 The club's time in Division 1 was marked by re-building, the drop and eventual take over of Essendon Lions saw most of the club's previous State League players leave.But none-the-less the club continued to soldier on.In 1974 the club staged the first 'unofficial' Australian-Croatian Soccer Tournament at Montgomery Park with 6 clubs competing; this was a precursor to the official tournament which would take place the following year.