Photos and info by Wayde Petersen
Congupna (in its current form, there was a Congupna club that folded before WW1) was founded in 1956, making it one of the youngest clubs in the region. It was first known as Congupna Road Football Club (the original name of the town & the club’s current nickname). They play in the Murray Football Netball League.
The club started in the Kyabram District F.L in 1956, winning the flag in their first season. They later joined the now defunct Tungamah League in 1962, winning titles in 1963, 1964, 1971, 1978, 1991 & 1993.
And although they joined the Murray Football Netball League in 1997, they have yet to add to their premiership tally, but they had their best season in years in 2019, when they finished 3rd.
Having one of the most unique nicknames in sport (The Road), Congupna also has a unique jumper to match. They moved from their traditional red with white V to red with a stylised white sash, that looks like a winding road & black trim. More details.
Damian Drum, 1978 premiership player, is a Federal Parliamentarian for the seat of Nicholls. Drum played for Geelong (1982-89, 63 Games, 34 Goals) & Werribee (VFA), coached at Port Melbourne, Sydney (Assistant), Fremantle (1999-2001 53 Games, 13 Wins, 40 Losses) & the Bendigo Diggers (VFL).
Damian also served in the Legislative Council of Victoria for Northern Victoria from 2006-2016, before entering Federal Parliament as the last member for Murray from 2016-2019. The seat was renamed in honour of Sir Douglas Nicholls before the last federal election.
Despite all that, the local scoreboard is named after another Drum, Mark. Brother? Cousin? Father? 300-gamer?
Congupna is the home club of current Magpie, Steele Sidebottom, a former junior at the club.
Scoreboard pressure 