Opinions, Profiles and Deductions
by Ian Granland
(The first five pages are a brief over view of football in Sydney from the first game in 1877 until about 1963. Many of the issues need to be developed and supporting data can be obtained from the information which then follows)
Football in NSW has had its ups and downs since it was first played in Sydney in 1877. Although there is a suggestion of (Australian) football being played at Sydney University in 1864, I am yet to find any evidence of it. I have however read that rugby was played at the university in the same year and I have concluded that this is the game which has been confused with our code.
It must be mentioned here that in those days, there was little difference between rugby and Victorian Football; They both: played on a rectangular field, faced each other in groups when playing and started their respective games by kicking off from the centre (as does rugby does now), with both played in two halves. It was in the latter 30 years of the nineteenth century that Victorian Football underwent such dramatic change.
Melbourne’s population exceeded Sydney’s in the eighteen eighties by about 50,000. Most of Sydney’s population was centred in the CBD, east to Paddington, west to Pyrmont, south to around Redfern and north to the very lower part of the North Shore.
It is difficult for the contemporary population to imagine what life was like for people in those days in Sydney; There was no television, radio or telephone. Those employed worked for … hours per week with the average weekly wage $…
Supermarkets were non existent. Cars were only a thought in some people’s mind whilst transport was by means of tram, steam train, walking or by horse or horse.
Conveniences in an average home were very much restricted. The well off might have had piped water. Sewerage was not as sophisticated as later and the electric light was a novelty.
When Australian football evolved in Sydney sport was just a past time. There certainly wasn’t the myriad of sports or past times then as there are today.
Newspapers as the only medium for communication were quick to capitalise on a new sport and one which could possibly cause some concern to the incumbent rugby football.
Some writers spoke of the new code in glowing terms, unconscientiously then sowing the seed in supporters and officials of the rugby code of jealously and ill-will to a rival game of football, such ill-will still exists even today in some quarters.
The introduction of soccer to the colony of NSW imposed no such feeling and in fact was encouraged by rugby officials. Yet the Victorian game of football had the opposite effect.
The catalyst for the game’s introduction into Sydney was from the Secretary of the Carlton FC, Mr T.P. Power. It was his initial intention to invite a team from New South Wales and South Australia to play Carlton in Melbourne ‘on his new ground’. South Australia showed a favourable response however when the letter was tabled at the 1877 Annual General Meeting of the Southern Rugby Football Union held in May, it received the following response:
“That this meeting regreats that I cannot entertain the proposal made in Mr Power’s letter of the 16 April, for an intercolonial football match between this colony and Victoria, inasmuch as the rules under which the game is played in the two colonies are so diametrically different that any attempt to play a match in either of the modes proposed by Mr Power would be unsatisfactory, and the result would be no test of the strength of either colony in the game”.
In the same week, the Waratah Club (a leading club in the rugby competition) complained in their annual report about the likliehood of injury, particularly through scrimmaging to players if the rules are not altered.
The rugby establishment, most particularly the leading club, the Wallaroos would not countenance any change to the rules and were particularly unrelenting in their comments about a particular proponent of the changes at the seventh annual meeting, also in March. Mr R.A. Arnold, the club secretary and educated at the Rugby School in England was also a leading figure in the SRFU and was one who would not encourage any change which could be seen as a colonial influence to the rules of his game.
The introduction of the game was forced by a number expatriots playing rugby in Sydney, most particularly those playing for the Waratah (Rugby) Club which was in it’s fourth season.
They said they were dissatisfied with the rules of rugby and wanted change. The president of the University club at the time commented on the fact that rugby “appeared to emphasise on brute strength rather than a skill factor”. It did appear at that stage that the university club supported a similar want for change.
The Carlton club eventually visited Sydney by boat, the Barrabcol in June 1877 for two matches. The first, on Saturday, 23 June was played under rugby rules on the Albert Cricket Ground. Waratah 2 goals beat Carlton nil. The crowd of 3000, paying an admission fee, was considered very good considering that even the rugby game at that time was not very popular with the public.
The Albert Cricket Ground was located in an area bounded by Elizabeth, Kettle, Morehead and Phillip Streets Redfern, opposite Redfern Oval where the present Police Citizens Youth Club and public housing flats now stand.
It was the premier sports ground in Sydney between 1871-77 hosting inter-colonial cricket games including W.G. Grace's side in 1873-4 and Lillywhite's team in 1876-77. Additionally it was the only ground where a gate could be charged however and the (private) owners - players and supporters of the Albert Cricket Club, charged their tennants 20% of the gate. [Oxford Companion to Australian Cricket].
The ground had a large grandstand and pavilion which included a verandah with three sides. It was primarily used as a cricket ground and crowds as large as 13,000 attended major matches and was during its use considered to be one of the best grounds in the country.
The game was marred by a number of scrimages. The Artillery band was present the afternoon and gave a selection of music. Also in attendance was the Governor of NSW and his wife, Lady Robinson. The match commenced at 2.40pm and the Waratah team was led by F. Bulter. It was noted that the Carlton players ‘appeared bigger and stronger than their opponents’.
Some concern was aired publically that the Waratah Club represented only a portion of the colonies best footballers and was not a true representation of the talent. The major reason being that the SRFU did not support the game and in fact fixtured another match at Paramatta in competition with the Carlton game.
When the SRFU (Southern Rugby Football Union) would not change their game to play the Victorian version of football or even consider a change of rules, the Waratah Club voted alone to change their code.
A small minority of clubs also changed codes and some new ones begun, however from 1877 to 1894 there was never more than five senior clubs.
I note though that many of the officials of the various clubs were also the players, which gives evidence to one of two scenarios: 1, that the clubs were considered ‘players clubs’ and that it was the responsibility of the players to conduct them, or 2, and the one I favour, that officials were light on and players had no choice but to double as officials. (what changes are there to todays football?)
There is little suggestion of many junior clubs playing the game, although I have read where over 400 junior teams played in the early 1890s yet I am at a loss to know where these teams eminated or played so I do not believe the numbers were anywhere near that figure.
St Ignatius (Riverview) and St Josephs College students (who were, I venture to say, were considerably older than their contemporaries of today, plus the fact they were permitted to play 20 on field players as against the normal opposition’s 18) were encouraged into playing the game, mostly in a social vein by their religious teachers, some of whom it is possible either came from Victoria or were Irish.
St Ignatius played one season in the senior grade in the Flanagan Cup whilst St Josephs College played in the junior grade for that year.
There is no doubt that the game was very strongly supported in the Newcastle area in the late nineteen century. I suggest that gold miners, finding themselves out of work in Victoria when gold petered out and in the era and before the depression of the early 1890s, moved to the Hunter Valley to gain employment in the coal mines. If there was that support then, why did it die when the game petered out in Sydney? For the want of not sounding contradictory, ‘was it ever that strong in Newcastle’?
Evidence reveals that over the past 100 years, the game in Newcastle has been a very ad hoc affair. Sometimes on and sometimes off. Diehards of the game in Newcastle will say that the game has always had a presence there, however my research proves that to be incorrect. In the 1980s a former Newcastle FL player wrote a thesis on the evolution of the game in Newcastle, which, I might say from my observations and research, is very much wide of the mark.
In Sydney there was the 1893 final where spite, hatred, personal considerations and poor management of the Association dealt the game a harsh blow when players, administrators and supporters failed to support the code in subsequent seasons. I think however the depression of the early 1890s had something to do with this with the movement of players out of Sydney which would have assisted in the demise of the sport, which really was in a delicate situation.
There was some degree of re-generation but none strong enough to replace the apparent enthusiasm and popularity of the game it had in previous and initial years.
This was a period when all colonies were in the midst of an economic depression and there was little work. The game was never ‘that’ big in Sydney, although it gained reasonable space in the newspapers of the day simply because there was little other sports to report on unlike today. The newspapers of the day however can give the contemporary reader a false impression of the strength of the code.
The Resurgence
A lot of hard work and travel went into re-introducing the game in 1903. From the reports I have read, Harry Hedger was the person most prominent in ‘making it happen’. In fact he has been given very little recognition for his action in re-igniting the game in Sydney although he was elected the league’s first life member in 1905.
He visited Melbourne where he attended meetings of the VFL and solicited a game between Fitzroy and Collingwood to the SCG. He attended the formation meetings of most clubs in early 1903 and assumed a vice presidents and the treasurers role in the league itself. Harry had a job as a xxx and could make his way round the country (Melbourne) with little obstruction.
The first president was Sir John See, Premier of NSW. According to newspaper reports, he appeared to play no active part in the day to day operation of the game and was merely a titular head.
The game continued to grow in the public eye, although the participation rate, when the number of teams are considered in the respective competitions, reduced alarmingly. Because not many games were played on enclosed grounds, the league failed to reap any financial benefits of gate takings as did the rugby code of the time. Also I venture to suggest that the novelty of the game had worn off; there was little or no momentum to keep the interest there.
The NSWFL relied very heavily on gate receipts from interstate matches: NSW V opponents and matches between VFL clubs played in Sydney. Evidence has it that most visiting clubs left most or all gate receipts to the league. Grounds became a problem around 1909-10. An attempt to overcome this and re-establish the game, with the help of Sir Hugh Denison (formerly Dixon), a Western Australian who was considered the father of football in that state and subsequently a newspaper proprietor in Sydney, (in fact Managing Director of the Sydney Sun), a bold move was made to secure the league’s own ground.
In 1911 the Australian Football Ground at Alexandria was opened. It was located on 12½ acres which was previously the site of the (old) Rosebery Racecoure on the north west corner of Botany and Gardiners Roads, Alexandria.
Membership of the ground was one guinea and over two hundred members joined. Redfern cricket club, impressed with the ground, arranged for a lease of the ground for cricket games.
Later this purchase was criticised because it was done so at the expense of the apparent continuation of the lease of Ersineville Oval, a near city enclosed ground. The ground at ‘Nth Botany’ (Mascot/Alexandria) was a long way from the city in those days notwithstanding the fact that it an electric tram line ran from the city on the adjacent Botany Road. (Maybe the criticism was villified following the start of the first world war).
In 1914 the game in Sydney suffered a mortal setback when the first world war was declared.
A national all states carnival was held in Sydney in 1914 and when all sides convened at the Australian Football Ground, the ground owned by the league, for athletic contests prior to the carnival on August 4, the acutal declaration of war was made.
The carnival itself was held at the SCG but because of war, never attracted the attendances needed to augment the game in Sydney or the canival itself. The country was in a state of uneasiness, not knowing what effects war would bring and the total gate receipted grossed only seven hundred and sixy pounds for the xxx day carnival.
On the other hand and just as important in the game’s decline, young men (of football playing age) of the day rushed to sign up for the army. My research shows that Australian Football at that time was at it’s peak in the state’s capital; The league had a fulltime secretary and it’s own ground.
It never really recovered from this announcement at such a crucial time of it’s evolution into the culture of the city.
For example, in Sydney alone, 10,000 men enlisted in the Army by the end of August, 1914 and over 50,000 by the end of that year.
The league didn't have reserve funds to offset the loss of the 1914 carnival and as a result, had to forfeit the Australian Football Ground at Alexandria. I suggest because of the lack of ability to repay any loan on it, although more research needs to be undertaken on this issue. All of the trustees of the ground resigned mainly due to the league owing a debt of £9,000. One of these trustees relieved this financial burden of the others by purchasing the ground. Although not mentioned, I think this was Hugh Denison.
J.E. Phelan after whom the Sydney Football League’s Best & Fairest Medal and recognized father of the game in Sydney, stated some time later, “I gather no personal consolation from the fact that had my contention to be content with the purchase of the ground and to withhold lavish expenditure been followed, the League might still be in ownership of the ground proper”.
The Australian Football Council could offer no help and in fact that organisation virtually failed to operate in the war years. It is noted however that the league president and a trustee, A E Nash, whom also resigned, was president of the AFC from 1914-18.
I reproduce from part of the president's acceptance speech made by A E Nash made at a meeting of of the Australian Football Council's meeting at Aarons Exchange Hotel in Sydney on 4 August 1914, during the All States Carnival:
".........The thing that appeals to every man who comes to New South Wales for the first time is the lack of nationalism. I speak now as an Englishman, as an old Rugby player, as an old colonist of 25 years standing. I have been dipping into this question since 1903, and I have been in the firing line ever since, but I have never yet got a grip - the foundation - of the real feeling against our game in this state. But there is something which militates against the advancement of our game. It is the only branch of sport which we have produced that is purely Australian; therefore, it is national. I have done my utmost during the past 11 years to make this game catch the popular favor. I have always been struck with the way in which I have been received in Victoria and South Australia. The lack of interest in the game in this State is surprising. I think the whole of the controlling bodies in Australia have done a right royal thing in coming here and giving us this Carnival, so as to show the people, if they will only roll up, what a beautiful game it is when played between two fine teams.
I thank you on behalf of the trust, which really controls the destinies of the game in New South Wales. We have a fine body of men, of whom our Patron, Mr H R Denison is the Chairman. I do not suppose there is an one involved so much as the trustees. We, jointly are severally, are liable for £8,000; we have one of the finest grounds in Australia, apart, of course, from the Melbourne and Sydney Cricket Grounds. We bought the ground at a low price, and it has doubled itself in value. If this Carnival had been a brilliant success, we had another scheme to secure a more central ground, involving a sum of £10,000, which was a good business proposition; but that will have to stand over for some considerable time. I should advise Western Australia particularly, if they can secure their own ground ..........." (AFC Minutes P 120/1, bound copy)
League saviour, Jim Phelan tried in vein to re-establish the ground some years later but the idea was rejected outright by the league's administrative committee. He was very disappointed with this decision.
The ground was known by the locals as Shepperd’s Bush was later sold to the YMCA and then to the local coursing assoication although there was some use of it it the late 1920s for our game.
The league reduced to five in 1917 clubs because of the effects of WWI. A motion to suspend the league for the remainder of the war initially was adopted, then subsequently rescinded. It is reported that only through the interstate troops stationed in or adjacent to Sydney during the war, that football had enough manpower to continue.
The number of clubs rose to six in 1920 however, the reserve grade which was suspended in 1916, was reserected in 1919 with some clubs then fielding reserve grade only, later moved into first grade.
Between the wars nothing of note took place in the game, apart from the introduction of ‘district football’ at the start of the 1926 season. District football, a pet project of Jim Phelan, forced the amalgation of the East Sydney and Paddington Clubs to become Eastern Suburbs.
Whilst today the East Sydney Club is considered to be a continuing founding club of the sport in Sydney, it gained it’s name in the early 1970s when Eastern Suburbs had no other option than to change it’s name prior to applying for a liquor license.
Clubs which had been prosecuted for offences like ‘illegally selling alcohol’ (as I imagine Eastern Suburbs had over the years) would find it very difficult to gain a licence, which by the way the renamed East Sydney Club did in 197..?
The second world war brought many, many new and experienced interstate players into Sydney and as a result the standard of football was very high.
Attendances were boosted by the much higher standard with locals as well as servicemen attending games. In fact the game has never enjoyed such a high level of acceptance than during those war years.
When the war ended some servicemen remained in Sydney but most returned home.
The league continued to enjoy bumper years immediately following the war but then a number of negative issues effected the game:
• The RAAF (most of whose players were based at Richmond) was permitted to re-enter a side in 1947. This proved unsuccessful with both their first and reserve grades failing to win a game. All of their games were played in the immediate Sydney area.
• It also created a bye with some players then not involved in football each week.
• In 1948 three new teams: Wests, Balmain and Sydney Uni were accepted into the competition.
• This meant extra costs, more grounds and a spreading of the player numbers thus reducing the overall standard.
• The league lost Trumper Park, a centrally located vital cog with Sunday Football being a medium to earn those much need funds through gate receipts. The league took all gate receipts and they also paid for ground hire (for matches) and for umpires. The resonsibility of gates and umpires did not become the clubs responsibility until the late 1970s or early eighties.
• The league obtained Henson Park (Marrickville). This was a great ground although located slightly out of the way. Industrial trouble stopped the running of trams during eleven successive Sundays, including finals, resulting in a six hundred pound loss to the league.
It is now 1948, and the league should have looked at handing over those type of operations to individual clubs.
• 1949 was disasterous; There were several more weekends without transport: trams and trains; The season was one of the wettest on record; The league received one weeks notice that their finals venue, the Sydney Sports Ground, would be unavailable. One must ask the question as to whether this was politically inspired.
• A new club: Illawarra, based at Wollongong came onto the scene: more costs. One must again ask the question whether there were too many teams in the competition. It was unbalanced for a long time. This was a time when a two division league should have been contemplated.
• The league was intent on giving the gate receipts of interstate and special matches to charity, whilst their own coffers went bare.
• There was increased expenditure with grounds, umpires, footballs etc.
• The grand final was played on Saturday 24 September and the date clashed with a big race meeting at Randwick.
• The weather in 1950 was very similar to 1949 - wet.
• The league failed to have a Sunday ground which severley effected gate receipts and they were down as compared to last year.
Receipts for the finals however were increased, to five hundred and ninety three pounds - an all time record. A Sunday final and grand final (for the first time) helped considerably.
• The NSW Rugby League, lessee of the SCG refused to allow a VFL competition match to be played their on May 26, preceeded by NSW V Qld game. In their clause of agreement, the rugby league must have permitted up to five Saturdays during the season for other codes of football to use the ground.
This was another occasion when Australian Football finished with the worse end of the deal.
• In 1950 the league finished the season with a loss of three hundred and fifty three pounds.
• There was no interstate game played on the SCG
Administrators in Sydney were basically never ones to be innovative. Though in 1960 (maybe ’61 - pls check) the league reduced team numbers to 16 aside. This, unfortunately lasted only 6 (?) rounds when they were reverted to the almost univsal 18 players per team.
Parramatta entered the competition in 1962 (check) and at the end of 1963 it was quite evident that football in Sydney was heading for a very long lopsided period.
Whilst Parramatta combined with Bankstown and Liverpool to form Southern Dists playing out of Rosedale Oval, Warwick Farm, this initiative limited the development of the code in the Parramatta/Blacktown area, 1964 certainly was the year where the league should have introduced two divisions.
The lack of vision for such a move subsequently proved to be a setback and maybe a reson for the eventual demise of three near city clubs in the 1970-80 period.
The perfect scenarion would have been:
1st Div - Sydney Naval, Wests, North Shore, Easts, St George and Newtown whilst
2nd Div - Balmain, Sth Sydney, Bankstown, Parramatta, Liverpool and University, with the possibility of Uni of NSW entering as a ‘senior’ team rather than playing in reserve grade for a number of years.
to be continued……
This is a profile of Mr Jim Phelan, recognized as the ‘father of football’ in Sydney::
JIM PHELAN
Mr James E Phelan was involved in the game in Sydney in the 1880s when in 1887 he played with the Waratah club.
He was born in Ballarat, Victoria around about 1860. He eventually moved to Melbourne where he played cricket and football with the Hotham Football Club later to become Nth Melbourne.
He migrated to Sydney in the late eighties whjere he played with the Waratah Club. He continued with the game until it’s demise in the depression of 1893.
The game was resurrected in 1903 mainly through the efforts of Harry Hedger. Jim Phelan was a part of the resurrection and helped form the Newtown Club where he was elected foundation secretary.
He continued in this role and also one of state selector for some years. He began to write for a weekly sporting publication,The Arrow, and when the league fell on hard times at the beginning of WWI he assumed the position of league secretary.
It is recognized that it was mainly through his efforts that the game was able to continue throughout the war, albeit with one grade each of four clubs until 1920 (?).
He became NSW’s delegate to the ANFC and in 1924 was elected life member of that body.
He was elected a labor alderman for the then Erskineville Council and worked tirelessly for the code to obtain a new ground: Erskineville Oval through the Department of Housing.
The Department resumed the original land on which the ground stood - west of the ground’s present site where public housing now stands - and arranged for a new ground to the built at it’s present location facing in a north south direction.
He was a state selector from 1908 to 1915.
I HAVE DIVIDED THE FOLLOWING PAGES INTO YEARS WHERE ALL THE RELEVANT INFORMATION RELATING THEIR PARTICULAR YEAR IS CONFINED. WHEN COMPLETED, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SHOULD SERVE A BASIS FROM WHICH A HISTORY OF THE GAME IN SYDNEY CAN BE GAUGED
1877
A meeting of the SRFU to consider an inter-colonial match between Victoria and NSW was convened for 1 May at the Exchange Hotel. This was in response to Mr Power’s (Secretary of the Carlton Club) letter. The night carried with it bad weather and only ‘half a dozen gentlemen turned up about 8 0’clock and waited patiently for half an hour; but as there was no addition to the number, and the secretary of the Union was also absent, no meeting came off and the question of an intercolonial match is therefore in obeyance at present’. (Sydney Mail, P566, 5 May 1877).
The 1877 AGM of the SRFU was held at Gannon’s Exchange Hotel on Monday 7 May. Besides other business, the meeting had to discuss a letter from Mr Power, (VFA). The following motion was resolved unanimously on the motion of Mr R Arnold, seconded by Mr Corkhill: “That this meeting regrets that it can not entertain the proposal made in Mr Power’s letter of the 16 April, for an intercolonial football match between this colony and Victoria, inasmuch as the rules under which the game is played in the two colonies are so diametrically different that any attempt to play a match in either of the modes proposed by Mr Power would be unsatisfactory, and the result would be no test of the strength of either colony of the game’. (Sydney Mail, P597, 12/5/1877)
It would appear from an article in the Leader ‘… As I mentioned last year, Mr Power, the energetic secretary of the Carlton Club, had made up his mind to have an intecolonial match on his new ground this season, and in all probabliity we shall see teams both from NSW and Sth Aust, as both colonies have favourably entertained the idea, the Sth Australians, in fact, having accepted the invitation …’ (Sydney Mail, P566, 5/5/1877)
An extract from the (annual) report of the University Club ‘ Much dissatisfaction has been expressed at the great scope allowed in the Rugby rules for the exercise of mere brute strength, to the consequent disadvantage of skill in the game proper; and whilst your committee think that a scrimmage now and again in a game may be very good to enliven the forwards, still they must record their protest against the game being allowed to resolve itself into a series of these trials of strength without allowing any opportunity for the proper exercise of the art of drop-kicking. They therefore would enjoin on your delegates to the S R F Union to seek to obtain such rules passed as will mitigate this growing evil’. (Sydney Mail, P566, 5/5/1877)
At a meeting of the Southern Rugby Football Union (SRFU), delegates from some clubs voice their concern over the amount of hacking, kicking and scrimmages which had become part of the game.
They said that the way the game is played, lead to more injuries, forcing them taking time off work, therefore losing money.
Some delegates of the Waratah Club, certainly ex-Victorians, suggested that the SRFU consider playing the game of football by Australian Rules, as is the case in the colony of Victoria.
Senior officials of the SRFU scoffed at the idea, particularly when it was suggested that the SRFU invite a team from Melbourne to play an inter-colonial match. A number of excuses were put forward.
The SRFU however offer no opposition to the Waratah Club inviting Melbourne Club, Carlton, to Sydney to participate in a series of matches.
Carlton are then invited to visit Sydney to play the Waratah Club. On Saturday, 23 June they play a game under rugby rules on the Albert Cricket Ground, near where Redfern Park now stands. Waratah 2 goals beat Carlton nil. Crowd: 3000 considered very good considering that the ‘our game is not very popular with the public’. There were a number of scrimages in the game. The Artillery band was present the afternoon and gave a selection of music. The match commenced at 2.40pm and the Waratah team was led by F. Bulter. It was noted that the Carlton players appeared bigger and stronger than their opponents. (Sydney Mail, P821, 30/6/1877)
Whilst a considerable description of both games are provided, it is the second match - of Australian Rules - of which I am most conerned. (I.G. - 1997)
They play another game on the following Monday where 1500 spectators witness a game played under Australian Rules which Carlton win 6 goals to nil. The Governor of NSW and Lady Robinson, were present at both games and stayed for nearly all of the matches. (Sydney Mail, P821, 30/6/1877)
The Sydney Mail states ‘The Victorian game differs essentially from that played here, and gives much more scope for the vigorous enjoyment of football than the Rugby game; and although the play was on Monday, was to a great extent one sided, it was from a spectator’s point of view, it was much more edifying than Saturday’s performance’. (Sydney Mail, P821, 30/6/1877)
A former Carlton player, Newing captained the Waratah twelve, Mr J. Glennon acted as umpire for the ‘dark blue and reds (Waratah), and Mr Hepburn for the dark blues and Mr W Freeman held the position of central umpire. (Sydney Mail, P821, 30/6/1877)
The match started at 3pm and finished at 5pm. The Waratah team were comprised of: Beal, Brodie, Butler, Easton, Fischer, Gouly, Hayman, Hinwood, Horsley, Lee, Marshall, Moon, Mullins, Newing (capt.), J. Brodie, Raper, Robertson, Thallon, Walker, Watson. (Sydney Mail, P821, 30/6/1877)
W. Goer was an former captain of Carlton. He played for Carlton against Waratah in 1877 in Sydney. (Sydney Mail, P821, 30/6/1877)
The Waratahs entertained the Carltons at dinner at Hook’s Hotel. The Sydney Mail reported that the Waratahs were considerably out of pocket in bringing Carlton to Sydney. Carlton returned by the ship, You Yangs on the Wednesday to Melbourne ‘thoroughly delighted with the brief trip to Sydney’. (Sydney Mail, P821, 30/6/1877)
The Sydney Mail reporter castigated the rugby team, the Walloos who declined to postpone their Saturday match against combined schools at Parramatta Park. (Sydney Mail, P821, 30/6/1877)
Some Rules of the Time
The team winning the toss, kicking off from the centre with all of his team behind him. Players then ran into position.
When the ball went out of bounds, the central umpire threw it back in (there were no boundary umpires) and it had to hit the ground before it came into play.
The "little mark" was used with players "putting" the ball on their boot and throwing it.
Behinds did not count in a score.
Place kicks were the chief mode of scoring from long distances.
The game was played in two halves.
The game was known is Sydney as the Victorian Game. (F/R1927 No7, P 1)
1879
The Waratah team which played Carlton in Melbourne in July were: J. Brodie, W. Druce, M H Howard, Frank Thallon, Frank Butler, Watty Marshall, Rowley Eaton, W Newing, F G Brown & R Watson (Maitland), … McDougall, Arthur Phillips, R. Thallon (Capt), George Walker (Jumbo), W. O’Brien, Fred Hayman, W. Riddiford, W. Neal, Alf Lee, John Brodie, Jas Robertson, H. Williams and W. Bethel. (SMH 24.5.1904)
1880
NSWAFA
President: Phillip Sheridan
Secretary: Charles Beale
Treasurer: W. C Hinwood
… I wish to mention that an advertisement appears in this week’s Mail (Sydney Mail) inviting “persons desirous of forming a club under the Victorian football rules “ to meet at Statton’s Hotel, Woohhahra on Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock. I am afraid that the distance of the place of meeting from Sydney will prevent many metropolitan players who approve of the object of the meeting from attending. The University, Waratah and Burwood players are, I believe, anxious to see some change in the game; but the convener of the meeting can hardly expect them to go all the way out to Woohhahra on a winter night with the prospect of a walk back to town. Some consideration is due to footballers who are likely to bring influential support to a movement of thi kids and I suggest therefore, that the place of meeting should be changed to Sydney. If the meeting be held at Woollahra, I shall ignore personal inconvenience and face the inclement heights of that well-ventilated suburb; but I don’t think many other football supporters will prove equally enthusiastic or, shall I say foolhardy? (Sydney Mail 19 June 1880)
The little meeting which was held at Woollahra on Wednesday evening last in favour of adopting the Victorian football rules is likely to develop into something more extensive than the promoter had any idea of. When the advertisement appeared convening the meeting, those who happened to see it wondered who Mr G.A. Crisp was and why he wanted footballers to go all the way out to Woollahra. It now turns out that the movement originated simply from a desire on the part of Mr Crisp to start a local club at Woollahara under the Victorian rules to play amongst themelves at first, in the hope that as the game attracted converts they would be in a position to engage in club matches. He, it appears, had no idea that so many active admirers of his favourite game were to be found in the metropolis and was evidently astonished when an assurance was given that such was the fact. The ball now having been set rolling, it remains to be seen whether the professed supporters of the Victorian game, or of football under the English Association rules will make a determined effort to carry the agitation to a successful issue. Some seasons ago an effort in this direction was put forward but the changed then proposed were supported in only a half hearted sort of way and the pro-Rugbeans, with the assistance of the country clubs, who knew little or nothing of the question involved, got the best of it when it came to voting power and so the matter has remained till now. It is pretty well understood however, that there are scores of footballers in the metropolitan and suburban clubs (the Wallaroos expected) who play the Rugby game under protests as it were, and wh would gladly welcome a radical change in the present method of playing football. Some players, I am aware, can’t swallow the idea of adopting the Victorian game, simply because it is supposed to hail from the sister colony; but as far as I can gather the opinions of anti Rugbeans, it is not considered absolutely necessary that the Victorian rules pure and simple should be adopted, and many advocate the formation of an association similar to that which exists in England. However, for the information who may not be well posted up in the game as played with so much public enthusiasm in the neighbouring colonly I have obtained a copy of the Victorian rules which will be found publishes elsewhere. They are remarkably simple and may readily be credited to the 59 articles of the Rugby creed. Next week I man be able to refer to the English Association rules and point out in what respect the Victorian differ from them. The meeting held at Wollahra is adjourned till Wednesday next at Hook’s Freemansons Hotel, York Street the hour fixed being 8 o’clock. I hope to see a large attendance and that such a number of footballers will be found willing to play under other than Rugby rules as to justify the formation of a new Union. Anti-Rugbeans must now declare themselves or ‘forever hold their peace.” (Leatherstocking, Sydney Mail 26 June 1880)
The following is a record of a meeting for the formation of Australian Football in Sydney:
Sydney Mail – 3 July 1880
FOOTBALL NOTES – by Leatherstocking
I suppose that the meeting which took place on Wednesday evening to consider the propriety of adopting the Victorian football rules has never been excelled in this colony in point of numbers and enthusiasm. At 8 o’clock there were fully 50 persons present; before the chairman took his seat the long room of the Freemasons’ Hotel (in York Street) was crowded, and in a very short time only standing room could be obtained. To put down the number of footballers present at 100 is certainly not giving more than a fair estimate and even those who were sanguine that the movement would be warmly taken up were not prepared for such marked success at the outset. This being the satisfactory state of affairs, it is a pity that anything should have occurred to mar “the harmony of the evening” to any extent whatever. The first resolution moved was, - “That in the opinion of this meeting a radical change in the game of football as at present played in this colony is necessary;” and this was distinctly read out to the meeting so that everybody could gather is purport. The mover occupied some minutes in advocating the object of the resolution and a discussion, lasting some considerable time, ensued. The resolution was then read by the chairman, put to the meeting, and carried unanimously. Subsequently a committee was appointed to bring up a report recommending the adoption of certain rules and the usual vote of thanks to the chairman was also agreed to. So far the business had proceeded without a hitch, the meeting having taken about an hour and a-half to consider what it was committing itself to. But suddenly it struck one gentleman who had either been slumbering peacefully throughout the discussion, or whose perceptive faculties must be of the dullest kind, that the meeting had not adopted the Victorian rules, and no assurance that the committee intended to do so was sufficient to remove his suspicion that the meeting had been “got at”. Things then began to get somewhat mixed; but after a time the irregular discussion which had been going on was stopped, and a fresh chairman having been appointed, the first two resolutions carried amid great enthusiasm: “That the gentlemen present, or those who desire to do so, form themselves into an association to be called the New South Wales Football Association, and that they adopt the Victorian Football Association rules.” This I, of course, admit was very emphatic and satisfactory, and no doubt set at rest the fears of these who seemed to doubt or suspect the intentions of the mover of the first resolution; but at the same time the course adopted was not only unnecessary, but brought down some amount of ridicule upon the meeting. Mr Monte Arnold, an arch-Conservative, who had previously delivered himself of a long oration on the merits of the Rugby game as opposed to the merits of the Victorian, chuckled immensely; and Mr Waldron, of the University Club, another strong Rugby adherent, also derived much enjoyment from the topsy-turvy nature of the proceedings. The course adopted by the meeting, of discrediting the object of the mover of the principal resolution, was in very bad taste, as most footballers know how strong Mr Rogers favours the Victorian game to be necessary will rejoioce at the establishment of and the earnest efforts he made to ensure the success of the present movement. However, all footballers who believe a sweeping change in the present game to be necessary will rejoice at the establishment of an association for the promotion of the Victorian game; and, for my own part, I trust it may have a prolonged and active existence. The meeting was adjourned for a week, when office bearers will be elected and the by-laws to regulate the internal working of the association adopted. (Sydney Mail – 3 July 1880) (A meeting a week before at a hotel in Wollarha had been rained out, with only 6, including 3 press, attending. – I.G.)
Adjourned AGM
New South Wales Football Association. – The adjourned meeting of this association was held on Wednesday at Hook’s Freemason’s Hotel, York Street for the election of office-bearers and to transact any other business brought forward. Mr H C Rogers occupied the chair and there was a large attendance of members. Mr C Beal moved – “That Mr Philip Sheridan be appointed president of this association.” He dare say that many of those present were no acquainted with Mr Sheridan and he might therefore mention that he was one of the trustees of the Association Cricket Ground and one of the most prominent supporters of cricket and other outdoor sports in this colonly. He was a supporter of football as played in Victoria and was likely to prove energetic in promoting the interests of the association. The motion was seconded by Mr Hinwood and unanimously agreed to. Messrs. Henry Hook, W. Wynne, James Toohey and H C Rogers were elected vice presidents; Mr Charles Beal hon secretary and Mr W C Hinwood, hon. Treasurer; and the following committee were elected by ballot – viz, Messrs. Bowen, Williams, Fordham, Willkinson, McLean, Allen, W. Marshall, Crisp, Drice, R. Thallon, Powell, Chambers, Hayman, Newing and Weiss. It was resolved on motion of Mr Bowen, seconded by Mr Fordham that the subscription to the association for the present year by 5s (5 shilling – 50 cents) each member. The meeting terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Crisp for his efforts in introducing the Victorian game of football into this colony and a similar compliment to the chairman for presiding. (Sydney Mail 10 July 1880)
The NSW Australian Football Assn is formed. The first recorded game (yet to be confirmed) is between East Sydney 3-10 to Sydney 1-6. In a return game on June 18 both teams tie at 2-5 apiece. (remember, behinds did not count in the score then).
Teams from St Josephs College and St Ignatius played for the Alexander Trophy. Venues alternated between college grounds and Moore Park.
(Although not yet researched, it is doubtful that the area on the south east corner of the intersection of Sth Dowling Street & Cleveland Street, used for many years as an Australian Football Ground, was the same part of Moore Park used for football 100 years ago.) (I.G. 1996).
Headmaster of St Ignatius College, Father Gartlan was a great supporter of the game and encouraged it’s play within the schools.
The Waratah Club, the first Australian Football Club in Sydney played against Riverview. Others clubs included Petersham,.....
President of the NSWAFA was Phillip Sherridan whilst the Secretary was Mr W J W Richardson and the treasurer W.C. Marshall.
1881
NSWAFA
President: P F Sheridan
Sec: C W Beal
Treas: J. Wilkinson
The 1920 in an article written in the weekly sporting paper, The Arrow, Hugh Stone - a letter writer, wrote in the September edition of that year “If I am not mistaken, the first game of football ever played on the Sydney Cricket Ground (for the then trustees were adversed to it) was under this code in or about 1881 and was between the newly formed clubs, Sydney and East Sydney. The outcome was encouraging, but up rose antagism. (I suggest from the then rugby code - I.G. 1997). One man in particular (I am not going to mention his name) was keen enough to see that the surest way to crush the game was to play on jealousy’s string, and he sneeringly spoke of it as “the Melbourne game.” Then came the added sneer “the ladies game”. I do not know if he coined this unjust phrase, but he freely used it and once in the early ‘eighties when there was a split in the then thin ranks of rugby clubs, and the Glenheads, a fast brilliant team, threatened to go over in a body to the new code, this man entertained a Rugby gathering - vide the press - by telling them that at half time in the Melbourne game, as played on Moore Park, the mothers brought their exhausted darlings cakes and ginger beer.
He sowed a fruitful crop when he set the seeds of jealousy and ridicule and to him more than anyone else belongs the credit of killing the game in the early stages, for at no time till it petered out did it have a grip on the sport-loving section of the community” (The Arrow, P. 10, Fri 24 Sept 1920)
In the early nineties, circumstances compelled me to move to the Victorian border and from thence I went on to Western Australia, and when I returned in 1899 the Australian code was not only dead but the few Rugby clubs of the early eighties had grown enormously and any attempt to re-establish the Australian game seemed useless. Yet the attempt was made and made under circumstances slightly more favourable than in the eighties. First, Federation had been brought about and the old jealousy was slowly dying and, secondly, the title of “Melbourne game” had been dropped for the larger one of Australian.
Then why has it failed? There is now surely no single person strong enough to block its advancement as in the old days? Candor compels one to admit that thought failure in the first place came from without, now it comes from within. Many of the men standing behind the game to-day are whole-souled sportsmen, generous in their giving and energetic in their labours and this acknowledgement is reightly their due. But if one searched Australia for men least able to foster the Australian cause in New South Wales, these could hardly be displaced for the credentials “how not to do it”. This is not satire, but comes of that deadly earnestness born of conviction. What has been the position in the last 15 or 16 years? A man who has figured in football in the other States has but to come to Sydney and identify himself with a club and he is soon a delegate. He knows nothing of Sydney conditions but he knows that in Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth the native-born game draws its crowds of thousands and he feels assured that he has but to mention the game’s excellences and all Rubgy enthusiasts will abandon Union or League and follow him as the children did the Piper of Hamelin.
Looking back over the years, I can recall dozens of men whose enthusiasm dragged the League into all sorts of difficulties, but who to-day have retired, enthusiasm and cash gone. And New South Wales is still unwon for the national game and it will remain unwon till the native-born largely predominate in the League and in the representative teams.
All honor to the men who in the past and in the present have given their time and money for a cause that is dear to them and who have seen the xxx vanish with their optimism. It is true that this very optimism has been the game’s undoing. But for this type, the League would never had entered into that transaction when a few years ago, temporarily lost the Erskineville Oval and saddled themselves with the Australian Football Ground. If they had listened to the native born xxx gent they would have stuck to the xxx worn but truthful tage, “hasten slowly” and the game mighrt have been spared such a heavy set back. Oh, the League xxxage because of the wrong men were at the helm! Wrong, only because the xxxx at the helm; otherwise their per… and their presence are invaluable; they xxx Australians. If ever the game is to prosper in this State it will be by the xxx of those born here, the youngergent so finely typified by Ibsen in The xxx Builder. When these knock at the door of the League the day of Australian Football is assuredly at hand. Meantime, let us learn to hasten slowly and stick to Erskineville Oval where our first and most lasting success has been won. The world knows xxx row that follows the kicking a xxx the ladder by which one has xxx success. (The Arrow, P. 10, Fri 24 Sept 1920)
First League AGM
The members of the New South Wales Football Association met for their annual meeting last Friday (6 May) at the Freemans’s Hotel, Yourk Street, Mr H C Rogers in the chair.
