Before Ashfield — coming soon

We’re exploring our links to Emu Rangers and Bassendean George Cross, our possible Maltese roots, and how that heritage may help explain our historic red-and-white colours and the Reds identity we carry today.

Three Eras, One Club

Three distinct eras give Ashfield’s story its shape: John Van Hoek, the Grandfather of Ashfield; the Busby Babes; and the Kelly Gang.

Each era has brought its own personalities, philosophies, challenges and achievements. Each has shaped the club in different ways, built on the contributions of players, coaches, volunteers and supporters.

The Kelly Gang, a nickname not always intended as a compliment, has become part of that story too. It reflects a period of significant change and difficult decisions, as the club broadened participation and strengthened its foundations. The aim has been to build the people, structures and shared responsibility that will allow Ashfield to thrive beyond any one presidency.

Throughout that evolution, the club has embraced PART: Passion, Accountability, Respect and Teamwork, principles intended not simply to guide the present, but to provide a foundation for future generations.

Ultimately, no era belongs to one person or group. Each inherits something from those who came before, carries the responsibility of improving it, and eventually hands it to those who follow.

The personalities may change. The club remains.

The John Van Hoek era

The Grandfather of Ashfield • The founding years through 2007

From juniors to senior football

John Van Hoek holds a special place in Ashfield’s history as the Grandfather of Ashfield. He coached the club’s first senior semi-professional side in 1976 and served as President for decades, with his era continuing through 2007. His contribution is remembered in the John Van Hoek Stand and Medal.

John’s wife, Norma, was by his side throughout those years. She remains a familiar presence in the stands at Ashfield games across all levels. John and Norma are both Life Members, recognising their enduring place in the club’s story.

Those early senior years were challenging. Ashfield spent much of the 1980s in the old Fourth Division before winning the championship in 1988 under Brian Hayhurst and earning promotion. In 1992, the club joined the new Professional Soccer League’s First Division under Gerry Wardle.

In 1993, “Dynamo” was dropped from the name. The main pitch at Ashfield Reserve was fenced and floodlights were installed, with a grandstand following soon after.

Championships and Premier League football

A partnership with Bunbury United in 1996 created Ashfield/Bunbury. Under Ivan Garic, the combined side won the 1998 Division One championship and earned promotion. Premier League football arrived at Ashfield Reserve in 1999.

After two top-flight seasons, the partnership ended. Playing as Ashfield again, the club won Division One in 2001 under Tom Kilkelly and returned to the Premier League for 2002.

The return to Division One brought further challenges. A narrow escape from relegation in 2005 was followed by a rebuild under Salv Todaro. Ashfield finished runners-up in both 2006 and 2007 and won the Lower Division Night Series in 2007.

The Busby era

The Busby Babes • 2007 to 2019

Bill Busby served as President from 2007 to 2019 and is a Life Member of the club. The Busby Babes era included difficult seasons, a memorable cup run and consecutive league runners-up finishes.

In 2008, Ashfield finished bottom of Division One but retained its semi-professional place after Fremantle United declined promotion. The club continued to rebuild, with Matt Carruthers taking charge in 2011.

In 2013, Carruthers led Ashfield to the State Cup final at Litis Stadium. Bayswater City won 1–0, but the photographs of the squad and its Red Wall of supporters remain part of the club’s record of that day.

Under Paul Dundo, Ashfield finished second in Division One in 2014 and 2015. Matt Wardle later led the first team through the final years of Busby’s presidency, including a fifth-place finish in 2019.

Behind those results was the everyday work of keeping a community club running. In a 2016 match programme, Busby thanked the small group of regular volunteers and encouraged others to help. Coaching, opening the clubrooms and welcoming supporters were all part of the story.