard behind the Zebras.

A magical night last Wednesday at Sumner Park for our annual Girls Mid-Year Party!

We were thrilled to welcome a special guest, Kayla Morrison – Captain of Melbourne Victory – who shared her inspiring journey in football so far.

After her talk, Kayla took part in a Q&A, offering valuable insights into the game and even hinting at a possible future with the Matildas…?

With delicious catering by Ladro, music from DJ Will, and the joyful sounds of friends having fun, it was another unforgettable night.

Huge thanks to the club for continuing to support our girls teams! ♥🦓

The competitive spirit (and questionable general knowledge) of the Brunswick Zebras community was on full display on Saturday night at our annual Trivia Night fundraiser.

Held at the Sumner clubrooms, the night brought players, parents, and friends together for a few hours of laughs, low-stakes controversy, and some physically challenging bonus round performances.

Quizmaster Pete and MC Hayden kept the chaos in check, overseeing a tie-breaker victory by ‘Quiz Kovas’ – a table of State 3 mens young ‘uns who clearly know their obscure flags and trivial pop culture.

Big thanks to everyone who came along, bought a ticket, wore a costume, or just yelled out answers uninvited. Nights like these remind us what club spirit is all about. ♥🦓

Introducing Brunswick Zebras FC Mixed 11.1 Kangas.

Although a small squad – ten boys and one girl – the U11 Mixed Kangas have reached the pinnacle of MiniRoos in 2025, competing at Kangaroos level, the highest tier on offer.

Formed in 2022, the team began their journey in U8 Joeys, winning the majority of their matches in their debut season. The decision to move up to Wallabies in 2023 was an easy one, with the coach and parents agreeing that the players needed a greater challenge to continue their development. While the team lost their first four games that season, they went on to remain unbeaten for the rest of the year.

Staying at Wallabies level in 2024, and keeping most of the original lineup, the team welcomed a new addition – Katelyn – to strengthen the squad. A shrewd bit of recruitment by coach Ian Lumsden (who just happens to be her dad!), Katelyn quickly made her mark, and the team lost only two games all season.

With a couple more new faces in 2025, the team made the leap to U11 Mixed Kangaroos, a reward for their continued hard work and success over the past three seasons. After a tough start – losing two of their first three games – they’ve bounced back with a draw and three wins. While the jump in standard has been steep, the team is rising to the challenge, game by game.

Whatever results lie ahead, we’re incredibly proud of everything this group of players – past and present – has achieved as they head into the final stages of their MiniRoos journey. ♥🦓

Our ‘Team in Focus’ this week is the Under 14 Boys Team, coached by George and Michael (not George Michael!) and managed by Kate. The team is made up of 13 players from last years under 13s, a couple of players who swapped in from other Zebras teams and one player who returned after a year playing elsewhere.

It has been a great start to the first season of ‘full pitch’ 11 a side football. Six straight wins in the first 6 rounds, and only 4 goals conceded. While winning and results are important, the most impressive aspect is the way the team have come together since the first week of preseason training. Early preseason focus was on fitness (did someone say, ‘Beep Test!’) – and this has put the team in a great position to be able to run the full 60 minutes and put 100% effort in until the final whistle blows.

Training has also focussed on our style of play – playing out from the back, keeping possession, playing through space wide on the wings, diagonal runs and quick one touch passing to break down defensive lines. Playing on a full pitch has allowed the team to put these tactics into practice and there has been some very attractive football played across the season so far.

As a playing group, we have focussed on developing both individual skills and a supportive team mentality – players have embraced the ethos that on a team – everyone matters and that the way to success is via teamwork. Despite two (yes two) broken arms in pre-season, we have had a full squad a training almost every session. Coaches have emphasised that concentration and hard work are important – but so is also having fun – football is meant to be enjoyable and training and match day are clearly highlights in the players week!

