Mentone Panthers roaring in 2024

The Mentone Panthers have returned to the VAFA competition in 2024 with success on and off the field.

Formerly known as the Old Mentonians Football club, the Panthers went into recess at the end of the 2022 season citing administration and player retention challenges. The club and its new committee led by President, John Thompson have worked tirelessly in 2023 and 2024 to create the opportunity to return to the VAFA in 2024 navigating many arising challenges over the last 18 months.

In 2023 the club went through a rebrand to support a positive image and to help with the rebuild of the club. This led to a name change to the Mentone Panthers, new logo, jumper and colours. The Panthers still consider their relationships with Mentone Grammar as important as ever and will continue to develop strong connections with the school throughout 2024 and beyond. The history of the Old Mentonians Football Club is also important to the Panthers and is reflected on the new jumpers with “1968”, the founding year of OMFC, on the back of the new jumper.

The rebuild out of recess hasn’t been an easy one with the club challenged by ground access along with recruitment of players and coaches. The move from Mentone Playing Fields has meant a shift to Seaford in 2024 with home games being played at Belvedere Reserve. The club is also returning on the field through the Mens Thirds Competition, most recently playing in the Premier C Men’s Competition.

The first 2 weeks of football has seen 2 victories for the Panthers, who currently sit atop the ladder, as they continue to build in the 2024 season. The club will be channelling key messages of mateship, positive culture and the love of footy in 2024 in a hope to provide a great environment for players, coaches and committee members now and in the future.

The Mentone Panthers are coming up against Williamstown CYMS this Friday night at Belvedere Reserve, Seaford (Healthy Futures Hub – Oval 1) in the VAFA Mens Thirds Division 3 South competition.