The Hampden Football League commenced in 1930 when Camperdown, Cobden, Mortlake and Terang began the competition. This was three years after the formation of the Victorian Country Football League, Warrnambool and South Warrnambool were admitted in 1933. Applications from Port Fairy and Koroit for admission were rejected in 1934.

In 1935 the Hampden League was named as the Major League of the Corangamite District of the VCFL, which became the Hampden District in 1936. Port Fairy and Colac became members in 1949, the same year as the Maskell Cup (later to become The Maskell Medal) was introduced.

In 1961, Koroit and Coragulac were admitted. Coragulac remained as a member until 1979, after which they amalgamated with Colac. This club remained with the League until 2001, when they transferred to the Geelong Football League. North Warrnambool was admitted to the league in the late 90's.

The League was controlled by club delegates from 1930 until 1985 when an Independent Executive was installed to conduct the affairs of the League.

Towards the end of the 1980's, the Executive agreed that the playing of netball by the clubs would be an improvement and help to the league and this experiment has proved most successful with the League incorporating Netball in its name in the mid 90's to become the Hampden Football Netball League Inc., with six grades now particpating each week end.

Mortlake began to struggle for numbers towards the end of the 1990's and an amalgamation was sought. Two years ago a successful amalgamation was made with Terang to form the Terang/Mortlake Club, with games being played in both towns during the season.

Associated Clubs of Hampden FNL in 2005 are Camperdown, Cobden, Koroit, North Warrnambool, Port Fairy, South Warrnambool, Terang/Mortlake and Warrnambool.

All Clubs are welcomed and encouraged to use their self-editing Club and Team Websites.