As the season progresses this team will continue to demonstrate the Zebras spirit and ethos – respect for yourself, your teammates, coaches, referees and your opposition.

Introducing Girls 12.1

This talented and energetic group has hit the ground running in their first year of junior competition.

Jasmine, Ava, and Orla joined the Zebras in 2021, followed by Greta, Layla, Briony, Ashleigh, Olive, and Yuka in 2022. After three MiniRoos seasons together — focused on fun and unity — Freya joined in 2024, with Noelle and Geneva our newest teammates this year.

Now in our fourth year, Coaches Sarah and Curtis, along with Manager Charlie, continue to build on values of solidarity and enjoyment, aiming to translate this into on-field success. Our first school holiday one-day camp was a great chance for skills and team bonding — and even better just to hang out and play! We’d love for other teams to join us next time.

The girls have embraced the move to juniors, enjoying the challenge and motivation of published results and a ladder. That extra recognition has sparked their competitive spirit and boosted training enthusiasm.

Across the first four grading rounds, the team recorded two strong wins, a close loss, and a bye — scoring 14 goals from 7 different players. While we’re yet to keep a clean sheet, our three dedicated goalkeepers have stood strong under pressure.

As their skills and game smarts grow, this group is well placed to keep challenging improving opposition.

Fun fact: A group of Zebras is called a Dazzle — and this team lives up to the name! 🦓✨

What do you get when you mix two brand new players, a new coach, and a bunch of legends keen to kick off a new season together? You get Zebras 12B—a team that’s as much about heart as it is about hustle. 🦓💥

This year, we’re building from the ground up, starting with attitude. For us, that means respect—on and off the pitch. Respect for each other, for the refs and coaches, for our opponents, and the cheering parents on the sidelines. We’re here to play the game the right way—together.

With the right mindset in place, we’re sharpening our technical game:
⚽️ First touch—because a good one makes everything easier.
⚽️ Clean passes—the kind that make the team click.
⚽️ Finding space—and knowing when to use it.

Three games in, we’re already seeing the improvement:

Round 1: 4–0 win vs Heidelberg United
Round 2: 3–1 win vs Northern Falcons
Round 3: 0–1 loss vs Reservoir United (a tight one—we’ll bounce back!)

The boys are bringing energy, effort, and serious Zebra pride. They’re already living the club motto Siamo Noi—This is us—and we’re excited for a fun and challenging season ahead.

Go Zebras! 🦓💪

Our senior men’s teams are on the board after a big day yesterday.

The seniors secured a strong 2-0 win, dominating the first half before digging deep in the second. Reduced to 10 men—then nine—after two second yellow cards, the team showed resilience to hold on in front of a vocal home crowd. A hard-fought victory and the perfect way to get off the mark!

⚽️ Gust, M
⚽️ Stephens

Earlier in the day, the reserves edged out a thrilling 4-3 win in a back-and-forth contest.

Our senior men’s team has marched into the second round of the Dockerty Cup in style. Despite Melbourne’s unseasonal weather, the boys put on a dominant performance at Sumner against Riversdale SC, securing a solid win.

Arlo Brown-Shaw and Max Gust each scored in both halves, while Matt Stephens also got on the scoresheet when he capitalised on a loose back pass.

Next up: a showdown against State League 2’s Mill Park SC in a fortnight—again at Sumner. Get ready to pack the terrace and get behind the team!

🔥⚽  New Year, New Gear! We’re thrilled to unveil our 2025 kits, featuring fresh twists on the classic Zebras shirt. Honoring our Italian heritage and long-standing home at Sumner Park, this year’s design includes a tricolore roundel with ‘63’—a nod to our founding year.

But the big news? A bold new away kit! We’ve heard it called maroon, burgundy, and amaranto—but whatever you name it, the deep, rich tone with crisp white pinstripes ensures we’ll be looking sharp on the road.