On the motion of Mr Weiss, the report which was as follows was adopted: “The first annual meeting of the New South Wales Football Association affords your committee the opportunity of placing before you a report of the doings of the association during its inauguration.
It will be remembered that in the month of July last year a meeting was convened and held for the purpose of introducing into the colony rules of the game of football similar to those which have become so popular both with footballers and the public of the sister colony of Victoria and at that meeting such was the interest evinced in the movement that a greater number of persons attended than had ever before been present at a football meeting in this colony.
It was then unanimously and enthusiastically resolved to found the association. Subsequently rules and regulations for the guidance and management of the association were adopted and office bearers were elected for the remainder of the season.
It is worthy of remark that shortly after the formation of the association several letters from country clubs were received sympathising with the movement and promising assistance in establishing the new rules in the country districts. In the metropolis four clubs, viz. the Sydney, East Sydney, Balmain and Woollahra were quickly formed and enrolled under the banner of the association and this season your committee are confident that the number of subscribing clubs will be considerably augmented.
Your committee having entered upon their term of office came to the conclusion after due consideration that in order to found the association rules on a proper basis in this colony the establishment of intercolonial matches with Victoria was desirable and necessary inasmuch as contests of this nature would cause the most skilful players of Victoria to visit us and thus enable lovers of football to compare the merits of the rules adopted by this association with the Rugby rules, which for over 10 years have been in vogue here but which your committee contend are immeasurably inferior to those advocated by this association.
Negotiations were entered into with the Victorian Football Association and that body warmly supporting the idea of intercolonial matches have consented to play two matches this season – one in Sydney and one in Melbourne and one game each succeeding year. Your committee are therefore in a position to congratulate you upon the success which has attended your efforts to bring about these intercolonial matches; your committee also refer with much pleasure to the fact that the Melbourne Football Club have intimated their intention of visiting Sydney this season and in all probablility the association will be asked to select a team to meet the visitors.
Your committee are glad to notice that the trustees of the Association Cricket Ground have consented to allow football to be played on the ground this season and doubtless the boon will be appreciated not only by players but by spectators. The thanks of the association are due to the Municipal Council of Sydney for the allotment of a portion of Moore Park as a match and practice ground last season.
The election of officer bearers will devolve on this meeting.
Mr Bowen moved and Mr Beal seconded – “That clubs playing under the association rules might send three delegates to the association, the fee for each delegate to be one guinea”.
The following office bearers were elected: President, Mr P. Sheridan; vice presidents: Messrs. Beal; Weiss, Toohey and Rogers; secretary Mr C W Beal, Treasurer, Mr J. Wilkinson. The following provisional committee were also appointed, viz. Messrs. Marshall, Fordham, Bowen, Powell, Crisp, Phillips, Chambers, Nash and Druco. The meeting was terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman. (Town and Country Journal 14 May 1881)
The Sydney and East Sydney Football Clubs will meet on Moore Park on Saturday at 3 o’clock to play under the New South Wales Association rules. The Players for the latter club will be selected from the following:- Blackwall, Bodham, Brascher, Clay, Connah, Due, G. Foster, J. Foster, Fry, J. Jackson, Kellett, A Kennedy, Kettlwell, Killegrew, McGill, Nash, Poppleton, Sillett, Teece, Turner, Watson, Weiss and Young. (P.996 Town and Country Journal 21 May 1881)
On Saturday last an opening match under N.S.W. Association rules was played on Moore Park between teams from the Sydney and East Sydney football clubs. The day was all that could be desired for football but owing to the attraction of the Sydney Grammar School Sports on the Association Ground, the attendance was not very large. Chambers for Sydney having won the toss, elected to kick northward which ad the advantage of a slilght breeze and at half past 3 o’clock Nash for East Sydney sent the leather rolling by a fine kick. Returned by Sydney, some good play was shown by both sides. But East Sydney played much better together and worked the ball down the west win where Foster (sen.) secured a mark and by an excellent kick netted first goal for East Sydney. Kicked off by Chambers, it was again returned down the west wing and a little mark by one of the East Sydney players; another goal was the result. Half-time being called, the teams numbered off and it was discovered that Sydney had only 18 men so it was agreed that two from the East Sydney should play on the other side. Play was started again by the ball being thrown up in the centre and the play this half was certainly very even, the Sydney men playing much better. A goal to each was the result in this half, East Sydney thus scoring three goals to one. Foster, jun., for East Sydney played a splendid game while Kellett, Nash and several others were to the fore; and for Sydney, Crisp, Young, Fairfax and Chambers played very well. Mr W. Marshall made a very impartial umpire. (Town and Country Journal 28 May 1881)
EAST SYDNEY v. SYDNEY – The following names have been chosen from which the team to represent the former club will be selected:- Blackwall, Brascher, Clay, Fry, Foster (2), Hebblethwaite, Hilladen, M. Howard, Jackson, Kellett, Martin, Nash (captain), Phillips (vice captain), Randall, Ramsey, Suttie Souter, Smith, Stransmore, Teece, Turner, Usher, Watson, Weiss and Young. Members are particularly requested to appear in uniform. (P.1139 & 1140 Town and Country Journal 11 June 1881)
The season of football is now in its zenith in New South Wales as well as in the adjoining colonies. “Knights of the oval” can have no just grounds for complaint in the matter of choice of game whether it be Rugby, English Associaiton or N.S.W. Association, the trio alike receiving attention. Football is undoubtedly the game par excellence of the winter months. It is fast and furious at times but not as some traducing spirits will term it dangerous. Despite the ridiculous cry which was urged last season the game has held its place in public estimation and is as well established as cricket in the summer months. Perhaps to those who have never joined in the game it appears dangerous and prejudice may be excusable in such case, though one can wish the fault finders knew better. The styles of the Rugby and Association are very different. In the former most danger is to be apprehended through a player picking up the ball and holding it while running then being “collared” and coming to mother earth a regular “trimmer” with about a dozen on top of him. The Association game does not allow “holding” and when closely watched it is noticeable that skill is the main thing. “Slinging” in the N.S.W. Association game should be done away with as far as practicable and I believe a move has been made in this matter that players must not catch below the hip to sling; yet with all the dangers said to surmount football the flexibility of the human frame appears to overcome any heavy fall received. The game is so thoroughly suited to the colonies and demands such little time in practice that persons in business or others who follow sedentary habits can join in with advantage. It is quite a pleasure to witness a number of ublic school boys indulging in a good wholesome “oval kicking” and it must always aid in keeping them in excellent health. Lawn tennis or frisquetteejare hardly the work for our youths accustomed as they are to have their muscles developed by hard cricket and rowing. But football is so safely established here that any “croaker” who mentions risk or danger will be only laughed at. The intercolonial matches which are annually taking place are exciting more interest each season and seem to make the game even more popular. We are just upon the eve of an intercolonial contest between Melbourne and a team playing the Association (N.S.W.) game, the latter are to leave at the end of the month. (P.1187 Town and Country Journal – 18th June 1881)
SYDNEY V EAST SYDNEY – A large number of spectators assembled at Moore Park last Saturday despite the threating aspect of the clements to witness the different football matches. On account of the heavy sodden state of the Association Ground player there by the above was stopped and the teams adjourned to Moore Park. The game commenced shortly after 3 o’clock under N.S.W. Association rules with 20 players on each side. Messrs Nash (East Sydney) and Crisp (Sydney) captained the respective teams the former kicking off down the rightr wing. The ball was soon in the contre of the ground and was kept in that position for about 10 minutes before any material difference was observable when Burns obtained the first goal for Sydney and Crisp the “skipper” of the East Sydney from a slight injury to his leg kept the goal but Blackwell managed to get the ball past him twice thus balancing the game. Nash, Foster, Hedger, Young and Clay played a very neat game for East Sydney while Balhausen, Burns, MacNamara, Walker and Pierce rendered good service to the Sydney team. The players are hardly conversant with association rules for in many instances players were inclined to hold the ball and endeavour to make runs without dribbling the ball sufficiently and the costumes were hardly according to order but despite these little differences an exciting game of football was played and no doubt the return match this Saturday will excite great interest in the football circles. The selection committee met when the game was over and selected the following gentlemen from whom they will choose a team to play in Melbourne on the first of next month: Blackwall, Barry, Burns, Balhousen (L.), Crisp, Carey, Foster (2), Gordeon, Hedger, Hill, Jackson, Kellett, Logan, Lawson (A.), Levin, Martin, McNamarra (2), O/Brien, Phillips, Pierce, Randall, Terry (L.), Watson, Walker, Williams and Young. The 22 will be finally selected after today’s match. (P.1187 Town and Country Journal – 18th June 1881)
SYDNEY v EAST SYDNEY – Last Saturday the Association Cricket Ground became the scene of a somewhat interesting football match played under the N.S.W. Association rules between East Sydney and Sydney. The weather being all that was desired, a good assemblage of lover of football was present. A slight charge was made at the gates, but in no manner militated against attendance, a fact which should make the footballers endeavour to obtain a ground and visitors would be afforded better opportunities of witnessing the game and the players would not be interfered with. With a couple of exceptions, the whole of the members played in uniform. Shortly after 3 the teams came into the field. Crisp captained the Sydney team and Nash the East Sydney. After some neat play near the Sydney posts, the ball was quickly returned to the opposing goals; Nash, Young, MacNamara and O’Brien being most conspicuous in the first part of the play whilst towards of the match Phillips and Kellet. The Eastern players, after the opening rushes appeared to last better than their opponents and during a fast game secured five goals and six behinds. The goals were kicked for East Sydney by Randall, Young, Foster and Fry and for Sydney, Walker, O’Brien and Lawson. (P.1235 Town and Country Journal 25 June 1881).
At a meeting of the selection committee of the N.S.W. Football Association the following players were initially selected to do battle for New South Wales in the coming intercolonial football contest between Victoria and this colony on July 1:- Butler, Crisp, Carey, Clay, A. Foster, G. Foster, Harrison, Howard, Hedger, Jackson, Kellet (vice captain), Levin, Martin, A. MacNamara, J. MacNamara, Phillips (Captain), Piece, Randall, Walker, Watson, Williams and Young. Should any of the above players be unable to get away from business the following players are eligible in their order:- Bower, Burns, Eaton and Ramsay. . (P.1235 Town and Country Journal 25 June 1881).
1882
NSWAFA:
Pres: Phillip F Sheridan
Sec: Edward C Weller
Treas: W C Marshall
East Sydney
President: S H Hyam
Secretary: J W Kettlewell
Treas: W C Marshall
Sydney
Pres: John Young
Sec: L A Balhausen
Treas: M Chambers
Waratah
Sec: John Portus
Petersham
Pres: T R Smith
Sec: William Druce
Treas: William Audsley
The Annual general meeting of the members of the New South Wales Football Association was held at Mr J Rainfor’s Cambridge Club hotel, Oxford Street on Tuesday. Mr Horace Rogers occupied the chair and there was a large attendance.
The acting hon secretary Mr W C Marshall read the following report, which was unanimously adopted:
“The committee beg to submit the following statement of the proceedings of the New South Wales Football Association since its inauguration in 1880. The association was formed in that year for the purpose of introducing and fostering the game of football, as played in Victoria. And, notwithstanding the great opposition met with since its inception, the committee have much pleasure in stateing that its progress has been most satisfactory. In addition to footballers from Victoria, who were naturally expected to assist the association, the committee feel greatly encouraged at the number of adherents it has received from the ranks of the Rugby players. Indeed, so many supporters has the Victorian game had that it may now be considered a permanent institution in New South Wales. The agitation for the introduction of the Victorian game began some seven or eight years back; but it was not until 1877 that a practical start was made. In that year the Carlton club, the then premier club of Victoria, were invited over to Sydney to meet the Waratahs. Two matches were played, one under the Victorian rules, the other Rugby, each club, as might have been expected winning its own game. In 1878, the Waratahs returned the comp-liment and p-aid Melbourne a visit, playing Carlton as before two games with the same result – a win to each.
The Waratahs in that match played the Victorian game so well that Carlton only won by a goal, and it was the unanimous opinion of good judges of the game that thad they been able to stick together until they had thoroughly mastered the rules, they soon would have been able hold their own against the best Victorian Clubs.
For the next two years continued efforts were made to acclimatise the Victorian game, an in 1880 the association was initiated. Four clubs have played under its auspices during the season, viz Sydney, East Sydney, Petersham and the Northumberland (Maitland). During the past season the association sent a team over the Melbourne to meet a Victorian 20. The Victorians had a wonderfully strong team, representatives from all the leading clubs being in its ranks, and as a consequence our men received a crushing defeat. At Sandhurst they fared better, the result being a win to our men. They were delighted with the Sandhurst trip, and everything was done by the footballers and others to make the trip a pleasant one.
On the 9th of July the Melbourne club, then on a visit to Sydney, commenced a series of matches on the Association Cricket Ground against our two leading clubs – the East Sydney and Sydney, and a combined of each, winning them all. These matches were very well attended by the public, and also served to give our ment some good lessons in the art of dodging and little marking. The return intercolonial match took place three weeks after the departure of the Melbourne club, and proved to be very exciting. Although Victoria won by six goals to one, some of the Sydney players surpassed the best of our opponents in excellence of play, notably Messrs. Young, Nash, Peirce and Wilkinson; and the goal that Mr Arthur Young kicked for Sydney has never been beaten in the colonies.
Our visitors after spending a week with us returned to Victoria highly deligted with their trip. The thanks of the association are due to Messrs. Macfarlane and Brasher for their presentation trophy for the best player in the intercolonial match. On the 6th of March a concert was given by the members in aid of the funds of the association, but, owing to laxity on the part of some of the committee, it was not a success.
During the ensuing season the committee fully anticipate that the association and the games will become increasingly popular and they are confident that as soon as the public become conversant with the rules such members will attend the matches as were never dreamt of in the annals of New South Wales Football.
Endeavouirs are being made to bring two of the leading clubs in Victoria – probably Carlton and Melbourne – over to Sydney to play against each other. Lover of football, under whatsoever rules they may delight to play, will thus have a good chance to judge of the merits of the Victorian game, as played not only in Victoria, but other colonies, in a calm and unpredjudiced spirit, free from all club influences.
The Geelong champions, it is expected, will make a visit on their own account, so should this programme be carried out, it behoves our men to at once buckle to, and go into training, in order that a descent show might be made against such redoubtable opponents.
In conclusion, the committee trust their successors will strain every merve to make the season of 1882 even more successful than the pas one, However, from the numerous promises of support the committee have received from other sources since the termination of the past playing season, it is with confidence they predict that the season of 1882 will be a most successful one. The committee regreat that none of the Grammar schools have enlisted under their banner, but they trust this will be remedied during the ensuing season. The committee would also impress upon the players the absolute necessity of appearing in full uniforms in all matches.”
The treasuers report showing a debit balance of £36.14s was also adopted; but is expected that this will be completely cleared off before the season opens, as one gentleman in the room gave £10, and several smaller amounts were promised.
The meeting then proceeded with the election of officer-bearers, with the following result:- President, Mr Phillip Sheridan; vice presidents, Messrs. H C Rogers, W Wynne, A B Weigall, and Dr Clune; honorary secretary, Mr Edward C Weller; honorary treasurer, Mr W C Marshall; auditors, Messrs Kettlewell and Sibley.
Judging from the enthusiasm displayed by the gentlemen present and the fact that the clubs playing the association game will have the Association Cricket Ground and possibly the Agricultural Show Grounds, to play upon, the forthcoming season promises to be very successful.
A cordial vote of thanks was accorded the chairman and after serveral songs had been rendered in excellent style the meeting was closed. (Sydney Mail 22 April 1882)
1883
NSW Football Assn:
Pres: P. F. Sheridan
Sec. E C Weller.
Treas: W.C. Marshall
Waratah Pres: G N Griffiths MLA,
Sec/Treasr: W C Hinwood.
Captain: T. Hand.
Vice Capt: E Kippax
Petersham: Capt. W Druce.
East Sydney
President: Mr T Playfair
Vice Pres: S H Hyam etc.
Sec: Mr J Portus
Treas: W C Marshall
Capt: M W M Gordon
Vice Capt: G Bailey
Sydney
Sec: L A Balhausen
The East Sydney Club hold their annual meeting in late April at the Cambridge Club Hotel. Their annual report apologises for the lack of success and despite a number of retirements at the end of the previous year, the report suggests the club’s failure on the field is due to the improvement of the opposition teams. The report mentions a match they played against the Geelong Twenty. It also mentions that the club’s second twenty played with little success throughout the season.(Sydney Mail 28 April 1883)
[In the East Sydney Annual Report it states] “….Your committee are pleased to report that they have secured for the season a capital position in Moore Park and will thus have an opportunity of allowing the public a good fiew of the game, a privilege that hitherto has been denied them. Your committee desire to thank the Mayor and Corporation for the use of a portion of the park during last year. Last August several members of the club journeyed to Maitland to play the Northumberland team, which they defeated…” .(Sydney Mail 28 April 1883)
The Southern Rugby Union (the parent body of rugby in NSW) said in their annual report that they have 47 clubs enrolled throughout the state. Also they express concern at the encroachment of spectators on grounds such as Moore Park and asked the police for assistance in keeping spectators off the playing area. Together with the Sydney Amateur Athletic Club they attempeted to secure a parcel of land at Waterloo on which they intended building an enclosed ground for the purpose of rugby and athletics. The rent for such premises was higher and lease shorter than intending shareholders would support within spirit and left the matter in obeyance. They suggest that the Union should be represented on the ground committee of the Association Cricket Ground, as it is the only enclosure where large matches can be held. (Sydney Mail 5 May 1883)
The Waratah Club holds their annual meeting in May at Rainford’s Cambridge Club Hotel in Oxford Street. (Sydney Mail 5 May 1883)
William Goer former captain of Carlton and G. Rosser of Sth Melbourne sign with the Sydney Club (Sydney Mail 19 May 1883)
A club is formed in Newcastle with 40 members. President J C Ellis MLA, Secretary W H Woodland, treasurer: P. Le Neven. Captain: P Le Neven. The Victoria House Club wrote requesting to be enrolled among the clubs on the association. It was unanimously resolved that both clubs be admitted and the members present expressed much pleasure at the fact that the association game had found a foothold in Newcastle where the Rugby game had so long held sway. A letter was received from the secretary of the Association Cricket Ground stating that the ground had been placed at the disposal of the Football Association on July 9th and 30th. It was resolved that July 9 be set apart for a contest between the Sydney and East Sydney Clubs. After considerable discussion it was decided that July 30th be devoted to a match between a combined 20 from Albury and Wagga Wagga and a united Sydney team and the honorary secretary was directed to write to the Wagga and Albury Clubs to that effect. A letter was received from the Northumberland Football Club asking the Association to aid the Northern players in their endeavours to induce the South Melbourne Football team while visiting Sydney in July to play one match at West Maitland. It was decided that the South Melbouirne Club be asked to visit West Mailtland during their visit instead of playing a third match at Sydney. (Sydney Mail 19 May 1883)
With a view of rendering the game less dangerous and making it more manly, Mr W C Hinwood gave notice of a motion for the next meeting to alter rule 13, so as to do away with the objectionable practice of one player pushing another player from behind while the foremost player was in rapid motion. The following notice of motion was also give: That no goal be allowed unless kicked over a bar cr tape fixed between the posts, not less than 6 feet high. . (Sydney Mail 19 May 1883)
A Mr Gardiner offered to donate a cup to be named after him which would have sufficed as the annual teams trophy. Whist the donation was appreciated a sub committee reported that they would not be in a position to play for the Gardiner Cup in 1883 (Sydney Mail 19 May 1883)
The Northumberland Football Club has in the Rev Lovick Tyrrell a right worthy president whose influence annot but have a beneficial effect upon the game of football in the Mailtland district. On being recently unanimously re-elected president of the club, the rev. gentleman said he accepted the position with pride … inter alia… It may be stated that this club is one of the strongest in the colonies and numbers now over 70 members.” . (Sydney Mail 19 May 1883)
East Sydney Club Engagements for the Season 1883:
FIRST TWENTY
June 2 Petersham Newington College Ground July 27 Northumberland West Maitland
June 9 Sydney Assn Cricket Ground July 28 Newcastle City Newcastle
June 16 Northumberland Moore Park Aug 4 Sydney Moore Park
June 23 Waratah Moore Park Aug 11 Petersham Moore Park
June 29 Albury & Wagga Assn Cricket Ground Aug 18 Victoria House Moore Park
June 30 Petersham Moore Park Aug 25 Waratah Moore Park
June 10 Sth Melbourne Assn Cricket Ground Sept 2 Our Boys Moore Park
July 21 Our Boys Moore Park
SECOND TWENTY (Only a few fixtures made at present)
June 2 Victoria House Moore Park July 28 Sydney Moore Park
June 9 Our Boys Moore Park Aug 11 Sydney Moore Park
June 16 Victoria House Moore Park Sept 2 Sydney Moore Park
June 30 Sydney Moore Park
(Sydney Mail June 2 1883)
A special general meeting of the members of the New South Wales Football Association was held at Rainford’s Cambridge Club Hotel, Oxford Street on Monday Evening last (28 May). The attendance was the largest since the formation of the association, the room being uncomfortably crowded and those present appeared to take a keen interest in the proceedings. Mr F G C Hanslow was voted to the chair. Mr W Hinwood moved his resolution which was to the follwing effect – “That rule 13 be altered to read as follows: Tripping, hacking, rabbiting, slinging or catching hold of a player below the knee are prohibited. Pushing with the body is allowed only when the player is in rapid motion, within five or six yards of the ball. Pushing with the hands from behind is not allowed. Holding a player is allowed only when such player has the ball in hand, except in cases provided for in rules 9, 11 and 12. The motion is defeated. Sydney Mail 2 June 1883)
The newspaper, The Sydney mail notes that May 1883 was the first time the Agricultural Society’s ground (RAS Showground, Moore Park) “was used for football purposes”. It also notes that the Tasmanian Football Association has circulated to its clubs the proposition by Victoria that the crossbar on the goal posts be abolished. (Sydney Mail 2 June 1883)
At the General Meeting of the Assn on 28 May, the Redfern Railway Football Club is admitted to the Association in June. Our Boys Club had lost several members and were almost unable to field a first twenty. The club also, as are other clubs in a similar position very unhappy about senior clubs playing under the present rules and resorting to very unfair means for securing … ? (the rest not photo copied) (Sydney Mail 2 June 1883)
A ballot is taken at a meeting of the Assn for selectors for the metropolitan team to play Sth Melb on 14 July. At the same meeting, Mr C B Beal apart from being elected a selector was also elected as the umpire for the Sydney v East Sydney match on the SCG on 9 June. (Sydney Mail 9 June 1883) .
The Association adopt the colours of scarlet and blue as their colours at an Assn Meeting on 4 June. Whilst the meeting was informed that clubs had been formed to play ‘under the association rules’ at Singleton, Wallsend, Lambton and Minmi. (Sydney Mail 9 June 1883)
Sydney 4.12 d Waratah 0.4 on 16 July (Sydney Mail 23 June 1883)
A protest was lodged by Waratah, Sydney and East Sydney in connection with a match between the Sydney and East Sydney clubs where it was alleged that East Sydney had played a player from the Waratah Club. The matter was heard on Monday 18 June at the Cambridge Hotel and whilst a motion that a fine of £5 be imposed, the matter was deferred until the other clubs involved might allowed time to furnish their evidence. (Sydney Mail 23 June 1883)
East Sydney play the Northumberland Club (Maitland) at Moore Park on 16 June and win 5.16 to 2.4
(Sydney Mail 23 June 1883)
Sydney plays Sth Melbourne on the SCG on 7 July. (Sydney Mail 7 July 1883)
Petersham 1.4 play East Sydney 1.20 on the SCG on 9 June. (Sydney Mail 7 July 1883)
West Maitland Club suggest a game be played between a combined Maitland team and a representative Sydney team on a Wednesday on the SCG. (Sydney Mail 7 July 1883)
Sth Melb FC visit Sydney to play the following games: V Sydney FC on 7 July, 10 July V East Sydney, 12 July a combined team made up from Petersham, Our Boys and Waratah Clubs, Saturday 14 July v NSW (Football Assn). (Sydney Mail 7 July 1883)
A meeting was held on Wednesday evening, 4th inst., at the establishment of Messrs Farmer and Co in order to establish a football club in connection with the employees of that firm and it was resolved that the gentlemen present (about 20) form themselves into a football club and ask the New South Wales Football Association to receive them as one of their supporters also to elect an honorary secretary and provisional committee to frame a code of rules for the regulation and guidance of the members who are very enthusiastic about the affair which bids well to become a most preminent club after they have thoroughly mastered the rules. Mr Watt was elected honorary secretary pro tem; Mr Townsend hon treasurer and the provisional committee consists of Messrs: W Farmer, Mayor, Ward, Clarke, A. Clarke, Armstrong, Eteson., F. Pearce and Torning. . (Sydney Mail 12 July 1883)
1884
NSWFA
President: P F Sheridan
Secretary: E C Weller
Treasurer: W C Marshall
A Sydney representative team played Sth Melbourne. Arthur Griffin played in the Sydney team and he went on to become Minister for Works in the (NSW State) Storey Government and a Vice President of the ressurected NSWFL in 1903.
From 1884 to 1889 teams from Newcastle, St Ignatius and St Josephs College were regular participants in games at Moore Park and alternately, at the College Grounds.
In August the first ever intercolonial football match took place in Brisbane between NSW and Qld. NSW defeat Queensland in the first inter-colonial match between the two sides 7-10 to 3-16 at the Albert Ground, Brisbane.
On Sunday August 9, a final practice match was played against a mixed team of twenty-five from Sydney and East Sydney Clubs at the Moore Park Ground. Player G. Crisp captained the representative team1.
The following players were selected: Butler, Buchan, Bailey, Battue. Cronroy, Dew, Fern, Fitzpatrick, Fletcher, Goer, Grainger, Hardie, Jones, Kirke, Munro, Marshall, M'Harg, O'Neil, Parkinson, Sullivan, Sibley, Tooher, Williams, Wren and Weller2.(2 means that there were two players of this name in the team).
Wren and Hardie were members of the Wagga Wagga Football Club2.
Some players were unable to obtain the "necessary leave of absence" so substitutes had to be found2.
The team left Sydney by coastal steamer on Saturday 16 August at 1.30pm2. SMH 21/8/1884.
The first game was played against Queensland on Wed 20 August at the Albert Sports Ground, Brisbane before a large crowd.
George Crisp captained the NSW team defeat Queensland in our first inter-colonial match between the two sides. The score at half time was Qld 3-10 to NSW 2-3. The final score was 7-10 to 3-17. NSW kicked with the wind in the second half. "The visitors were enthusiastically cheered by the spectators"3 (after the game) The game was described "as one of the best that has ever been seen here"..SMH 19/8/1884
The second game of the tour was against the Brisbane Club and was played on Friday 22 August. The game was drawn: NSW 3-18 to Brisbane's 3-7. A result could have been obtained but for a disputed goal by NSW where the umpire was unable to give a decision4.
In their third match NSW played a Brisbane Club, Wallaroos where the game was drawn with no goals being kicked. Each club kicked 9 behinds apiece. SMH 24/8/1884.
The next on Mon 25/8/1884, NSW 8-7 def Toowoomba 2-6 at Darling Downs.
The following game was on Wed 27/8 against Excelsior a Brisbane club where the light Blues won 8-11 to 2-8.
The next game was against Ipswich on Thur 28/8 where NSW won 5-12 to 0-6 at Ipswich.
The final game was on Sat 30/8/84 in Brisbane where Qld won 3-7 to 2-9.
A ball was held on Mon 1 Sept in the NSW team’s honour. The team left Brisbane on Wed 3 Sept on the steamer Cahore for Sydney. SMH 1/9/1884
An official reception was given to the NSW represententative team upon their return at Rainford’s Cambridge Hotel, Oxford Street. Mr C W Beal was the chairman. Mr J.A. Hayes was mentioned as Secretary of the Queensland Football Association.
A number of Qld. parliamentary and local government officials put a quite a lot of time in to ensure the success of the trip. At the reception a number of those present sung songs to close the evening.
SMH 6/9/1884
The NSW team consisted of G. Crisp, W.Butler, Buchanan, Bailey, Battye, Controy, Dew, Fitzpatrick, Fletcher, W.Goer, Jones, Grainger, Kirke, Munro, Parkinson, Sullivan, Tooher, Williams, Weller, Marshall, McHarg, Wren, Hardy, Sibley & Howe. SMH 23/8/1884
The game was played at some extent in and around the Newcastle/Maitland area where is was considered the major football code. (F/R1927 N 7, P 1)
Twenty players per team played with teams representing Newcastle City, Hamilton, Merewether, Northumberland, Wallsend and Maitland were in existence. The Northumberland team visited Victoria, playing matches at Melbourne and Bendigo with a fair measure of success. D. H. Watkins (1927 MHR), was a player of outstanding ability. Players around the Newcastle Area included: the Duguid Bros., Tobin, Giles, Bowers, Watson, Leon and W. Moore. (F/R1927 N 7, P 1)
The Clubs in Sydney included; Sydney, Waratah, East Sydney, City, West Sydney, Redfern, St Ignatius College and St Josephs College. Jim Phelan writes that the game was held in very high regard between the years of 1883-1893. (F/R1927 N 7, P 8 Jim Phelan’s writings).
1885
NSWAFA
Sec: L A Balhausen
Sydney FC
Pres: W W Wynne
Sec: O W Balhausen
Treas: W H Parkinson
Capt: W Goer
Vice Capt: ? McKellar
West Sydney
Sec: J J Hynes
Treas: G Archer
Capt: W Berkeley
Vice Capt: D Pattison
Waratah
Pres: G N Griffiths
Sec/Treas: F C Mitchell
Waratah Fixture
DATE OPPOSITION VENUE
25 May Wallsend Wallsend
30 May City Moore Park
6 June Sydney Moore Park
13 June Vacant
20 June West Sydney Moore Park
27 June East Sydney Moore Park
4 July Wallsend Moore Park
11 July Vacant
18 July Sydney Moore Park
25 July City Moore Park
1 August East Sydney Moore Park
8 July West Sydney Moore Park
15 August City Moore Park
22 August Sydney Moore Park
29 August Vacant
Around this time (date unsure) South Australia paid a visit to Sydney where they defeated NSW 9-8 to 5-7 on the Association ground (SCG). NSW players included: G.Crisp (capt), Lee, Tooher, Finn, Fitzgerald, Fairfax, O’Neil, Munro, Kirke, Mair, McHarg, Pierce, W.Goer, McKellar, Fletcher, Williamson, H. Hedger, W. Butler, Bailey and Gordon. (F/R1927 N 8, P 6 Jim Phelan’s writings)
Around this time clubs played for the Alexander Trophy. (1927 F/R No.17 P12)
1886
NSWAFA
Sec: L A Balhausen
East Sydney
Sec: R. Neilson
NSW played Victoria at the MCG on 22 May. Vic won 8 goals to 3 before a crowd estimated at over 15,000 “were most impartial and enthusiastic in their applause”. “Good judges of the game say that it was the best intercolonial match yet played in Victoria, and that any future team coming from New South Wales would be safe to have an enormous attendance”. Best players for NSW were Goer, Hedger, Duguid, Bower and Sullivan (F/R1927 N 8, P 6 Jim Phelan’s writings)
In the second game against Victoria was played on 29 May at the MCG before a crowd of 12.000. Goer captained the NSW team. Both the VFA and the Melbourne Cricket Club both gave their share of the proceeds from the game to the NSW team, the side having sponsored the trip themselves. The half time score was: Vic 4.10 to NSW 1.2. Final score: Vic 8.20 d NSW 3.3. Goals for NSW: Bruen, George Crisp, Mair 1 each. Best: Goer, Harry Hedger, Butler, Bruen, Tubb, Bower, Crisp, Oswald, Roundwell and Duguid. Umpire: J. L. Tratt. (Sydney Mail 31 May 1886)
1887
NSWAFA
President: Mr P Sheridan
Vice Presidents Dr Brownless, Messrs. G N Griffith, Crisp, Withers, Ellis and Beale.
Secretary: Mr Morley
Waratah Club
President: Mr G N Griffith
Secretary: Mr J Holdsworth
Captain Mr F J Burton
Sydney
Vice President: Dr Brownless
Secretary: Mr O W Balhausen
Hon Sec to the Second Twenty: Mr A D Murray
Treasurer: Mr Oswald.
Captain: Mr W Goer
Vice Capt: Mr G McKellar.
West Sydney
Pres: F Abergail
Sec: J J Hynes (re-elected)
Treas: H Hall
East Sydney
Pres: Alderman Playfair
Sec: Mr R Neilson
Treas: J W Kettlewell
South Sydney
On the same tour, other games were played against the following clubs: Williamstown (24 May), the Sandhurst Assn (26 May), Geelong Club 29 May.
NSW failed to win a game in the tour however it was considered the latter losses were because of players leaving the tour party following the match against Victoria to travel home owing to business reasons. (SMH 22.4.1887)
Queensland visited to play against the “Metropolitan Clubs” on 19 & 26 June the Northern Clubs at Newcastle on 24 June.
The NSW Assn won all three games. (SMH 22.4.1887)
Games were played at Moore Park (Sydney’s home ground), and Wentworth Park. (F/R1927 N 9, P 6 Jim Phelan’s writings) (this park had two grounds, one which appeared to be enclosed as a cricket ground and another, closer to the water, as a “football ground ”John Sands Map of Sydney and Suburbs - 1890.)
The league also played games against Queensland as well as the annual inter-provincial match against “the northern districts” (Newcastle area) in Sydney. This game was a fine battle demonstrating that the code is taking hold in Newcastle. (SMH 22.4.1887)
The league played intercolonial matches against: Victoria on 22 May, the Williamstown Club on 24 May, the Sandhurst Assn on 26 May and Geelong Club on 29 May. All games were lost. The lack of lack of good players not able to make the tour was blamed as the lack of success.
A metropolitan team played Queensland on the 19 & 26 June and against the Newcastle District on 24 June, winning all three. (smh 22/4/87)
During the season the Grafton, Federal City (Albury) and Half Holiday (East Maitland) clubs joined the NSWFA. (smh 22/4/87)
Sydney player, W. Goer captained the team on each occasion in i/state games. (SMH 4.4.1887)
Frank Rounswell, H. Neate and E Reynolds are Sydney players who joined up with the Fitzroy club.
Sydney
The first 20 were undefeated premiers, playing 14 games, winning 12, lost nil, drawing 1 and 1 game “unfinished” owing to rain. The team kicked 52 goals, of which Crisp booted 10 with 6 each to Goer and Fairfax. The team conceded 11 goals.(SMH 4.4.1887)
The club travelled to Wallsend to play an annual match which was won by Sydney. (SMH 5.4.1887)
D J Sullivan won the first 20’s best “All Round Player” with the second 20 trophy going to W. Kelly. (SMH 5.4.1887)
The club enjoyed “a prominent playing ground on Moore Park”. (SMH 5.4.1887)
The club finished the year with a credit balance with £3.13.2 (SMH 5.4.1887)
Secretary: D W Balhausen. Secretary to the second 20: Mr. A D Murray, Treasurer: Mr Oswald. Committee: Graham, Crisp, Elliott, Booker, Sullivan, Bismire and C Butcher. Mr G A Crisp had decided to give a trophy to the best all-round player in the first 20 and that other trophies had been presented by various members. Mr Goer and Mr McKellar were elected Capt and Vice Capt for the 1887 season. (SMH 5.4.1887)
West Sydney
J.McNeil is mentioned as a member. (SMH 4.4.1887)
Waratah Club
During the season the club played 13 matches, won 7, 2 drawn and 4 lost.
Matches were played at Wallsend and Riverview “with much pleasure”. The return match with Wallsend was unfinished because of the encroachment of spectators on the ground. (SMH 28.4.1887)
Grafton, Federal City (Albury) and Half Holiday (East Maitland) joined the NSWFA. (SMH 22.4.1887)
Sydney Football Club hold their annual meeting at Milthorp’s Hotel on 3 April with 20 members present. Mr G A Crisp, Vice President occupied the chair. A written annual report was tabled, a copy of most of the information contained therein appears in the SMH on 5/4/1887. (SMH 4.4.1887)
(It was obvious that Sydney was very much the dominant club - I.G. 1996.)
It indicated the numbers participating in the club were increasing “and now second only to one other club in the colony”. (SMH 4.4.1887)
Ladies were admitted as honorary members. The club held it’s fourth annual picnic and sports day at Chowder Bay. The club finished with a credit balance of three pound thirteen and two pence. (SMH 4.4.1887)
The club had a secretary as well as a secretary to the second grade.
Sydney: Pres: Dr. Brownless; Sec: D W Balhausen, Treas: Mr Oswald. Capt: W. Goer, V/Capt: G. Mclellar.(SMH 5/4/1887)
It would appear that many of the players comprised the committee. (SMH 4.4.1887)
Waratah Club
Pres: G.N. Griffiths, Sec: J. Holdsworth, Treas: F. Burton. Capt: F J Burton. (SMH 28.4.1887)
NSWAFA
Annual meeting held Thurs 20 April at the Cambridge Club Hotel. Mr H. Hedger occupied the chair. 25 people were in attendance.
The audited balance sheet was not presented due to a misunderstanding.
The following motion is agreed to:
“That the association being in monetary difficulties, the secretary be instructed to wrtie the various secretaries of clubs playing under it’s rules to make a 1 shilling levy per head on each of the members of the various clubs”. (SMH 22.4.1887)
The adjourned AGM was held at Rainford’s Cambridge Club Hotel on Thursday Evening, Mr H Hedger being elected as chairman. Attendance was moderate.
Financial statement tabled. Receipts £660.12.5. Expenditure £751.1.9.
The trip to Melbourne netted about £20 but the Queensland and Northern Dists. Matches were regarded as failures. Quite an amount of concern was shown regarding the position of the association. Another special general meeting was set to consider way of disposing of the debt. (SMH 29.5.1887)
Players gathered at Moore Park on Saturday 30 April to play a pick up match. The following players’ names were mentioned: Graham, McKellar, Crisp, Bruen, Clark, Hune, Elliott, Kidston, Burton and Scott. Mr W Butler acted as central umpire.
