In 1983 at Monash University a group of students and friends formed the Monash Vipers Gridiron Club. The Monash Vipers made contact with two other clubs in Victoria: the Melbourne Steelers and Frankston Outlaws and organised the first game in Victoria was between three teams who played against New South Wales team. The first Victorian game was between the Vipers and Steelers, with Vipers winning 8-7.

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In the late 1983 early 1984 the Monash Vipers Committee, having little response from the University (with regards to grounds and assistance) moved to Croydon, as the Croydon Council were able to provide them a playing ground. In early 1984 Croydon – together with the Steelers, Outlaws and Geelong Wildcats – formed the Victorian Gridiron Football League with 1984 being the inaugural American Gridiron Football season in Victoria.

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The Rangers are the only remaining founding Club and have had a very successful history, with many players selected to for Victorian, Australia and now International opportunities.

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The Rangers played their first season at Ainslie Park in Croydon. The first year was played without pads or helmets with Outlaws defeating Rangers 12-0 in the inaugural Vic Bowl.

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January 1985 the first fully equipped (pads, helmets etc.) game was played at VFL Park in front of 30,000 plus crowd between Victoria and New South Wales (Victoria winning 16-6) as a curtain raiser to the Wyoming Cowboys and Utep Miners.

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In 2000, the Croydon Rangers joined the newly-formed Gridiron Victoria league, which was created to provide a more structured and competitive gridiron league in Victoria.

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The Rangers continued their winning ways in Gridiron Victoria and to this day remain one of the top teams in the state across each division. We now field teams in Under 13's, Under 16's, Under 19's and Senior Men's - and are the largest American Football Club in Australia.

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In addition to their success on the field, the Croydon Rangers have been instrumental in developing American football in Australia. The club has a strong focus on developing young players, and has been responsible for the development of many of Australia's top American football players. The Rangers have also been involved in promoting the sport in the local Maroondah community, and have worked to develop partnerships with local schools and community organisations.

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In 2024 the Croydon Rangers will celebrate their 40th anniversary.