NILMA DARNUM (Nilma Lillico)
Current Affiliation: Ellinbank and District Football League (EDFL) since 1947
Colours: Black and red
Emblem: Bombers
Senior EDFL Premierships: 1949, 1951 (2 total)
EDFL Club Championships: 1995 (1 total)
Senior EDFL Best and Fairest Player Awards: Milton Tatterson 1948; Fred White 1964; Tim Shanahan 1995; Dean Hendrikse 1999 & 2001 (4 Wins/5 Wins)
Originally known as Nilma Lillico, the Bombers entered the Ellinbank and District Football League in 1947 and, after taking a couple of seasons to establish themselves, broke through for the first of three successive grand final appearances in 1949. Opposed by Hallora, Nilma Lillico edged home by 2 points, 12.13 (85) to 12.11 (83). When the two teams met again in the last match of the season a year later, however, Hallora turned the tables after another thriller, winning by 6 points 10.14 (74) to 10.8 (68). The Bombers' second and, to date, last senior flag was claimed in 1951 thanks to an 11.12 (78) to 6.15 (51) grand final defeat of Ellinbank.
In 1977 the club altered its name to Nilma Darnum. It contested the grand final in its second season under the new name, but lost to Neerim-Neerim South by 14 points. This remains the Bombers' last senior grand final appearance. Recent seasons have been a real struggle with a nadir of winless wooden spoons in both 2004 and 2006.
Where now?
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