We’re also excited to welcome North Star Projects as our new back-of-shirt sponsor on the home kit! This local construction firm is known for building quality homes with architectural flair, and we’re very proud to have them on board.

A huge shoutout to our long-time front-of-shirt sponsor, Stomping Ground—thank you, Justin and the team, for your incredible ongoing support. It’s great to be able to show off your brand in pride of place.

And of course, massive thanks to Kappa, our exclusive apparel partner, for delivering hundreds of top-quality kits on time and keeping us looking our best on the pitch.

Who’s ready to suit up for 2025? ♥🦓

Following the huge success of our collaboration with our friends and long-time partners at @stompinggroundbeer to create the Zebras Italian Pilsner, we are thrilled to announce that it will now be available permanently on tap at Sumner Park.

Your first chance to taste the latest batch will be for Round 1 of the Dockerty Cup on Saturday 15th February. A massive thanks to Stomping Ground for their continued support!

It’s still only pre-season, but we already have a tough farewell to announce: Chris Kovas, who is heading back to his native Sydney after nine seasons as a Zebra.

Kovas embodies what it means to be a true club person – motivated and always reliable. He never hesitated to step up to whatever roles were asked of him. In recent years, he excelled as a club leader in the senior setup, winning 2 reserve championships in the process.

Kovas had a fitting send-off in yesterday’s senior reserves friendly against Yarra Jets. Chaired off after his final game as a Zebra, he’d made sure to leave his mark – not content with a simple valedictory cameo off the bench, he bagged a casual brace in the last 15 minutes.

Thanks for everything, Kovas. Sumner will always be home whenever you’re back in Melbourne. ♥🦓

On Saturday, we came together at the Sumner Park clubrooms to celebrate the 2024 season club awards.

Nominated by their peers, these awards honour the accomplishments of players, coaches, and volunteers from all areas of the club. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge their exceptional seasons.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Bruno Saico Award (Best and Fairest Junior Male player)
Jay Ryan

Best and Fairest Junior Female Player
Anika Silver

Rob Colla Award (Best and Fairest Senior Female Player)
Claudia Johns

Davd Baker Award (Best and Fairest Senior Male Player)
Aaron Burke

Pierre Venditti Golden Boot Award (Highest Female Goal Scorer)
Autumn Ellenbroek

Pierre Venditti Golden Boot Award (Highest Male Goal Scorer)
Louis Waters

Melissa Barbieri Medal – Goalkeeper of the Year
Bobby Noveski, Amir Nejati and Bernard Toomey (joint winners)

Coach of the Year
Nick Manduca and Luke Flood (joint winners)

Team Manager of the Year
Jane Scammell

D’Intino Award (Best Club Person)
George Pecchiar

The season is over, and the last match has been played. We can look back on a very successful year on the field, give credit to all our teams, and special acknowledgement to those who achieved great results in their leagues.

Our trophy haul this season was:

– Men’s State 3 North West Reserves – League premiers, for the second year in a row

– Men’s Metro 5 North West – League premiers and division runners up

– Men’s Metro 9 North West – League runners up

– U17B West boys – League premiers, and U17B division champions

– U16B East boys – League premiers, U16B division finalists

– U13C boys – League runners up

Well done to all on your amazing results. Go Zebs! ❤️🦓

We are thrilled to announce two key appointments for the 2025 season.

Nick Manduca will be taking the helm as our State 3 Senior Men’s Coach. A former player at Brunswick Zebras, Nick’s appointment continues the historic ties between the Manduca family and the club. He has been instrumental in our recent successes, having coached the reserves to back-to-back league titles in 2023 and 2024. His leadership was vital in our promotion to State 3 in 2023, and he stepped in as caretaker coach for the senior men during a challenging 2024 season, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the team.

