With VFL players in the team they had immediate success, topping the second division ladder and losing just three games in the home and away season.

In 1973, the club won its first and only premiership, defeating Brunswick 18.20 (128) to 14.22 (106) in the grand final; full forward John Logan kicked six goals.

In its time in the top division, the club reached the finals once, in 1976;[4] and, in 1977 it won the lightning premiership[5] and was runner-up in the Centenary Cup.

[7] In its first season back in Division 2, the club reached the grand final, losing to Northcote by five points.

The club endured financial difficulties through the 1980s, and it was eventually suspended from the Association after the 1987 season, due to having falling $11,000 behind on affiliation levies.