This Saturday’s home game against St Bedes/Mentone Tigers will provide another important chapter in one of Hampton Rovers’ longest and most cherished traditions, our home game luncheon.
For decades, Rovers members, sponsors, past players and supporters have gathered before home matches inside the Wright-Scarlett Pavilion to enjoy quality food, great company and the unique sense of community that has long defined our club.
Hampton Rovers is proud to be one of the few clubs in the VAFA to continue hosting a sit-down match day luncheon at every senior home game. Originally promoted as the club’s 200th consecutive luncheon, research into the history of the event now suggests the figure is at least 250, and quite possibly well beyond that.
Life member Sue Anderson recalls the tradition beginning when the VAFA introduced its alcohol policy in 1983, with the lunches providing a welcoming environment for members and supporters to gather before matches.
Former president Steve Johnston remembers the early years of the lunches in the 1990s, when volunteers made everything happen. As the functions continued to grow, external caterers eventually became involved.
These days, Luke and Scott from As Simple As That Catering look after the kitchen, delivering what many regard as the best home game luncheon in the VAFA.
The remarkable part of the story is that the tradition has never stopped.
Through premierships and relegations, the move from the old clubrooms to the new facilities, our year away at Sandringham, changing generations of players and members, and even the challenges of the covid affected seasons, the home game lunch has remained a constant at the Hampton Rovers Football Club.
This Saturday we officially celebrate our 250th consecutive home game luncheon. Whether the true number is exactly 250, or perhaps much higher, remains part of the club’s folklore. What matters most is that the tradition continues to thrive.
As part of the celebrations, we’ll hear from some of the people who have helped make the lunches such a success over the years, including former president Steve “Slug” Johnston and current caterer Luke from ASAT, reflecting on the history of the lunches, how they began and some of the stories along the way.
This Saturday, as we gather once again before the seniors take on St Bedes/Mentone Tigers at Boss James Reserve, we celebrate not just a number, but the people, friendships and community spirit that have made the Hampton Rovers home game luncheon such an enduring part of our club.
Numbers are already looking strong and we encourage everyone to book their place for what promises to be another great day at Boss James Reserve. The cost is just $40 per person, or included in your 2026 Club Membership package. The bar opens at 12pm, with the luncheon getting underway from 12:30pm. Click on the button below to book online, or contact Gary Nash directly.
Saturday’s lunch will be the last for a month, with the next home game not until July 25 (past players day), and only three remaining for the 2026 season.
We look forward to welcoming members, sponsors, past players and supporters as we celebrate one of Hampton Rovers’ great traditions.
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers
On the field, the Rovers will be looking for another strong performance, this time against local rivals St Bedes/Mentone, its third v fifth with both teams looking to secure their place within the top four. The Seniors commence at 2:00pm with the Reserves at 11:40am. The Senior Women get the day underway, up against MCC FC at Beaumaris Secondary College at 9:20am. The Under 19s face St Kevin’s at TH King Oval at 2pm, and the Thirds/Dev team are up against Ajax on Sunday 12:30pm at Albert Park. View all fixtures here.