Andrew DePetro has been appointed as our State 2 Senior Women’s Coach for the upcoming season. With over 30 years of experience, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our club. This year, he coached the Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School’s Girls Firsts team, leading them to become champions and undefeated in the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria & Associated Public Schools of Victoria Sporting Competition. Andrew holds a Level B FIFA coaching license and has served as a coaching instructor for the FFV, in addition to being an accredited referee. His comprehensive understanding of the game will be invaluable as we strive for success in the upcoming season.

We are excited to welcome Nick and Andrew to their new roles and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our teams.

Go Zebras! 🦓💪

Massive congratulations to our U17 boys team who took out the U17B championship on Sunday with a narrow win in a very tight contest against south-east division premiers, Bentleigh United Cobras.

Our boys fell behind in the first half, but equalised shortly after half time when Tommy Walker seized a loose pass from the opposition’s keeper and scored a stunner from outside the box.

With scores locked at 1-1 at full time, and still no score after the first period of extra time, the match seemed destined to be decided by a penalty shoot out. But with a few minutes remaining, speedy winger Zain Dib popped up to put the finishing touch on a great team goal.

The boys held out for the last few nervous minutes to be very worthy champions and preserved their unbeaten record in 2024. ♥🦓

Congratulations to our Metro 5 men’s team who sealed their league title on Sunday with a 3-0 win away in extremely windy conditions against Hoppers Crossing. Going into the match, the group knew that only a win would be enough to leapfrog their closest rivals, who they have been neck and neck with all season.

This team includes players who’ve been with the club since U10s, and – in coach Kevin Thomas – a leader who has coached at Zebras since 2010, first with U12 girls, and with title winning teams of U16 boys, Metro 6 men and now the Metro 5s as well.

The team has had many absences due to injuries this season and has been able to welcome six players from our U17 boys team into the playing group at different stages of the year. The youngsters have made significant contributions all over the pitch, and have gained invaluable experience as they start their journey into the Zebras senior ranks.

Another day, another title-winning team to celebrate … our U16B boys now have an unassailable lead in their league with one match to play, after defeating close rival Oakleigh Cannons on Sunday.

Knowing that a win would be enough to seal the league, the team took the lead with less than 20 minutes to play. When Oakleigh equalised it looked like the match was heading for a draw only for Oscar Mavropoulos to score the winner with a minute to play. Massive congrats to the team on their amazing season.

Along with our other league-winning teams, they will play finals over the coming weeks to determine the winner of the city-wide championship. Go Zebs! ♥🦓

We promised a huge one at Sumner on Saturday and the day didn’t disappoint. In the earlier kick off, the reserve’s win secured the league title, making it back-to-back championships for the rezzies. Huge congrats to the whole group.

In the main match the seniors secured a 2-0 win over Bundoora built on a dominant first half. The win, combined with results elsewhere, means that our first team are safe from relegation. Well done lads!

The atmosphere at Sumner was immense, thanks to all our supporters for urging the teams on. And it was great to see our friends from Kappa Australia and Stomping Ground Brewing Co among the crowd, lending their voices and willing the boys to victory. Forza Zebs! ♥🦓

Last Thursday night the club’s volunteers gathered at the home base of our partner Stomping Ground Brewing Co for a night of mutual thanks and congratulations on a successful season spent helping our 38 teams get onto the pitch and enjoy their football.

Of extra special note are two of our outgoing volunteers, husband and wife team Kevin and Robyn Thomas. The Thomases have been mainstays of the club for well over a decade, occupying roles including coach, team manager, committee member, director, club secretary, club administrator, facilities manager and probably many others.
Robyn has been on speed dial for many of you for years, helping you sort out your registrations, team entries, awards, team photographs, refs’ payments and so, so much more. Some of you may not know that Robyn has also been honoured by Football Victoria, who named her volunteer of the year in 2022, chosen from among candidates from 100s of clubs across the state.

Kevin has played a pivotal role in raising the bar for the club’s facilities and programs, including countless hours of liaison with council and builders on the redevelopment of the rooms at Balfe, and the more recent project of revitalising Sumner Park’s clubrooms and building new change room facilities. Our home grounds are unrecognisable compared to their old incarnations, and are now something of which the whole club and community can be proud.