The adjourned AGM was held at Rainford’s Cambridge Club Hotel on Thursday Evening, Mr H Hedger being elected as chairman. Attendance was moderate.
Financial statement tabled. Receipts £660.12.5. Expenditure £751.1.9. The trip to Melbourne netted about £20 but the Queensland and Northern Dists. Matches were regarded as failures. Quite an amount of concern was shown regarding the position of the association. Another special general meeting was set to consider way of disposing of the debt. (SMH 29.4.1887)
Mr W C Hinwood declined the nomination of treasurer because of business commitments and Mr L Oswald (player) then accepted.
On motion by Mr Hinwood, seconded Mr L A Ballhausen it was decided to hold a special meeting of the association, to be held on Friday May 6 to devise some means of reducing the existing debt. (SMH 29.4.1887)
A meeting of delegates forming a committee of the NSW Football association was held on Monday evening at Goer and Butler's, there being present representatives from City, West Sydney, Grafton and Sydney Clubs. The business of the evening consisted principally in clearing off arrears of work and in anticipation of the general meeting of the association which takes playes on Thursday night next at Rainford's Hotel. Druing the eveing communications were read from the Victorian Association and Melbourne Club in reference to projected visits to Sydney also from the NSW Cricet Ground Trustees notifying that July 23 and 30 had been allotted to the Association. The Hon Secretary, Mr L A Balhausen also signified his intention of resigning that position owing to business engagements. [Referee 21.4.1887]
A serviceable practice was indulged in on Saturday last on Moore Park by the members of the coubs playing the NSW Football Association rules, the form shows being very fair when taking into cinsideration that the season has not yet proerly started. The Sydney Club was strongly represented. Messrs H. Elliott, Bruce, Clark, Crisp, Goer, Kidston, Kelly, Sullivan, O;Meara and Grainger performing well. East Sydnety was well represented in Buchan, Elliott and serveral new players. Waratah contributed Arthur, Foster and Rounseville. The West Sydney contingent was Williamson, Rowler, O'Neil and Hynes and the City's best Hedger, Croll and McLachlan. Taken all in all, the forthcoming season gives every appearance of imprivement in the different clubs and that the matches will be more closely contested than last year. [Referee 21.4.1887]
The seventh annual general meeting of clubs playing under the Australian Rules was was held on Thursday Evening
"... speaking, the Australian game occupies now a greater space of the conolny than its older rival.(I suggest this is rugby - I.G.)
The prospects of and intercolonial match for the forthcoming seson have now been considerab ly lessened by the inability of the Victorian Association to visit Sydney but the committee have to report that there is every possibility of some club teams from Victoria appearing insThe committee desire to thank the trustees of the Association Cricket Ground for granting the use of their ground to the office bearers of the Association and at the same time deeply regret the inexcusable resignation of the laat hon secretary, Mr L A Balhausen. The chairman moved the adoption of the report which was carried unanimously and the following office bearers were elected: Patron: (cant read it), President: Phillip Sheridan, Vice Presidents: Messrs G N Griffiths, G Withers, MP, G A Crisp, Dr Brownlow, Edward (cant read) and W C Beal, Hon Sec: (can't read the rest) [Referee 28/4/87]
The seventh annual general meeting of the clubs playing under the Australisian Rules was held on Thursday evening last at Rainsford's Hotel, there being present about 50 members. Mr H Hedger being in the chair. Owing to the hon treasurer being unable, through disposition, to be present the balance sheet was not presented and it was determined, as the meeting was a fairly representative one, to proceed with the ordinary business, having the financial statement to be read at some future date. The annual report was read by the hon secretary, Mr L A Balhousen, the following being the main topics of interest: The season 1886 was opened with the prospective of two intercolonial visits one to Victoria and the other a visit to this city of a team from Queensland. The former which included representatives from the northern metropolitan and southern districts took place rther early in the season, viz May 22 and proved a win to the sister colony, the defeat being generally acknowledged as being not so much on account of lack of knowledge of the game as the difficulty of getting th best players to form members of the tea. The latter series of matches was played later on in the season and our players as far as Queensland was concerned fully fully demonstrated their superiority of winning both the intercolonial and several of the club matches. The visitors were also, during their stay in this city, properly entertained.
The annual interprovincial match, Northern V Metropolitan Districts was played in Sydney and caused the usual amount of interest, the contest after a stubborn fight resulting in a vcitory for the Metrops.
During the season the Grafton Federal, City Albury and Half Holiday Association (Maitland), joined the Association and the committee are pleased to announce that the georgraphical (havent got the rest - IG) [Referee 28/4/1887]
A scratch match is played on Moore Park on Sat 30 April. Players noted were Graham, Mckellar, Crisp, Bruen, Clark, Hume, Elliott, Kidston, Burton and Scott. Mr W Butler was considered highly satisfactory as central umpire. Some slight confusion was caused owing to the new rule, by which pushing is prohibited, being enforced. (SMH 2.5.1887)
The Sydney club which got much press and appeared to be a progressive club held a practice match between it’s first 20 and second 25 at Moore park on 7 May. (SMH7.5.1887) The club’s “junior” players failed to make an appearance so a game was played between members of the club. (SMH 10.5.1887)
A second scratch match including players from Sydney and West Sydney was set down for Moore Park on Sat 14 May at 3pm. (SMH 14.5.1887) A report on the game was provided on Tues 17 May indicating Mr Atkinson acting as umpire. (SMH 17.5.1887)
An advertisement was placed in the Herald on Thurs 19 May inviting secretaries to a meeting at “Goer & Butler’s” to arrange matches for the forthcoming season. All clubs were urged to be represented. (SMH 19.5.1887)
It was reported the following day that the engagements and playing rules for clubs playing under the NSW Football Association starting on Sat 21 May. Clubs which were included in regular weekly matches included: Sydney, Sydney 2nd (25), Waratah, West Sydney & East Sydney. Vacancies were left for other clubs to play. From research, there would appear to be no existing clubs available for play. I rather suspect that these “vacancies” were openings from new or proposed clubs who might choose to form and affiliate.
1887 Fixture
May 21 Sydney V 2nd Sydney(25)
24 Waratah V Wallsend at Wallsend
Sydney V Newcastle City at Newcastle
28 East Sydney V West Sydney at East Sydney Gnd Sydney V West Sydney (25) at Sydney Ground
Waratah V Sydney second (23)at Waratah Gnd
June 4 Sydney V Riverview at Riverview
West Sydney V Waratah at Waratah Ground
East Sydney V 2nd Sydney (23) at East Sydney Gnd 11 Sydney V East Sydney at East Sydney Gnd
Waratah Vacant
West Sydney Vacant
2nd Sydney V 2nd West Sydney at East Sydney Gnd
18 East Sydney V Waratah at Waratah Ground
Sydney V West Sydney at West Sydney Gnd 25 Sydney V Waratah at Sydney Ground
West Sydney V 2nd Sydney at Waratah Ground
East Sydney Vacant
July 2 Sydney V East Sydney at Sydney Ground
Waratah V West Sydney at Waratah Ground
2nd Sydney V 2nd West Sydney at East Sydney Gnd
16 Waratah V East Sydney at Waratah Ground
Sydney V West Sydney at Sydney Ground
2nd Sydney V 2nd West Sydney at East Sydney Gnd 23 Grand Fancy Costume Jubilee Match on Association Cricket Gnd 30 Sydney V East Sydney at Sydney Ground
Waratah V Wallsend at Sydney
West Sydney V 2nd Sydney at East Sydney Gnd
Aug 6 Waratah V Sydney at Sydney Ground
East Sydney V West Sydney at Waratah Ground
13 Waratah V West Sydney at Waratah Ground
East Sydney V Northumberland at Sydney
Sydney V 2nd Sydney
20 Sydney V Newcastle City at Sydney
East Sydney V Waratah at Waratah Ground
2nd Sydney V 2nd West Sydney at East Sydney Gnd
27 Sydney V East Sydney at East Sydney Gnd
Waratah Vacant
West Sydney Vacant
Sept 3 Waratah V West Sydney at Waratah Ground
Other clubs which were only mentioned once or so included Wallsend, Newcastle City and Riverview (school). (SMH 20.5.1887) It would appear that these latter clubs were only involved in social or once off games.(I.G. 1996)
Jas O”Meara is noted as a (2nds) player for Sydney. (SMH 21.5.1887)
Sydney’s first match is played against their 2nds and from this game a team is selected to travel to play against Newcastle the following Tuesday. (SMH 215.1887)
On Sat 4 June, the two Sydney teams (1st twenty and second 25) journeyed by steamer to Riverview to fulfil annaul engagement with 25 students of St Ignatius College. The trip took an hour. SMH 7.6.1987
The ball was “kicked off” to start the game. SMH 7.6.1987
Sydney were referred to in newspapers as the “reds”, (obviously an indication of the colour of the jumper they wore). Fred Burton was the central umpire. SMH 7.6.1987
The following were listed as best players for St Ignatius: Casey (Capt.), Newton, J. Mooney, O’Neil, A. Mason, Payten, Sheridan, R.S. Henty & Clifford. Rev. Principal, Father Dalton entertained the Sydney players after the match. SMH 7.6.1987
East Sydney wore blue jumpers. SMH 9.6.1887
A Mr Williams, purporting the represent the Northern Football Association of NSW wrote to the VFA suggesting that they should “make some fffort for the advancement of the game in NSW by “sending up a team”. He said there were 16 clubs in the Northern Association. SMH 11.6.1887
R.S. Henty, G.S. McKellar, D.J. Sullivan, and others from the Sydney club are named with initials in the SMH of 11.6.87.
About 4,000 people watch a match between Sydney and East Sydney on Moore Park on 11.6.87. The paper complains about the condition of the Moore Park ground and “commends it’s attention to the ranger, Mr Stacey”. SMH 13.6.1887
Hedger is listed as an East Sydney player SMH 7.6.1887
East Sydney club hold a smoke concert on Tuesday 14 June at Rainford’s Cambridge Hotel. SMH .6.1887
A late start in a match between Sydney and West Sydney clubs on Saturday 18 June, 3.30pm instead of 3pm, is berated in the SMH of 21/6. In the same article they praise the action of the ranger for improving the “playing space” of Moore Park. SMH 21 .6.1987
West Sydney play in a blue and black strip. W H Parkinson umpires a game. It would appear that the games only go for two halves. SMH 21 .6.1887
M. Ryan, G. Evans, Kidston, Cock & Wood attempt to start a football club playing under Australian Rules at Sydney University. A general meeting to undertake this would be held “shortly”. SMH 24 .6.1887
A match between Sydney and Waratah on 25 June attracts about 4,000 spectators apparently at Moore Park. Mr H. Hedger umpires. 27 .6.1887
East Sydney plays a practice match at Moore Park on 25 June. SMH 25 .6.1887
Quote from the Herald “The match for next Saturday, between the Sydney and Wallsend Clubs, for the New South Wales football premiership, is creating great interest among the sporting public of both the Metropolis and northern districts, and there is every indication of a great struggle for supremacy taking place. The supporters of the northern players are hopeful of success, while on the other hand the Metropolitan team will strain every nerve to keep their unbeaten record intact. His Excellency Lord Carrington, has stended his patronage to the match, as also have his worship the mayor of Sydney, Mr A J Riley, M.L.A., and other distinguished gentlemen. By the kind permission of the authorities the Vernon Band will be present” SMH 29.6.1887
Quote from the Herald …”WEST MAITLAND, Saturday
A match between the Sydney Football Club and the Northumberlands, which was looked forward to with much interest, came off on the Albion ground this afternoon, in the presence of about 600 spectators. The weather was fine, but the ground was heavy from the previous night’s rain. Williams captained the Norths, and Goer the Sydney team. The former won the toss, and secured the advantage of a strong southerly wind. Five minutes after the kick-off Clarke secured a goal for Maitland which was followed soon after by Cossack kicking two more for the same side. In the second quarter, Butler and Crisp kicked a goal each for Sydney, Jacob adding another for maitland, goals following quick succession by Tegg, Giles, and H. Bussel, making the score eight goals to Sydney’s two. In the last quarter Crisp and Goer kicked goals for Sydney and McKellar had placed the ball for a goal kick when time was cllled. The game ended in a win for Maitland, the scores being 8 goals 4 behinds to 4 goals 5 behinds. Mr. J.O. Thomas officiated as centraL umpire and Messrs. Waller and Balhausen as goal umpires. The visitors were entertained at dinner this evening at Barry’s Commercial Hotel, when several toasts were drunk. Afterwards a large number of players and their friends escorted them to the train, where cheers were given for both clubs”. SMH 16.8.1887
The Colonial Governor attended the game between Sydney and Wallsend at the Association on 2 July. A band played several recitals incl. …2,000 were in attendance.
The Wallsend players were unhappy with several umpiring decisions and following one threat to leave the ground, did, thus terminating the match. Sydney won 2 goals 7 behinds to 0 goals 8 behinds. Sydney gave the customary 3 cheers which was not returned.
A committee meeting was held on 1 August and planned a general meeting for 11 August. Disqualification on Wallsend player, Solly was lifted. It was announced that clubs had been formed at Sydney University and Alexandria. SMH 4 .7.1887
The players, dressed in fancy costume marched from the Pavilion around the ground in pairs and then played a game “Muffs against the Puffs”. The match continued for an hour with footballers dressed as female characters, Irish peasants, a Moor, a Highlander, lsown, harlequin and several nondescripts. The game of course was mreely a burlesque but afforded a good hour’s humour. SMH 25 .7.1887
The Sydney Club then played a game against players from East Sydney, West Sydney, Waratah and University. Sydney winning 5 goals 2 behinds to 1 goal 2 behinds. SMH 25 .7.1887
The NSWFA conducted a fancy costume football match in aid of the funds of the Assn. on the Cricket Ground on Sat. 23 July. SMH 25 .7.1887
Obviously a change to the fixture occured with the Sydney first team having a “pleasant trip to Kogarah” on Sat 6 Aug., there to play “the suburban players”. Thorton, White, Newton, Enlish and Eagan are mentioned as players for the Kogarahs. SMH 8.8.1887
The Second Sydney travelled to Riverview on Sat 6 Aug. where they played St Ignatius College SMH 8.8.1887
Sydney and East Sydney met for the final match of the season on 27 August with about 2000 spectators present. Sydney won 5-9 to 2-5 and was played in four quarters. SMH 29.8.1887
A return match between Sydney and Northumberland was played on Moore Park on Saturday 20 August. This match created a fair amount of interest with about 4000 present, although the weather was cold and showery. Mr Fred Burton was central umpire and the visitors were entertained at the Freemanson’s Hotel, York Street following the game with Mr Crisp in the chair. Following festivities the visitors left by boat for Newcastle on the same night. SMH 22.8.1887
The Sydney Club held a successful sports and picnic on Saturday 10 September to celebrate the end of the season. Several steamers transported people between the floating jetty, Circular Quay and the popular location.
The Pyrmont Brass Band was chartered for the occasion and the large pavilion was thronged with dancers. Running and kicking contests were held. SMH 12.9.87
The West Sydney Club held their second annual club’s handicap of 150 yards at the Carrington Ground on 17 September. SMH 19.9.87
1888
NSWFA
Secretary: W J W Richardson & J Levine
Treasurer:
Sydney
Capt: ? Booth, G Crisp
East Sydney
Capt: Harry Hedger
NSWAFA
The Assn holds fortnightly meetings, each second Friday at the rooms of Levy and Scott’s. (Referee 21.6.1888) (Prvevious to this they met for a time at the rooms of Goer and Butler Tabcconists of 234 Castlereagh Street which is between Liverpool and Goulburn.(Referee 2.6.1887) Goer and Butler were fellow players in the East Sydney team. Goer being a former Carlton player and Butler who went on to become the president of East Sydney and later of the NSW Aust Football League.)
The following were listed as club delegates:
University - W J W Richardson
Sydney - Elliott, Sullivan & Morrow
East Sydney - Harry Hedger & Hume
Waratah - McNamee, McDonald & Arthur
Waratah - Breakspear
West Sydney - Jepson
Kogarah - Crisp & Hinwood
(Refere 21.6.1888)
[I am supposing here that Crisp and Hinwood would be acting on behalf of Kogarah – only a very loosely formed team because they are players of another team and further, to return travel to Kogarah of an evening after the meeting would be almost impossible]
1888 Fixture
DATE TEAM OPPOSITION VENUE
12 May Sydney Kogarah (23) Kogarah
Waratah Sydney 2nd (23) Moore Park
West Sydney East Sydney Moore Park
19 May Sydney St Ignatius College (23) Riverview
Waratah University University
East Sydney Sydney 2nd (23) Moore Park
Kogarah West Sydney 2nd Kogarah
24 May Sydney West Sydney Moore Park
University Sydney 2nd University
Kogarah (23) East Sydney Kogarah
26 May West Sydney East Sydney Moore Park
Waratah Kogarah (23) Kogarah
St Ignatius Coll. Sydney 2nd Riverview
2 June Sydney East Sydney Moore Park
West Sydney University Wentworth Park
Kogarah Sydney 2nd Kogarah
Waratah West Sydney 2nd (23) Wentworth Park
9 June East Sydney Kogarah 23 Moore Park
West Sydney Waratah Wentworth Park
West Sydney 2nd Sydney 2nd Moore Park
16 June NSWFA Melbourne FC Assn Ground
University Sydney 2nd Moore Park
23 June NSWFA Melbourne FC Assn Ground
30 June Sydney University Moore Park
Waratah East Sydney Waratah Ground
West Sydney Kogarah (23) Kogarah
Sydney 2nd West Sydney 2nd Moore Park
(Australian Star 8 May 1888)
Interstate Games
The first match of the season (mind you this was reported on 28 June) of more importance that an inter-club contest, played under the Australian rules, took place on the Association Cricket Ground on Saturday afternoon last (23 June) The contestants were the team of Melbourne Footballers who passed through this city a couple of weeks back on their way to Brisbane, where they were very successful, and a Sydney combined team ….” (Referee 28.6.1888) The article goes on to say by the correspondent “Mark” who is probably an Aust Football follower …. The game, when played well, is certainly of a much more interesting nature than Rubgy. It is far more scientific, and is attended with not nearly the amount of horse play that characterises the other games, and though I have, until lately, always had a liking for Rugby, I think that with some judicious help in the way of sending teams, etc., from our southern cousins, the game as played under Australian rules, will, in a few years, supplant the more popular (in this city) game of Rugby. (Referee 28.6.1888)
There is an additional report on the Sydney v Melbourne FC game on 23 June in the Referee of 28 June. It lists the Sydney team as being comprised of: Arthur, Ashton, Booth, Butler, Bramley, H Elliott, Flemming, Kelly, Hedger, Hume, Hokdsworth, Levin, McKellar, Neate, Neilson, McNamara, Rousevell, Sullivan, Tobin and Todd. Melbourne won 2.7 to 1.1. Umpire: Mr Atkinson. (Referee 28.6.1888)
The secretary of the Maitland Football Club has written to the secretary of the Victorian Association notifying him that a team of Maitlanders will visit Melbourne next year. The northerners play a good game, but it is feared they are not strong enough to defeat any of the Melbourne clubs. (Referee 28.6.1888)
The famous Maori rugby team which toured England visited Australia on the way and played two games of football under Australian Rules. It is reported that they "didn't like the game”.
The game was played at some extent in and around the Newcastle/Maitland area where is was considered the major football code. (F/R1927 N 7, P 1)
Twenty players per team played with teams representing Newcastle City, Hamilton, Mereweather, Northumberland, Wallsend and Maitland were in existence. The Northumberland team visited Victoria, playing matches at Melbourne and Bendigo with a fair measure of success. D. H. Watkins (1927) MHR, was then a player of outstanding ability. Players around the Newcastle Area included: the Duguid Bros., Tobin, H.Giles, Bowers, Watson, Leon and W. Moore. (F/R1927 N 7, P 8)
The Clubs in Sydney included; Sydney, Waratah, East Sydney, City, West Sydney, Redfern, St Ignatius College and St Josephs College. Jim Phelan writes that the game was held in very high regard between the years of 1883-1893.
Oakleigh’s first captain, Alf Wilkinson moves to Sydney where he became captain of the Sydney Club. He dies in 1960 aged 92.
Some prominent people involved around this time include: C W Beal (manager of the 1882 Australian XI), Dave Gregory and E. Sheridan (cricket game), J. Toohey founder of Tooheys Brewery and a most generous patron, A. Flanagan (donor of the ill-fated Flanagan Cup), Leo and Otto Balhausen, Agar Wynne, A. Griffin, T. Nash, W. Marshall, G. Young, G. Crisp, J, O’Meara, W. Berkeley and H. Hedger. Many of these in later life gained parliamentary honors while nearly all gained prominence in football.(F/R1927 N 8, P 6 Jim Phelan’s writings)
East Sydney played Sydney in the third encounter on 4 August at the Agricultural Ground. SMH 6.8.1888
A return match between St Ignatius and Second Sydney took place on Sat 2 September at Riverview. The college won 8-25 to 1-5. For St Igs. McGwen and O’Neil kicked two roals each whilst Rankin, Sheridan, O’Loghlen and Hardman got 1 each. SMH 4.8.1988
University
The University Club have inaugurated a series of Wednesday afternoon matches under Australian Rules, with several of the colleges and head schools in Sydney and suburbs. This will enable the collegians to have a knowledge of both games, and play either as often as they find it convenient.
Vern Harris, late of the Burwood Club, who played so famously at Wallsend and recently against the Fitzroy Club and C J Cox of the Newcastle College, have become members of the University Australian Club and it is rumoured that they will probably be among the ‘Varsity teams selected to compete in the Intercolonial University match in Melbourne next August (Referee 14.6.1888)
Balmain
Balmain Club:- A scratch match, between teams chosen by captain and vice captain was played on Church-hill, Balmain on Saturday afternoon and after a good game resulted in a draw, both sides scoring two goals. The following players were conspicuous: For the Captain R Neilson’s side, J. Mackey, M. Tierney, W. Tierney, Fordham, H W Taylor, Davis, J McCallum, R. Neilson; Vice Captain, F Henry’s side: Henry, J. Byrne, P. Tierney, W. Chalmers, H. Darling, W. Morrison, McKenzie. The goals were kicked by J. Byrne 2, M. Tierney 1, W. Tierney 1. The game was witness by a large crowd. (Referee 14.6.1888)
The Waratahs were down to play the newly formed Balmain club, but the latter team did not put in an appearance and as the Universities were playhing the second Sydneys, and both teams were short handed, some of the Waratahs played on each side. After a very good game the result was a draw, each side scoring 3 goals and of the six, four were potted by Waratah men, Not bad this for the “tuplips’. (Referee 21.6.1888)
Another valuable addition to the clubs playing Australian football has recently been made at St Augustine’s school, Balmain, the credit of which is due to the honorary secretary of the University Club, M M Ryan, who, at present holds an appointment in this school and who will skipper the students during the present season. The club numbers nearly forty members, and the colours adopted are navy and white. The following officers have been elected for the season:- President, the Principal, Bro J Kennedy; vice president, Rev. B. O’Brien, captain, M M Ryan; vice captain J. Hughes;; hon sec, S Howard; hon treasuere, Ch Cherry; committee, J Gooud, S Gooud, J Hanley, A McQuade and T Ryan; match committee, captain, vice captain and hon secretary. It is worthy of note that the principal of theis school was formerly chief of the Ballarat Christian Brothers’ School, where J Lalor and P McShane now engaged in coaching the Englishmen in Australian Football, first learned the game at whjich they are now so famous. (Referee 14.6.1888)
Junior Game
The mention of junior games at by this year were almost non existent however the following was recorded in the Referee of 14 June:
A match was played on the East Sydney’s ground between two junior teams, aspirants for future honors under the flag of the Australian game. The teams hail from West Sydney and Moore Park, and under the protecting wings of the West Sydney and Sydney Clubs. Considerable amusement was caused by the efforts of the little footballers, among whom a great amount of rivalry is shown. The match ended in favour of the West’s youngsters by 2 goals to 1. The cool play of the boys Hampson, Guy, Ronson (2) and Domini for West and Lyons, Tib, Mason, Matterson and others of the Sydneys gave promise of better things. The old veteran, Mr T Yates, as central umpire, kept the boys well up to the rules of the game. (Referee 14.6.1888)
1889
NSWAFA
President: P F Sheridan
Secretary: W J W Richardson
Treasurer: M McNamee
East Sydney FC
President: Mr A Flannagan
Sec: Mr P Hume
Treas: Mr E M Witton
The football writer for the Referee urges the Association to hire enclosed grounds for play and get away from all games at Moore Park to stop spectators encroaching on the field of play and to allow players to play on reasonable surfaces. He maintained that the public would see better football on better surfaces with players being able to perform at their best. He made no mention of the fact that the Association would reap financial benefits with the gate takings. [Referee 10.4.1889]
The writer for the Referee urges players to "go into a proper and systematic training, with out which is is uless and a folly to hope for success either individually or for the club" [Referee 10/4/1889]
"The generous donation of a handsome and costly silver cup by Mr E. Flanagan of Burdekin's Hotel, Oxford Street has already had the effect of stirring even the most lethargic and lukewarm into acive and proper training in order that his club may make a bold and determined bid the premiership honours and this valuable trophy besides. [Referee 10/4/1889]
The Referee also condems the surface of the ground on Moore Park and urges the "Association to strive earnestly to obtain one of the grounds over on the Agrcultural Society's Grounds. Here they would not only be protected from the encroachment of the people but they would also have a leveller and in all respects a far better lay of turf than could ever be obtained on the broad and unprotected stretch of Moore Park. In the event of the votaries of the Australian Rules obtaining this ground an improvement in the styule of play would soon make itself visible and then the supports and followers of rugby would have a chance of comparing the two games, a comparison which the supporters of Victorian Rules need not fear. The Association has as honorary secretary one who is evidently well fitted for the position and it is to be hoped that he will with other,s strive to obtain the use of one of the stretches on the Agricultural Ground". [Referee 10/4/1889]
It was advised that the AGM of the Association would be held at Milthorpe's Hotel, corner of York and Market Streets on Friday night when all members are invited to attend. [Referee 10/4/1889]
The ninth annual general meeting of the East Sydney Football Club was held at Flanagan's Burdenkin Hotel, Oxford Street "last Tuesday Evening". A very good attendance of members was noticeable a fact which speaks well for the enthusiasm of the players. Chairman was W C Marshall. The report recorded the welcome fact that the prominent position occupied by the club a few seasons back had been regained once more. The inter-provincial match which was played at Newcastle was alluded to with pride for no less than seven members of the club were included in the fifteen and it was mainly due to theri exertaions that the honour of the Association had been upheld. The club played two matches agains the Northumberland Football Club. The first contested at Maitland was lost and the return match in Sydney resulted in favour of the club. The thanks of the club are due to Messrs W C Marshall and J. Kettlewell for the donating of valuable trophies which were awarded to Messrs P. Hume and E A Scott respectively. The club trophy was won by Mr A. Ashton. The club was engaged in 12 matches, winning 6 drawing 3 and losing 3. Thirty three goals were kicked for the club and 15 against. Messrs Sibley, Neats and Church headed the list of goalkickers with 5 each. Reference was made to the liberal action by Mr A Flanagan in presenting a very valuable cup to the competed for by clubs belonging to the Association. The treasurer's balance sheet showed the club to have a neat credit balance, a fact which was received with pleasure by one and all. On the motion of Mr Neate the motion was unanimously adopted. Correspondence from the Hamilton and Northumberland clubs asking for matches was received. It was decided that the first twenty visit Maitland on May 21 to meet the Northumberland Club. The election of office bearers for the season resulted as follows: Patron: Mr S Burdekin MP, president, Mr A. Flanagan, vice presidents: Messrs W C Marchall, C Dobson, C Hellmrick, J. Kettlewell, Dr Sibley, Mark Foy and S E Lees MP; hon sec: Mr P Hume;. Hon treasurer Mr E M Witton, general committee: Messrs H hedger, Neate, Emmett, Fitzgerald and Sibley; captain, Mr P Hume, vice captain, Mr H Hedger;; selection committee, Messrs Neate, Hedger and Hume; delegates to the NSW Football Association, Messrs Neate, Emmett and Buckley. Several members were proposed, including a few first class players. [Referee 10/4/1889]
1889 NSWFA Annual Report
Mr Chairman and Gentlemen
The general committee of the NSW Football Associaiton have much pleasure in presenting thier ninth annual report to the member of the Association.
During the season 1888 a highly satisfactory improvement in the play of associated clubs was noticeable which we are sure was a source of satisfaction to all players and supporters of the game.
Two new clubs, the University and Balmain were affiliated to the Association and three new schools wer forged. The University Club which its energetic and enthusiastic hon. Secretary, Mr M M Ryan endeavoured to start during the latter part of the 1887 season was duly formed at the beginning of the seson. Although it had to fight hard for existence at first, your committee was highly pleased to find such an acquisition of strength as the season advanced that is members undertook a trip to Melbourne for the purpose of inaugurating annual inter-University matches. The Balmain Club which promises to become a formidable rival to the old associated clubs was successfully started. Owing however to its not being brought into existence till after the hon sectreaties of the other associated coubs had arranged matches for nearly every Saturday during the season it took part in very few contests.
Only one visiting team played a match against a team selected from members of the Assocation, viz, the Melbourne Football Club team. This match was played on the Association Cricket Grouind on June 23 and resulted in a win for the visitors by two goals to one.
The interprovincial match between the Metroplitan and Northern Districts came off at Newcastle and the committee regret having to state that at the last moment several prominent players who had been selected found that they were unable to leave Sydney and consequently th team representing this Assocation had not its full complement of players. The match resulted in a vcitory for the Northern Districts.
Your committee has much pleasure in informing you that a match has been arranged against the Maori teamwhich has recently been playing in England to come off on the Assocation Cricket Ground on June 29 and two matches against the Port Melbourne Club to be played on July 4 and 6.
A skating carnival was held on June 21 in order to raise funds to dimish the debt of the Association. As it unfortunately did not receive that suupport from the members of the Association which was anticipated by your committee it was only a partial success.
The hon. Secretary (Mr. J Levin) elected at the last annual meeing resigned his position on July 20 in consequence of business engagements preventing him from devoting the required attention to the duties of the office and Mr W J Richardson was elected to fill the vacancy.
Your committee is pleased to announce that Mr A. Flannagan has presented to the Assocation a handsome silver cup to be competed for by assicated clubs. Your committee sincerely hopes that every member will manifest his appreciation of Mr Flanagan's kindness and earnest desire to promote the interests of our game by getting into form early and by striving hard to secure for his club the honour of winning the handsome trohpy.
A conference of delegates from various associations in the colonies was held in Melbounre during Cup week for the purpose of revisiting the laws of the game. This association was represented by Messrs J. Shepherd and F J Burton. Some important alteratons and additions were made, with which your committee earnestly requested all members of the association to at once make them selvels aquainted.
A sub committe was appointed to revise during the summer the rules of the association. A new set of rules were drawn up and they will presently be submitted to you for approval.
The number of committee meetings held during the season was 19; the average attendance of delegates was nie and the largest attendance was 13. The number of meetings attended by each delegate was as follows: Sydney FC, delegates Morris 16, Sullivan 14, Elliott 15; East Sydney, delegates F C Hedger 12, Hume 10, Church 7; Waratah FC McDonald 13, Arthur 13, McNamee 8; west Sydney FC Breakspear 4, Hynee 2; University FC Richardson 18, Corowa FC Jepson 5, Balmain FC Neilson 3; Hon Treasurer 8; Crisp (VP) 12; Hinwood (VP) 6.
The committee desires to expresss thier thanks to Messrs. Levy and Scott for their kindness in providing a room in which the committees meetings were held; to the trustees of the Association Cricket Ground for the use of the ground for the match against the Melbourne club; to the press for publishing the reports of the the committee meetings; to Messrs J Shepaerd and F J Barton for their services as delegates to the conference held in Melbourne to revise the laws of the game; the Mr A Flanagan for his liveral donation of a silver cup and to our pastron, Sydney Burdekin Esq MLA for the hospitable and very liberal manner in which he entertained our visitors, the Melbourne footballers.
Owing to the unavoidable absence from town of the hon treasurer, the usual balance sheet is not forthcoming but all debts incurred during last seasons have been paid; the debt remaining from the previous season has been reduced by £15 and there is a balance of a few pounds in hand.
WJ Richardson Hon Sec for the Committee [Referee 17/4/1889]
The election of office bearers results as follows: Patron Sydney Burdekin MLA, President: P F Sheridan Esq; Vice Presidents Hon Bruce Smith, Messrs F J Smith MLA, B E Lees, MLA, J. Wilkinson MLA, W C Hinwood, C W Beal (sic), E H Bothasen (sic), G Crisp, E W Sullivan MLA and G N Griffiths; hon treasurer Mr M McNamee; hon secretrary Mr W J W Richardson; auditors Messrs H Fattorial and F Certi. The consideration of the set of revised rules drawn up by the sub committee was next consdered and after several alterations had been made, they were adopted.
The West Sydneys had their annual meeting on Tuesday last when there was a very good attentance of members. After the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the officer bearers for the season were elected. This club has secured a ground at Wentworth Park which should be a special inducement to the players to go into active training.
The donor (Mr A. Flanagan) of the Cup to the Football Association has also offered a gold medal to the Waratah. [Referee 17.4.1889]
East Sydney Football Club held their ninth annual meeting at Flagagan's Burdekin Hotel, Oxford Street on 8 April which was very well attended. Mr W C Marshall occupied the chair.
The general committee of the Assn met on Friday 26 April at Messrs Levy and Scott’s rooms. A letter was received from Mr G. Graham stating that he had formed a new club at Granville to be called the Australian Football Club. A letter was also received from the Sec of the Agricultural Scoieys ground, intimating that the use of the oval nearest the gate had been allotted to the assn for the season for cup matches. A selection committee of Messrs. Sullivan, Neate and McNamee was formed whilst a committee consisting of Butler, Fordham and McDonald was appointed to frame rules for the Flanagan Cup matches. It was also resolved that the umpires in the cup matches be paid for their services. Meeting adjourned. (SMH 29.4.1889)
The newly formed Australian Club at Granville played a scratch match at Clyde on Saturday Afternoon (27 April) (SMH 30.4.1889)
The following dates were allotted to the Australian Game on the Association Cricket Ground for the season:
Sat June 29 Maori team V NSWFA
Thur July 4 Port Melbourne V NSWFA
Sat 27 July Sydney Football Club V Northern Clubs (probable)
(SMH 30.4.1889)
It was noted that the Association Ground also catered for sports days, bicycle races, rugby games.
West Sydney and University played on Sat 16 May at Wentworth Park. 300- 400 people attended. H. Hedger umpired. (SMH18.5.1889)
Assn meetings were held fortnightly. (SMH 22.5.1889)
The rules for the Flanagan Cup were drawn up by a sub committee. Following several amendments and additions, the following was accepted on Monday 21 May.
1. The cup shall be called the Flanagan Challenge Cup.
2. All matches for the cup shall be under the management and control of the general committee.
3. All senior associated clubs shall be entitled to compete for the cup on payment of an entrance fee of 5 shillings.
4. No player shall be allowed to play with more than one club in cup matches during the season.
5. The cup shall become the property of the club which shall be won the premiership two seasons.
6. the club scoring the greatest number of points in cup matches during a season shall be declared premier.
7. Cup scoring: A win shall count four points, a draw two points.
8. Cup matches shall commence at 3 o’clock. In the event of a team not being ready to start play by 3.15pm, the field umpire may declare the attendant team the winner of the match, subject to the pproval of the association.
9. In the event of a team not being ready to start play at 3 o’clock, it shall be liable to a fine of not
more than 5 shillings.
10. Two matches ahall be played during the season between each club entered for the Cup. Cup
matches for this season shall begin on June 1.
11. In the event of two clubs having scored an equal number of points at the end of the season, these two clubs shall play a deciding match.
12. All players in Cup matches must appear in club uniform,failing which the club playing such members shall beliable to a fine not exceeding 10 shillings.
13. Entries for the Cup shall close on 27th May, at 8pm.
The General Committee shall decide which are to be Cup matches. (SMH 22.5.1889)
St Ignatius played a Sydney Second 20 at Riverview on Saturday 19 May resulting in an easy win by St Ignatius 4-21 to 0-1. Clifford, O’Reilly, Burne, Hardman and O’Connell are mentioned as best for the college. (SMH 22.5.1889)
St Ignatius (23) played Hamilton at Riverview on Thursday 24 May. Hamilton could only muster 17 men. St Igs won 4 goals to 2. (SMH 25.5.1889)
An adjourned general meeting of the NSW Football Assn was held on Wedneday Evening 29 May at Levy and Scott’s rooms, there being a full attendance of delegates.
Entries for the Flanagan Challange Cup were received from Sydney, East Sydney, West Sydney, University and Waratah Clubs. A letter was read from Sec. Of Queensland Football Assn. requesting an intercolonial match be held in August or September. This was denied because it was considered too late a request to arrange a ground.
A letter from the Sec. Of the Australian Football Club, Granville, complaining of the unnecessary roughness of some of the East Sydney players in a match played between these clubs on May 18. As the former was not recognized as a club, no action was taken. (SMH 31.5.1889)
A Flanagan Cup match between Sydney and University clubs was played at the Agricultural Ground on Sat 1 June under unfavourable conditions on 1 June. The match was terminated by mutual consent just before three quarter time because of a downpour of rain. Mr W. Berkley was umpire. (SMH 3.6.1889)
Sydney and East Sydney played a cup game on 9 June. The ball was kicked out quite often and a suggestion was made regarding the use of boundary umpires. East Sydney wore navy blue and Sydney: red. Mr Shine was umpire. (SMH 11.6.1889)
Field umpire Berkley asks the league general committee for a definition of the 12th law of the game, stating that he had insisted on players kick over their mark.
