Welcome to a series of caches in and around the Colac District showcasing the variety of different sporting opportunities in the area.
This series will take you to active and inactive locations in the Colac District.
Western Reserve
A local reserve maintained and managed by Colac Otway Shire, and home of Colac Imperials Football Netball Club and West Warrion Cricket Club (Along with Warrion Recreational Reserve).
Facilities are open to the public year round free of charge, and include cricket nets, netball court, football oval and cricket wicket.
Colac Imperials Football Netball Club
Known locally as Imperials or Imps were established in 1937, formed from the disbanded St Andrews Football Club in the local Churches Association. Like many local clubs, the Imperials went into recess from 1940–44 due to WWII. They played an exhibition match against an RAAF team in 1940, even while in recess. After reforming in 1945, the club initially played at the Colac Showgrounds and in 1972 moved permanently to Western Reserve which remains their home to this day.
Most famous of Colac Imperials players, is Luke Hodge, who played 346 games with AFL clubs Hawthorn (2002–2017) and Brisbane Lions (2018–2019) including 4 Premierships and was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2024.
West Warrion Cricket Club
In 2022, Colac West and Warrion cricket clubs merged to form the West Warrion Panthers Cricket Club, a historic move reflecting broader challenges in community sport participation and the benefits of shared resources.
Colac West Cricket Club is the junior home of Australian ODI & T20 captain, and International cricketer Aaron Finch
Be Aware of High Muggle Times
During Winter, the ground is used on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons for Football & Netball training, and games on Saturdays. In summer months, pre-season football & netball training will work aroung Cricket training and games, on Tuesday's, Thursday's, Friday's, Saturday's & Sunday's.
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