Robyn and Kevin, you will be missed, more than you will know! But we’ll all do our best to build on your legacy.

Thanks to Stomping Ground for a great night, and just as importantly thanks to all our volunteers for their tireless work. You make the whole club tick and there would literally be no club without you. ♥🦓

Huge congratulations to our U17B boys team who wrapped up their league title on Sunday with two matches to spare.

The team has had an amazing season and includes many players who have grown up within walking distance of Sumner and Balfe. Some have been at Zebras since the age of five, and playing competitively for the club since U8s.

Also this season, some players in the group were able to take their first steps on their senior football journey. The future for our men’s teams is looking bright. Forza Zebs! ♥️🦓

Our annual Brunswick Zebras Trivia Night fundraiser was held last Friday night at the Sumner Clubrooms.

It was a great night of fun and community building for the club. MCs Kim and Milo kept the unruly crowd under control and presided over a win for ‘The Giraffes’, a table made up of players from the State 4 women’s squad.

Bonus points were awarded for improvised Olympic-style events, with the ‘toilet pommel’ winning out over the ‘trestle table luge’ and some other dubious ideas.

On Friday night, Brunswick Zebras celebrated a significant milestone when club members past and present gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our first senior women’s team.

Zebras of all vintages mingled, and it was great to see old friends, and hear some previously unheard stories about our pioneering women’s teams from the nineties and noughties. The young ‘uns got to hear about The Mighty ‘Bras, a team of women young and not so young, that began as a group of friends having a regular recreational kickabout, and became a team that won a Division 3 title in 2006.

Laura Lana and her former juniors and seniors teammates were on hand to tell of their historic playing tour of Italy in the late 90s, and also their fighting spirit against the resistance they endured in their playing days as the poor cousins to the male teams.

The Q&A session was an epitome of the Zebras women’s team of different eras. Chaired by current women’s first team captain, Ella Fusca, the panel featured Laura Lana, Paul Connolly, coach of the Mighty ‘Bras, Sue Giles – a stalwart of that team – and Annalivia Carli-Hannan, who told us how enthusiastically she first took to the pitch as a young girl wearing the black and white stripes.

It was a wonderful night in which we were able to honour the trailblazers, celebrate achievements, and raise a toast to the past, present and future of women’s football at Brunswick Zebras.

Big thanks to all who made it possible, and also to our partners at Oliva Social for their generous hospitality on the night.

Our state league men got their first points of the season in a spirited win against Heidelberg Eagles in front of a vocal home crowd at Sumner Park.

After both teams scored in the first half, much of the match was an arm-wrestle searching for the winner.

Ben Adams thought he had netted the go-ahead goal with a screamer from distance, but it was chalked off in controversial circumstances. Soon after, Marty Raines popped up with the decisive goal and our boys held out for the remainder of the match, eventually hearing the final whistle that felt like it would never come. Great win for the lads!

⚽ Pappas
⚽ Raines

In the earlier match, our reserves dropped their first points of the season, narrowly defeated in a high quality encounter. Despite the loss, they occupy second place on the table and look set for another very strong season. 🦓♥

Just in time for tomorrow’s first home league game at Sumner Park, we’re very proud to announce a new collaboration with our major partner Stomping Ground Brewing Company: Zebras Italian Pilsner.

This delightful brew will be pouring in the Sumner clubrooms from tomorrow. Come by and give it a try!

Saturday Skillz is resuming this Saturday morning, 10.30am-12noon at Sumner Park.

Please note, our enrolment is currently FULL and we are taking names for a waiting list.

If you have registered, please note that your place will only be held if payment has been made.

Thanks all, looking forward to seeing our little Zebs on Saturday.

Brunswick Zebras is very pleased to announce the club’s senior coaching roster for season 2024.