“It was decided that Mr Berkley be instructed as follows:
So long as a player, who has obtained a mark, kicks from a place behind his mark, which is in a line with his mark and the centre of his opponents goal, he may kick in any direction. (SMH 20.6.1889)
This ladder appeared in the SMH on 11.6.1889 for the Flanagan’s Cup:
Club Played Won Lost Drawn Points Scored Possible
Sydney 2 2 - - 8 8
Waratah 1 1 - - 4 4
East Syd 1 - 1 - 0 4
West Syd 1 - 1 - 0 4
University 1 - 1 - 0 4
Mr O W Balhausen wrote to the committee drawing it’s attention to the fact that a doubt existed among goal umpires as to when they should change ends, which often resulted in “an exhibition of shouting and waving of arms across the field”. (SMH 20.6.1889)
It was resolved that in future, goal umpires be instructed to change ends at half time. (SMH 20.6.1889)
The selection committee chose players to practice for the match between the Assn and the “New Zealanders”. (SMH 20.6.1889)
The following players were selected to play against the New Zealand native Footballers on the Association Cricket Ground on Saturday, 29 June: Arthur(W), Barker, Booth(w), Bruce, Brunton, Butler(S), Chambers, Crisp(S), Emmett, Hedger (ES), Hume(W), Kelly(S), Neate(S), O’Meara(S), O’Neill, Scott, Sullivan(S), Tobin(S), Turner, Wilson, Glennister(W) (21), Bolton(S)(22), and Corti (23). The captain will be chosen (this evening) at Messrs. Levy and Scott’s. (SMH 26.6.1889)
A match between Port Melbourne and Northumberland clubs was played on the Albion Ground on Fri. 28 June. Port Melbourne won, 5-13 to 4-8. The visitors were entertained at Barry’s Commercial Hotel. (SMH 29.6.1889)
A game between the NSWFA and a (rugby) team of New Zealand natives was played at Association cricket ground on Sat 30 June. (SMH 29.6.1889) (No description of the game is recorded).
A match between Port Melbourne and a selection of players from Newcastle was played on Sun 30 June at the Newcastle Cricket Ground before approx. 2500 spectators. Port Melbourne won 7 goals to 2. (SMH 1.7.1889)
NSW are defeated 2-4 to 6-12 by Port Melb. at the Association Cricket Ground on Sat 6 July. … Scott captained the NSW team. (SMH 8.7.1889)
About 7,000 persons assembled on the Melb Cricket Ground on Saturday 13 July to witness a match between Victoria and Northern District of NSW, the following players are mentioned for Northern NSW: R.Bower, Pegg, W. Howard, Bateman and Duguid. Final score: Victoria 6-14 to Northern Dist of NSW 2-8. (SMH 15 .7.1889)
Seventeen members of the University club journeyed to Riverview and played against a St Ignatius 23. St Ignatius won 4 goals to 1. Pike, Cock, Kidston, Macaulay, Richardson and Fitzsimmons played well for university. Mr D Sullivan umpired. (SMH 29.7.1889)
A match played between Sydney and Waratah played on the Agricultural Ground on 10 August was won by Sydney 2-8 to 1-6. Had the Waratahs been victorious on the occasion, a deciding match between these two clubs would have had to be played. The Sydney club which has held the permiership for the past three seasons, has again won that honour and will be the first holder of the Flanagan Cup. The crowd encrouched 15 yards onto the field on the eastern wing where most of the play took place, the players having to dodge in and out among the spectators. (SMH 12.8.1889)
Sydney: 3-19 and East Sydney 3-5 draw a game played on 17 August. Sydney’s team consisted of: Mclaughlin, D. Sullivan, Chambers, Ward, McKellar, Kelly, M. Sullivan, Bolton, Finn, Graham, Jepson, H.K. Wilson, Pike, James O’Meara, P.Perman, Rover: Crisp. East Sydney: Breakspear, Buchan, Wallace, W. Smith, Hepburn, Grey, J. Smith, Witton, fletcher, Hume, Bardsley, Vial, Sibley, Elliott, W. Lyons, Bruce, Moiler, Neate, R. Lyons, rover: Hedger (Capt). Mr Berkley was the umpire giving 5 free kicks against each side. (SMH 19.8.1889)
In a match to decide the club premiership of NSW played at the Agricultural Ground on Sat 24 August, Wallsend 6-13 beat Sydney 1-2. The Sydney team included four of the second twenty in their side. The teams and a good description of the game is provided in the SMH. SMH (26.8.1889)
In the final game for the Flanagan Cup, Sydney 4-4 defeated West Sydney 10 behinds at Wentworth Park. The ground was too small and its boundaries were ill-defined. Mr Berkeley umpired. (SMH 2.9.1889)
Final placings for the Flanagan Cup in 1889:
Team Played Won Lost Drawn Poitns For Points Against Points Possible Points Acutal
Sydney 8 6 1 1 25 13 32 26
Waratah 8 6 2 - 34 13 32 24
West Sydney 8 4 3 1 18 18 32 18
East Sydney 8 2 4 2 18 28 32 12
SMH 2.9.1889
1890
NSWAFA
President: P F Sheridan
Secretary: W J W Richardson
Treasurer: A McDonald
City Football Club (new)
President: D O’Connor (Post Master General)
Sec: A. McDonald
Treas: P. McNamara
East Sydney
A Flanagan
Sec: J P Buckley
Treas: E M Witton
West Sydney
Pres: M Harris
Sec: J J Hynes
Treas: E A Gill
Capt: W Berkeley
Vice Capt: J Byrne
Waratah
G N Griffiths
Sec: C Fattorini
Treas: Frank Rounseville
Capt: W Arthur
Vice Capt: W Abbott
Annual Meeting held on 15 April 1890 at Rainford's Cambridge Club Hotel. Mr W H Marshall was the chairman. A poor roll up. (it was suggested the poor attendance was due to conflicting reports of the exact venue of the meeting) Referee 16.4.90
1890 Annual Report (TENTH ANNUAL REPORT)
Mr Chairman and Gentlemen
During the season 1889 a marked improvement was noticeable in the play of Association clubs, and some of the inter-club matches were so well contested, and brought into prominence as brilliantly the many pretty features of the game, that they were on all sides ranked among the best expositions ever given in Sydney.
There is however, much to be desired and your committee trust the attention to a strict course of training which was largely given last season will be increased during the coming winter.
We are pleased to observe that a keener interest was taken by the public in the matches than in previous seasons. This was brought about by three important factors. The first was that most of the matches were played on an enclosed ground where the players could give an unhampered exposition of the game; the second was that professional umpires were employed to all the senior matches; the third, that the Flanagan Challenge Cup was being competed for. A little doubt was expressed at the comtasoement of the season as to the wisdom of playing on the Agrecultural Ground alongside of the principal rugby matches but as a large majority felt confident that our game. The employment of professional umpires has been a great success. The results were that the games were made faster and more interesting but that the umpires, being the paid servants of the Associatoin, were entirely under the control as un attainable results when an amateur undertakes the duty of an umpire.
The Flanagan Cup which as to be won twice was last season won by the Sydney Club. The say competition infused much vigour into the management of the various clubs. The Waratah Club for instance, which in previous seasons experienced the greatest difficulty in getting a team together to fulfil its entgagments was able last season to run a second twentyand the first twenty rose to the position of second on the premiership list. The other senior clubs with one exception were also favoured with a highly satisfactory increase in the number of their memebers. The cup also caused a strong and highly desirable rivarily to spring up between the clubs engaged in the competition, a rivarily which juding by the engergetic efforts already made and apparently with improve by the officers of the different clubs to induce their players to go into training early justifies us in predicting that the coming season will be characterised by a vast improvement in the play of inter club matches.
It was highly gratifying to all supporters of our game in Sydney last season to hear that it so increased in popularity is the northern districts that our northern confrates were able to send to Melbourne a team that was very favourably criticised by all the press of that city.
Although the members of the University Club have decided not to revive that club during the coming season we are pleased to be able to say that they are forming a new club at Granville but it did not achieve much success. The students of St Josephs College was of the largest in Sydney played the Australian game last season and considering that that was their first season they played it remarkably well. At St Ignatius College the studens have so well mastered that the senior clubs if they wish to score a win must be represented by their best men.
In the past seasons junior football has been almost neglected, the result being that junior clubs and second twenties have been failures. For the coming season season however twenty silver medals have been offered for competitions among the juniors and these medals ought to give an impetus to junior football.
Two visiting teams played matches against teams selected from members of this
Association, viz., the Maori teams and the Port Melbourne Club's team. Several member of the Maori team which was assisted by four prominent players belonging to this Association had evidently tried to hard to master the details of the Australian game but others were what are commonly called "passengers". Had the teams consisted solely of Marois it would have suffered a defeat. The match resulted in a draw. Our representatives splendidly contested the match against the Port Melbourne team for the first three quarters but during the last quarter the superior condition of the visitors enabled them to beat our players at almost every point.
During the coming season we shall have a visit from the Carlton Club of Melbourne. While the Carltons are in Sydney the South Melbourne team will be returning from a visit to Brisbane and arrangements have been made for those sides to give an exhitition match in Sydney on June 21. ONe of the best umpires procurable in Melbouirne will be bought over to act in this match. Granted fine weather, it should be a great test for the Sydney public. Your committee are communicating with the Tasmanian Football Association for the purpose of arranging a visit of a representative Tasmanian team to Sydney and with the Queensland Football Association for the purpose of arrangeing a visit of a representative New South Wales team to Brisbane in August. If we are successful in arranging these matches we shall have three Intercolonial matches for the coming season which we are endeavouring to make the most attractive that we have yet held.
We are very pleased to notice in the annual report that in 1891 a football carnival to be held in Melbourne and the premiership of the colonies played for by representative teams of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales. We are sure the proposal meets with the unqualified approval of every member of this Association.
A smoke concert was held on June 27 but it was not a success.
The number of committee meetings held during the season was thirteen. The number of meetings attended by each delegate was as follows: Sydney FC: Butler 11, Sullivan 11, McLachlan 9; Waratah FC: Arthur 10, McDonald 9, Hodssworth 8; East Sydney Backley 11, Neate 10, Burnett 9; University: Cook 5, West Sydney: Hynes; Australia: Houghton 2, McNamee (hon treasurer) 9, Hinwood (Vice president) 3, Richardson (hon secretary) 13.
The financial position of the Association is satisfactory. When two accounts, payment of which has been promised in a few days are received, we shall be able to liquidate the list of remnents of debts that has hampereed the actions of the Associations for the past three seasons.
In conclusion, your committee desire to express their thanks to Mr George Crisp for his generous action in regard to the Association's debt to Mr John Scott for providing a room in which the committee meetings were held and to this press for partaking the reports of the committee meetings.
SIGNED: W J W RICHARDSON - Hon Sec for the Committee. [Referee 16 April 1890]
Office Bearers of the NSW Football Assn for 1890 were:
Patrol Mr Sydney Burdekin MLA (Mayor of Sydney) President: Mr Phillip Sheridan, Vice President: Messrs H W O'Sullivan MLA, Jas J T.Toohey M P , W C Marshall, A. Flannagan, Geo Crisp, C. Davis and W Weller. Hon Treasurer: Mr A. McDonald, Hon. Secretary: Mr W J W Richardson; Auditors - Mssrs Ballhousen and Mervyn Portus. A Vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meetings.
The chariman made a few remarks on the report expressing his great pleasure at the welcome intelligence ascertained though more particularly that relatilng to financial soundness of the Association. On the motion of the chairman seconded by Mr C xxx that the report as read be adopted.This (Another sentence BUT CANT READ IT - IG) was read, but its adoption was xxxxxxxxx xxx a support from the select committee appointed to report on some matters that needed ratification with reference to the concert held last year.[Referee 16 April 1890]
Mr Alexander of Oxford Street donates 20 medals for junior teams. [Referee 16 April 1890]
From the Referee of 23 April 1890
A meeting was held at Milthorp's Hotel on Thursday evening with a view towards the formation of a new club under the Australian Rules. Mr W J W Richardson, hon secretary of the New South Wales Association presided. It was decided on being the City Football Club. The election of officer bearers resulted as follows: President, Mr D O’connor (Post Master General); Vice Presidents, Mess J. P. Garvan, J.T. Toohey, W.J. Lyne, MLA, Mr P J Milthorp and Ridsdale; hon treasurer, Mr P McNamara hon secretary, Mr A.McDonald committee Mesrs. J J Garvan, W J W Richardson, P. Street, Crowley, Younger, Mitchell and Fitzgerald. It was decided to at once apply for admission to the NSW Football Association and it was also decided to enter for the Flannagan Cup competition. The names of 35 members were enrolled and it would appear that the clubs i to be a big success from the very jump. The colours are to be maroon jersey and hose and dark blue knickers.
Two exhibition matches, an inter-colonial match with Queensland is the latest probramme of big matches issed by the New South Wales Football Association for the coming season. On June 21 a representative geam of Tasmania will play the Carlton Club of Melbourne in an exhibition match on the
Association Cricket Ground. On June 29 the South Melbourne Club will try comxxxxxx with the Carltons in the second exhibition match on the same ground. On July 5 when the Tasmanians have returned from a visit to the northern districts they will play representative team from New South Wales. Ever possible effort will be put forward to make the New Wouth Wales team thoroughly representative of the colony and it will include the best players from the Northern Districts and Wagga Wagga Associations. The Queenslanders have invited a New South Wales team to take a trip to Brisbane in August and it is more than probable that the invitation will be accepted. With th Flanagan Cup matches and these exhibition and Inter-Colonial matches on hand the greatest football glutton ought to be able to get his fill during the coming winter.
The adjouned annual meeting of the Sydney Football Club was held at Milthorpe's Hotel on Friday 11 inst.Mr G Crisp presided. The annual report recorded the fact that the first 20 had succeeded in placing the club in the premier position last season and of the eleven cup matches contested nine were won, one drawn and one lost. The club suffered defeat at the hands of the Northumberland Club at Maitland and by Wallsend in Sydney. The club was well represented in the matches against the Maoris and Port Melbourne.. The junior was also very sucessful. The club was indebted to the City Council, Messrs Levy and Scott, J. Yates, Bramley, Holton, Bray, Baulhansen, Segal, King, Samuels Parmin and Hooker for various servies rendered. The report was adotped as read. Several new members were elected, the total being augumented to 125. The office bearers were elected as follows: Patron: Dr Brownless, president: Mr H B Wilkinson, MLA, vice presidents: Messrs Crisp, Booker, M Foy, E. W O'Sullivan, MLA, C. Butcher. Baulhansen, H G Thornton and J. Wilkinson.hon treasurer: Mr Barclay; secretary to first twenty, Mr Jepson; ;secretary to second 20, Mr J W Bartlett, general committee: Messrs McKellar, Evans, Sullivan, Oldham, OW Baulhansen, Jas O'Mearer and Butler. Delegates to the Association Messrs Butler and Jepson. Auditors: Messrs McKellar and Evans. After the appointment of a sub committe to make arrangements for a smoke concertr to be held at any early date, the meeting was terminated.
The supporters of the East Sydney Football Club and their name is legion, will be pleased to learn that the old club is rapidly emerging from the slough and despond which unfortunately it was plunged into last season. The secretary infomred me that he has every hope of getting together an array of talent equal to any that has ever represented the club in previous seasons. The greatest enthusiasm prevails in the club and already several players have gone into active training to fit themselves for the coming struggle whilst others may be found daily on the various parkspracticing kicking and marking and all seems to be fired with the one ambition of registering for the club its erstwhile glories, the brightness of which were in a measure dimmed by the reverence of last season. [Referee 23/4/1890]
Northern Districts Football Assn
The fourth annual meeting of the above association was held at the Centennial Hotel, Newcastle a few days ago. In the absence of Mr Stewart Kelgatley, Mr H Rushton accepted the chair and there was a large attendance. The report which was unanalously adopted showed thatthe season of 1889 was a most important one to the Northern Association as a new departure in the way of sending a team to Melbourne to play a series of matches was made. The undertaking proved a very big affair for such a young association but not withstanding the fact that the principal atches in Melbourne clashed with an important race meeting the association did not lack any liability in the trip and the players gained very valuable experience. During the tour five matches wee played four of which were lost and the fifth being won. The matches were all of an intereesting descprition four of them being played on successive days agains the best victorian teams. Twenty one goals were scored by the Northerners as against 30 goals scored by the different Victorian teams. The Port Melbourne team visited the north in June and were forced to put forth everyeffort to secure their victories. The match against the celebrated Maori team were not interesting as it was possibly seen the New Zealanders were over matched.The visit from a Queensland team had to be postponed on account of the difficulty in arranging for suitable grounds. This was a matter of aconsiderable regret as the Queenslanders had everything fixed for their trip. The well known Calton team of Melbourne would be in NSW during the month of June and the Tasmanian Association were also desirous of sending a team to this colony. Correspondous was at present going on with them and it was probably that inter-colonial matches between the Tasmanian representative would be inaugrated during the esuing season. It therefore devolved on the northern players to get into form as soon as posbbile so as to make good a good xxxx the clubs which would be lilkely to visit them from the other colonies. The South Melb and Carlton..."
[Referee 23 April 1890]
Tasmania play Carlton on the SCG before a crowd of 15,000. The following week South Melbourne were to play Carlton at the SCG however torrential rain forced the abandonment of the match.
A match was played between Tasmania and a combination of the Sydney Clubs at the Albion Ground on 2 July Tasmaina 2-5, 4-9, 6-16, 8-21, to Sydney’s 0-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-1. Mr Roy was the umpire. SMH 3.7.1890
Tasmania played a game against the West Sydney Club on 3 July at the Association Cricket Ground. Tasmania won 17-18 to 3-2. SMH 4.7.1890
Tasmania played NSW on the Association Cricket Ground on 5 July. Tasmania won 5-9, 6-12, 9-15, 9-19 to NSW 0-0, 0-1, 1-4, 2-4. SMH 7.7.1890
Tasmania also played in Newcastle, Maitland and Wallsend. Herb Giles was playing in Maitland.
On 26 July the Waratah Football Club entertained the Wallsend at a dinner in the evening at the Moore Park View Hotel, Darlinghurst. It was the fifth annual gathering of the kind at which 70 persons sat down to tables and Mr W C Hinwood, vice president of the Waratah Club took the chair. Several toasts were made, one where Mr W J W Richardson, secretary of the NSWFA responded. SMH 28.7.1890
Waratah defeat St Ignatius at Riverview on 3 August. SMH 5.8.1890
Waratah (the Tulips) and Sydney play in what will determine the holders of the Flanagan Cup for the season (SMH 8/8) in a match at Moore Park before a crowd of about 2,000 people. Consderable interest was shown throughout the game and at time party sympathies ran very high, and threatened to stop the play. The match started at 3.00pm with Sullivan the Sydney captain. Waratah won (no score given) Mr Berkeley was the field umpire. SMH 8 & 12.8.1890
Teams to compete for the Alexander Medals were St Ignatius, the Second West Sydney Club,(SMH 16/9) The Sydney Second Team and St Josephs College (SMH 16/8)
Waratah and East Sydney played the final match in the Flanagan Cup. Waratah winning 7-12 to 0-3 on 30 August at Moore Park. (SMH 1.9.1890)
Apparent competitors in the Flanagan Cup for 1890 included: Waratah, Sydney, West Sydney and East Sydney. SMH Copies of the time.
The final match for the Alexander Medals (apparently a second twenty competition - I.G. 1996) was played on 14 Sept bewtween St Ignatius and a second West Sydney at Riverview. St Ignatius won the game 4-14 to 0-4 but lost the medals beating the Collegians by two points, as the latter were unable to play off their first fixture with this club owing to the Schools’ Review on August 23. (SMH16.9.1890)
W J W Richardson formed a team at Sydney University.
1891
NSWAFA
President: G N Griffith
Sec: O. W. Ballhausen
Treas: Mr A. McDonald later, W R W Richardson)
Sth Sydney (Jnr Club)
President: Ald T H Rainford
Sec: J Dooley
Treas: Mr Maloney
Capt: T Mason
Vice Capt: C Shipton
It was reported in the SMH of 14/4 that St Ignatius College would be playing rugby. The College communicated with the paper indicating that only Australian game would be played. (SMH 14.4.1891)
Active preparations are beginning to be made by the clubs playing under these rules and if all I hear is correct the latter for the Flannagan Cup will not be restricted to a couple of clubs as in the past. The West Sydneys have a great deal of hop of winning the premiership and should they do so, few will be found to grudge them the high honour and credit attached thereto.
The Waratahs have already had an alteration in the officials. The newly elected hon sec. Fred Rousell resigned the position and and equally good and enthusastic worker in the person of Mr McDonald was elected to fill the vacancy.
The newly formed South Sydney Club (juniors) held their first meeting on Wednesday Evening at Mr Adam Jones Hotel, Moore Park the attendance being very good. The following were elected office bearers for the ensuing season. Patrol Mr Adam Jones, president Ald T H Rainford, vic president, Ald J d Young, Mr Toohey, Mr Buckingham, secretary, Mr J Dooley, treasurer Mr Maloney, captain Mr T Mason, vice captain Mr C Chipton; selection committee Messra, Vial, T Mason, Dooley and W Mason. It was decided by the members present to play for the Adam Jones Cup.
It has recently been published in the metropolitan papers that the St Ignatius Football Club had invited the Univerity (Rugby) team to play an exhibition match at the college ground. This was spread about in the annual report of the University Club but I am very happy to say that the hon secretary of the college team has written denying in toto that such is the case. The college boys proved to be most proficient in their knowledge of the Australin game last season and great hopes are entertained of the members of the team acquiting themselves with even more credit this year.
Messrs Boyle and Scott have issued their "Footballers Pamphlet" for 1891 and we can confidently recommend it to not only football players but also to those members of the general public who interest themselves in the game. It is avery nearly got up and contains 32 pages of most useful information relative to the game of football. The revised rules of football, diagrams showing position of players on the field, VFL Football fixture for the season and a price list of football material together with other useful information, costs only one penny. [Referee 14.4.1891]
Comments from the Football writer of the Referee (who I think was Bob Dawes) "..............The Northern Districts Association has made such marvellous developments since Messrs. Harry Williams and Olle Thomas and other veterans settled amonst them that it commands the admiration of every liberal minded lover of the favourite game in the colony...." He goes on to laud the Nthn District Assn, "Whilst complimenting the players, I must state frankly and fairly that a great deal of their success is due to their creditable organisation under an experienced, hard working cool headed and practical body of men in their Association who induce the clubs to keep up a healthy rivalry and to practice well. They keep their finances flourishing and safe; they act liberally to all new comers and everyone bears some share of the work. They find out where there are liveral donors and secure fair and full press reports" [Referee 15.4.1891].
He goes on to say ".... The Sydney Association, I regret to state as an old friend and member thereof, is not as successful as it would be if it adopted some of the better methods of managing its executives business in order to draw a more satisfactory result from the extensive resources that the metropolitan affords them most of the men who constitute this Association are upright and hard working and some of them very energetic men in the guernsey as well as in the clubroom as far as I shall benefited (?) how they are at liberty to be.. The Hon Secretary, Mr W L Richardson is indeed a marvel of energy and good fellowship. Hence no fault can be footed with the indivdual that constitutde the system of excutive government is Sydney but very weighty and serious objections can be advanced against the system itself of management of the Sydney Association. The members of this Association are selected by the associated clubs and are for the most part captains of these clubs or actual players in matches against each other during the whole season. These captains supervise the training and arrangement of twenty men every evening in the season and prepare to lead them to combat in battle with force and determination every Saturday to please this tastes of numerous barrackers and other particisms and try to score as many goals at least will make them owners of the Flanagan Cup in due time and how can they dispassionately justly and liberally arbitrate and sastisfactorlily arrange the matches every Friday Night that they themselves are going to oppose each other in and on the day following? Will they not listen cautiously and suspiciously to every hint made or resolution proposed to any member of another club to see if he is not trying to gain a point for his side? Will the not waste time in the discussion of even trifiling matters just to show their followers they did make their best to watch the opposite party in the rooms as actively as they will do on the field next day. Can they reasonably or fairly settle a dispute in which they themeselves or their followers are concerned after a match? Will they not be strongly tempted to try and influence their fellow Association members in their favour and as members thereof claim the license of speaking and wrangling xxxx a late hour at night in the Assocaitons rooms? Would it be prudent however just for as umpire to lay a charge against a captain or any of his followers while they are members of the judicial body to which he seeks for justice and protection from insult and injury. Have not some of those who have broken the rules previously threatened in the Association room after wrangling for nearly three hours to leave the Association and take their followers with them? Is not the system of allowing active players on the judicial body a direct means to setting the Assocation rules at defiance. Intimidating the umpire and making a mockery of the Association? These are grave questions and require to be seriously considered. As a member once of the Association I never blamed the individuals thus making some allowance for home competition, but i fearlessly denounced the system that allows men in the heat of training a competition to take the place of retired experienced players and disinterested in the games who should serve as judges and friends easily socially and fairly in a body that would command the respect and honour of every manly footballers. The Sydney Association can serve to this unless it be reconstructed. The present Association has very little control over the clubs. Its administration or representatives differs from that of Victoria and other colonies where the members are retired experienced veterans occupying respectable and prominent positions many of them used in discipline and regularlity solicitors, teachers and other professional men able and willing fearlessly to battle all. Disputes and complaints in a fair and firm manner and sending a player into retirement [Referee 15.4.1891]
The annual report of 1891 states that of the interstate visits received from Carlton, Tasmania and Sth Melbourne the weather was much against them. The club play however showed much improvement as did training. The Flanagan Cup was won by the Waratah Club. Medals were presented by Mr H Alexander for competition between the juniors and second twenties produced a healthy rivalry. An intercolonial conference was held in Melbourne where the rules were revised to outlaw pushing entirely. The constitutuion of the Assn was re-modelled and office bearers are now to be elected at the first meeting of the new delegates of each year, and any member of an affiliated club may be chosen to be an office bearer. Messrs Anthony Hordens and Sons have donated 20 silver medals to the winners of the Flanagan Cup. Mr S Burdekin MLA was thanked for his assistance to the Assn. SMH 17.4.1891
Association AGM held at the Cambridge Hotel on 16 April. Mr J. McWhirter in the chair. The balance sheet showed a debt of eight pound five shillings. SMH 17.4.1891
(By Field Umpire) Signs of the incoming season are not wanting as secretaries of the various clubs are just now working hard and putting forth strenuous endeavours to obtain any new blood that may have wandered from the more enthusiastic entres in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. I head glowing accounts from all sides and if all that is hoped for at this juncture be consummated ere the brighter shades of summer peep forth, we will indeed experience a most successful season. The Australian game is slowly but surely gaining in popular favour in the metropolitan district – the stronghold of Rugby in New South Wales. That a strong impetus has been given to the game in Sydney within the last two seasons is undubitable and it is not illogical to expect a similar increase of public interest and also an improvement in the calibre of the active exponents. The competition for the Flanagan Cup last season produced some intensely exciting and first class football, and, as it appears that the clubs will be more evenly matched, there is every reason to hope for even a more successful time during the forthcoming compaign. (Referee 22 April 1891)
A pleasing sign of the progress of the game is the establishment of a Junior Association, quite independent of the senior body, but in no way antagonistic thereto. The meeting to inaugurate this Association was held on Friday evening at the Moore Park View Hotel. There was a very large and enthusiastic attendance, the chair being occupied by Mr W J W Richardson, late hon sec. of the NSWFA. Representatives from five junior clubs signified their willingness to join the new Association, their ardouir being still further stimulated by the presentation of a cup by the host, Mr Adam Jones (I imagine this is the pubican at the Moore Park View Hotel – I.G.) for junior competition this season. The cup, which is a splendid and suitable design has to be won two seasons before it becomes the property of any club and bears the name of the Robinsons Whisky Trophy.. The meeting, which has only preliminary transacted an amount of useful work which will enable the youthful Association to be xxxx pwomg before May 1. (Referee 22 April 1891)
The following clubs were represented – Carlton, Young Australia, South Sydney, Sydney Second, St Josephs College and West Sydney Second. Mr Hynes of the West Sydneys was elected hon. Secretary pro tem and a committee of one representative from each club was appointed to draw up rules etc. Altogether everything bids fair for the future and every lover of the Australian game will hail with pleasure a body that should have been formed years ago as a training ground from which to draw new blood for the seniors instead of depending on the birds of passage from the other colonies. (Referee 22 April 1891)
NSW FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of the above Association was held at Rainfor’s Cambridge Club Hotel on Thursday night at which Mr J McWhirter presided. The annual report as hereunder was read and adopted. The hon. Treasurer’s balance sheet showed a credit balance on the year’s operation of a few pounds but a small debit, incurred in past years, is still shown on the ledger. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: patron: Mr Sydney Buirdekin, MP; President: Mr G N G Griffiths; vice presidents: Messrs E W O’Sullilvan, J. Toohey, A. Flannagan, E C Weller, G A Crisp and S. Hordern; hon treas. Mr A McDonald; Hon Sec: Mr O Ballhausen. The election of permit and selection committee was postponed until Monday night.
Mr Chairman and Gentlemen – It is with pleasure that I present to you the report of the committee of 1890 on the doings of that season. Last season opened more auspiciously than any other during the eleven years that the Association as been in existence. Visits had been arranged from teams representing the Carlton and the South Melbourne clubs and the Southern Tasmanian Association and letters were being exchanged with the Queensland Association for the purpose of arranging for a visit of a New South Wales team to Brisbane. The strength of the local senior clubs had been considerably augmented and strong indicement to strengthen their teams was held out to the hitherto neglected juniors through Mr H Alexander’s kindness in presenting twenty medals for competition among them. Unfortunately, however for the visitors, the local players and the publice the clerk of the weather decided that each Saturday during last football season was the most suitable day in the week for rain to pour down in torrents and the more important the match the heavier the rain seemed to descend. One the day that the match South Melbourn v Carlton, which was expected to be the event of the season, was played, the Association Cricket Ground was in a fitter state for an aquatic than a football carnival. This match, which we hoped would cause many of our opponents to enlist under our banner, had to be abaondoned. Although having to always play in the mud and most of the time in the rain, was not calculated to enhance the ardour and enthusiasm of the members of the local clubs, and to encourage them to fulfil their engagements, yet is highly gratifying to have to record that their ardour and enthusiasm were in no way abaded and that their engagements were in no way unabated and that their engagementw ere duly fulfilled. (Referee 22 April 1891)
(cont.) It is again our pleasing duty to announce that there was a great improvement shown in the play of the members of the local clubs. Players seemed to realise the great importance of undergoing a systematic course of training, although more attention was paid to training last season than in any previoius year, perfection has by no means been attained. If greater attention were paid to training not only would the result be beneficial to the clubs but a stronger inducement by the increased fastness of the games would be offered to the public to witness them. (Referee 22 April 1891)
(cont.) The Flanagan Cup, which has to be won twice, was last season won by the Waratah Club. In 1889 the Sydney Club was first on the Cup list, so Waratah and Sydney have each won it once. The Cup matches were vigorously contested and the interest in them seemed to increase as the season advanced. The members of the Waratah Club deserve commendation for the way in which they played. The Sydney Club was only defeated by the Waratahs. The East Sydney and West Sydney Clubs played up remarkably well, considering that they had many disappointments to contend against. The strenuous efforts made so early this year to strengthen the various teams augurs well for the success of these matches during the coming winter. The medals donated by Mr H Alexander occasioned a rivalry hitherto unknown to spring up among the junior clubs. The creation of this rivalry is one of the most gratifying features of the season. Prior to 1890 the juniors were almost ignored by the Association. Although in previoius seasons secretaries seemed to almost despair of ever being able to run junior teams, yeat last season no difficulty was experienced in keeping together the second twenties and the members of the other junior clubs. This highly desirable state of things was brought about by the medal contests. We should like, by the way, to point out that one of the greatest difficulties against which a secretary of a new club has to contend is that twenty men are required to form a team under our rules. Under the British Association Rules only eleven men are required and under Rugby Rules fifteen. It will, therefore, be seen that one team under Australian Rules is almost equal in number of members to two under British Association Rules, and that three teams under our rules contain as many men as are required to constitute fouir teams under Rugby rules. These facts are not generally known and through ignorance of them people often think that the Association is weaker than it really is. But to return the medal contests. The West Sydney Second Twenty were the winners of these medals. Too much praise coannot be bestowed upon the play of the members of this team, who frequently exhibited better form than did the first twenty of their club. The members of the Carlton (Sydney) Club, which was formed at the commencement of last winter and which was mainly composed of youths who had never played the Australian game before, merit much praise for ther pluck and perseverance. Notwithstanding that, that efforts were on no occasion rewarded with a win, they stuck manfully to their colors. The scholars at St Joseph’s and St Ignatius’ Colleges continue to improve in their play especially the former. It is to be regretted that although our hon secretary visited these colleges on several occasions and tried hard to arrange a match between them his efforts were not crowned with success. (Referee 22 April 1891)
(cont.) Three teams from other cononies, as already stated, visited us last season. The first match in which the visitors played was between the Carlton team of Melbourne and the representatives of the Southern Tasmanian Association. Every possible arrangement had been made to ensure the success of the match but during the morning of the day on which the match was to be played rain began to fall. During the afternoon, however, the weather partly cleared; but the uncertain weather seriously affected the attendance and the moist state of the Association Cricket Ground hampered the movements of the players and prevented them from playing with their usual brilliancy. The match, however, was a great surprise to many who had previously been biased against our game on the strength of the so-called accounts of it givento them by people who had evidently not understood it. Had the rain not prevented the match, Carlton v South Melbourne, from being played we are sure that the play which would have been shown in it would have surprised still more. Although the South Melbourne stayed four days in Sydney we were not permitted the pleasure of seeing them play. In the matches between the Sydney teams and the visitors our representatives were not successful in scoring a win. The strongest reason that can be advanced in palliation of this want of success is that our representatives were not afforded an opportunity of playing together prior to meeting the visitors. Anyone at all acquainred with the Australian game will at once recognise what a great disadvantage this was. It was, in fact, a greater disadvantage in the Australian than in any other game of football. Our best thanks are due to our visitors, who came here without any guarantee to expenses and whose sole aim was to help us firmly establish our grand game in Sydney. That their generous efforts to help us were not rewarded with the measure of success which they deserved was not their fault. Our visitors could not control the weather. (Referee 22 April 1891)
At the end of last season an intercolonial conference was held in Melbourne for the purpose of revising the laws of the game. The most important amendment was made that pushing was to be entirely prohibited. During last year the constitution of the Association was remodelled. Hitherto it had been the practice to elect the office bearers for the year at a general meeting of the members of the various clubs. Under the new constitution the office bearers are to be elected at the first meeting of the new delegates of each year and any member of an affiliated club may be chosen to be an office bearer. The new constitution has not been long enough in vogue to enable as to pronounce an opinion as to whether or not it is a success. (Referee 22 April 1891)
(cont.) We regret that there is a small balance on the wrong side of the ledger. We are, however, certain that no difficulty will be experienced in wiping this off. Messrs, Anthony Hordern and Sons hasve offered to donate twenty silver medals to be awarded to the members of the team that will win the Flanagan Cup this season. It will rest with you or no these medal will be accepted. In conclusion, we wish to express our thanks to the patron of the Association, Mr Sydney Burdekin, MP who so generously helped us to entertain our visitors, to Messrs Walker and Crisp, and others for their kind assistance and to record our sense of the great loss the Australian game will sustain through Mr Crisp’s departure from Sydney. From the very inception of the Association Mr Crisp has ever been willing to assist in all its aims, both monetarily and otherwise. (Referee 22 April 1891)
West Sydney 5-10 defeated (Newcastle’s) Hamilton 2-4 at the Agricultural Society’s Ground in May SMH ?.5.1891
The Referee Aust Football Club (my thoughts are that Bob Dawes, a player in the touring Tasmanian team of 1890, and who then worked for the Referee - a Sydney sporting publication organised the team and it’s efforts to travel to Riverview. He was later a regular correspondent to the Football Record and a local paper in Bondi and a great supporter of the code. He lived in Sydney to a very old age. I consider the game was a social one because most the those named as best also appear in the Sydney or Waratah teams as players - I.G.) travelled to Riverview on 5 June where they played a drawn game of 2 goals apiece. For the Referee, Dawes played well in the ruck as did Brew, Smallhorn, McNamara, Barry, Merchant, Cope and Mason. Mr W C Hinds (could have been Hinwood) was the umpire.SMH 4.6.1891
A game between Sydney and Waratah teams played on 6 June at Moore Park gained a good deal of interest. It was considered that the winner would likely be the holder of the Flanagan Cup. Sydney teams was to be chosen from: Arnold (2), Ashton, Barrie, Bolton, Brew, Butler, Crisp, Elliker, Evans, Glenister, Graham, Hill, McCormick, McKellar, O’Meara (2), Shipton, Sullivan (2), Tobin, Watson, White and Young.
Waratah: Abbot, Arthur (2), Bailey, Buck, Cohen, Craigo, Dawes, Davey, Dexter, Dynon, Eacott, Farmer, Fattpromo. Fotzgerald, Hyland, Hume, Johnson, McNamara, McDonald, McDougal, Old, Osborne, Parker, Rounsevill (2), Turner, Welch, Wilson and Wood. SMH 6.6.1891
St Ignatius College joined into competition for the Flanagan Cup and by 24 June had played two games, both of which they lost. The college played Sydney on 22 June at Riverview. Jennings was captain of the St Ignatius twenty, whilst Butler was captain of the Sydney team, they being only able to field 17 men. Sydney were seen as a lighter combination than the students. In a comprehensive description of the game in the Herald, the Sydney team is referred to as the “Reds” whilst the college players, the “Boys” (an indication that they could well have been younger than their opponents - I.G. 1996) . Mr Farmer of the Waratah Club umpired whilst the visiting team were guests of the Rev Father Dalton following the game.SMH 24.6.1891
Flanagan Cup standings as at 24 June:
Club Played Won Lost Possible Pts Actual
West Sydney 2 2 - 8 8
Waratah 3 2 1 8 12
Sydney 2 1 1 4 8
St Ignatius 2 - 2 - 8
East Sydney 1 - 1 - 4
SMH 24.6.1891
It was estimated that “at least” 5,000 people attended a match between Sydney and West Sydney in a Flanagan Cup match was played at Moore Park on 4 July. D. Sullivan is Sydney’s captain. The governor attended the game incognito. A detailed description of the game is given. Mr Woods umpired. SMH 6.7.1891
The following standings were printed in the SMH on 21 July:
Club Played Won Lost Drawn Possible Pts Actual
West Sydney 5 3 - 2 16 20
Waratah 5 3 1 1 14 20
Sydney 4 2 1 1 10 16
Riverview 4 1 3 0 4 16
East Sydney Retired
Nothing as yet was found regarding the retirement of the East Sydney side.
