Chasing the Burley

Ellenbrook’s Callum White speaks to Cameron Palmer

After founding in 2002, the Ellenbrook Football Club wasted no time in finding their arch rival that has remained across the near 20 year existence of the club.

Located just five minutes away from their home in Ellenbrook, Swan Valley were an obvious geographical rival, though it has been more than geography that has defined this rivalry.

As an Ellenbrook 200 game player, 10 year committee member and all round club great, Callum White says this has always been a match that has significant meaning.

“In terms of rivals, there is only one,” White said.

“Since I’ve come to the club, every time we’ve played Swan Valley it’s pretty fierce and no-one takes a backward step in our games.”

These rivalry matches are now called the “Battle of the Burley”, a tag that goes back to the first battle between the two clubs in 2004. Following that first match up, both teams signed the match day Burley and the tradition was begun that the winner of the Ellenbrook versus Swan Valley match would be the holders of that very special Burley.

It did not take long for this fierce rivalry to have the memorable match that helps to create and define all great rivalries. In their first year as arch rivals, Ellenbrook and Swan Valley would play out an incredible drawn Grand Final in the 2004 Hills Football Association decider. A week later Swan Valley would win the Grand Final Replay, yet from that one battle a rivalry was cemented.

That drawn Grand Final remains a rivalry folklore at the Ellenbrook Football Club as the old players of that day often reminisce on the great battle with a great rival.

“From what’s said, there were a lot of guys that were on one leg, couldn’t breathe, but still managed to play on,” White said.

“The more drinks the guys have, the better it gets.”

Due to the promotion and relegation nature of the Perth Football League, the two rivals have only been in the same division and played for the Battle of the Burley in two seasons since 2008, when both sides were in C3 division football of the Perth Football League in 2015 and 2016.

After winning both Battles of the Burley in 2015, Ellenbrook could not retain the much sought after ball in 2016, with Swan Valley winning the last battle in which the two rivals played. That match was a typical tight encounter. Ellenbrook led by one point at the final change, but could not hold the lead as Swan Valley ran out nine point victors.

While it has been four years since there last battle, White still says everyone at the club looks forward to the next battle against their great rival, when they can bring the Burley back to Ellenbrook.

“Unfortunately that footy is currently sitting up the road,” White said.

“Hopefully we get the chance to play them in the next year or two.”

Whenever that next battle does come, expect a fierce battle, only fitting for the Battle of the Burley.