Women’s State League 1
Seniors: Nathan Heard
Reserves: Steph Alexopoulos

Women’s State League 4: Kosta Siavelis

Men’s State League 3
Seniors: David Lugli
Reserves: Nick Manduca

Men’s Metropolitan League 1: Philip Tang
Men’s Metropolitan League 5: Kevin Thomas

Men’s Metropolitan League 9: Filipe Vilches

Thank you to everyone who has submitted EOIs for this season. We have had overwhelming levels of interest from existing players as well as those new to the club, which points to a strong and healthy future for our senior program. Go Zebs!

Not a bad haul for season 2023!

We’ll be very proudly adding these new pennants to the collection in the Sumner Park clubrooms.

Congratulations again to the Mens State League 4 Reserves for winning their league, and to the Mens State League 4 Seniors for their second place finish, and promotion. Great work also by the Metro 2 Men, Boys U16B and Boys U15C for their second place finishes.

Go Zebs! ❤️🦓

Brunswick Zebras is on the lookout for a coach for our Metropolitan 1 men’s team. This team have been high achievers since their inception five years ago, boasting a mix of young talented players and ex-state league players.

The position will need to work within the current senior men’s structure and support our state league setup where required as well as push our top metropolitan team.

Training expected on Wednesday nights and matches on Sundays.

Contact us on admin@brunswickzebras.com.au or click here and submit an expression of interest.

Last Friday night our senior men’s and women’s teams gathered to celebrate the season and recognise the outstanding achievers from their playing groups.

It was a great night to catch up after a few weeks off after the intense and action-packed end to the season for our senior teams.

And now for the winners. Drum roll please …

Women’s State League 1
Coaches Award: Katie Polus
Most Improved: Talana Bonello
Highest Goal Scorer: Mailligh Tomlin
Player’s Player: Mailligh Tomlin

Women’s State League 1 Reserves
Coaches Award: Eirini Kosmidis

Women’s State League 4
Best and Fairest: Lily Zavattiero
Players player: Angie Sun

Men’s State League 4
Best and Fairest: Lindsay Gust
Players player: Tai Naughton
Top goalscorer: Max Gust

Men’s State League 4 Reserves
Best and Fairest: Monib Bellahcene
Players player: Theo streader
Top goalscorer: Jack O’Dwyer

Men’s Metro 2
Best and Fairest: Alexander Meibusch
Players player: Michael Del Tondo
Top goalscorer: Jacob Abbey

Men’s Metro 5
Best and Fairest: Alessandro Czarny
Players player: Alessandro Czarny
Top goalscorer: Alessandro Czarny

Men’s Metro 9
Best and Fairest: Matt Quinn
Players player: Dayne Johnston
Top goalscorer: Oliver Caruanna

The season may have only just finished, but our juniors and miniroos have already celebrated their achievements at the end of season presentation day. The teams gathered for the handing out of medals, to give thanks to the coaches and team managers, and to bask in the joy of a satisfying season. As well as the juniors and miniroos teams awards, the club-wide awards were also presented.

The club’s premier individual award winners for 2023 are:

Bruno Saico Award (Best and Fairest Junior Player U12-U18) Jay Ryan
Rob Colla Award (Best and Fairest Senior Female Player) Rachel Young
Davd Baker Award (Best and Fairest Senior Male Player) Lindsay Gust
Pierre Venditti Golden Boot Award (Highest Female Goal Scorer) Mailligh Tomlin
Pierre Venditti Golden Boot Award (Highest Male Goal Scorer) Zachary Kings-Lyons
Melissa Barbieri Medal – Goalkeeper of the Year Talana Bonello
Best and Fairest Junior Female Player Holly Scammell
Best and Fairest Junior Male Player Yoshi Hanrahan-Chong
Coach of the Year David Lugli
Team Manager of the Year Jo Montesano
D’Intino Award (Best Club Person) Kim Silcock

Our State League men’s team are moving up in the world after a tense promotion play-off final win against West Side Strikers Caroline Springs FC on Saturday.