Standings of the Junior cup as at 29 July according to the SMH:
Club Played Won Lost Drawn Possible Pts Actual
St Josephs Col 4 4 - - 16 16
Sth Sydney 6 5 1 - 20 24
Young Aust 6 2 2 2 12 24
West Syd 2nd 7 3 3 1 14 28
Carlton 6 1 4 1 6 24
Sydney 2nd Retired
On 12 August, the SMH records that about 2500 spectators watched a game between Sydney and West Sydney in the Flanagan Cup.SMH 12/8/1891
Waratah beat St Ignatius 6 goals to 1 at Riverview. SMH 12/8/1891
The following standings were printed in the SMH on 12 August :
Club Played Won Lost Drawn Possible Pts Actual
West Sydney 5 4 - 1 18 20
Waratah 5 4 1 - 16 20
Sydney 6 3 2 1 14 24
St Ignatius 6 1 5 - 4 24
East Sydney Retired
The SMH records that 4,000 spectators watched the final match of the season in the Flanagan Cup between Waratah and West Sydney played at Moore Park. It further records that the crowd grew to 6,000 as the game progressed. “The game was very fast and dashing, and taken altogether was a very good exposition of this style of the winter pastime.” Some inconvenience was caused to the players by the onlookers encroaching on the playing area. Waratah were referred to as the “Tulips”. West won 3-16 to 2-4. “West Sydney won the Flanagan Cup which it will hold until played for next season.” SMH 28.8.1891
1892
NSWFA
President: G N Griffiths
Sec: E P Young
Treas: A. McDonald
Waratah
Pres: G N Wright
Sec: A McDonald
Treas: Fred Rounsell
Capt: P Hume
Vice Capt: Mr McNamara
South Sydney
Pres: W J W Richardson
Sec: J Deely
Treas: R Simpson
Capt: A Shipton
Vice Capt: W Mason
Young Aust Football Club
Pres: Mr Manville
Sec/Treas: Mr Brennan
Capt: E Kennett
Vice Capt: Mr Leslie
Carlton (Junior FC)
Pres: O C Beal
Sec: H Davies
Travies: M G Crouch
West Sydney
Pres: Ald Matthew Harris
Sec/Treas: E A Gill
Sydney FC
Pres: Mark Foy
Sec: W A Watson
Treas: L J O’Meara
A record of the first annual meeting of the Young Australian Club took place at the Federal City Hotel (on Monday Evening)for the purpose of enrolling new members and electing officers. SMH 11.3.1892
A Mr Maitland occupied the chair. The following office bearers were elected: Pres.: Mr Manville, Sec/Treas: Mr T.J. Brennan, Capt: Mr Kennett delegates to the Assn: Maitland and Dixon. SMH 11.3.1892
Twenty one new members were enlisted on the roll. It was announced that the president, captain and Mr Maitland would give a gold medal to be competed for and that the president had promised a donation of five guineas to the funds of the club. The balance sheet was read and adopted. The club was second for the junior cup last year. SMH 11.3.1892
The third annual meeting of the Carlton Club (a local cricket club of the same name was also in existence) playing Australian Rules was held on 8 March 1892 at the Moore Park View Hotel. Mr Bracewell was in the chair. Their annual report announced that the club played nine matches in 1891, winning two, drawing two and losing five. The club played for the junior trophy offered by Mr A. Jones but was not successful. The number of members was 35. Twelve new playing and 13 honorary members were elected. Mr Bracewell was appointed as a life member. The following office bearers were elected: Patron Mr W J W Richardson, President: O.C. Beal, Secretary Mr H. Davies, Treasurer: Mr G. Crouch. SMH 11.3.1892
The Assn’s 1892 AGM was held at the Cambridge Club Hotel on 11 May. A Mr Gill was the chairman. A letter was received from the Albury Club requesting patronage of the Assn for their matches in Sydney during the present season. Patronage was granted. The report congratulates members on the gigantic strides made by the Australian Game in Sydney during the 1891 season. It notes that the forming of a junior Assn is a very pleasing addition to the support accorded the game, and it is expected that the clubs attached to the Assn will prove a good training school for the senior clubs. The competition for the Flanagan Cup (in 1891) was carried out very vigorously with West Sydney the winners of the Hordern medals. It was proposed that the Menindie Club from S.A. would visit Sydney and play four matches with the Albury club to play two matches and it was expected that additional matches would be played with the Northern Assn. (Newcastle). The balance sheet showed a profit. Office Bearers: Patrol Mr Sydney Burdekin, President: G.W. Griffiths, Vice Pres: J M Toohey MLA, S. S Hordern, A. Flanagan, W P Manning, Lord Mayor of Sydney, G W Crisp, Ald John Harris & E W O’Sullivan, MLA. Treas: A. McDonald, Sec: E P Young. SMH 12.5.1892.
St Ignatius played Newington in Rugby in late May. St Ignatius could not play in the GPS competition because of the lateness of the season. SMH 31.5.1892.
The 1892 season for the Flanagan Cup commences on 11 June with Sydney to play Waratah. About 1500 spectators attend the match which Sydney win 3-11 to 2-7. Mr Murray umpired. Mr J Arnold is elected captain of the Sydney club with Mr M Sullivan Vice Capt. SMH 10.6.1892.
Competitors for the Flanagan Cup included: Sydney, Waratah, West Sydney & East Sydney. SMH 14.6.1892.
A team with about 30 members is formed at Goulburn. SMH 14.6.1892
The Young Australian team travels to Hunter’s Hill where it plays a game against boys from St Joseph’s College for the Robertson’s Whisky Cup. Y.A. win 7-15 to nil. SMH 14.6.1892
On 3 July about 4000 attend a game between Sydney and West Sydney at Moore Park. The match is given high praise. Joe Arnold is capt of Sydney and J. Byrne capt of West Sydney.
SMH 5.7.1892
Games are also played on Wentworth Park and the Agricultural Society’s ground. SMH 11 & 23.7.1892
A game between Sydney and Waratah clubs played on the large oval of the Agricultural Society on 23 July attracted a poor crowd with Waratah having to list the aid of Zealandia players to make up the numbers(I think a rugby club - I.G. 1996) SMH 24.7.1892
On 30 July Wallsend visit Sydney where they play the Waratah Club on the Agricultural Ground and win 5-16 to 1-10. SMH 1.8.1892
The Sydney club visit Goulburn on 13 August to play the newly formed Gouldburn Imperial Club. SMH 13.8.1892
Standings for the Flanagan Cup As At 17 August
Club Played Won Lost Drawn Possible Pts Points
Sydney 5 4 - 1 20 18
West Sydney 3 2 - 1 12 10
Waratah 4 1 3 - 16 4
East Sydney 4 - 4 - 16 -
SMH 17.8.1892
Goalkickers:
Light (WS), Fattorini (Waratah) & Giles (Sydney) 5 each. SMH 17.8.1892
The game between Sydney and West Sydney to decide the Flanagan Cup was to be played on the Wentworth Park Cricket Ground on 20 August. Owing to rain this match was postponed to the 27 August. SMH 20 & 22.8.1892
The Lacross Assn permitted the use of the Wentworth Cricket Ground on which to play the postponed final between Sydney and West Sydney on 27 August. The match was won by Wests (as described) 3-9 to 1-6. Mr R Dawes was the central umpire. The conditions were wet. SMH 29 & 31.8.1892
The Sydney club wore blue and red whilst the West Sydney club wore blue and black. SMH 31.8.1892
1893
NSWAFA
President: Mr Mark Foy
Sec: W A Watson
Treas: J J O’Meara
Sydney
Pres: Mark Foy
Sec: W A Watson
Treas: J J O’Meara
A meeting of the New South Wales Football Association was to have been held on Monday night but as the delegates of the Sydney and East Sydney clubs put in no appearance, the meeting lapsed.
A meeting of all those interested in the game will be held at Rainford’s Cambridge Club Hotel, Oxford Street on Monday Night next when efforts will be made to revive the Association. It is well known teams from other colonies are desirous of playing matches in Sydney this year and it will be great pity if the game be allowed to die away just as it appeared likely to take a strong hold. (Referee 3 May 1893)
The letter lies at his office for Mr J Hynes, West Sydney Football Club from West Maitland.
The hon secretary of the Northumberland Club (Maitland) will be pleased to arrange matches with Sydney teams this year. He sends the following dates for matches: May 24 at Maitland; June 17 at Sydney; July 8 at Maitland and August 5 at Sydney. Secretaries of clubs desirous of playing the Northumberland team upon any of the dates mentioned may fix the engagement up by communicating with Mr WH W Tegg at Maitland. . (Referee 3 May 1893)
The annual meeting of the New South Wales Football Association was held at Rainford’s Cambridge Club Hotel, Oxford Street on Monday. Mr J Buckley presided, the number of members present being about forty. The acting hon sec., Mr A McDonald read the report which stated that the past season had been the most unsatisfactory and disastrous in the history of the Association. The troubles, disagreements and petty jealousies existing during the season 1891 and the decision of the Association at the end of that year to have a final match played for the Flanagan Cup – which was attended with such evil results – was a bad omen for the succeeding year. . (Referee 10 May 1893)
With the opening of the 1892 season the delegates seemed to have awakened to a keener and more bitter form of antagonism. Although the year 1891 was painfully disastrous to the progress of the game yet it remained for the close of 1892 to almost crush it out of existence. The West Sydneys were deprived of a victory in their second match against the Sydneys by playing a man who was not eligible. They Sydneys however, decided to play a final match rather than win the cup by a protest but the West failed to put a t;eam into the field. They Sydneys were therefore awarded the match and became premiers for the season 1892 and winners of the cup. . (Referee 10 May 1893)
It was hoped that this year the Junior Association would have amalgamated with the senior body as neither Association had sufficient clubs to enable it to carry on business separately in a satisfactory manner. The juniors had however declined to amalgamate. Owing to the disorganised state of the Association and the probable disbanding of one or two clubs, circumstances did not warrant the arranging of intercolonial matches. . (Referee 10 May 1893)
Mr Patterson objected to the statement in the rport that Sydneys had won the premiership, seeing that they had been fairly beaten by West Sydney. It was decided that the report be held over indefinitely. It was proposed that the metting should proceed to the election of officers. The on. Secretary stated that according to the rules the election of officers rested with the delegates of clubs but up to the present not a single club had notified him of the appointment of delegates. A sub committee consisting of Messrs. Patterson, Hedger, McDonald, Kennett and King was appointed for the purpose of drawing up a list of office bearers. Mr McDonald was appointed acting hon secretary. It was decided to play interprovincial matches with the North on June 21 and August 19 and also to enter into communication with Melbourne, Adelaide, Ballarat and Tasmania with the view of obtaining visits from Intercolonial teams. . (Referee 10 May 1893)
The famous cricketer, Victor Trumper played with Sydney in a match against Redfern. The latter winning 7 goals to 3. Trumper kicked two of his club's goals. When the game petered out he went to play rugby with the Newtown Pioneer Club where he was noted for his fine kicking.
The teams this year were Sydney, West Sydney, East Sydney and Redfern.
The game virtually self destructed following the final game of the season for the Flannagan Cup between Sydney and West Sydney at Wentworth Park umpired by Bob Dawes.
Club rivalry and bitterness, engendered and fostered by a system which permitted the more favoured clubs to fatten their ranks at the expense, and, in some cases, extinction of other clubs was the cancerous microbe which killed the game in Sydney at a period when its popularity was undoubted. At it’s demise, ”there was none so poor as to do it honour”. The pity of it all lies in the fact that with basic structure crumbling, the game flickered out in Newcastle, and on present indications (1927) revival in the business in civic life of Sydney, that centre seems remote”. (F/R1927 N 7, P 8 Jim Phelan’s writings)
So bitter was the partisanship which then existed, and so keen the rivalry, that it was a final one (match) in every respect, as both players and public turned away from the game and a lapse of ten years occurred before the game was again revived.
This incident itself is suggested as the prime reason GPS colleges stopped playing the Australian Game. (It is mentioned in the SMH around this date (14.4.1891 is one date, there maybe another) that something arising from a meeting of the SRFU also influenced the colleges’ change to rugby).
Whilst there was a NSW Aust Football Assn. it appeared to have little teeth and control over clubs and this final game gave in to virtual anarchy, something the clubs, players and public wouldn't stand. Cheating, it appeared, was rife.
According to ladder of competing teams, the following made up the competition: West Sydney, Sydney, Young Australians and South Sydney (which must have been Redfern).
Towards the end of the season, the feeling between the Sydney and West Sydney (Pyrmont area) teams was so tense that Sydney forfeited to West Sydney, rather than play them.
(Although most writers of the time suggest the above being the prime reason for the game’s demise, little is said of the parenial problem of the lack of competent administrators coming forth, the lack of junior footballers moving into senior ranks and the economic depression which effected the colonies around this period throwing people out of work and creating economic and social hardship - I.G.).
1894
NSWAFL
President: James Toohey
Sec:
Treas: W J W Richardson
Redfern FC
Pres:
Sec: Jack Robertson
Treas: Mr Jarman
Capt: Mr Hutchinson
Vice Capt: Mr Marshman
West Sydney
Redfern -Secretary, John Robertson. Captain, Dan Hutchison.
Electoral Football (Rugby – an example of thinking of the day)
A meeting of footballers was hold at the Glebe Town Hall on Tuesday night, convened by Mr L G Abrams for the purpose of forming an Electoral club. The conveney of the meeting dwelt eloquently upon the high success achieved by Electoral cricket and painted a beautiful picture of the likely results from the inauguratioin of football upon similar lines. On the motion of Mr Thos. Duggan, the well-known dodgy three-quarter seconded by Mr Leslie T Cobcroft it was decided “That in the opinion of the meeting it is desirable to have the Senior football contests played in the coming season between the various metropolitan clubs.” . (Referee 14 March 1994)
Mr Allan Scott (Randwick) proposed and Mr Dearman seconded – “That a senior football club be formed to be called the Glebe Electorate Football Club” carried unanimously.
Alderman Lewis G Abrams proposed and Mr William J Duggan seconded the following motion, which was unanimously carried:- “That the following gentlemen be appointed to call a public meeting of Rugby footballers at the Town Hall, Sydney on Friday night next, at 8pm:- Messrs. Allan Scott (Randwick), L. T. Cobcroft (Wentworth), H. Abbott (University), Walshe (Balmain), M. Dearman (Paddington), J. Henderson (Pirate), A E Shappere (Wallaroo), Jas McMahon (Randwick) T. Duggan (Wentworth), H. Stockham (Paddington), S. Brown (Wentworth), J. Poulton (Balmain) and W. J Duggan (Glebe) (Referee 14 March 1994)
A meeting of players connected with the Australian game will be held at Flanagan’s Hotel on Monday evening next. As it is considered likely that a couple of Victorian teams will visit Sydney this season, efforts are to be made to get the clubs going again strongly. (Referee 18 April 1994)
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the NSW Football Association was held at the Cambridge Club Hotel on Monday evening, Mr W J Richardson in the chair, the attendance numbering over 60, mostly new faces. The Chairman, Mr Hedger and Mr Sullivan (Sydney) explained to those present the prospects of the game this season and the necessity of re-organising the Association so that instead of being comprised of playin members of different clubs it should consist of a number of gentlemen who are known to take an active interest in the game and one representative from each club. The idea was generally accepted by the meeting and a committee consisting of the chairman, Messrs Hedger, Fallon, Hutchison (Richmond Vic.), Whitton and Sullivan were appointed to interview those gentlemen who managed the Association in past seasons. The chairman asked the meeting how many clubs would be likely to start this season which the following clubs announced their intention of starting:- Sydney, West Sydney, East Sydney, South Sydney, Darlinbgton and a team from Pope and Maher’s Iron Foundry, the two latter clubs being composed and managed entirely by Victorian players. There is also a probability of a team being started in North Sydney with the use of St Leonard’s Reserve. The meeting adjouirned till Thursday, May 4 when it is intended to make arrangements to send a team to the North during the season. (Referee 25 April 1894)
Entusiasts in the Australiasian game are making a move this winter with the object of trying to establish it upon a sounder basis than heretofore. The meeting of the Association is fixted for Thursday Evening next. The influence and services of Messrs W C Marshall, Fred Burton, B Portus, J Bairstoe, O W Ballhausen, E Weller, Seigle and W J W Richardson have been enlilsted and they will endeavour to work the Association a more harmonious and systematic way than has characterised it in the past. Mr A W Meeks of Biggs, Bright and Co is also interesting himself in the game this year. (Referee 2 May 1894)
Efforts are to be made to secure permission from the trustees of the Association Ground to play premiership matches there during the season commencing early in the afternoon so as not to interfere with the Rugby matches. The trustees are disposed to encourage this game and if they are approached ere it is too late, they are sure to fall in with the desire of the Association. (Referee 2 May 1894)
At a meeting held at the Royal Hotel, Abercrombie Street, Redfern on Monday it was decided to form a new club under the designation of the Redfern FC Mr F J Sullivan presided and gave some valuable hints to those assembled on the management of the club. The election of officers results as follows:- Hon treasurer, Mr Jarman; hon secretary, Mr Jack Robertson; committee, Messrs. Parker, H. Guv, Marshman, Foort, Ben Lawrence; delegate, Mr Hutchinson; captain, Mr Hutchinson; vice captain Mr Marshman. Most of those connected with this club are old Victorians and have hopes of getting a very good team together. (Referee 2 May 1894)
The Sydney and newly formed Redfern clubs will meet at Moore Park next Saturday. (Referee 2 May 1894)
They Sydney club anticipate having a good team this year. Their annual meeting will be held on Monday night next at the Brewery Hotel. (Referee 2 May 1894)
The tenth annual meeting of the West Sydney Football Club (Australian Rules) will be held on Wednesday evening at the Bristol Arms Hotel, Harris Street, Ultimo. All members and intending members are requested to attend. H. Gill, hon. Sec *(Referee 2 May 1894)
A meeting of all players and gentlemen interested in this game will be held tomorrow (Thursday) evening at Rainsford’s Cambridge Club Hotel. Old Victorians and supporters are cordially invited. (Referee 2 May 1894)
EAST SYDNEY F.C. (Australian Rules) – A meeting of this club will be held at Flanagan’s Burdekin Hotel, Oxford Street on Wednesday May 8. Old Victorians and supporters cordially invited. (Referee 2 May 1894)
The Sydney Club will hold a meeting at the Brewery Hotel, Oxrford Street on Wednesday evening. (Referee 25 April 1894)
Joe Arnold continued to captain Sydney. W. Love was the captain of East Sydney. Noteables who competed for clubs in the game between these two sides on 19 May were Victor Trumper (1877-1915), then aged 17 and who resided at Surry Hills and W. Perman (of the Tivoli Company) both of whom played with Sydney. The Herald reporter commented on the poor standard of the game.SMH 21.5.1894
A game between Redfern & West Sydney was also played on Moore Park on the same day, giving evidence that more than one ground existed on the complex. SMH 21.5.1894
Dan Hutchinson captained the Redfern Club. SMH 21.5.1894
The Sydney Morning Herald suggested that various clubs had their own grounds on Moore Park SMH 4.6.1894
The East Sydney Club amalgated with the Young Australian Club. A match between East Sydney and Redfern was played on “the Sydney’s Ground” at Moore Park on 2 June and was witnessed by a very large crowd. Mr Johnston was the umpire. SMH 4.6.1894
Redfern 5-7 defeated West Sydney 2-5 at Wentworth Park before a very large crowd on 9 June. The teams consisted of the following players:
West Sydney - Newell, Royle, Bourke, O’Connor, Fallon, S. Johnson, Simpson, Hudson, Brown, Friend, Gill, McLachlan, Evans, Johnson, Youll, Moroney, Gavan, Roseman, Thorburn and Tobin. Redfern - John Robertson, Thomas, D. O’Loughlin, Lohan, Dan Hutchinson, Marshman, Patrick, Lawrence, Daragh, Wilson, Brien, Lee, Joe Robertson, D’Arcy, Cleary, McGill, McConkey, McSweeney, T. O’Loghlen, Minogue. SMH 11.6.1894
The Herald notes that in a game between East Sydney and West Sydney played at Moore Park on 16 June “both teams were short and made a late start”. SMH 18.6.1894
The Herald notes in it’s description of a game between Sydney and West Sydney played at Wentworth Park on 23 June that ”both teams were fairly represented, there being a few absentees from both sides so that the emergencies services were availed of.” It goes on to describe Victor Trumper’s excellent manner of play. SMH 25.6.1894
The Sydney Club held a smoke night at the clubrooms, Brewery Hotel, Oxford Street Darlinghurst on Monday 25 June. SMH 25.6.1894
A meeting was advertised to form a club at Johnstone’s Hotel, Cleveland Street and Newtown Road. SMH 25.6.1894 It is noted in other near articles that Mr J F Johnstone umpires a match between Sydney and Redfern on 7 July. SMH 9.7.1894
A match is played on the Sydney Cricket Ground between Sydney and Redfern on 7 July as a lead up to a rugby encounter between representatives from Metropolitan and Northern Districts. SMH 6.7.1894
The new Darlington Club makes it’s debut against East Sydney on the Agricultural Ground on 7 July. Three unior rugby matches are also played on the same ground. SMH 6.7.1894
Wallsend play West Sydney at Wentworth Park on 6 July. SMH 6.7.1894. Several thousand witnessed the game which West won 1-9 to 1-6. The visitors were entertained at the Cresent Coffee Palace, George Street after the match. SMH 10.7.1894
Redfern travels to West Maitland on 14 July where they meet the Northumberland Club. Mr John Robertson is Redfern’s secretary. SMH 14.7 & 20.8.1894
A metropolian team is to meet the Northern Districts in the annual interprovincial match on the Agricultural Society’s Ground on 21 July. Metropolitan is to be represented by: Arnold (S), Cleary (R), D’Arcy (R), Gavin (W), Giles (S), Gill (W), Hume, Hutchinson (R), Hodgkinson (S), Hedger (ES), Lawrence (R), McSweeney (R), McGill (R), McConky (R), Marshman (R), O’Loughlin (R), Sullivan (2)(S), Shipton (ES), Tobin (W), Rosman (W), Royle (W), J.Fallon (W), Aston (ES). SMH 17.7.1894
CLUB Played Won Lost Drawn Gls For Goals Agnst Points
Possibe Points Actual %
Redfern 8 7 1 - 44 17 32 28 87
Sydney 9 6 3 - 33 21 36 24 66
West Sydney 7 3 3 1 27 22 28 14 50
East Sydney 8 1 6 1 15 30 32 6 18
Darlington 4 - 4 - 9 32 16 - -
SMH 20.8.1894
Victor Trumper continues to play for the Sydney Club all season. SMH - in various results of the season. (SMH 9/7/94)
Again, it was noted in various results that 1894 was a wet season. This however did not appear to deter the crowds.
Dan Hutchinson a player and later captain of the Victorian Carlton Club came to Sydney early in this year in an attempt to revive the game by advertising that a scratch match would be played at Moore Park. The effort failed lamentably.
“Many prominent players went over to rugby union following the demise of our game and they so enriched that code that the names of some of them will live imperishable in the annals of rugby union”. (F/R1927 N 7, P 8 Jim Phelan’s writings)
The SMH of 20 August gave what virtually was a resume of the season’s activities:
“football under Australian rules reached its lowest ebb last year, the lack of interest evinced in it being the result not so much of the scarcity of players as the want of strong management for the affairs of the association. This year, however, a lot of fresh blood has been infused into the association committee, and, owing to better arrangements generally, much lost ground has been recovered. Two new clubs were started during the year - the Redfern and Darlington - and the Redferns, who made a start early in the season, now hold the premier position. The Darlingtons did not get going till the beginning of July; and although their representatives have not scored a win so far, the improvement which is evident in their play in each match warrants the assertion that next year the other clubs will act wisely in not despising them. On 21st July a team representing the northern districts visited Sydney and played a team chosen from the metropolitan players. After a good contest the local team won by 9 goals to 2. On the 18th August a return match was played at Newcastle, the Sydney men defeating their opponents by 2 goals to 1. Subjoined is a table showing the results of the matches for the Sydney premiership. It will be seen, as already stated, that Redfern come out with the lead, having scored 28 points out of a possible 32 points. Much of their success is due to the energy and good management of their secretary, Mr John Robertson. The team, too, was always well handled by its Captain, Mr Hutchinson, whose play in every match this season was much admired. In club matches the Redferns were defeated only once. The match was the best contested game this season, the West Sydney team winning by 6 goals to 5. The Redferns were vanquished on one other occasion, which was when they visited Maitland and tried conclusions with the Northumberlands, who scored two goals to the Redferns nil. They kicked 44 goals in club matches and only 17 were kicked against them. The Sydneys come second on the list wit6h a record of six wins out of nine matches, their vanquishers on each occasion being the Redferns. In the Sydney team are a lot of young players, and it isvery creditable to their coaches that the club occupies such a good position. Next come West sydney, with a record of three wins and one draw for seven club matches played. This was the only Sydney club that succeeded in beating the Redferns, and it is astonishing, considering the splendid game which their team played on that occasion that they do not hold a higher position on the list. They have a really good team, and, if well managed, should make a bold bid for next year’s premiership. The Wallsend team visited Sydney on 28 July, and played a draw with the West Sydneys each side scoring one goal. The East Sydney Club have not had a successful season, having scored one win and one draw out of eight matches. The Darlingtons have been already alluded to. The Association is about to consider the advisability of allowing the teams to play with only 16 men a side next season. It is pointed out that by doing so better contests would be witnessed, and that there would not be such a long tail to most of the teams. Besides, an extra senior club could be formed with the four men who would be thrown out of each of the present senior teams. The greatest objection to the porposal is that it would be contrary to the rules as passed by the Australian Football Council. This objection, however, is not looked upon as insuperable by the majority of the association. If this concessioin is granted it is said that there will be at least four new clubs next season.
(SMH 20.8.1894)
“The final match of the season under Australian Rules will be played today (25 August) at Moore Park between Sydney and Darlington.” SMH 20.8.1894
The SMH noted that “football under Australian rules reached it’s lowest ebb last year, the lack of interest evinced in it being the result not so much of the scarcity of players as the want of strong management for the affairs of the association. This year, however, a lot of fresh blood has been infused into the association committee, and, owing to better arrangements generally, much ground has been recovered. Two new clubs were started during the year - the Redfern and the Darlington (Darlington is located west of Redfern and east of Newtown, roughly bounded by Cleveland Street and City Road) - and the Redferns, who made a start early in the season, now hold the premier position. The Darlingtons did not get going till the beginning of July; and although their representatives have not scored a win so far, the improvement which is evident in th3e play in each match warrants the assertion that next year the other clubs will act wisely in not despising them. (SMH 20.8.94)
16 Aside for 1895
“The Association is about to consider the adviseability of allowing the teams to play with only 16 men a side next season. It is pointed out that by doing so, better contests would be wintessed and that there would not be such a long tail to most of the teams. Besides, an extra senior club could be formed with the four men who would be thrown out of each of the present senior teams. The greatest objection to the proposal is that it would be contrary to the rules as passed by the Australian Football Council. This objection however is not looked upon as insurperable by the majoiry of the association. If this concession is granted, it is said that there will be at least four new clubs next season”. (SMH 20.8.94)
1902
It was noted that the NSWAFA held their general meeting. No further details.
1903
NSWFL President -. Sir William See (Premier - I think he was a titular head) Albert E Nash is the league’s Vice President.
NSWFL Secretary - A.E. Kewin resg., G V Padula from 29 June.
NSWAFL Treasurer- Harry J Hedger
Presidents: Newtown - Mr Dave Bennett (1903-1907) Paddington - W.H. Howard. Ashfield - F E Winchombe MLA, East Sydney - D. Levy MLA.,
Presidents: North Shore - Henry J Hedger.
Secretaries: Newtown - J.P. Buckley (1906-1915). Paddington - Victor Trumper & B K Edgar as joint secretaries. East Sydney - E W Butler, Ashfield - Mr Muller & Morris as joint secretaries. Alexandria - A J Winwood ( I think that should be Hinwood - IG).
Treasurers: Newtown: J.E. Phelan, he was secretary between 1906-1915. Paddington: Mr Burton., East Sydney - Mr H. Knight.
Captains: East Sydney - D. Collins Balmain: ? Middleton, Paddington; ? Lynch/ ? Johnston; Ashfield: E. Mackney, Redfern: D. O’Loughlin; Sydney: ? Sullivan; North Shore: B. Loel; West Sydney: ? Vannam. Newtown: ? Dartnell.
Inaugural Meeting Advertised
The following advertisement is placed in the Sydney Morning Herald of 29 January:
FOOTBALL- A public MEETING will be held in the I.O.F
Rooms, No. 283 George street (opposite Hunter street),
on the 30th INST., at 8 o’clock p.m.to consider the
Forming of an Association under the Australian Rules.
Everyone interested therein is invited to attend.
W.J. WILLIAMS, Secretary (pro-tem). (SMH 29.1.1903)
Inaugural Meeting of the League
“A well attended meeting of the provisional committee appointed at the last general meeting of the movement to re-introduce the Australian game into Sydney was held at the I.O.F. rooms, No. 283 George street. Several reports were received, and the following sub-committees were appointed: Constitution: Messrs. L. Balhausen, A.A. McLeod, McKellar, D.A. Madden and F.J. hart. Players: This committee was formed with a view of ascertaining who were supporters and who were players, and consists of Messrs. Victor Trumper, B.K. Edgar, H. Hedger, J. Hedger, H. Rappiport, W. Padula, W. Grayson, W. Butler, A.B. £35” (SMH 7.2.1903)
Second League Formation Meeting
A further meeting of “footballers” was held in the Y.M.C.A. Hall on 12 February with a view to forming as association to revive the Australian Game of football in Sydney. Mr H. Hedger presided and there was a large attendance. ‘The reports of the provisional committee showed that the prospects of establishing the game on a firm basis in the city and suburbs were extremely encouraging’.
‘The chairman stated that is was no the intention to form suburban clubs on an electoral basis. It would be inadversable to do so until the game had made substantial progress. A Sydney club had been already formed with a membership of 40. A club would be formed next week at Paddington, in which Mr Victor Trumper had promised to take an active part. Arrangements would be made for inviting two Melbourne clubs over to give an exposition of the game for the benefit of the public. Together with Mr J J Virgo he had waited on the secretary of the Cricket Ground, and had been promised the use of the ground free of charge in May. He moved, - “That the New South Wales Football League be now formed”.
This was seconded by Dr D.A. Madden, and carried unanimously.
The rules for the constitution of the league were then considered (all of the above SMH 13.2.1903)
Third League formation Meeting
The third general meeting of the New South Wales Football League was held at the YMCA Hall last night (Thur 29.2.1903). Mr F. Poole occupied the chair, and there were 145 members present. The rules were read and adopted. A letter was read from the Victorian League according their hearty support to the league, and promosing that a team would visit this State during May next. It was reported that the movement had been taken up very enthusiastically, and five clubs had been already formed with an average membership of 60. A report was read from the players’ committee which showed that out of 202 members in the league 119 were players.
The New South Wales Football League is meeting with a large measure of success in its efforts to introduce and firmly establish the Australian game into this State, and thus bring about the possibility of inter-state football matches between this state and Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. At present some nine or ten clubs have been formed in and around the metroplitis, while others are being added - two or three every week. Appraently the game is destined to fill an important position in the winter sports of the State. (SMH 21.3.03)
On 19 June G V Padula was elected to the vacant position of Secretary of the NSWFL. He was also secretary of the North Shore club, a rower and an athlete. It is noted that R.H. McLeod is still the organising secretary (SMH 22.6.1903)
Arthur Edwin Kewin, the secretary of the NSW Football League (in 1903) was interviewed by the Referee, a sporting newspaper regarding the reformation of the game in Sydney, and besides other comments, had the following to say following a question on whether the game is here to stay: "....There is absolutely no doubt about it. The question never concerns the league, as its convictions on the point were arrived at long ago. We fear nothing in that direction; the game already has caught on magnificently and such a fact can only point to one thing - the absolute success of the game. Without counting myself, many of those behind the movement are ex footballers of the first class and business men now of this city and the whole project is being handled in a thoroughly businesslike manner by the right men. We have an active live secretary attached to each club who understands his business while every individual member of every club attached to the League is enthusiastic for the game, so how can we fail? Enthusiasm is contagious. We see nothing but success ahead...." (Referee 6.5.03)
Premiership Cup
His Excellency, Sir Henry Rawson, Govenor of NSW, donated a Cup for the premiership, known as the Rawson Cup.
Support from the VFL
Mr Harry Hedger spoke at a meeting of the VFL on Friday, 30 Feb. where he suggested that two (VFL) teams be sent to Sydney in May to play exhibition games and that the teams should ask for as small a share as possible of the gate money, as there would be difficulty in financing matters. It was decided that two teams be sent and that in order to stimulate public interest, that the games be played in Sydney should rank asone of the fixtures for the Victorian Premiership. Fitzroy and Collingwood clubs volunteered to send their best teams to Sydney and to pay all expenses, leaving thw whole of the gate receipts intact for the New South Wales promoters. This generous offer was warmly acknowledged by Mr Hedger. (SMH 2.3.03)
At a meeting of the Victorian Football League yesterday (15.3.03) the principal business dealt with related to the poposed visit of two Victorian teams to Sydney in May. The original arrangement was that Collingwood and Fitzroy teams should play a premiership game and leave the whole of the gate receipts intact for the use of those who are endeavouring to establish the Australian game in New South Wales. The Collingwood club objected to the game ranking as a premiership one and this drew a letter from the hon secretary of the New South Wales Football Association lamenting this action and declaring that the abandonment of the premiership match would be a severe blow to the project. Mr Copeland, delegate for Collingwood explained that in view of the letter received from Sydney, he thought if the matter was placed before the members of his club again the decision would be reversed and the original plan carried out. Mr Norcott, dlegate for Melbourne, said his team was prepared to visit Sydney and play a premiership game, but did not see their way clear to give up the whole of the gate receipts. It was resolved that the matter be held over to enable the Collingwood Club to reconsider the decision and decide what they would do. The league will meeting on Friday to deal further with the matter. It was made clear at the meeting that in any case the arrangements as to finances and the game ranking as a premiership one will be carried out even if another team took the place of Collingwood. (SMH 16.3.03)
Melbourne (Fri 20 March) Members of the Collingwood Football Club have definitely approved of the porposal that the football match to be played in Sydney by Collingwood and Fitzroy teams shall rank as one of a series of matches for the Victorian premiership. The gate receipts will be entirely at the disposal of the New South Wales League, the object being to popularise football under the Australian rules in Sydney. The Collingwood and the Fitzroy clubs will put their strongest teams into the field, and they are in a position to enable the Sydney public to see the game played at its best. (SMH 21.3.03)
Paddington Club Formed
A meeting was held at Sinnott’s Town Hall Hotel, Oxford Street Paddington on 17 February 1903 for the purpose of considering the advisability of forming a club for the borough of Paddington to play under the Australian Rules. Mr H. Hedger presided over a good attedance. At the conclusion of a lengthy discussion it was unanimously resolved one the motion of Mr Edgar to form a club to be named the Paddington Football Club. The names of 45 intending members were handed in and Mr Victor Trumper was appointed secretary, pro-tem. The meeting was adjourned for a week when the officer for the year will be elected. (SMH 18.2.1903)
At the first meeting of the newly formed Paddington Football Club was held at Sinnott’s Townhall Hall Hotel, Oxford Street Paddington, on Tuesday Night. The following were elected as officers for the ensuing season (and it sets out the office bearers etc.) (SMH 26.2.03)
The Paddington club fixed their colours as blue and white jacket, blue knickers and blue and white stockings. (SMH 26.2.1903)
The Paddington club advertised that “players and others” were invited to meet at Centennial Park on Saturday 3pm on the polo ground to have some kicking practice. (SMH 7.3.1903)
The attention of those interested in the Paddington Club is drawn by advertisement to the meeting to be held at Sinnott's Hotel on Tuesday next, also to the fact that players and others are invited to meet at Centennial park on Saturday at 3pm on the polo ground to have some kicking practice. (SMH Sat 7.3.1903)
S E (Stan) Johnston captained Paddington. He was also a state selector and maintained that position for 10 years.
Club Formation Meeting in Redfern
A meeting was held at the Redfern Town Hall on Friday Night (6 March 1903) for the purpose of forming a gootball club in the district to play the Australian game. The Mayor (Ald G. Parkes) occupied the chair, and he outlined the objects of the meeting, and stated that he would give the club as much assistance as possible. On the motion of Mr J. McKellar seconded by Mr A E Kewin, it was resolved that a club be formed in Redern under the auspices of the new South Wales Football League, to play the Australian game. About 21 persons signified their intention of being members of the newly formed club. (SMH Mon 9.3.1903)
Twenty persons attended a meeting at the Redfern Town Hall on 6 March where the Redfern Club was formed. (SMH 6.3.1903)
East Sydney Club Formed
A well attended meeting was held at Womerah Hall, William Street on Thursday 7 March where an East Sydney Club was formed. Mr D Levy MLA. The motion was proposed by Mr E W Butler seconded by Mr H Hedger. Messrs H. Knight, D. Sullivan, H. Rappiport, Kewin, McLeod and Gleeson supported the motion.
The following were elected as office bearers of the East Sydney Club for the ensuing season: President - Mr D. Levy MLA, Secretary - E W Butler, Treasurer - Mr H Knight, delegates to the NSWFL - H C Harte & H Knight. The Committee comprised Messrs. D Collins, P. Kenny, A W Thorpe, W. Berkley, Lubraski, M. Donovan and R Levy. (SMH 24.3.1903)
West Sydney Club Formed
A larely attended public meeting of members of the West Sydney Fotball Club was held in Mr Coffils’ Hall, Harris Street on the 6 instant. Mr Frank Pascoe presiding. The meeting was intended to explain the Australian game to those unaquainted with it, to enrol members and elect office bearers. Several footballers from Victoria joined. The club offices were elected, and it was decided to commence practice at once to enable the team to get well together before the season. (SMH 16.3.1903)
North Shore Club Formed
A large and thusiastic gathering assembled in the School of Arts, North Sydney on Monday 21 February for the purpose of forming a football club at North Shore to play under the Australian rules. Mr D a Madden occupied the chair and was supported by Messrs. Hedger, Sullivan, Middleton, Padula and F J Hart.
The chairman gave a brief history of the doings to date of the NSW Footballl League and informed those present that the club would not to antagonistic to the interests of others clubs in the district, but was merely to uphold the sport generally and if possible to further it.
The club was eventually formed and will be known as the North Shore Football Club. A provisional committee was appointed and was composed of the following gentlemen:- Messrs. L S Spiller, D A Madden, G V Padula, F J Hart, A W Ballhausen, T Spiller, A Middleton, W J Williams, E a Wright, F a Beetson, C Millard, E Butcher, E Truman, E Robertson and E Attwater. Mr G V Padula was appointed hon secretary, pro tem. (SMH 26.2.1903)
It was reported in the Referee of 23 Feb., that the committee would meet again at Albert’s Hotel, Walker Street, on Monday (28 February). (Referee, P8, 23/2/1903)
The North Shore team comprised 8 players from Victoria, 4 from Sth Australia and one from Tasmania, making them a reasonably formidable team.
Formation of the Sydney Club - Second (?) Meeting
A further meeting of the Sydney club was held at the Forbes Hotel on Wednesday evening when a good number of members were present. Mr D.A. Madden occupied the chair. The rules and by-laws etc., for the future management of the club were adopted. It was decided to join the New South Wales Football League (SMH 26.2.1903)
Formation of the Newtown Club
The tenth club to play football under Australian Rules was formed at St George’s Hall, Newtown, on Friday Night last and a strong team was got together, some 30 names being handed in as players. The club will commence practice at once in preparation for the ensuing season. (SMH 24.3.1903)
A further meeting of the Newtown Club held on Wednesday evening (last) and presided over by the Mayor of Newtown, the following officers were elected: Secretary - J P Buckley, Treasurer: J E Phelan, Committee - Messrs Keogh, Rowley, L.G. Jones, Waddy, McSweeney, Ashton, Power, W. Jones and Penton. (SMH 28.3.1903)
Ashfield Club
On Saturday the newly formed Ashfield Electorate Football Club (assisted by Mr Rappiport) played it’s first match at Summer Hill against the Sydney F.C. Sydney won 6.5 to 5.5 (SMH 20.4.1903)
At a meeting of the newly formed Ashfield Electorate F.C. (australian game), held at the Masonic Hall,
Summer Hill, and presided over by Mr F.E. Winchcombe, MLA, the following officers were elected: (inter-alia) (SMH 4.5.03)
Harry Hedger
Mr Harry Hedger is noted as attending nearly all meetings to form new clubs. He also travelled to Melbourne where he addresses the Victorian Football League asking for two teams to travel to Sydney to play which might galvanise re-interest in the game. Additionally, he asks that the competing teams ask as little from the gate as possible. Collingwood and Fitzroy volunteer to go to Sydney and indicate that they would be happy to pay all expenses. (There is a photograph with an article of him when he died in F/R 10 July 1937) SMH 2.3.1903
He later plays for YMCA (SMH 4.5.03)
There has been little acknowledgement of Harry Hedger’s part in the reformation of the game. From my research, Harry Hedger was very much the reason for the establishment of the NSWFL. (I.G.)
The refounding of the game in Sydney was receiving a good deal of positive publicity. "...Apparently the game is destined to fill an important position in the winter sports of the state". (SMH 21.3.03)
A possibles v probables game was held on 16 May to select a team to play against a combined Collingwood/Fitzroy (which didnt take place). The game was played on the SCG with a small crowd in attendance. Before the match there was a goal kicking competition with H. Loel of North Shore winning with a drop kick of 63 yds 2½ feet. A. Middleton , also of Nth Shore kicked a place kick of 61 yards 1 foot.. At half time there were running races for footballers. (SMH 18.5.03)
VFL Promotion Game
The game was initially considered to be a non premiership match, however pressure from the Collingwood club ensured that the game would be played for premiership points. . SMH 16.3.1903
The Collingwood V Fitzroy match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 23 May attracted a crowd of 18,000 people.
Both clubs paid their own expenses to travel to and stay in Sydney and allowed the league to take whatever profit came from the game.
Collingwood, with a contingent of 43 travel by train and authorise expenditure of £400pm the trip. The Fitzroy contingent is expected to number close to 50. (SMH 19.5.03)
Many of the visiting VFL clubs brought between 45-60 with them in their official parties. Up to 500 other supporters travelled independently. Carlton brought W. Beazley, Deputy Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly.
An official reception was held for both teams at the Sports Club, Hunter Street where the chairman, Mr E W O’Sullivan spoke encouraging the breakdown of barriers between states and the estabslishment of the code in Sydney. An interesting person to respond to the official toast was Mr Monty Arnold of Rugby fame - I.G. (SMH 22/5/03)
Edward William O’SULLIVAN, (who played an important part in receptions etc for the league) a vice president of the NSWFL for several of the early years is mentioned in numerous newspaper reports as representing the League at official functions etc. He was bom in 1846 in Launceston Tas. Was a journalist and newspaper proprietor and organiser of a number of unions. Was MLA for Queanbeyan 1885-04, and then several Sydney seats. Minister for Public Works 1899-1904. Minister for Lands 1904. Comr Improvemt of Sydney. 1909. Further info. Whos Who 1906-08, (SMH 26.4.10, DT 23.7.94, and others.) (E W O’Sullivan was widely recognized as a ‘big noter’.- I.G.)
Guests at the match included the Gov General, Lord Tennyson, State Gov. Harry Rawson. VFL officials included H.C.A. Harrison one of the founders of the game. The teams and official were entertained by a launch tour of the harbour on on Friday Night by Petersham Aust Natives Assn to a smoke concert. (SMH 23.5.03)
The match was preceded by "A grand Baseball Exhibition".
The NSWFL paid twenty guineas for umpiring expenses remembering that boundary umpires were used, being one of the first occasions this occurred.
The league treasurer, Harry Hedger informed club delegates following the match that the game had taken a net gate of five hundred and three pounds, nine shillings and one penny whilst hundred of tickets had been sold by some club secretaries.
(Where the money for the latter went is unknown. - IG)
More Clubs Formed - Season Start Put Back
Interest this game created was immeasurable. Reports were given that clubs were being formed all over Sydney and as their season neared they had to put the season starting date back one week to 9 May as more and more teams evolved.
Post VFL Game Conference
A conference of delegates followed the game and it was resolved that a detailed proposal be put to the VFL for the Geelong and Carlton Clubs to visit Sydney, amongst other ‘Sydney’ matters, and play a competition match. They spoke about the match being played within two weeks, however were worried about the ‘strike’ effecting it. (SMH 25.5.03)
Post VFL Game Footballers Entertainment
The day following the match a unique spectacle was witness: Ten drags (horses and carts) containing 235 footballers, visiting and local, left the Town Hall for a drive to Sandringham (Brighton-Le-Sands area). Others visitors spent the day with Mr W M Gordon, city surveyor. (SMH 25.5.03)
On Monday 25 May, the proprietors of Tooths Brewery entertained the visitors and following that travelled to Watsons Bay and the lighthouse for an inspection. (SMH 25.5.03)
The visiting teams were lavishly feted. Many city and statutory officials went out of their way to entertain and show the groups the sites. (SMH 31.7.03)
Clubs/Teams in the Competition
First Grade Teams (League): East Syd, Nth Shore, Sydney, Balmain, Paddington, Redfern, Newtown, YMCA, Ashfield, West Sydney, Alexandria. =(No second grade)
Eleven senior teams, eight second grade and seven school teams took the field during the season. (Referee, P3, 16/9/1903)
Balmain play employees of the Adelaide Steam Ship Co. at Annandale Park on 22.8.1903 winning 5.14 to 5.10.(DT 24.8.1903)
D. Collins (E.S) wins goalkicking with 32 goals. [includes finals i think- I.G.]
First round of Competition Matches
The first round of competition matches was played on 9.5.03. Bad weather marred the match however games attracted spectators where at Moore Park in the game between Sydney and Paddington spectators encroached on the ground considerably interfering with the match - “this though cannot be avoided on open grounds.” (SMH 11.5.03)
In a round 8 match between YMCA & Ashfield, YMCA could not field a full team owing to unavailability. (It is important to note that these teams were fragile and the numbers not good I.G.) [SMH 13.7.03]
East Sydney won the first grade competition but and were presented with the pennant and caps from “that generous patron of sport, Mr A E Nash”. (Referee, P3, 16/9/1903)
Second Grade: East Sydney, West Sydney, Ashfield, Sydney, Balmain, Nth Shore, Redfern, YMCA.
Initially there was no "reserve" grade A recognised B grade was played but most of these teams came from schools. Their division was called "The Young Australians".
The second grade started late and the winner, West Sydney played 8 games and lost 1 whilst the runner up, Redfern played 6 and lost 2. (Referee 19/9/03) [I think though that these included finals - I.G]
It is noted in the Daily Telegraph in July that there was a ‘Second Grade’ Competition comprising of : East Sydney, West Sydney, Ashfield, Sydney, Balmain, North Shore, Redfern & YMCA. It would appear that the second grade games did not preceed the first grade matches. The two grades, at times, played at different venues. (DT 25/7/03
Percy Carter (West Sydney) tops the second grade goalkicking with 32 goals . (Referee 19/9/03) [Again, I think includes finals - I.G.]
Second Grade Final
On 24 August, West Sydney II - 6.9 d Redfern II - 2.7 at YMCAs ground at Moore Park in the final (there was no challenge final). Umpire: Mr Hallet. (SMH 24.8.1903)
Schools
Seven school played in competition . (Referee 19/9/03)
Companies Wishing to Field Teams
Reports are documented that teams from Mark Foys & Co as well as those from the Lyceum Theatre were forming teams and sought affiliation with the league. Following further research however, no mention of these sides can be found. It was noted though that certainly the Mark Foys personnel sought Wednesday matches. ‘District’ or electoral football, where a club is representative of the local government area which shares the same name was envoked in both cricket and rugby in Sydney at the time, but, as it appears not for Australian Football - at this stage. It took some years to re-model the game on the district scheme which was finally and firmly accepted for the start of the 1926 season - I.G.
Former Richmond ruckman, Bill Prince moved to Sydney and plays with the Redfern side from 1903-1911 before becoming involved with South Sydney. He was subsequently employed at the AFG as curator.
Grounds
Some grounds used in the first year included: Rushcutters Bay, SCG No. 2, North Sydney Oval, Birchgrove Oval, Moore Park, St Leonards Park, Hampden Park (Trumper Park), Wentworth Park, Erskineville Oval,
Four dates were gained for Manly Oval and Hampton Park (later Trumper Park).
Newcastle
At a meeting in Maitland, a competition was formed in Newcastle with senior and junior teams affiliating with the League. The following clubs were formed: Wallsend, Plattsburg, West Maitland, Merewether and Charlestown with the first competition game set for 30 May.
Results from the first round however were: Hamilton 13 defeated Summerhill 11, Merewether 38 d Charlestown 13 and Wallsend 6-6 d Maitland 2-7.
In an early game Wallsend 4-9 defeated Maitland/Northumberland 2-10 at West Maitland on 2 May.
Officials of the Northern District F.L. were: President - Mr. C.C. Giles, Secretary - A.E. Smith and Treasurer - G. Bower. (Referee 6.5.03)
A Metropolitan side travels to Newcastle to play a Northern Dist combination on Sat. 22 August (SMH 19.8.03)
A return game was played at the Agricultural Ground on 5.9.1903 with Sydney winning 6.8 to 5.6. (DT 7.9.1903)
The Paddington Club, having a bye, send a team to Wallsend on 4 July to play the local team (Wallsend) “which is leading the Nthn Dist Competition”. The team travels by train, leaving Central at 9.05am on Saturday. (SMH 3.7.03)
NSW Match
A match of Possibles V Probables arranged for the purpose of affording the selection of a team to represent New South Wales against the combined Collingwood and Fitzroy teams was played on the SCG on Saturday 16 May. A goal kicking contest took place before the game started. The drop kick was won by B. Loel, the eventual North Shore captain with 63 yards 2½ foot. The place kick was won by A. Middleton, also of North Shore with a distance of 61 yards, 1 foot. There were also 100 yard and 400 yard running events. (SMH 18.5.03) (The suggested match between NSW & Collingwood/Fitzroy teams did not eventuate - I.G.)
In their first representative game under the new rageme NSW played Fitzroy on Wednesday 27 May on the SCG before a crowd estimated at 2500.
NSW wore a pale blue jumper, blue shorts and blue and red sox. The game was played in very bad weather with a gale force wind and steady rain.
The proposed match between NSW & Carlton (set down for 3.8.03) was postponed to Wednesday 5 Aug. due to bad weather. (SMH 3.8.03)
NSW play Qld in their first interstate fixture under the revised structure.
NSW played and lost matches against Fitzroy, Carlton and Northern District. They however played a second encounter against Northern District in Sydney where they were successful. (Referee, P3, 16/9/1903)
Other Promotional Games
Sth Melbourne play in Sydney.
A Geelong V Carlton fixture at the SCG was a financial loss due to bad weather. (Referee, P3,
16/9/1903) The game was transferred from Saturday 1 Aug. to Monday 3 Aug. because of the weather (SMH 3.8.03) Five thousand people attend (SMH 3.8.03)
The Carlton players are guest of the NSW Rugby Union at the University Oval to witness NZ V Sydney on 29.7.03 (SMH 29.7.03)
The 1903 finals and succeeding years, have an intricate finals system involving up to eight teams. (This is a result of copying the VFL system. I.G.)
The president of the League and state premier, Sir John See is presented with the Premiership Cup after the season. He indicated that he would present the league with a ten guinea trophy to be competed for by school teams in 1902. (DT 1.10.1903)
NSWAFL - 1904 AGM
In their first year the league received £849.0.9 of which £612.18.1 had come from the match between Fitzroy and Collingwood and £135.14.8 from the match between Geelong and Carlton. The league showed a balance of £115.15.9 at the completion of the season. (DT 9.4.1904).
1904
Balmain: Pres - Mr Cave, Sec - H. Munro, Treas - J Jackson. Capt: J. Bogle,
Paddington: Pres - Ald W H Howard, Sec - L W Alexander, Treas - Mr Matthews Capt: ? Howard
Nth Shore: Pres - D A Madden, Sec - W J Williams, Treas - F J Hart. Capt: ? Thompson
East Sydney: Daniel Levy, MLA, Sec - E W Butler, Treas - H. Knight.
Ashfield Electorate: Pres. F P Morris, Joint Secretaries: A. Morris & G. Irvine. Treasurer: W. Waugh
Newtown: Pres: J A Kelso, Secretary: F E Norwood, Treasurer: J E Phelan
YMCA: Pres - Capt: ? Matthews,
Sydney: Capt: A. Harvey,
Redfern: Capt: ? Hutchinson,
West Sydney: Capt: T. Vannan
NSWFL Annual General Meeting
Several members of the executive of the New South Wales Football League travel to Melbourne to make arrangements for a match between Victoria and Sth Aust on the SCG (DT 7.3.04)
Plans made for Ess V Sth Melboune and Collingwood V Geelong to play at the SCG (DT 12.3.04)
Held on 8 April with Mr E W O’Sullivan in the chair.
The annual report showed that 10 clubs had affiliated. Much attention had been given to the game in public schools, The NSW & Metropolitan R. Union had agreed to reciprocal rights regarding the disqualification of players. Some remarks had been made by Mr Oakes, MLA at a rugby union meeting regarding the league’s attitude towards money from the VFL games. The new president, Mr A E Nash told the meeting he intended to make Mr Harry Hedger a life member; The league should form a separate junior assn., have their fair share of enclosed grounds and see that their rights were respective (SMH 9.4.04)
Sir John See was elected as one of the patrons of the league (1903 being the president - in name only) along with the state governor Sir Harry Rawson. Members of the state legislative assembly, E
W O’Sullivan and Daniel Levy were elected amongst the vice presidents. (SMH 9.4.04)
NSW AFA (NSW Jnr FA) Formed
The NSW AFA has been formed to take in clubs outside the NSW League. Seven clubs have joined (?), the hon secretary, pro. tem. is Mr F Charles. (SMH 4.5.04)
It is estimated that 55 schools of various grades will play the Australian game this season. inter alia The Wesley College has offered to send a team and pay own expenses to play a series of matches in Sydney (SMH 4.5.04)
A meeting was held (in early May - I.G.) where the NSW Australian Football Association was formed to control second grade junior football “in this state”. The following were elected Dr J B Nash (MLC - no relation to A.E. Nash), Vice Presidents: Messrs. H D Potts ( Hawkesbury College, G Howe, H H Froude, P F Hart and G Howatson. The secretary was Fred Charles and treasurer: W J Richardson.(DT 12.5.1904)
At a meeting of the NSWAFA held at the Sports Club on Tuesday Evening (10 May), eight clubs including Hawkesbury Ag College, signified their intention of joining the association which will control all matches other than the senior matches of the league. Inter alia … (SMH 12.5.04)
Junior Assn (THIS ASSN IS THE SAME ORGANISATION AS THE NSWAFA)
The first meeting of the NSW Jnr Football Assn was held at the Sports Club on 3.5.1904. Six teams had entered the competition from that date and it was decided to start the competition on 14 May. A meeting will be held next Tuesday (10.5.04) to elect office bearers. It was resolved that the association become affiliated with the NSWFL. The younger branch, however, retaining the right to elect their own officers and manage their own affairs. A donation of two guineas towardfs the funds was received from Mr Bradley (DT 4.5.1904)
Office bearers were elected at a late, (10 May) where Dr J B Nash, MLC was elected president, Fred Charles secretary and W J Richardson as treasurer. (DT 12.5.1904)
John Brady NASH was born at sea on 19 May 1857, the son of an Irish surgeon. Arrived Melbourne 1857 with parents. He was educated at St Patricks College, Melbourne and later at Edinburgh Univ. Married Agnes McCormick 5 April 1888. Practiced medicine at Lambton then Wallsend. Hon surgeon at Newcastle Hospital. Moved to Sydney in 1900. Member of the Legislative Council from 1900-25. Died 4 June 1925. It is unknown whether he was related to A E Nash. Further info. Bulletin 11 June 1925, SMH 8 June 1900 & 5 June 1925. (Bio. Register of the NSW Parliament.)
Strength of the Code in Sydney in 1904
In the season there were 10 first grade, 8 reserve, 7 high school, 57 public school and 12 catholic primary school teams. (DT 28.9.1904)
First Grade Teams (League): East Syd, Nth Shore, Sydney, Balmain, Paddington, Redfern, Newtown, YMCA, Ashfield, West Sydney.
Second Grade (Association): Sydney A, Balmain, St Leonards, Hawkesbury Ag College, Sth Sydney, Darlinghurst, Paddington.
The Australian Game
Though this game is still but in its infancy its organisers have made extraordinary progress. They have gone about their work in a thoroughly systematic manner, and have left no stone unturned, the moving of which could secure them a playing or a non-playing member. They are earnest and energetic, and their vigorous efforts have been the means of calling forth similar organisations from the Rugby people, and the result is that both games have received such bold advertisement that remarkable benefits has accrued to each. As above stated, the number of schools playing some kind of football will number over a hundred, and to give credit where it is due, this condidtion of things is attributable to the action of the adherents of the Australian game in sending lecturers to the various public and private schools. A good example is always worth following. Rugby did ok, and the benefit is mutual. The local authorities of the Australian game have had, and still have a hard row to hoe. Besides inducing players to join they have to inculcate in them the rude and then the fine points of the game. To show the public how the game should be played they have to send to Melbourne for two senior teams, and even then the exhibition, though quite up to the traditions of the Australian game lacks the great essential to draw a crowd - local interest. But even if this branch of the sport do not reach the standard of that acquired in other places, it will splendidly serve its purpose if it furnishes that section of our youth who will not play Rugby with something to keep themselves in condution during the winter season.
The most important item ont he programme is Essendon V Melbourne listed for the Sydney Cricket Ground on May 28, and the fixture will be one is the Victorian Premiership. The Victorians will arrive in Sydney on the 25th. The Contest is arranged with a twofold purpose, of showing the Sydney public how the game should be played, and of teaching young New South Welsh men.
The game has expanded so much that it has been found necessary to form an association, apart from the league. No one having any voice in the management of the league at all is eligible for a season on the association, which will consist of clubs outside the governing body. Competitions will be played as last year amongst the senior and second grade clubs. The public and other schools, said to number 55, have undertaken to play this game, will also be provided with competitions. The prospects of the Australian game are most satisfactory to those who are responsible therefor. (SMH 7.5.04)
Assn Matches
The last recorded Assn (second grade) game of the season was played on 30 August at Moore Park where Sth Sydney 10-19 d Darlinghust 3.3. (DT 1.8.1904)
The April AGM in 1905 recorded that Hawkesbury Ag College won the second grade competition. No other details (DT 8.4.1905)
Grounds
Associated Schools Football Club pay £1.5.0 for the use of Redern Oval of a Saturday Afternoon for each match. They will also have the use of the ground Monday and Friday Afternoons. (DT 26.3.1904)
East Sydney played Ashfield on the Canterbury Racecourse on 14 May. (DT 16.5.1904) Complaints were made by the players following the match on the condition of the gournd (SMH 16.5.04)
Hawkesbury Ag College win “second grade section”. (SMH 10.4.05)
Hawkesbury Ag College
The first football game played in the Richmond Dist took place on 24.4.1904 between Hawkesbury Ag College and the Sydney club. Sydney won 7.6 to 4.9. (DT 26.4.1904)
Nth Shore played an interclub (1st V 2nd) practice match at Narremburn Park on 1.5.1904. (DT 4.5.1904)
Letters
Numerous letters appeared in the SMH regarding the merits of both rugby and australian football, many comparing the two. Even the president of the Essendon Club, W Ken-Hughes offered his comments regarding the subject. (DT 3.6.1904)
Comments appeared in the SMH that teams were being formed in both Drymmoyne and Mosman with a view of entering the Assn competition in 1905. (DT 7.7.1904)
Season’s fixture
The draw for the season was released on 4.5.1904. Provision was made for 12 rounds culminating on 30 June. (DT 5.5.1904)
The league cancelled the fixtures for July 30, substituting the semi finals. (DT 25.7.1904)
In view of the large amount of matches to be played in August, besides the probable visit of the Western Australian team, the league has countermanded the original fixture for July 30, and substituted the following: Nth Shore V East Sydney No 2 Cricket Ground (Mr Fromer); Balmain V Redfern, Birchgrove Oval (Mr Oakman), West Sydney V Newtown, Redfern Oval, (Mr O’Grady), Ashfield V Sydney, Rushcutters Bay Oval, (Mr Hicks), The above is the first round of semi finals; the four losers will drop out of the premiership, the others playing off. (SMH 25.7.04)
YMCA
Wear black & red. (SMH 29.8.1904)
East Sydney
At their annual meeting in late March, 1904, it was reported that their balance sheet showed a debt balance ‘of a few shillings’ which amount was amply up for by subscriptions and donations received during the evening, the amount then received nearly as much as the whole of the working expenses last season. (DT 25.3.1904)
North Shore
Win the Rawson Cup (first grade premiership) undefeated. (SMH 3.4.05) (See more about Nth Shore in other categories)
Schools
Entries from the following 58 public schools teams have been received in connection with the above competition (Ppublic School Championship Competition [Australian Rules]). The teams are now being grouped into districts, and it is expected that the opening matches will be commenced this week. Thecompetition is being conducted by the PSAAA, and the general arrangements are being made by that body, but the NSWFL is arranging for the appointment of umpires and the drawing of grounds. In connection with the contests to be played by the boys while the Essendon and Melbourne teams are in Sydney, steps will probably be taken to induce some of the members of those teams to umpire the matches and to tutor the boys in the finer points of the Australian game. Arrangements are also being made for two combined Public Schools teams to play an exhibition match on the Sydney Cricket Ground on the afternoon of 28th instant, before the match for the Victorian premiership is played between the Melbourne and Essendon teams.
The schools entered for the above competition are:- alexandria, Arncliffe, Ashfield, Auburn, Balmain, Birchgrove, Blackfriars, Bondi, Burwood, Camdenville, Canterbury, Chatswood, Cleveland Street, Coogee, Crown St,Croydon, Croydon Park, Darling Road, Double Bay, Drummoyne, Dulwich Hill, Erskineville, Forest Lodge, Gardeners Road, Glebe, Homebush, Hurstville, West Kegworth, Kensington, Kogarah, Leichhardt, Leichhard West., Marrickville, Marrkicville West, Naaremburn, Newtown North, Nicholson Street, Petersham, Plunkett Street, Pyrmont, Randwick, Redfern, Redfern B, Redfern West, Rockdale, St Leonards, St Leonards East, St Leonards North, Smith Street (Balmain, St Peters, Summer Hill, Tempe, Ultimo, Waterloo, Waverley, William Street, Willoughby, Wollahra.
Catholic Schools Competition
The teams entered for this competition played their opening matches during the past week, with the following resjults:-
North Sydney defeated Sacred Heart, Darlinghurst by 57 points to 29.
Waverley defeated St Marys Cathedral by 14 points to 7.
Paddington defeated Redfern by 18 points to 14.
St Francis, Haymarket, defeagted Balmain West by 51 points to 27.
St Patricks, Church Hill defeated St James, Forest Lodge by 59 points to 21.
Balmain East defeated St Benedicts by 24 points to 20.
With a view to fostering the game in the Roman Catholic Colleges and schools of this state, kit was announced at a recent meeting of the NSWFL that two Sydney gentlemen had decided to invite, at the end of the season, the premier R.C. Melbourne school to visit Sydney to play a series of matches against the schools and colleges playing the game here. (SMH 16.5.04)
A Thursday Catholic Schools Competition which was to commence on 12 May. Twelve schools were involved from Balmain, North Sydney and Paddington. Fifty five state primary schools entered up to 9 May. (DT 9.5.1904) Eventually 58 teams entered. (DT 12.5.1904)
A meeting of representatives of the High Schools was held at the Sorts Club on 20 May to consider a competition under Australian Rules. Mr F W Tucker of the Sydney High School and Bro Coyne of Christian Bros Lewisham were elected secretaries, pro tem. (DT 21.5.1904)
At a meeting of the NSW High Schools AFA they decided to affiliate with the NSWFL. (DT 15.7.1904)
All schools competitions are given huge exposure particularly in the Daily Telegraph throughout the season with lists of schools participating, results and ladders of each district competition.
Public schools are grouped into districts 1 - 7. (SMH 18.5.09)
Winners of each district are then played off against teams, irrespective of district with the next best proporionate average in semi finals. It has been also been arranged that a combined team of players from the northern and eastern district schools play a combined team of players attending the schools in the southern and western districts on the Sydney Cricket Ground on 28th inst. Prior to the match between the Essendon and Melbourne Clubs. (SMH 18.5.04)
The school match on the SCG did not take place, as it was thought it would spoin the ground for the big match. (SMH 30.5.04)
About 20,000 see Petersham School team (the Sydney premier school) defeat Albert Park Club junior side easily 7.6 to 1.0 in Melbourne on 18.9.1904. There was great ado from journalists regarding the disparity in the size and weight of the two sides, the Sydney boys being the bigger. (DT 19.9.1904)
On the following Wednesday, they are defeated by the Melbourne State School at the East Melbourne Ground 7.13 to 4.3 (DT 22.9.1904) Petersham won the Sydney champion School title which entitled them to travel to Sydney to play. They returned to Sydney bringing with them a pennant presented by the VFL. ( IG - 1997)
Rugby V The Australian Game (In the Schools)
The governing bodies of Rugby and “Australian game” football are just now having a great struggle as to which game will be played by city and suburban school boys. The exit of one lecturer is closely followed by the entry of a representative of the opposition, and the battle is a keen one. The boys look on this business in wonderment. They cannot understand it. Higherto they have not received particular attention. Now they are told that “Codlin’s the friend, not Short”. The fact that each lecturer leaves or promises a ball has no doubt something to do with the attention bestowed upon “packing a scrum” and “punching the ball”. The outcome is that pretty well every school will have a couple of teams playing either the one game or the other. (SMH 6.5.04)
A suggestion at a meeting of the VFL on 13 May by Mr J Denham that players of the Essendon and Melbourne Clubs visit schools when in Sydney to play their game. The suggestion was well received (SMH 14.5.04)
Wesley College
North Shore were to play Melbourn School side, Wesley College on the SCG on Sat 9 July however excessive rain saw the game postponed until 13 July at the SCG. (SMH 11.7.04) About 2000 attended including many schoolboys.. Nth won 9.10 (64) to 6.17 (53). (SMH 14.7.04).
Melbourne’s Wesley College visited Sydney where they played Hawkesbury Ag college which they beat easily on 6.7.1904 and against Nth Shore at the SCG on 13 July where they were defeated 9.10 to 6.17 and winning against public school teachers, on 12 July which they won 29.19 to 6.4 (DT 8/13 & 14.7.1904) . On the day of the Nt Shore game, the early match was between Waverley and Crown Street school teams.
At a meeting of the Victorian Football League last night (15 July), Mr Adamson, who took the Wesley College team to Sydney said that he was plaeased with the progress the Australian game was making in New South Wales and thought that splendid work had been done in torducing the game to the pupils of the public and state schools. He was much struck with the facilities afforded by the Education Department to enable the boys and masters to get away and see the games. The excellence of the play in the school team was remarkable seeing that it was only their first season. He was aftaid that the game would not be established in great public schools like the Sydney Grammar School at present, but when the State school boys were drafted on to the other schools there might be a chance for the Australian Game. A resolution was carried expressing regret that the league was unable to arrange for a couple of Victorian teams to play a match in Sydney on August 6, as requested by the Sydney league. (SMH25.7.04)
Newcastle
Progress in the game was reported to be strong. A E Smith was the secretary of the Newcastle League and wrote to the NSWAFL stating that second grade and junior competition have been arranged and are well in hand. They were expecting a visit from the Melbourne Club however the game could not be played on a Saturday which would mean that the miners could not attend. (DT 16.5.1904)
The Melbourne club travels to Sydney by train arriving on Tuesday 24 May. The following day they travel again by train to Newcastle where they will in the afternoon (Wednesday 25 May) meet a combined team of the Northern Dist FL and will return to Sydney the same evening. The Northern League have arranged a fitting reception. (SMH 20.5.04)
A football match was played this afternoon on the show ground under the Australian rules, between Melbourne and the Northern District, and was won by the former by 65 points to 46. The visitors arrived from Sydney by midday train and were welcomed at the council-chambers by Alderman Ellis on behalf of the Mayor, who was absent in Sydney. After lunch they were driven to the show ground.
The Northern team included Hogg, Purvis, G. Stephenson, A. Wilson, Hughes, Blackall, Frome, Neve, J. Stephenson, Hardes, Wolley, Forrester, Laing, Cameron, Harrison, Sneddon, Lewsan and Taylor.
The ground was in very fair condition. There was no wind but light rain fell at about half time. It did not interfere with the play. Melbourne won the toss and selected the kick for the eastern goal. The game was very fast right through. At quarter time the score was - Melbourne 39 to 6, and at half time 40 to 14. In the second half the Northern men improved their play and picked up a few points, principally in the passing game. At three quarters time the score aws 53 to 21 and at the close, 65 to 46. Best for Northern Dist were Wolley, Froome, Taylor, Stephenson, Forrester, Lewsan and Neve. Mr George Bower umpired. (SMH 26.5.04)
In a letter from the Nthn Dist Secretary read at the NSWFL AGM, it stated, amongst other things, that Hamilton (club) had been converted to the Australian game (SMH 9.4.04)
The North Shore Club visited Wallsend and played the Summer Hill Club, the result being a win for the North Sydney team by 8 points. The attendance numbered about 5000 and keen apprectiation was shown of the high marking, long distance kicking and clever passing shown by both sides. The better combined play of the North Shores was mainly responsible for their victory. Conspicuous amongst the winners were … whilst Froome, Dean, Tobin andHogg were most preminent for Newcastle.(SMH 8.6.04)
Mr A E Smith writes in early July that eight schools are taking part in a local competition and that it is a remarkably open one. (DT 2.7.1904)
A Sydney team plays Newcastle in Newcastle on 23 July. (DT 22.7.1904)
A combined Association team visited Newcastle on August 6. (DT 23.7.1904)
Interstate and Special Matches
SIx thousand watch Melbourne d Essendon at the SCG on 28.5.1904. (DT 30.5.1904) The ground was very wet and it rained throughout. Many dignitaries including the Gov General and Lady Northcott were at the game (SMH 30.5.04)
President’s Address at the Melb/Ess FC Reception (NSW Sports Club)
…. inter alia. He gave a history of the movement in New South Wales, showing the great progress made during the twevle months since a start was made. He said that last year there were but 450 players. This year there were over 4000. It been said that these clubs came to Sydney to take money away. As a matter of fact there was no necessity to come to Sydney for a gate, for if played in Melbourne there would probably be 25,000 present at the contest. They came for the purpose of assisting the public in grasping the beauties of the fine points of the game and teaching the local players. He was plaeased to welcome them on behalf of the league to Sydney and proposed a toast to their health (SMH 28.5.04)
A team from the Albury Football Assn play Nth Shore at the SCG on 13.8.1904 and are defeated 8.6 to 7.10. Umpired by Mr Fromer before a modest crowd, of 500 the game was given much publicity and revered as a test of football between the two centres. Twenty five persons made the trip and the visitors were entertained by the North Shore Club at a smoke concert at Roberts Hotel following the game.(DT 15.8.1904)
Miscellaneous
A match took place on Wednesday afternoon (27 July) between teams representing Mark Foys and the High School (presumably Sydney High School). The game was exciting and evenly contested throughout. At half-time both sides had 3 goals 6 behinds to their credit, and the final scores were: Mark Foys 7.7 (49 points) ; High School 6.11 (47 points). (SMH 1.8.04)
Newtown's Alf Scott, a Tasmanina, playing for NSW, kicked 8 goals against Geelong in Sydney. Many
of his kicks were place kicks.
1905
YMCA: Pres - Alick McNeil, Sec - Walter W Reynolds, Treas - Bryce Walmsley, Capt: J H Mathews
Paddington: Pres - S C Finlay, Sec - Len W Alexander, Treas - A S Matthews.
Balmain: Pres - H Cave, Sec - T. Barnbury, Treas - B. Bruce.
East Sydney: President - Daniel Levy, Sec - E W Butler, Treas - H. Knight. Capt: R. Robertson
Redfern: Pres - P H Sullivan MLA, Sec - H. Sheehy, Treas - W. Millard. Capt: ? Watson.
North Shore: Pres - D. Madden Sec: A J Beedon, Treas: F J Hart
Darlinghurst: Pres - George Howatson, Sec - C. Robertson, Treas - G. Cameron.
Sydney: Sec: L.A. Baulhasen
NSWAFL
Harry Hedger is elected the first life member of the league at the 1905 AGM. (DT 8.4.1905)
The SMH reports from the league’s annual report recorded a very successful season in 1904 with 57 public schools and 13 RC schools in school compeititions. North, Balmain then East Sydney comprised the top three after finals games. A NSW rep team visited Brisbane suffering defeat by 6 points after a fine game. The metropolitan team visited Newcastle and scured an easy victgory. The VFL were thanked for their help throughout the year and for the gift of the Sydney Children’s Hospital of £20, half the proceeds of the Petersham Boys’ Match. Special metion was made of the visit of the Petersham School team to Melbourne where they defeated the championshio Melbourne State school team and secured the pennant given by the Victorian League to the winners. The financial statement showed a balance of £20.3.4
Schools
The school team which secure the trip to Melbourne in 1905 to meet the crack Melbourne school team of the year, will require to be able to play the game in first-class fashion to thoroughly hold their own against their southern opponents, no matter what difference there may be in weight or size. (DT 9.3.1905)
Again, quite a number of schools participated various metropolitan competitions. There were 8 teams in A division and seven districts of B division comprising approx 34 state schools and six teams in the RC competition. (DT 29.5.1905)
In connection with last season’s programme, the NSW Football League offered four gold and two silver medals for the best six essays contributed by players in the Pulice and Catholice Prmiary Schools Competition. Over sixty essasy were furnished, some showing more than ordinary merit. The merit award made is as follows: Public Schools: R D Godbolt (Petersham), R G Oram (Petersham) and N J Campbell (Drummoyne), with W. Ryall (Waverley), R. Scott (Petersham), R. Forster (Erskineville) and A B Walkom (Petersham) highly recommended. Catholic Schools: John Long (St Francis), Maruice Duffey (St Francis) and Jas. Concannon (Sacred Heart). These medals will be presented to the winners at the League’s annual meeting on Friday 8 April. (SMH 6.4.05)
By June it was noted that forty five public (primary schools) had entered the competition and six Catholic. (SMH 5.6.05)
Competition ladders in the 15 July issue of the SMH reveal a two divisional prmiary schools competition. Eight teams from all over Sydney comprise in a one team Division A, whilst in B Division schools are confined the their local area competitions, comprising seven separate competitions, ranging from one with four teams to another with seven. (SMH 15.7.05) It is interesting to see where these schools come from - I.G.
Various cups and shields are presented to the winners of the district competitions which were donated by league officials. St Augustines (Balmain East) also received an honour board dontated by the league treasurer, Mr J. McKellar. (SMH 25.8.05)
Petersham public school, the winner of the ‘A’ division defeated Double Bay Primary, winner of the ‘B’ division 8.7 to 0.4 before a large crowd at Redfern Oval on Tues. 29 August. For Petersahm, Rochester (capt.), (BOG) James, Elphinstone, Asbrey, Wilson Goodwin and Law played well, whilst King (Capt.), Carr, Messenger, Board, Chamberlain, Stafford, Kerr and Schuback played well for Double Bay. (SMH 29.8.05)
The winner of the match, Petersham would go on to play the leading Victorian public school in Melbourne in September (SMH 29.8.05)
The junior football match for the interstate schools championship was played yesterday between the Clifton Hill Boys, who had gone through the Victorian season unbeaten and the Petersham boys, the school premiers of New South Wales. The match was played on the Melbourne Cricket Ground prior to the big senior event and the latter portion of the play was watched with interest by a very large attendance. At the end of the first quarter each team had 1 goal 1 behind to its credit. At half time Petersham had scored 2 goals 2 behinds to Clifton Hill 1 goal 2 behinds. The third quarter gave Petersham a lead of 2 goals 7 behinds to Clifton Hil 1 goal 2 behinds, and the final result was Petersham 3.8 (26) Clifton Hill 2.3 (15) (SMH 25.9.05)
Young Australians Assn
A meeting held a the YMCA Building on the evening of 8 May formed the Young Australians Assn. Eleven clubs were represented at this meeting and appointed Arch A Laird as president & Bro Wilkins as treasurer. It was unanimously decided that an association to control junior football under Australian rules be formed, the maximum age of players in A grade being 19 years. (DT 10.5.1905)
Initially the competition was to be for lads who left school in 1904 or who may have left school during the progress of the football season. (DT 11.4.1905)
An advertisement was placed in the SMH for meetings to be held at various centres on different nights for the formation of different clubs. (DT 11.4.1905)
A report in the SMH of 5 June indicates that 12 Young Australian Clubs have been formed (“which is confined to boys who have left school since last winter”) (SMH 5.6.05)
Young Australians Assn
Kegworth (a school around Rozelle), Redfern, Petersham, St Vincents, Maristonians, Balmain A, Newtown, Dulwich Hill, North Sydney, Eastern Suburbs.