In contrast to the ten goal bonanza at last weekend’s semi-final, yesterday’s final was much tighter affair. Shortly after resuming from a goalless first half, Marty Raines scored what proved to be the winner, as the Zebras saw out the remainder of the match to run out deserved winners, and guaranteeing promotion.

The win see us return to State League 3 North West for the first time in eight years. Huge congratulations to first team coach David Lugli, and all the playing group. Forza Zebras!

Brunswick Zebras FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Nathan Heard as Head Coach for our State League Senior Women’s teams with immediate effect.

Nathan has had an  extensive career as a coach at the local State League levels over the last 2 decades. This includes a previous stint with the Brunswick Zebras FC, in collaboration with Rob Colla. Some would know him from this time, whereby he guided and developed our junior and senior programs with great esteem.

In addition we are delighted to announce that George Pecchair has also agreed to continue his connection with the club as liaison for the Senior Women’s teams in the 2024 season.

More information to follow. Very exciting times ahead!

Go Zebras.

A truly amazing weekend of football for our senior teams was capped off yesterday at Sumner Park when the State League 1 Women’s team staged a great escape to avoid relegation in the last few minutes of their season.

Starting the day three points and 5 GD adrift of safety, they played an amazing match running out 3-1 winners against Mill Park.

The third goal – scored in the 89th minute – proved to be the most important of all, as news of other results in the division filtered through after full time. Courtesy of the three points, and goals scored at Sumner and elsewhere, we had leapfrogged Geelong Rangers on goal difference and into safety by a solitary goal.

After a huge sigh of relief, our senior women’s team lives to fight another day in State League 1.

In the earlier match, the reserves had a 2-2 draw.

Our senior men are marching on to a play-off final after one of the most engrossing and action-packed matches in the club’s history.

Matched against Surf Coast FC, the Zebras conceded early in a topsy-turvy first few minutes, before racing to a 4-2 lead inside half an hour. We were pegged back to 4-4 at half time, and 4-5 early in the second half, but again equalised before missing some golden opportunities to finish the the match in regular time.

Two periods of extra time couldn’t find a winner, so the tie was decided on penalties with our boys eventually prevailing 5-4 in the shootout. It was a huge effort by by the entire group, and we now face one final step in the battle for promotion. Watch this space for news of the fixture.

Our Senior Men’s team will take on Surf Coast FC in the State League 4 play off semi final this Saturday, September 2nd.

After wrapping up second place in their league, the men will travel to Epping Stadium to continue their battle for promotion.

Kick off is 11am, and we hope to see a big contingent of travelling support. Go Zebs!

It was raining goals at Sumner Park on Saturday as the Senior Men’s Reserves confirmed the title with an 8-0 defeat of Thornbury Athletic.

Massive congratulations to the whole playing group, and to coach Nick Manduca, on their amazing season.

The goals didn’t stop there though, with the Senior Men running out 5–1 winners in the later match to confirm second place on the table at the end of the regular season.

We now await news of a potential promotion play off final. Watch this space!

The opening of the Sumner Park changerooms means the Zebras are “all set for boom in women’s and girls’ soccer” according to today’s piece in the Brunswick Voice.

To say thanks to all our valued volunteers, the club put on the hospitality at the venue of our sponsor, Stomping Ground, in Collingwood.

It was a great chance to catch up and celebrate all our work this season, and mix with club volunteers from all of our different age groups and programs.

Thanks to Stomping Ground for a great night.

Our grand re-opening of Sumner Park – ​to recognise the completion of ​the ​new female-friendly change rooms and refurbished clubrooms – took place on Saturday and it was great to see so many of you there.