A complimentary concert was tendered to the members of the Petersham Superior Public School football team (Australian rules) in the Petersham Town Hall on Friday evening. The attendance included the parents of many members of the team, and complimentary speeches, congratulating the club on its position, were made. (SMH16.10.05)
Newcastle
In 1904 twleve clubs, exclusively of those formed in connection with the schools, were affiliated with the league last year, and three competitions were promoted among them and the school teams. A sum of £65.16.10 was handled by the treasurer during the 12 months and there was a credit balance of £1.10.8 at the close of that period. The principal officers for 1905 were: president - Walton Milton, Sec - A E Smith, Treasurer - George Bower. (DT 30.3.1905)
A combined Nthn Dist team are defeated by a Combined Sydney team 12.15 to 1.3 at the SCG as a curtain raiser to the Fitzroy V Sth Melb game on 24 June. Both teams are named in the newspaper report (SMH 26.6.05)
A combined Nthn Dist Juniors team defeat a combined Sydney Assn team 5.17 to 4.13 at Redfern Oval on 8 July (SMH 10.7.05)
A group of boys from the Young Australian League were selected to play against combined Newcastle Juniors at Newcastle on Saturday 22 July. Mr R Clarke-Bruce had been appointed as manager of the side (SMH 15.7.05)
The match between Wallsend and a team chosen from players participating in the Young Australian competition was played on Moore Park on Saturday (5 August) and the result was a win for Wallsend by 6.7 to 2.9. The visiting boys, who were a sturdy lot, showed a fair knowledge of the finer points of the game. (SMH 7.8.05)
Goulburn
The NSWFL receives news that a club to play the Australian game had been formed at Goulburn (SMH 5.6.05)
An exhibition game of Australian Football was played this afternoon (2 August) on the showground between Sydney and Wagga teams. This is the first time for many years since the Australian game has been played here. There was a large attendance. Wagga won 11.12 to 9.17. (SMH 2.8.05)
St Pats College Manly
Write to the league indicating a team would be formed there (SMH 5.6.05)
Competition
1st Grade: YMCA, Sydney, Balmain, Paddington, Newtown, North Shore, Redern, East Sydney, West Sydney.
Reserve Grade (Association):Sth Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney A, Drummoyne. (DT 29.5.1905)
B Grade (Assn I think - I.G.) was a public schools competition.
Sydney Club
The executive of the Sydney Club tendered a smoke concert to the members of their league and association teams (1st & 2nds). Mr A E Nash presented the hon secretary Mr L A Baulhausen with a handsome souvenir as a token of esteem and an acknowldegement of the manner in which the club’s interests had been looked after during the past three years. The proceedings throughout were of a very enthusiastic nature. (SMH 30.9.05)
Grounds
Moore Park, Wentworth Park, Hampden Park, SCG, Alexandria Oval, SCG No. 2, North Sydney Oval No. 2, Rushcutters Bay, Birchgrove Park, Redfern Oval,
Special or Interstate Matches
Fitzroy def Sth Melbourne 9.10 to 8.9 on the SCG on 24 June, with a Metropolitan team V Nthn Dist team as the curtain raiser with about 6000 in attendance (SMH 26.6.05)
Fitzroy defeat a combined Sydney team 6.14 to 5.17 and Sth Melb 8.14 def a second Sydney combined team 5.12 also at the SCG on 27 June (SMH29.6.05)
The league selected a number of representative teams to play interstate games away on the one day. One to Melb to play Victoria and the other to play Queensland in Brisbane. (SMH 8.8.05).
NSW looses the game against Queensland 10.16 to 9.7 and also to Victoria 12.18 to 10.10 (SMH 14.8.05) They also loose the next game on Tues. 15.8.05 6.10 to 5.4 (SMH 16.8.05)
On the return trip from Melbourne the NSW team defeat Wagga 8.7 to 6.10 at Wagga (SMH 17.8.05)
A E Nash and other members of the league welcome the NSW team back from Melbourne at the station. (SMH 18.8.05)
VFL
The Victorian Football League met this evening to receive the report of the finance committee and a statement of accounts. In the second round of the semi final and final matches the receipts are pooled and the result is there were net receipts amounting to £2711.18s.3d t9o dispose of. £1989 .4s is distributed amongst the clubs, each club receiving a dividend of £216.8s with varying allowances for expenses. £201.3s is handed to charities; £145.19s is the cost of the visit of the Petersham schoolboys; £100 is given to the New South Wales Football League; and the balance of £275.12s.3d is kept in hand by the league. The report was adopted. There was a long debate on the question of a donation to the New South Wales League, and suggestion being made that it should be increased to £200. (SMH 7.10.05)
1906
Former Fitzroy player of 1897, Herbert Rappiport and Michael (Joe) Grace, (Fitz, Carl. StK) and later to coach NSW play with Nth Shore. (1934 F/R 2/6 P13)
Redfern: Capt: ? Watson,
Balmain: Pres: S. Livingstone, Sec: J H Perry, Treas: A A Bruce, Capt: T. Vannam,
Newtown - Capt: R. Blackburn (Referee, 2/10/1918) Pres: J. Keogh, Sec: F E Norwood, Treas: J E
Phelan, Capt: ? Hickey,
East Sydney: Pres: D. Levy MLA, Sec: E W Butler, Treas: H. Knight
YMCA: : Pres: Mr Hedge, Sec: J H Mathews, Treas: F. Beach, Capt: J. Delaney or xx Matthews,
Petersham: Pres: W J W Richardson, Sec: R. Keogh, Treas: F Rochester
Sydney: Pres: Otto W Balhausen, Sec: L A Balhausen, Treas: Jas O’Meara Sec: (Sydney had officials for each team in each Assn/League (SMH10.5.06) League: ? Swannie,
St Leonards: Pres: Mr Rappiport, Sec: T J Hurley, Treas: W P Wellington
NSWFA: Pres: Dr Nash, Sec: Oscar Young, Treas: Mr Bargess
Young Aust: Pres: Arch A Laird ,
Illawarra: Pres: Mr Weller, Sec: G. Hawk, Hon. Treas: S. Richardson
Paddington: Pres; Ald Meacle, Sec: Mr Len W Alexander, Treas: J. Goulder
North Shore: Pres: A R Joscelyne, Sec: F Childs, Treas: A J Beedon
Maristonian: Pres; J. Doyle, Sec: Bro Phillip, Treas: W Watson. Capt: J Phelan
League:
Association: St Leonards, Sydney A, Illawarra, Redfern II,
Young Australian: Redfern, Sydney, Eastern Subs, Drummoyne, Sydney A, Petersham, Balmain-Carlingford, Drummoyne, Newtown, Maristonians, Stott and Hoar (Bus College) , Kegworth, Newtown, Old Boys Inst. (YMCA), St Leonards, North Shore, (They mainted 16 teams competed in 1906 - SMH 20.4.07)
VFL Players to Sydney
Herbert Rapiport (Fitzroy) played with North Shore
Sydney Players to the VFL
Mick Grace (Fitz. Carlton, StK) played with North Shore
Stott and Hoar was a busines college in Sydney. They played a few games against Young Australian sides and in July played against a side from their Melbourne College (SMH 6.8.06)
A combined Young Australian team played a combined Newcastle team prior to the big match (NSW v Qld) but the game did not provide a good exposition of the Australian rules. The newcastle lads were hopelessly outclassed by their more youthful and nimble opponents. At the end of the firs half Combined Young Austs. Had scored 5 goals 6 behinds (36 points) to nil. The Sydney lads gregisteed 4 more goals and 7 behinds, making the full time scores 9.13 (67) to 3 behinds (3 points). (SMH 9.7.06)
Australian Football Council
Formed at a meeting on 7 Nov 1906.
NSW Football League accepted as the controlling body for football in NSW on motion by Nash/Sullivan (SA) 10 votes to 3.
A E Nash is the state's delegate
NSW colours registered as lite blue jersey, white knickers and light blue sox (Minutes of the AFC 7/11/06)
Illwarra Club
Mr Weller presided over the adjourned meeting at Hurstville of the recently formed Illawarra Football Club which was held on Thursday Evening. Mr G Hawk (Hon Secreary), submitted the rules compiled by the sub committee, and the same were adopted. Mr S Richardson was elected hon secretary, and a committee of management comprising the following was appointed: Messrs. A Cooper, H Crawford, L Evans, K Louden and S Wilson. The uniform will be dark blue jersey and knickers with blue and white striped stockings. It was stated that the use of the Bexley Cricket Ground had been obtained and the membershipa amounted to 24 players. The team will play in the NSWAFA. (SMH 9.4.06)
The club wins the 1906 premiership (SMH 10.4.07)
Burwood
A club to play under the Australian rules has been established at Burwood. It will enter the “Young Australia” competition, under the NSW League. Substantial support is already promised the new club. (SMH 9.4.06)
Sydney Club
Decide at their annual meeting to field a Young Australian Team (SMH 23.3.06)
Newcastle
A football match under Australian rules was played at Wallsend Park this afternoon (Mon. 4 June) between teams representing Eastern Suburbs (Sydney) and Combined Northern Juniors. The game played by the visitors was open, and whowed good combination but the play of the Norther team was not enough on the ball. A member of the Sydney team, (Johnson) was injured during the game. Eastern Subs won by 24 points to 16. (SMH 5.6.06)
A combined team from Sydney (unsure what Division - I.G.) met and were defeated by Wallsend Seniors on Saturday at Wallsend. The local men played a superior and faster game throughout, and won by 61 points (8.13) to 18 points (2.6). (SMH 9.7.06)
A team representing the Sydney Assn played Wallsend on 18.8.06 at Redfern. Sydney 5.5 d Wallsend 4.7 (SMH 20.8.06)
East Sydney Club
Decide at their AGM to form a second grade team to play in the Association Premiership. Further at their AGM “Mr Broughton performed a pleasing ceremoney in making a presentation on behalf of the playing members of a case of silver mounted pipes to Mr E W Butler, hon. sec. I doing so he made some eulogistic comments on the manner in which the affiars of the club were conducted. Messrs J E West and J E Birt supported Mr Brouhgton’s remarks and the recipient suitably replied (SMH 19.3.06)
Schools
Again the schools competitons had one A Division group comprising Petersham, Fort Street, Pyrmont, Waverley and Kogarah, the first two teams to give the others handicaps (SMH 16.5.06) whilst 37 schools made up the remaining seven groups in B Division (SMH 16.5.06) Some schools had dropped out of the competition and others admitted - I.G.
Petersham Superior School win the final game against Double Bay for the schools premiership and also the right to go the Melbourne to play the schools championship there. Theor headmaster however, Mr James Rickard waived their claim and allowed the winners of a match between Double Bay and Fort Street to go. (SMH 10.9.06)
Fort Street School subsequently win the match and make the trip to Melb. (SMH 17.9.06)
Catholic Schools
Eight schools participated (all named) (SMH 21.5.06)
Interstate & Special Matches
NSW 11.10 def. Queensland to 3.5 before 4000 on 23.6.06 at the SCG. (SMH 25.6.06)
NSW plays St Kilda at the SCG before 4000. StK 16.17 d NSW 11.8 on 4 Aug (SMH 6.8.04)and in the return match on 6 Aug also at the SCG won the StK 18.17 to 17.14 (SMH 7.8.06)
Grounds
Rosebery Park, Rosebery Racecourse (Botany Road), Erskineville Oval,
Two players decline to play for their club on 28 July (Padd V Nth) because the game was not played on an enclosed ground (Moore Park) (SMH 30.7.06)
A semi final between Newtown and Balmain on 25.8.06 was postponed because of the lack of an enclosed ground. It was played the following week on 1.9.06 at the SCG No.2 before a crowd of 2000 (SMH 28.8 & 3.9.06)
Young Australian Assn
"In the New South Wales Football League's annual report mention is made of the Young Aust Association, playing under these rules. It is formed of two delegates from each of the clubs of boys who have just left school and the number of new clubs forming this year speaks well for the future of the game. It seems that once anyone gets a taste of the game they become enthusiasts."
Referee Newspaper
Bob Dawes former Tasmanian and more recently a Sydney player, writes under the pseudonym of ‘Old Timer’ in the Referee. (1937 F/Record)
1907
Asss: Pres: Dr Nash, Sec: V. Todd, Treas: W J W Richardson
League: Pres: A E Nash, Sec: H Chesney Harte, Treas:E E Brookes
Manly: Mr Morris, Sec: H Gilbertson Jnr, Treas: H Gilbertson Snr. (Manly team did not eventuate)
Sydney: Treas: Jas J O’Meara, Sec: L A Baulhasen,
Balmain: Pres: J. Brady, Sec: F. Carrick, Treas: W. Middleton, Capt: T. Vannam
Paddington: Sec: P. B. Hodgson, Capt: ? E. Quirke,
East Sydney: Sec: E W Butler, Capt: G Thomas,
Redfern: Sec: T. Dougan, Capt: Marsh Herbert,
Nth Shore: Capt: ? Beedon,
Newtown: Capt: ? Hickey
League
The SMH of 20 April reports that although Mr H Chesney Hart had been elected hon secretary, the work had grown so much that a paid officer had been appointed, and an office, with telephone, etc., had been opened at 74 Pitt Street (SMH 20.4.07)
The league had secured the RAS Ground for the season with two league (obviously rugby league) and two Australian games. Club players will receive coupons for admission. There being two ovals at the agricultural ground the league expects to get a fair share of other enclosed areas; indeed,. A sufficient number to admit of competition matches being played without a repition of the unfortunate experiences of last season, a some of the engatements on open fields were blocked by encrouaching crowds (SMH 20.4.07)
Assn
Sth Sydney, St Leonards,Sydney,
Young Australian
It is reported that 29 teams paricipate in this competition for 1907. New teams include: Ryde, Nth Annandale, Bexley and a second St Leonards (SMH 20.4.07)
Teams
A Grade
Ryde, Nth Shore, Kegworth, Paddington, Kegworth B, Sydney B, St Leonards, Illawarra, Drummoyne, Petersham, YMCA, Newtown, Balmain, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs bye
B Grade
Newtown, Kegworth, Summer Hill, Sydney, Balmain A., Summer Hill, Bexley
Schools:
The number of public schools entering the competition forced organisers to have three divisions:
Div A: Two schools, although they appear to play the schools in B Div.
Div B: Comprising 6 schools
First Juniors: Five groups, comprising 29 schools
Second Juniors: Two groups, comprising 9 schools
Catholic
A Grade: Six schools
B Grade: Eleven schools - this was an increase from 11 to 17 over 1906.f
Manly
Make application at the AGM on 9 April to play in the league. Their members were informed that since arrangements had been made for the season they could not be accommodated in the league however were encouraged to apply for the NSWFA (SMH 10.4.07)
Paddington
P B Hodgson, secretary of Paddington had experience in Sth Africa where he was secretary of the Assn. (SMH 20.4.07)
Wentworth Park
The enclose of Wentworth
Special and Interstate Games
June 8. Sydney plays Port Adelaide on the Showground and won 8.9 to 5.14 in what was described as a thrilling game. Attendance approx. 8,000.
A combined Sydney team plays Sth Melbourne at the Agricultural Ground (showground) on Sat July 27 before a crowd of 9,000. Sth won 9-16 to 9-6. (1927 F/R No.18 P8)
Finals
The semi final between Newtown and Sydney played prior to the first ever game of rugby league, with a crowd of 25,000 resulted in a drawn match Newtown 5-11, Sydney 6-5.
Sydney and Newtown after a two weeks delay in securing a ground hand to play off for the premiership at Kensington Racecourse (now the site of the University of NSW in October. (The Referee, 22/9/1909)
1908
Presidents: Newtown - J A Kelso, YMCA - J J Virgo, Paddington: Victor Trumper, Redfern: M. Boyle, Sydney: R A Munro-King. ES: E C V Broughton
Secretaries: Newtown - J E Phelan, YMCA - W W Reynolds, Redfern - T. Dugan, East Sydney - E W Butler, Paddington: L W Alexander, Sydney: L A Ballhausen. ES: E W Butler
Treasurers: Newtown - G J Powditch. Paddington: H Knight. Redfern: F Bramwell. Treas: J J O'Meara, ES: Goldie Thomas
NSWAFL
The leagues starts the season £400 in debt. (The Referee, P9, 7/4/1909)
A A Laird retires as president of the Young Australian Football Assn (SMH 16.4.1908)
Ralph Robertson captains in the NSW Carnival side.
Australian Football Council
Meeting of 24 Aug 1908. A E Nash & E W Butler as the state's delegates.
NSW alter colours: Royal blue jumper with red waratah on left breast, white knickers, royal blue hose. Colours are royal blue with red waratah.
NZ receive permission to play NSW in Sydney on 16 Sept 1908.
There was a report given at the meeting that an informal conference had been held with officials from the NSW Rugby League in Melbourne whilst the Australian team was en route to England regarding the paracticability of assimilation of the codes. Further discussion was left over until the return of the eam from their tour. The touring party was entertained by the VFL.
Mr Butler reported that a conference had been held with Broken Hill officials and the NSW League's intention of arranging interstate matches. (Minutes of the AFC Meeting 24 Aug 1908)
ANFC Carnival in Melbourne
NZ defeats NSW 9.8 to 8.14 in somewhat of a blow to NSW football (SMH 20.8.1908)
NSW defeats Geelong in Sydney. Alf Scott (Newtown - a former Tasmanian) kicks 8 goals. (1934 F/R 2/6 P12)
Australia's prime minister, Alfred Deakin states at a football function in Melbourne: "The game is Australian in origin, Australian in principle and, I venture to say, essentially of Australian development".
Redfern’s colours are yellow & black. (Referee, P9, 1/4/1908)
The referee reports that Balmain, North, East & Sydney all have a good attendance at their annual meetings. (Referee, P9, 1/4/1908)
Balmain
Balmain referred to as "The Seasiders" (Referee 1.4.1908)
Gounds
North Sydney Oval is recorded as being used on 4 July 1908 in a match North Shore V East Sydney (SMH 6.7.1908)
1909
Footballers to the VFL
From the VFL
John Incoll, Sth Melb - 1899 & Collingwood 1902-6 a follower. To Newtown.
Ovals
An article by ‘Cynic’ in the weekly sporting paper, the Referee of the 6/10/1909, berates the league for not doing something to secure a large enclosed ground. He also blames the likes of the ‘uneven’ Moore Park where the lack of fencing ‘fires foolish partisians’ who encroach on unprotected grounds. (The Referee, P.11, 6/10/1909)
A letter to the Arrow of 18/9/1909 complains that in 1878 when the game was first played in Sydney, matches were held on Moore Park, ‘and here, 31 years later, the game is still played there under the same primitive conditions’. (The Referee, 22/9/1909)
Erskineville Oval is first recorded as being used for Australian Football. Oval the next 75 years the ground becomes the centre of football in Sydney. (League Records)
It is rebuilt, east of it's original location, in the late thirties to allow the erection of government housing in it’s place. James E. Phelan, a pivotal cog in the continuation of the code in Sydney during hard times, as an alderman on the then Erskineville Council, is central to the development and retention of the new ground.
In it's history and association with the code, more games are played on this ground than any other in Sydney.
Nth Sydney Oval, Hampden Oval, Birchgrove Oval, Moore Park and Marrickville Oval are also recorded as being used for the game. (SMH 21.6.09)
Moore Park attracts crowds estimated at between 2-3,000 people. (SMH 21.6.09) Many fixtures are played at the same time on the same day at Moore Park because of the availability of two adjacent grounds. (SMH 19 & 26.7.09)
The following are excerpts from the league’s annual report ‘Re grounds. We have always had this very serious trouble with us and 1908 was the worst in our history, so much so that your league were greatly exercised in their minds at the time of the Norwood Club’s visit, when, if it had not been for the kind assistance of the Metropolitan Rugby Union, it is doubtful if the club’s visit would have eventuated. We here again return our sincere thanks to the committee of the Rugby Union’.
‘We feel deeply grateful to the Norwood FC for they not only came at their own expense and gave us the gate receipts, but, to crown all, presented a fine massive shield, valued at £40 for competition among the eight senior clubs, to be won three times before becoming the property of any one club’. (The Referee, 7/4/1909)
Because of the lack of fenced grounds, no admission could be charged. I.G. - 1996.
Teams
Training College compete. (SMH 21.6.09)
NSWAFL
H.C. Harte regretted he could not accept the league secretary’s position again. (SMH 6.4.09)
The league starts the season with a debt balance of £174.15.7.
A collection was taken up at the AGM for the league funds. Mr L.A. Balhausen (of the Sydney Club) donated £50. (SMH 6.4.09) He states this on condition that a ‘like amount is subscribed by the commencement of the season’. £20 had already been subscribed and it devolved upon those present (at the AGM) to devise ways and means of augmenting that amount. At the close of the meeting, £65.13.0 had been received or promised in addition to Mr Balhausen’s donation. (The Referee, 7/4/1909)
Mr R A Munro-King is noted as a generous donor to the game since it’s re-inception in 1903. (The Referee, 22/9/1909)
The league commenced the year £174 in debt and finished the year £123 in front. (SMH 5.4.10)
£100 was paid in advance rent for Erskineville Oval. (SMH 5.4.10)
Teams play for the Norwood Challenge Shield for the first time. This shield was donated by the Norwood FC (SA) (Referee 6.10.09 P12)
Young Australians - Pres: J M Buxton, Sec. H. Hall (SMH 24.4.09)
Young Aust Rep match played on 7.8.09: NSW 15-13 d Qld 4-7 at Erskineville Oval as a curtain raiser to Sth Melb V NSW. (SMH 7.8.09)
Again on 14 August, NSW D Qld 13.8. to 2-4 as a curtain raiser to Geelong V Collingwood game. (SMH 16.8.09)
Paddington II 9-10 d Balmain Juniors 4-6 to win the Young Australian Competition for 1909 at Erskineville Oval. (SMH 13.09.09)
Schools
At the AGM the secretary of the PSAA committee, Mr Garden suggested that rather than send a single school team to Melbourne each year, maybe it would be more stimulating to send a representative side. (Referee, P9, 15/4/1909)
A schoolboys team is selected from: W. Stafford, F. Crozier, E. Cullen-Ward, R. Smith, B. O’Grady, S. Russell (Fort St), A Stenhouse, L. Dunbar, J. Kelly (Petersham), … Swan (Ryde), … Emanuel, … Bede (Erskineville), J. Adams (Double Bay), … Walker, … Iler, … Thompson, … Thew, … Gordon, (Burwood). Emergencies: …Messenger (Double Bay), … Dean (Ryde), … Hadden Hurstville, … Morehouse (Erskineville).
This team to play an American Schoolboys team from Columbia Park, San Francisco on the SCG in Australian Football on 7 July prior to a Qld V NSW Rugby match. (SMH 3.6. & 24/6.09)
Burwood win schools premiership (SMH 5.4.10)
Interstate
NSW play Sth Melbourne at Erskineville on 7 August. Approx. 2000 people present. (SMH 9.8.09)
Geelong play Collingwood in an exhibition game on 14 Aug. Approx. 5000 people present. (SMH 16.8.09)
Finals
Two semi finals were played at the SCG on 25.09.09. YMCA 7-8 d Newtown 5-9 in the first semi whilst in the second semi, Nth Shore 10-17 d Paddington 4-11. (SMH 27.08.09)
Umpires
The League officially appoints boundary umpires to all first grade matches. (SMH 28.4.1909)
1910
NSWAFL - League Coach - Mr Mick Grace.
Redfern - Sec- W G Prince
NSWAFL General Meeting held on 2 April. Year commenced with one hundred and twenty three pounds in the bank. H. Chesney HARTE is elected life member. (SMH 5.4.10)
At the Young Australian Association Annual General Meeting (date unknown) E W Quinn is elected president, Mr Clarke as Secretary, … Bruce an umpire and treasurer Mr Provan.
Erskineville Oval is regarded as headquarters of the league. (SMH 25 Feb 1914)
As written by life member of the NSWAFL, J.E. Phelan:
"In this year one of the most significent advances of Australian Football in NSW took place, albeit for a short time. The NSWFL being duly apprised of a scheme to purchase the old Rosebery Racecourse vested full control of it finances and other incidental auxiliary powers in the hands of a selected body of men whose work and love for the game was beyond question and reproach. Styled "The League Trustees", the body consisted of H.R. Denison (later Sir Hugh), H.C. Harte, A.E. Nash, J.J. O'Meara, L.A. and Otto Balhausen and J.J. Jagelman, all prominent men in the business and commercial world of Sydney.
Then, as now, the carping critic, both inside and outside the league was to be found attributing unworthy motives such as business considerations to one, or other, of that fine body of men whose vision, enterprise and courage stands forth as the finest example in connection with the game in this or any other state of the Commonwealth.
So as to give full effect to my opinion, which time has strengthened rather than lessened, I shall have to introduce a personal touch by stating that I was, at that period, and for many subsequent years, the writer for the game to the "Referee" (a weekly) and "Sunday Times" newspapers and though I voiced opinions both through the papers mentioned, and at League meetings, disagreeing with the early lavish expenditure on the ground by the Trustees, the cardinal fact remained that each respected the other's views as in the interests of the game and we became, in anything, firmer friends.
The purchase of the ground, on the boundaries of the Mascot, Waterloo and Alexandria municipalities (Botany and Gardeners Road), consisted of close upon 12 acres was effected at a cost of roughly one hundred and eighty pounds per acre.
[An electric tram, with duplicated line operated from Circular Quay and city railway along Botany Road to Botany as well as from Kingsford along Gardeners Road, intersecting at Botany Road. These two roads were broundaries of the complex. (Tramway of Sydney - David Keenan)]
Within a very brief space of time it's valuation had risen to over four hundred pounds per acre. Meanwhile the Trustees had opened negotiations for the purchase of the land from the football area covering the whole of the frontage to Botany Road, with the idea of building shops and dwelling houses thereon.
Unfortunately a settlement as to terms was not reached. What a glorious vista had the scheme reached fruition.
Let any reader of this brief article visualise the position today (written in 1938) of the ownership of a beautiful ground within easy access to any of the present league clubs, North Shore excepted. So I turn with a sigh from vision to reality. (F/Record 16 July 1938)
The next part of the article is missing
In the same year a team of second grade players from Sth Australian visited Sydney under the managerial reigns of Mr Fred Adams, a well known football identity of those days.
The local junior association was a virile and powerful body, its president being Mr E.W. Quinn, who for the past 20 years or more, has been located in Victoria, where he is a leading light in the Timber Employees Assn. Mr A.D.S. Provan was Hon Secretary of the local body.
There was keen rivalry between the opposing teams and a stirring contest resulted in a narrow victory for the local team.
And so high hopes was centred on the 1914 season. The Australian Football Ground had received its playing baptism. It was acclaimed by all who had played on it as the best football ground in Australina. Enthusiasts were agog. Would the Carnival games be played on the ground? Cold reasoning however, pointed to the then poor facilities for transport of anticipated corwds that would flock to see the game.
Eventually it was decided to hold the carnival games on the SCG. The carnival was due to open on August the 6th. On August 4, when all the state teams were assembled at the Australian Football Ground for the purpose of distance contests at the carnival games, the news was flashed by cable that England had declared war against Germany. Fate had stepped in and dealt a cruel blow. Had England's declaration of war been made a few weeks earlier or later, all might have been well as regards the continuity of ownership of the Australian Football Ground by the NSW Football League.
Sensing that a greater game had to be played, the players of the various state teams in the 1914 carnival played brilliantly throughout the full series. Medals donated by the "Referee" newspaper, Sydney, were awarded the following as being the best players for their respective states:
G. Heinz (Vic), J. Pennicott (Tas.), A Tapping (W.A.), J.W. Robertson (S.A.), R. Robertson (NSW), P.W. Jones (Qld).
The financial loss from the carnival was irreparable, and in due course the league trustees tendered their resingations. That step resulted in the Australian Football Ground passing into the hands of Sir Hugh Denison who had generously relieved his co-trustees of their financial obligations in connection with the ground.
With the advent of the 1915 season, a small body of enthusiasts met in the Sports Club, Sydney. Mr H.C. Harte, eventually decided to carry on. The principal executive officers appointed were Mesrs. E.W. Butler - President, H.C. Harte - Treasurer and Mr J.E. Phelan - Secretary.
With the flower of our football talent overseas, and death's cloud resting heavy and black of the homes and in the hearts of the people the outlook was a dark one, but due to splendid co-operation on the part of everybody concerned the league successfully weathered the storm and at the end of the war period had reached a state of comparative affluence by its own efforts, as the Australian Football Council was not functioning and the propaganda amount received from that source amounted to but forty pounds from 1915-19.
During a part of the war period the ground was tenanted by a gun club for pigeon shooting purposes and the once beautiful grand stand became almost a wreck. In 1922 the late Mr Con. Hickey, who was a great admirer of the ground as a playing area, and who also visualised its future possibilities, had an earnest talk with myself over the position. After a lengthy debate at the Australian Football Council held in 1922 a motion, "That all profits made at Carnival games be held in trust by the Council to finance Carnivals in which losses may occur, or to acquire ownership of playing grounds" was carried on the casting vote of the chairman, the late Mr Charles Brownlow. That was encouraging to Mr Hickey and myself.
On my return to Sydney I secured an interview with Sir Hugh Denison and subsequently, on March 19, 1923, he wrote to me that he was agreeable to the offer I had submitted him for the use of the ground for that season with the option of purchase later on.
On March 23, the NSW League in its collective wisdom gave the proposition short shift. Looking back over the years, I cannot recall any decision of the NSW League that hurt me so much. I felt that the labour of years on behalf of the game in Sydney had been in vain; that vision had departed to be replaced by petty present-day considerations.
In 1925 or 1926 the ground passed into the ownership of the YMCA Society at a figure which was well within the powers of the NSW League on the proposals submitted to me by Mr Hickey in 1922.
In 1927 or 1928 the YMCA Society sold the ground to a Dog Racing Company at a reputed figure of twenty three thousand pounds. It is now known as Shephers's Bush. One may well quote Shakespeare and say, "none so poor as to do honour" to the sincere old time enthusiasts who put the Australian game before petty and personal considerations".(F/R 3 Sept 1938)
Cyril C Hughes, an army surveyor from Tasmainia had a part in surveying and carrying our work at the Australian Football Ground. (26/9/59 F/Ball Record).
Mick Grace is appointed coach of the NSW side in early July. He is afforded a cordial welcome at the Sports Club in Hunter Street, the meeting venue for all Australian Football gatherings. (it is not known if this was a paid or fulltime position) (Daily Tele 5 July 1910)
A crowd of 2,000 saw Metropolis 9.11 d the North Borken Hill Club 9.8 at Erskineville Oval. (SMH 1.8.1910)
The Australian Football ground (known as North Botany Park) is noted as being used as a venue for the game on 6 August (SMH 8 Aug 1910)
Geelong and Fitzroy teams arrive in Sydney on 9 Aug to play (SMH 9.8 1910)
“An unusual sight was witnessed in George Street yesterday as four drags conveying 100 Victorian footballers threaded their way from the railway station to the Sports Club, Hunter Street, where they were officially welcomed to this state by representatives of the New South wales Football League.” (SMH 10.8.1901)
North Broken Hill easily defeat YMCA 13.15 to 5.6 at Erskineville Oval on 3 August (DT 4.8.1910)
Fitzroy play a team made up of combined Melb & Sydney colleges and win 5.16 to 2.3 at Erskineville Oval on 10 Aug (DT 11.8.1910)
On the same day at Erskineville Oval, NSW d Geelong 19.14 (128) to 16.12 (108) (DT 11.8.1910)
On 13 Aug Geelong 16.12 (108) d NSW 11.3 (69) & Fitzroy 6.17 (53) d NSW 6.8 (44) both matches played on Erskineville Ova – 2 NSW teams. Crowd 500. (SMH 15.8.10)
J.V. Incoll (NSW) wins a long distance kicking competition with a place kick of 67 yards and Andrew Pattison (Fitz) dropkicks 66 yards to win the drop kick competition. (SMH 15.8.1910)
Qld defeat NSW 75 to 41.
1911
YMCA: - Secretary: W.A. Lone, Captain: T. Dickson (and later as a stand-in) Ellis. Pres - Alex McNeil
East Sydney: Capt: Goldie Thomas (Referee, 2/10/1918) Sec. - Norman Dougal. Pres: J E West MP, Treas: J. Guinane.
Sydney - Capt: A. Vincent. Pres- R. Munro-King, Sec - Lou A Baullhausen, Treas: J J O"Meara. Capt: Billy Cooper
Paddington - Capt: Lieutenant Bert Watts.
Nth Shore - Pres. Ald T. Anderson, Vice Pres: Ald T. Robertson. Capt - Ralph Robertson
Newtown: Pres. - J B Jenkins, Secretary J E Phelan, Treas. - W. Williams, Capt. - A. Young. Vice Capt. - J. Dawson
Nthn Dist: Pres - Mr Graff, Sec - Mr George Drury, Treas. - C D Connell, Capt - A. Ratcliffe, Vice Capt. - A. McWhirter
Sth Sydney - Capt: Charles Shipton,
Alexandria Institute: Pres - Mr Laycock, Sec: A C Smith, Treasu: H. Taylor.
Newtown: Pres - J H Jenkins, Sec - J E Phelan, Treas: W. Williams.
Australian Football Council
Adelaide 1 August 1911
Messrs Butler and Nash are the delegates.
Mr Nash is nominated as a Vice President by the then president. Mr Nash says he has worked hard to promote the game in NSW and his business had taken him all round Australia.
NSW gets £225 in distribution from the propaganda fund.
Footballers to the VFL
J. Jones (could have be E Jones) Nshore to Essendon
Clarrie Dall Redfern to Fitzroy (1911-12)
From the VFL
James Stewart St Kilda (1909-11) to Sydney
William Strang Sth Melb (1904-07) to Paddington
Cornelius McCormack ex Collingwood 1902-3 - 31 games, however went to Western Aust before captaining Newtown in 1911.
NSWAFL
A motion by Mr J E Phelan with the object of doing away with the average system for inclusion in the semi finals was carried: Rule 16 will now read as follows: A round of matcvhes shall be played, each club playing every other club twice. In all matches four points shall be counted for a win and two for a draw and in the event of any club tying for first, second or third place at the conclusion of the foregoing round of matches the position of such clubs shall be determined by the proportions of points kicked for and against such clubs. Should any clubs tie for fourth place a deciding match shall be played between such clubs for inclusion in the semi finals. (SMH 31.5.1911)
Grounds
The position of Secretary to the trustees of the New South Wales Football League's new ground at Rosebery Park has been given to Mr A M Little, who has ben hon secretary to the League for some years past. Mr Little has sacrificed much time and money to the cause and therefore the publication of the news of his new appointment will without doubt, give general satisfaction. The curatorship of the oval goes to Mr W Prince who was formerly a prominent member of the Redfern team but who last year gave up football to fill the position of central umpire to the league. (SMH 27.12.1911)
Perhaps the most cheering news of the week however is the fact that the league has decided to retain Erskineville Oval. It is a wise step and will be particularly gratifying to the members of the Newtown Football Club who hasve largely benefited through the League holding the ground. (SMH 27.12.1911)
Make one hundred and seventy pounds from the gate at Erskineville Oval - the only ground the league controls. (SMH 22 May 1912)
"...........Erskineville Oval has been secured by the League for the current season and all the important Australian fixtures will be played there. The arrangements for seaso tickets are the same as last year. It is expected that the new ground at North Botany will be ready for play before the end of the season..." (SMH 17.5.11)
Aldermen Anderson & T. Robertson from Nth Sydney Council arrange for the club to play matches at NSO No. 2. (SMH 1912)
Erskineville Oval is regarded as headquarters of the league. (SMH 25 Feb 1914)
YMCA and Newtown play an exhibition game on 29 April in Orange for the newly formed Orange Club. The game is umpired by W G Prince. (Arrow P5 29/4/1911)
The appointment of a paid secretary is mooted. (Arrow P5 29/4/1911)
Largely through the good offices of the new president (Mr H R Denison (to be confirmed - IG - incorrect) the League has secured the freehold of the old Rosebery Park Racecourse. This is intended to be the League ground in years to come. It was time the League secured a ground of this nature, and those reponsible are to be heartily congratulated on the successful gruition of their efforts. (Arrow P5 15/4/1911)
The League's new ground - the site of the old Rosebery racecourse - will be ready for play next season. The area exceeds 10 acres and provision is being made for other games including cricket, lawn tennis, croquet and bowls. The comforts for onlookers include a commodious grandstand on the western side and a smaller one of the eastern. Attached to the players' rooms will be accessories to training in the shape of shower baths and a massage room. (DT 5.7.1911)
Freehold V Leasehold
Anniversary Day (Australia Day - I.G.) 1912 was to have been made a red-letter day in the history of australian Rules football in New South Wales for the new oval - the old Rosebery Park Racecourse - was to have been officiallly opened on that day by the holding of a sports gathering, but owing to various causes the function has had to be postponed to a date later in the season and will now probably take place on the anniversary of Captain Cook's Landing, April 28 which, falling on a Sunday will no doubt be commenorated on the preceding Saturday.
Concerning the ground, good progress is being made and it will no doubt be an acquisition to the many recreation areas that have sprung up around the city within the last few years. Howerve, many are of the opinion that the trustees have arred in goin so far out of the city and it would have been far better to have secured a long lease of Erskineville Oval and extended the playing area to better meet the requirements of the game. But the trustees were largely swayed by the question of the hour - freehold V leasehold" and the fact that Erskineville Oval would never be the sole property of the governing body had much to do with the decision.
Rosebery Park lies just beyond the two penny section from Sydney (meaning it would cost 3d to travel there - I.G.) and it is proposed that as a suburban railway still seems afar off the Railway Commissioners (they had control of the tramways at that stage - I.G.) be approached with the view of extending the second section to the gates of a ground that promises to be outrivalled in its appointments only by the Sydney Cricket Ground.