There was lots of food, fun and football, as we hosted two senior men’s matches in between the festivities, and then in the evening we switched on the big screens on in the clubrooms for the Women’s World Cup matches between Sweden and Italy, and France and Brazil.

Thanks to everyone who came down, and all at the club for the work that went into putting on this important celebration.

When Matildas star Sam Kerr was just a kid, when the inaugural A-League Women’s season was still years away, and when a World Cup on Australian soil was a fanciful idea, a mob of mature Melbourne women threw caution, asthma inhalers and orthopaedic inserts to the wind and formed a team to play in the lowest division of the metropolitan league.

As their coach, author Paul Connolly, documents in this hilarious and heartwarming memoir, the Mighty ’Bras, as this Brunswick Zebras team became known, fell in love with a game; a love more intense for its late blossoming. More importantly, these footballing novices discovered that their seemingly whimsical adventure turned out to be so much more, and forged lasting friendships and a sense of community that made all the bumps, bruises and calamitous losses worthwhile.

The revised paperback edition will be available from July 27 from your local bookshop (RRP $24.99) or online retailers (Amazon AU, Booktopia, The Nile). Also available as an eBook.

Image courtesy of Paul Connolly.

We are are very proud to be partnering with Stomping Ground Brewery during the Women’s World Cup to sell their limited-edition ‘Golden Boot’ lager.

We’ll have it on tap at Sumner Park for the duration of the World Cup, including during our Matilda’s viewing parties.

Hope to see you there!

Term 3 will resume on Saturday, 15th July 2023 @ 10.30 am.

There are still places available, but don’t leave it too late, numbers are limited!

If you have any questions, please email us.

We look forward to seeing you back at Sumner!

David Baker has confirmed that he will be leaving the Brunswick Zebras FC to move interstate. This closes a chapter on Senior Men’s Football at the club as he has been without doubt our greatest player since the Senior Men team was established in its current form. We would like to thank him for his dedication to the club

Baker joined the Zebras in 2010 and whether it was the heights of winning the Championship or fighting in relegations battles in the Sumner mud he has led by example. A true clubmen, no fuss, stoic, and a real gentleman. Baker although a class above on the field always helped out off it. Whether running the lines or sweeping out the change rooms.

To put things into perspective for those who are new to the club, everybody around state 3 or 4 football knows of David Baker. He was a colossus, winning every header and tackle with those go-go gadget limbs for almost a decade.

Baker won our Best and Fairest award in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018 (metro league) so it is with great pleasure that the club announce that from now on the Senior Men Best and Fairest award will be known as the David Baker Medal.

Thanks Baker. Good luck.

Brunswick Zebras are deeply saddened by the passing on Sunday 21 June of our beloved committee member and long standing coach, Robert Colla, pictured above, far left, in 2005.

Robert came to our club in 2004 as the first coach of our Under 12 Girls’ team.  He continued to coach girls and women almost every year for the next sixteen years. He contributed enormously to last year’s Women’s State 3 team’s premiership, but more importantly, he has been a pillar in building a robust girls’ and women’s football program throughout the Brunswick Zebras.

As well as coaching, Robert mentored many other coaches, and was an active and energetic member of the committee, especially in regards to the coaching program.

Robert even starred in a cameo playing role, on the backline of the Brunswick Zebras Senior Men’s team when it was managed by Fab Montagna.  Being a good twenty years older than most of his team mates did not deter the athletic and talented defender.

Our hearts go out to Robert’s daughter, Giulia, herself a Brunswick Zebras stalwart, who has played every year for the past sixteen, served as Team Captain, first aid officer, fundraiser, and winner of several playing awards, including the Bruno Saico Award for Best Club Player.

We send our condolences to Robert’s partner and Giulia’s mother, Deborah Pyke, and to Giulia’s sisters, Lucia and Stefania.

Robert, your enthusiasm and passion for the Beautiful Game, along with your humour, kindness, intelligence and grace will be deeply missed at the Brunswick Zebras.