What will become of Erskineville Oval, the late headquarters of the game? The question is at present agitating the minds of supporters of the game but nothing definite seems to be known. It would be a pity if a groun on which such fine young players as Foster, the two Blackburns, Jeffreys, Tenant and others were produced should be lost to the game and the wish is expressed that, though it will see no more interstate games nor semi finals not finals, it will still be available for club football. (SMH 20.12.1911)
At the League's Annual Meeting, the annual report referred to the stabliity of the game in NSW, and the wonderful improvement made in the play. In the interstate matches the ;pca; re[resemtatoves defeated Geelong and Queensland and put up splendid contests against Nth Adelaide and Fitzroy, Broken Hill and Combined Riverina were also outclassed by the locals. The compeition for the Rawson Cup and the Norwood Shield were keenly contested , the YMCA team winning the premiership with East Sydney runners-up. The difficulty with regard to grounds was first overcome through the support given to the Erskineville project then through the purchase of Rosebery Park at a cost of £1945, though the latter reserve would not be ready till next season. District football has been considered and sa sub comittee appointed to draw up a scheme. Numbers of country associations had affiliated with the League. The report was adopted. The League closed the season with a debit balance of £166 but it was hoped to wipe this out during the year. The gate receipts increased from £194 to £313. (SMH 10/4/1911)
Clarrie Dall transfers to the Fitzroy Club from the Redfern Club where he plays 9 games and kicks 9 goals. (Arrow P5 29/4/1911)
Ex-local schoolboy, Tom Sontar plays 1 game with St Kilda. (Arrow P5 29/4/1911)
In an usual feature two senior games were played on Erskineville Oval, an enclosed ground on the one day on 3 June. It was first V second and third V fourth with Sydney defeating YMCA and Newtown and East having a draw. (D.T. 5/6/1911)
Young Australian
A Young Australian team journey to and play Cootamundra and won 97 to 14. They also played a game against the local Rugby Union Team and were beaten 6 nil. (SMH 28.6.1911)
".........A matter connected with the Young Australian league that calls for some comment is the suggestion thrown out by their president (name to be ascertained - I.G.) that in 1912 they would form a senior team composed entirely of Young Australians who had played junior football (in Sydney). The wisdom of the suggestion is not quite apparent for failing a strict district scheme it would be far better to allow those players who have passed the age limit of the juniors to be absorbed by the clubs already existing, no permit being granted unless there were good reasons shown for a man not playing for the club that is supposed to represent the district in which he resides. (SMH 27.9.1911)
Young Australian Team tours America (SMH 27.12.1911) (There are other references to this trip in the cuttings of 1911 - I.G.)
Grounds
A practice game is played at the Sir Joseph Banks Park, Botany in early April. (SMH 31.3.1911)
Schools
Burwood Superior Public School beat Orange Schools by 18.23 (131) to 1.2 (8). (DT 11.9.1911)
A football team representing the primary schools of NSW had no chance against a team from the public scools of Victoria. The match was played on the MCC Ground yesterday (24.9.1911), prior the League final and it was a very one sided affair the home boys winning by no fewer that 116 points. The Victorian boys were heavier and bigger thant the visitors (inter alia). Final scores: Victoria 17.14 (116) NSW 1.6 (12). (DT 25.9.1911)
Paddington
Wear blue and white. (SMH 26.6.1911)
Sth Sydney
The South Sydney Club is formed with the amalgamation of Redfer and the Hansa Cigar Factory Club (I have no idea who they are?? – I.G.) (The Sydney Sportsman 8 May 1911)
Is formed made up by the vast majority of Redfern players. It is considered that the club merely changed its name. (Arrow P5 22/4/1911)
YMCA
Mr J J Virgo, secretary of the YMCA (and YMCA football club) resigns in March moves to London where he takes over a similar position. (Arrow P5 15/4/1911)
Harry Hedger is listed as having two sons, Arthur and Stan playing for YMCA.
Newtown
The first grade team is purely local, ex-local schoolboys comprising 40%.(Arrow 6/5/1911)
Charactitures of Newtown players: Jack Dawson and Reggie Foster with poems under each appear in the 8 May edition of the Sydney Sportsman. (The Sydney Sportsman 8 May 1911)
Nth Dist FC
Nthn Dist Football Club hold their first AGM in St Annes Hall, Ryde.
East Sydney
Wear blue & gold.
Umpires
"...It has been decided to call the umpires together on Monday night next (29 May) at the Sports Club for the purpose of forming an umpires" Assn....." (SMH 24.5.1911)
A meeting of umpires officiating in first grade and Young Australian competitions was held at the Sports Club on Wednesday Night and it was decided to form an Umpires" Association to be called "The Australian Rules Umpires' Association". Mr G W Petrie was elected president and Mr D Dillon secretary. The object of the association is to get a uniform ruling and a more complete understanding of the rules. Mr M Grace was appointed instructor to the association on behalf of the Australian Football League. Mr Grace went through the rules of the game with those present, and many points were made clearer. (D.T. 2/6/11)
Umpire W G Prince who was officiating at Erskineville Oval in the YMCA V East Sydney match, whilst running across the field caught his foot in the tap-box used for watering purposes and sprained an ankle. He had to be carried off the ground. Mr Thompson filled the breach to everybody's satisfaction. (SMH 19.6.1911)
Te difficulty of securing first class central umpires sould be a thing of the past judging on the number of applications received from gentlemen desirious of filling that position. Mess Petrie, Lean, Dillon, Levier, Watson and Prince and many others are available. (The Sydney Sportsman 8 May 1911)
Manly
About 600 witness a games between Newtown (the Redlegs) against Sydney at the "village" of Manly on Manly Oval on 17 June. (SMH 19.6.1911)
Match at Orange
Newtown and YMCA clubs journey to orange on 29 April to play an exhibition game at Wade Park which Newtown wins 6.6 to 4.13. (The Sydney Sportsman 8 May 1911)
A District System
During the summer months the New South Wales Football League intend taking up many matters that mean the advancement of Australian Rules Football in this State. There is however, one matter that may not receive their attention during the off season, but which is of sufficient importance to justify not only its consideration here but its discussion in the councils oof the League and that question is "district football". The present system has outlived its spohere of usefulness. It has well served its prupose and should now give way to a more equitable one. With the exception of Newtown and perhaps Paddington the majority of the players do not live in the districts they play for and in the case of YMCA there is no pretence at representing a locality. Under such conditions as these a large local following cannot be expected and excluding Newtown it cannot be said that a strong following exists. Its view of the success of district cricket and district football under other codes there is no need to advance arguments in its favour. The one important difference is that owing to the smaller support givn at present to the native game the district divisions should be larger thn that granted to cricket or rugby football. Newtown might remain as it is. Sydney and East Sydney could amalgamate and South Sydney might give place to a Botany team with the new headquarters right in their midst; Paddington could be changed to Eastern Suburbs, North Sydney could become Northern Suburbs and a new district team be formed from the districts west of Newtown's boundary to be known as the Western Suburbs. There should be a strict residential qualification and thus doing away with the local trafficking in players which is as great an evil as that of interstate trafficking. Further, it would be better to have have six strong district teams with a good local following than the present system of eight clubs which are district teams only in name. (SMH 13.9.1911)
1912
Season 1912 was comprehensively reported in the 1912 editions of the SMH.
South Sydney: Sth Sydney - Dick Dugan (Sec/Treas.) (from formation for 4 consecutive years), Capt: Sheely
Paddington: Pres: L W Alexander, Sec: T. Taggett, Treas: W.R. Syle, Captain: Bert S.G. Watts, V/Capt: W. Strang.
YMCA - Pres: L. Alexander, Secretary: W Love Capt: Ellis.
Newtown- Sec: Jim Phelan (??), H. Elliott. Capt:J. Laver then Bloomer,
Sydney - Capt: A. Vincent.
East Sydney - Capt: Maxfield (acting), Sec: P McGuire (H Brown ??). Pres: J E West MHR (titular??), Treas: E. Leighton.
Nth Shore - Capt: Ralph Robertson,
Railways - Pres: Mr J Schoular, Sec: Mr h Hall, Treas: Mr H. Hall. Mr Leo Balhausen was one of the delegates elected to represent the club at the league.
NSWFL
The league is managed and operated financially by a group known as “The Trustees”. Secretary: A.M. Little, Pres: A.E. Nash Treas: J. O’Meara (SMH 17 April 1912).
These men, it would appear make all major financial and kindred decisions with sub committees system set up to conduct the day to day affairs of the league. (SMH 15 May 1912)
The league’s income for the past 12 months was seven hundred and twenty eight pounds eighteen and six whilst it spent six hundred and eighteen pound eleven and eleven pence. (SMH 13 April 1912). The league will start the year with a credit balance of one hundred pounds. (SMH 10 April 1912)
The League’s annual report showed a falling off of schools, but the organiser of 1912 (Mr W Prince), in his report, announced that he had received a great increase in the number of schools for the coming season. (SMH 13 April 1912)
At a Special Meeting of the League on 17 May, Mr J E Phelan put the following motion: “That the system of district football be and is hereby introduced in the future season’s competitions, under the auspices of the League in Sydney and it’s suburbs” The motion was carried. (SMH 21 May 1912)
A sub committee was elected to oversee the a suggested method of the motion’s introduction.
Opposition to the motion came from non-district clubs. (SMH 21 May 1912)
Ten players were suspended until May 1913 for playing with the Railway Club and failing to first obtain clearances. (SMH 4 July 1912)
VFL Players
Into Sydney
To Melb:
Interstate
Sturt FC (Adelaide) write indicating arrangements are ready for a July visit to Sydney. The match is eventually abandoned. (SMH 19 June 1912)
Queensland wish to re-commence their inter colonial games following cessation of them after the Adelaide Carnival. (SMH 15 May 1912)
It is proposed to send a senior NSW team to Qld on July 13, the same day that Sturt will play a combined Sydney side at the AFG. (SMH 30 April 1912)
It was decided that a combined team travel to play Wagga, Ganmain and Narrandera instead of Nth Shore. (SMH 15 July 1912)
Final four placings were not decided by percentage or for and against. Play offs were used to determine final places in the event of teams finishing on equal points. (SMH 17 July 1912)
Mr Becker was president of the Queensland Football League and visited Sydney. (SMH 17 July 1912)
A combined metropolitan touring team defeated Narrandera 11-17 to 6-16 on 30 July. (SMH 1 August 1912)
East Fremantle defeat NSW 7-12 to 7-6 at the AFG on 3 August. The grandstand and reserve being well filled. (SMH 5 August 1912)
A Metropolitan team played a game against Geelong at the AFG before “the largest gathering that has attended a football match for some time” where Metropolis 12-14 def Geelong 11-18 with the lost by Geelong on the last kick of the day. (SMH 12 August 1912)
There was criticsm of the poor scoreboard display with spectators complaining “in the outer left the ground without knowling the final score”. (SMH 12 August 1912)
Wagga
Wagga Assn request a visit from a Sydney team and also ask to be included in the distribution of the propagation fund which eminates from Melbourne/Adelaide. (SMH 15 May 1912)
Umpires
Clubs have increased faster than the controlling body can secure competent central umpires to act for the season. Mr G. Petrie was called out of retirement for the first game of the season at the new ground. (SMH 22 April 1912)
The Australian Football Ground
The NSW Premier, Mr J.S.T. McGowan lays the foundation stone for the pavilion to be erected at the ground. (SMH 31 January 1912).
The fences were up, the oval was being levelled with sides sloped for spectators.
(NSWAFL) President, A.E. Nash said that a second enclosed ground had been secured and a third would be under control shortly. The Aust Football Ground became available to the league mainly through the efforts of H.R. Denison. It was of 10.5 acres. Football to occupy it for winter with other sports for the remainder. Open free of charge to boys in the Metropolitan Area in conjunction with the PSAAA. The donations, including £100 from Mr Denison were announced. (SMH 5 February 1912)
A.E. Nash was an Englishman converted from rugby after witnessing games in Melbourne in 1890. He was one of the founders and first Vice President of the ANFC and donor of Nash Shields for competition in schools and Railway-Tramway Competitions. (FR P.10 Aug 13-14 1960)
Nash was born in London. He was a prime over in the formation of the Australiasian Football Council. Mr Nash was the NSW delegate to the first conference held in Melbourne in 1906. In recognition of his work, the council made him a vice president. (The Referee, P9, 15/4/1908)
The league trustees invite the VFL or a VFL team to Sydney to play in the first match at the opening of the ground on 20 April. Instead it was decided that 1911 grand finalists, East Sydney V Sydney would be the first game played there.
The league have offered Sturt FC & East Fremantle FC games during the season however have not increased any inducement through a share of the gate to come to Sydney other than that normally offered to Melbourne Clubs.
The Kalgoorlie team received special terms in 1911 however because of the responsibility of financing the new ground the trustees were unwilling to offer a more reasonable financial agreement. (SMH 3 April 1912)
The land is situated at Alexandria (cnr Botany Road and Gardiners Road - N-W corner) and provides a playing area of the full size, 200 yards by 150 yards; there is also a very neat and commodious grand stand, with dressing rooms, baths and refreshment rooms. (SMH 22 April 1912) It is the largest freehold titled ground in the state. (SMH 17 April 1912)
Mr J J Jagelman unfurled the Australian Flag and Mr A E Nash bounced the ball to start the game.
During half time Mr Nash on behalf of the trustees, presented Mr Sheey with a cheque for fifty pounds in recognition of his services in the superintending of the work of laying out the grounds. In reply Mr Sheehy announced his intention of spending the money in the advancement of the game of Australian Football. (SMH 22 April 1912)
Attendances fell below expectation at the opening of the ground however the uncertainty of the weather was blamed and the fact that and interstate game was not scheduled as the opening match. (SMH 24 April 1912)
The Trustees granted use of the Australian Football Ground free of charge to the complusory cadets for drilling. (SMH 30 May 1912)
It is also proposed to initiating a local competition in the Sth Sydney area to take advantage of the ground. Mr W Prince, caretaker of the ground has undertaken to coach the youths. (SMH 22 April 1912)
There was a suggestion of an arbor day at the ground where people could plant a tree which would carry a tablet bearing their name on condition that the person so desiring the honour paid the expenses of the planting. This suggestion was accepted with much glee. (SMH 17 July 1912)
Paddington
Held their AGM on 3 April at their clubroom. Local MLA, J P Osborne attended. Income thirty five pound and fifteen shillings. Expenditure Thirty three pounds. The meeting expressed satisfaction “at the league securing the control for the season of Hampden Park Oval, which is the centre of the club’s operation.” (SMH 4 April 1912)
Hampden Park
Severals offers were made for the ground for the winter season. The NSWFL asked for the use of the grounds on Fridays for school matches, and Saturdays and holidays for senior and second grade matches. The trustees offered a fixed sum of forty pounds and one third of the gae takings, or a fixed sum of sixty pounds and the league to take the whole gate. A first grade game would be played on 12 Saturdays and the ground would be required for training two nights a weeks. Paddington Council accepted the offer of sixty pounds. (SMH 2 April 1912)
Schools
Under the control of Mr G Perry of Burwood Superior School, would have six teams in it’s competition. (SMH 3 April 1912). It is intended to reduce the age of the players in the Y.A.L. to 18 years, “so that boys at school, tnd those who have just left school, but who are too youthful for the association team, may enter it’s ranks”. (SMH 17 April 1912)
The league which catered for under age players had a record season in 1911 according to it’s annual report. (SMH 11 April 1912)
A schoolboys team will visit Queensland in August. A Mr W Prince will accompany the tour.
Young Australian League
The Young Australian league (originally constructed in 1903) ceased to exist on the 10 April. It catered for second eighteen teams, however the Y.A.L. reorganised to become the NSW Football Association, Second Grade. Eight clubs would play in this competition this season. (SMH 17 April 1912)
The competition consisted of Newtown Continuation School, Sydney, Signal, Fort Street. (SMH 11 May 1912)
Additional teams included: Sydney III, Sacred Heart Convent, Newtown III & Botany Continuation School. (SMH 15 June 1912)
A Friday afternoon competition between 21 schools will commence on May 17. The size of the Australian Football Ground suggests that four junior games can be played at once. (SMH 15 May 1912)
In some quarters, this competition is referred to as “third grade”. (SMH 24 June 1912)
Ballarat Ag College Visit
Canadian Cadets Tour
The matter of an Austrlian tour by Canadian (Naval) cadets was discussed. This was seen as a history making move and encouraged however it was noted that the Secretary of the ANFC had not followed up the proposal promptly which could damage the tour. (SMH 29 May 1912)
The tour was as a result of a visit of a group of Western Australian boys who toured Nth America and England to play football the previous summer. (SMH 29 May 1912)
A Captain E. McTaggert, the advance agent discussed matches with the league however it would appear that their presence in Sydney clashes with the visits of both East Fremantle and Geelong. (SMH 10 July 1912)
There is 70 players in the contingent with the NSW PSAAA arranging billets for half and NSWAFL the remainder. (SMH 15 July 1912)
A team representing the young Australia League was chosen from the under 18 competition to play the Canadian Cadets on Sat 10 August at the Australian Football Ground. The match was preceded be a game between NSW & Victoria Railway. (SMH 9 August 1912)
Young Australia win 9-12 to 4-12. (SMH 12 August 1912)
Duntroon
Paddington’s captain, Lieutenant Bert Watts receives a communication from Duntroon College requesting the visit of a Sydney team “as the majority of the students there play Australian Football”. (SMH 10 April 1912)
League Secretary, A M Little travelled to Queanbeyan in response to the wishes of the 45 students. He will try to arrange a school from Goulburn to visit Quenabeyan to play the Duntroon boys. (SMH 3 May 1912)
A suggestion that a representative Association side visit and play the new Duntroon team.
Newtown
Due to the lack of players, considers the amalgamation of the first and second eighteen teams. Another proposal is that nine of each team back up for each grade for each remaining match. (SMH 22 May 1912)
Orange
Paddington’s captain, Lieutenant Bert Watts is deputised by the Trustees to visit Orange with a view of orgnising the schools of that district. (SMH 10 April 1912)
NSW Aust Football Assn - second grade
Inaugural Office Bearers - President: E W Quinn, Treas: H. Marshall (SMH 11 April 1912) Postponed the opening of their season until a week after the first grade (league). (SMH 25 April 1912)
The season commenced for the Association with complaints of late starts. A suggestion to change the 1.30pm starting time to 2.00pm with four 18 minute quarters was put. A complaint was also made about the attire which some players wore, one appearing in street attire. (SMH 8 May 1912)
These teams compete: Northern Districts, Sydney, Paddington, Sth Sydney, Newtown, Balmain, YMCA & Ashfield. Results of
Following late finishes, umpires were instructed that second grade teams must leave the field of play no later than 3.10pm in order for the first grade to commence at 3.15pm. (SMH 22 May 1912)
Where possible the clubs which fielded league sides had their Association team play before them. The league team could call up players of this grade into their senior team.
The match between Newtown and Balmain on 18 May is abandoned when the appointed umpire fails to appear. (SMH 20 May 1912)
The Association gains representation of two delegates at League meetings. This was not introduced without some discourse. (SMH 29 May 1912)
The Association was finalising plans to send a team to South Australilan and Victoria in July. The SA Football Assn will donate fifty pounds towards the trip but as the Association has no means of raising money they have been compelled to raise it by means of collection cards. (SMH 29 May 1912)
In their first game, the Assn team played Sth Australia and although leading for most of the match were defeated 9-16 to 6-8. The match was played at the Adelaide Oval. (SMH 9 July 1912)
In the second match, S.A. won 5-7 to 3-8. (SMH 11 July 1912)
The team was defeated by Victoria on the MCG by 2 points. This was the final of their interstate fixtures.
Ashfield forfeits a games against Balmain at the SCG on 8 June. (SMH 10 June 1912)
The Competiton
The SMH urges the league to continue with “home & home” games for 1912 “on the three grounds”. This means that local clubs should be given home games on their home grounds (the league being the allocating body) and whilst the trustees will be keen to secure first class games for the new ground, they will have to finance all three grounds. (SMH 10 April 1912)
The Training College (Teachers College) forfeit their first three games of the season. (SMH 29 April/6 May 1912)
East Sydney play North Shore at the SCG No. 1 with HMAS Protector V HMS Psyche as the curtain raiser on 18 May. (SMH 18 May 1912)
Consideration was given as to the final possession of the Rawson Cup, a trophy donated by the premier of NSW some years ago for the league premiers. Rules must have stated that the club which wins the cup over a certain number of years would maintain the trophy. Argument is suggested if clubs tie for that honour. (SMH 22 May 1912)
YMCA defeat Railway 23-30 to 1-7 in a record score. (SMH 17 June 1912)
Percentages decide the first three placings, if required, then if still a tie on competition points a play off for fourth is held. (SMH 24 July 1912)
East Sydney lodge a protest against the result of their last competition match where they were defeated 9-3 to 7-12. The cause of the protest was a) a point should have been given a goal and, b) timekeepers gave fulltime when the field umpires had signalled time off.
East win and Paddington lodge a protest stating “that the third quarter was not played for the full time of 25 minutes”. This protest was dismissed. (SMH 30 July 1912)
The first was dismissed and the second upheld requiring the match be replayed. (SMH 23 July 1912)
Place kicks were commonly used in the competition, particularly for goal. (SMH 29 July 1912)
North Shore
Play their second game at North Sydney Oval No. 2 against Sydney before 3000 people. (SMH 6 May 1912)
The club wore maroon jerseys. (YMCA wore red & black) (SMH 10 June 1912)
Although finishing in fourth position, North could not field a team in the first semi final because of some players travelling to Tasmania.
In a game against YMCA on 8 June played at the Australian Football Ground, the final quarter commenced at 5.00pm! (SMH 10 June 1912)
North arrange to visit Wagga, Ganmain and Narrandera for the purposes of playing matches in early matches. (SMH3 July 1912) This was later changed to a NSW Rep Team.
Win over Newtown by forfeit on 27 July. (SMH 29 July 1912)
District Football
District Football is discussed because of the Railway Clubs introduction, thus taking players from district club numbers.
This means the end of both the Railway and YMCA Clubs. The question is: How many district clubs can the competition sustain. Many critics say it must be eight but others suggest that six strong clubs would be more advantage to the league. (SMH 21/22 May 1912)
Everleigh Workshops (Railways & Tramway United)
The league’s match committee withdraw the Training College side from the competition following three successive forfeits.
A team from Everleigh Railway Workshops was admitted to take their place. (SMH 7 May 1912)
The club agrees to play two of the matches forfeited by Training College later in the season. (SMH 13 May 1912)
The Newtown Club suffer to most from the establishment of this club with a number of their former players working for the Railway and them tranferring over. (SMH 15 May 1912)
This prompts a move for the introduction of District Football. (SMH 15 May 1912)
A game between the Vic Govt Railways and this Railway team is scheduled for Erskineville Oval on 10 August. (SMH 26 July 1912)
Personalities
Mr M Grace former coach of the NSWAFL team and a person credited with establishing the game in such prominence died in Melbourne on 21 May. A wreath in the shape of a football in the league’s colours was provided. (SMH 29 May 1912)
1913
Newtown - Capt: H. Swindells, then xx Meadows,
Sydney - Capt: F. Eastment, J. Balackaby - Vic Capt. Sec: Albert Vincent.
Sth Sydney - Capt: Thomas Maine
Nth Shore: Capt: Ralph Robertson, Pres: A. Kitt,
Paddington: Capt: Bert Watts later Robinson.
East Sydney: Capt: J. Delaney,
Balmain: W. Hughes,
VFL Footballers
To Sydney:
From Sydney: From YMCA Club to St Kilda 1913-15 52 games. Then Melb 1 game
Competition
Sydney wins first grade premiership. Their team includes: H A McCullagh, S. Jarrett, G. Gossip, C. Murray (trainer and perhaps a field umpire in years to come) C. Grant, J, McNeil, A W Barry, W G Hyatt, E G McCormick, L J Pitcher (umpire [boundary umpire I suspect - IG] )L G Clare, W J Muggivan, A H Vincent (Sec. & player), F. Eastment (Capt.) J. Blackaby (vc) J W Hume, F. McDonald, P E Barry, W Mumford, J S Lynch, W H Conn, F Mack, B O’Grady, E. Tyson & L Dunbar. (Referee & Arrow 23/8/1913)
“Centre Forward”, the Australian Football writer for the Sydney Sportsman reports that 1913 was a bad one for Australian Rules Football. (The Sydney Sportsman 8 May 1911)
]Northern Districts wins Association premiership. (SMH 25 March 1914)
Botany Districts wins third grade premiership. (SMH 25 March 1914)
The annual report indicate that NSW played South Australia in a second grade match. More country associations were showing interest in affiliating whilst an optimistic view of the game in schools was given. (SMH 25 March 1914)
For the first time the Protest & Disputes Committee which was comprised of one person per club was replaced with a single independent commissioner, on this occasion J J Jagelman. (SMH 18 March 1914)
The game in Newcastle had all but died out following it’s demise in 1893. The present standard was very poor and the game has failed to thrive. Sydney & Newcastle clubs forecast an exhibition match in Newcastle on April 4. (SMH 25 March 1914)
A game is played in Tamworth against a Queensland eighteen however is given little notice by league officials. Erskineville Oval is regarded as headquarters of the league. (SMH 11 Feb 1914)
Schools
Mr George Perry was in charge (secretary) of the public schools competition in which thirty one had entered. (SMH 20 March 1914) The Sydney Sportsman Newspaper state 33 schools played the game in this year..
Railways Carnival
An inaugural interstate railway carnival between NSW, Vic, & S.A. was played in Adelaide for the A.E. Nash Shield. This carnival was won by S.A. however a strike at Darling Harbour prevented many Sydney players from accompanying the team. (SMH 11.2.1914)
NSWAFL
Change the system of hearing disputes, charges and protests to that by one independent commissioner. In their annual report, the league is full of praise of the new system. (SMH 18.3.1914)
The Sydney club win the first grade, Northern Districts the second grade and Botany Districts the third grade premierships. (SMH 25.3.1914)
Interstate Fixtures
NSW play S.A. in a second grade fixture. (SMH 25.3.1914)
A smallpox scare forces the cancellation of a proposed trip to Sydney by both the St Kilda for a match which was due to be played on September 6. (SMH 20.8.1913) Whilst the Carlton Club withdrew their intention to visit and play in Sydney on 16 August, ten days prior to that date. (SMH 6.8.1913)
The Cootamundra club wrote to the NSWFL requesting a match between Carlton and a metropolitan side be played at Coota. (SMH 6.8.1913)
The Northern Tasmanian Football Assn withdrew a guarantee to the Sth Sydney Club, at the incistence of the Tasmanian Football League. This resulted in the club abandoning their proposed trip to Tasmania during September, instead they intended to visit the country districts of southern NSW with the league sanctioning the tour. (SMH 6.8.1913)
Balmain forfeited their postponed round nine game (21 June thry bad weather) against Sth Sydney which had been rescheduled for 4 August. (SMH 6.8.1913)
Queensland also cancelled their trip to Sydney for an interstate clash at the end of August because of the smallpox scare. (SMH 13.8.1913)
League Secretary Resigns
‘Since the League trustees acquired the Australian Football Ground, the work of Secretary to the trustees, which carries the duties of secretary of the New South Wales Football League, has assumed big dimensions, and to be effectively carried out demands whole-hearted and assiduous attention. Mr A M Little, who has carried out the onerous and heavey duties for the past two years, has placed his resignation with the trustees owing the business and for private reasons. Mr Little has done admirable work during his term of office, and followers of the game will regret his retirement. Applications for the position are called for by advertisement by the League trustees, and the position is being made a remunerative one’. (SMH 13.8.1913)
Sixty three applications are received for the position of secretary to the Trustees of the Australian Football Ground with Leslile Davidson being appointed. Previously he was organiser and coach of schools teams in 1913. (The Sydney Sportsman 8 May 1911)
Goalkicking
B. O'Grady kicked 34 goals for the season for Sydney (SMH 12.3.1914)
1914
Newtown: Capt - J. Laver Sec: J E Phelan,
Paddington: Sec. - G. Leplastrier. (Referee P 2 8/5/1915)
Sth Sydney: Pres - T. Sheely, Sec/Treas: R. Duggan (Referee 12/1914) Capt: Bill Prince, later Dick Pascoe. Coach: Bill Prince
YMCA: Sec - W A Lone,
Sydney: Sec - W. Muggivan. Pres: G C Leibs, Tres: A H Vincent
Balmain: Sec: Tom Vannam,
Players to the VFL
Bert Chapman transfers from Paddington to St Kilda where he plays 14 games. (F/Record 21/9/1935, P 14 - SMH 14/1/1914)
Schools
The game is set to restart in Sydney and suburban Catholic Schools following it's collapse in that system in 1906. (SMH 14.1.1914)
New Clubs
Representations were made to the NSWAFL for the inclusion of a western suburbs team. Thirty six players names (from other clubs) were submitted from which it was thought personnel could be selected. Many of these were ex-schoolboys.
The St George area was another considered as a possibility for a new club area, whilst Manly was also mentioned. It might be noted that all these districts were represented by rugby league clubs. (SMH 28.1.1914)
A letter from enthusiasts in Bathurst suggested that a team would be formed in that district. (SMH 11.2.1914)
The Tamworth Association has officially notified the league that a representative team will visit Sydney on Easter Saturday to play a metropolitan combination. (SMH 11.3.1914)
The Tamworth Assn again write to the NSWAFL indicating their intention to cancel the fixture in Sydney over the Easter Weekend due to the oppressive heat with the players unable to train. They did indicate however that they would affiliate and send two delegates to Sydney for the conference between country bodies and the league. (SMH 1.4.1914)
Grounds
The league secures the use of Hampden Oval for the season as an enclosed ground. This will do away with the playing of league games on Moore Park, a big improvement to the league. (SMH 1.4.1914)
Australian Football Ground
In April, membership numbers of the ground doubled from that of 1913. (SMH 13.4.1914)
All States Carnival
Negotiations for use of the SCG during the carnival between August 8-15 were sucessfully concluded between members of the NSWAFL, NSW Rugby League and the SCG Trust. Prior to this an element of anxiety existed on the availability of the ground. (SMH 25.2.1914)
The NSW team is composed entirely of Sydney players. In the match against Victoria, the NSW team struggled to get the numbers due, the paper said, “through the inability of players to get the necessary leave”, but eventually put a side on the field. (Referee 12 August 1914)
Mr Tom Sherrin donates 24 footballs for the carnival and then they are to remain with the NSWFL (AFC Minutes 4/8/1914)
The AFC allows holders of NSW Football League membership tickets free entry to carnival games however the NSWAFL had to fund 10% of the proceeds of the ticket sales to the Council. (SMH 11.3.1914)
It is considered that this will stimulate ticket sales for the game generally (SMH 11 March 1914)
A group of six representing the league meet with the NSW Rugby League with a view of using the SCG for the carnival. (SMH 18 March 1914)
These talks are successful and the ground is secured between Saturdays August 8 to 15. Messrs C. Hickey (Vic) and W H Gill (Tas.), secretary & treasurer of the AFCouncil will visit Sydney Sydney in early June to make arrangements for the carnival. (SMH 25 March 1914)
"...........All the arrangements for carrying out the Carnival were complete. The members of the New South Wales Football League did all in their power to make the visit an enjoyable one, and needless to say, they succeeded in every way.
His Excellency, Sir Ronald Munro Fergurson, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth, had kindly signified his intention of being present to perform the opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 5th 1914. Unfortunately, the delcaration of war was proclaimed almost on the eve of our Carnival. His Excellency was suddenly called ot the seat of government (Melb) to make the necessary preparations for the defence of the Empire.
As the players from all the States had arrived, it was decided to carry out the programme of the Carnival matches as arranged.
For the first few days nothing was spoken of but the war and its consequences to the Empire and this had a depressing effect on the attendance at our Carnival games. (my emphasis - I.G.) However, notwithstanding the effect of the way on the sport-loving public, and the fact that the Rugby League played their club matches and the Rugby Union played agains the All Blacks on the adjoining sports ground, there was a fair attendance of lovers of our national game on several days of the Carnival and some excellent football was played. The matches between South Australia and West Australia and between Victoria and Western Australia were brilliantly contested. Although the Westeners were defeated on each occasion by a few points, they were heartily congratulated on their prowess and their dashing, breezy football was a feature of the Carnival.
New South Wales, although they somewhat disappointed their immediate followers, showed a marked improvement in their play and worked themselves into fourth place. Tasmania were not as good as in 1911 and Queensland, although not on a par with their more experienced opponents, showed that several of their young players had a good knowledge of the game. Victoria succeeded in winning the championship pennant, South Australia being runners-up (sic). Both of these fine teams gave several examples of beautiful football, albeit the South Australians were not as strong as in 1911.
Another feature introduced into the carnival arrangements was a championship goal-kicking contest. Mr H R Denison, patron of the New South Wales League donated gold medals to the winner of the goal kicking contests.
The best goal-kickers from each State team competed and 'Dally" Messenger, the championship goal-kick of the New South Wales Rugby League also competed and won the trophy from H. Limb of Western Australia, the Australian Champion.
The champion long kick of Australia fell to D. McNamara of Victoria, who, in a place kicke sne the ball a distance of 67 yards. In a second attempt in a similar kick he covered a distance of 76 yards some inches.
The proprietor of the 'Referee' newspapers, Sydney, presented gold medals to the best performers in each State team.
Mr R. Dawes, 'Referee", T. Banks (Victoria) and the managers of the teams were appointed to decide the players entitiled to this honor and the following were successful:-"
G Heinz Victoria J W Robertson Sth Aust
J. Pennicott Tas R. Robertson NSW
A. Tapping WA P W Jones Qld
“Centre Forward”, the football writer for the Sydney Sportsman complains abouit rugby union fixturing an All Blacks match at the Sydney Sports ground during the Carnival. He also reminds the readers that in 1903 when the game was try to re-establish itself that when two Melbourne teams played an exhibition match at the SCG, the rugby union fixtured a double bill at both the Sports Ground and Agricultural Ground at sixpence entry in order to try to depreciate the attendance at the SCG. (The Sydney Sportsman 8 May 1911)
Result of matches played by NSW
Opponent For Against
G B G B
Queensland 13 15 2 4
Tasmania 15 14 5 13
Sth Australia 10 3 16 20
Victoria 4 7 24 20
Western Aust 8 10 23 24
Matches played: 5; won 2, lost 3
Australian Football Council
Meeting Aarons Exchange Hotel Sydney, 8pm on 4 August 1914
Delegates Nash/Phelan
W. Strickland (NSW & former Collingwood captain) elected life member of the AFC
Mr Phelan told the meeting "we have not had rules printed but investigating the district scheme for 1915 for the benefit of the game"
Aslo, "...we in NSW could liken ourselves to a small regiment holding out the fort...."
The possibility of a world tour is discussed. (AFC Bound Minutes, P122-4)
Apportion three hundred pounds from the propaganda fund to NSW. (The Sydney Sportsman 8 May 1911)
Sth Sydney
Hold their AGM in late February at the Newmarket Hotel, Cnr Gardiners & Botany Roads Mascot (opposite the Australian Football Ground). Mr Bill Prince is elected as their captain/coach. (SMH 25.2.1914)
Members of their first grade premiership team included: L. Bignell, N. Lane, R. Stevenson, W. Kumnick, C. Murphy, L. Jarrett, E. Hacher, G. Curphy, J. Fisher, R. Pascoe (Capt) G. Marriott, J. Maine, R. Sands,J. Kelly, P. Boury, G. Davenport, E. Stevens, W. Earle. (Referee 12/1914)
Sydney Club
Hold their AGM on 11.3.1914 at the Sports Club, Hunter Street Sydney. During the meeting the Norwood Shield and Premiership Pennant are presented. (SMH 11.3.1914)
Nth Shore Club
Player and administrator, Mr Victor Beatson, aged 30, dies from complications result from an appendicitis operation. He played with North from 1903. (SMH 1.4.1914)
The club wore a maroon strip. (SMH 1.4.1914)
A second grade competition called the NSW Football Association was operated separate to the league. E.W. Quinn was the President and A.D.S. Provan the secretary of this Assn. (SMH 1.4.1914)
Even at 8 April, the starting date of the competition is unknown. (SMH 8.4.1914)
In early April the league is still engaged in a final revision of the new rules and constitution which were drafted during 1913 "consequent upon the inauguration of the district scheme". (SMH 1.4.1914)8
Service Football
Representatives of the Australian Fleet were present requesting assistance in acquiring grounds on which their four teams could play of a Saturday. (SMH 20.3.1914)
The VFL provides a shield for competition amongst the Australian Fleet. (SMH 25.3.1914)
Central Western Club
An amalgation of Northern Districts second grade team (Ryde area) and Balmain club form a new Central Western Districts Club which field first and reserve grades. (SMH 18.3.1914)
PSAAA
Indicate their intention of sending school teams to Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. The league indicates it's intention to assist in funding. (SMH 18.3.1914)
Mr George Perry was again elected secretary to the public schools. (SMH 20 March 1914)
(SMH 18.3.1914)
Newcastle
The game failed to revive in Newcastle as it did in Sydney in 1903, although it was a stronghold for the code in the late 1800s. Some games were played between personnel residing in the Newcastle area and Sydney but the standard was considered very poor. (SMH 25.3.1914)
Sydney and Newtown Clubs play an exhibition game in Newcastle on Saturday 4 April with a view of starting interest in the game once again. (SMH 8.4.1914)
Railway & Tramway
A NSW team representing Railways & Tramways, including representatives from Albury & Corowra, attend a R & T football carnival in Melbourne in April.(SMH 13.4.1914)
Australian Football Ground
In April, membership numbers of the ground doubled from that of 1913. (SMH 13.4.1914)
Ralph Robertson captains NSW in the Carnival side which is played in Sydney. He also wins the best player for the NSW team. Born in England, upon settling in Melbourne and learnig the game he played with St Kilda. When he moved to Sydney he captained East Sydney. He was killed in WW I.
District Football Introduced. W.A. Lone was secretary of the YMCA Club.
The football journalist at the SMH expounds the theory of introducing clubs in the Western Suburbs, St George & Manly areas. Erskineville Oval is regarded as headquarters of the league. (SMH 28 Jan. 1914)
Nth Shore are unable to field a team in the final series due to a number of their players returning to Tasmania.
Bert Chapman a young player from the Paddington club, and local junior, is signed by St Kilda where he plays 7 games and kick one goal. He moves to Melbourne in January to comply with the residential rule of three months. (SMH 14 Jan. 1914)
It is suggested that D. McConville and McInerney (East Sydney) will play for St Kilda and Mahoney of Paddington will turn out for Essendon. (SMH 21 Jan. 1914)
NSWAFL
Annual meeting held on 18 March at the NSW Sports Club, Hunter Street Sydney. Receipts for the 1913 season totalled five hundred and sixty five pounds twelve and ninepence whilst expenditure reached seven hundred and thirty six pounds seven and one penny. The defecit was blamed on the absence of any interstate (VFL) games, the only contest was between NSW and Qld which was played in Brisbane costing over fifty eight pounds for players’ fares (which was not refunded by any means) the smallpox epidemic and the league had only two (enclosed) grounds which could produce revenue. (SMH 20 March 1914)
NSWFL President: A E Nash, Treasurer: J J O’Meara, Life members elected: G C Leibs & J J O’Meara. (SMH 20 March 1914)
A district scheme was adopted this year.
Clubs play for the Norwood Shield in first grade.
There was ill-feeling amongst the public because the first grade competition being played during the war.
A conference of representatives of the league and country associations will take place over Easter. (SMH 25 February 1914)
The second grade is still conducted by a separate administration. (SMH 1.4.1914)
Newtown
Hold their AGM in March at the Rugby Hotel, King Street Newtown. (SMH 11 March 1914)
Balmain
Balmain’s secretary, Tom Vannan reports he has signed seven Castlemaine players and predicts a boom his way. His club’s AGM will take place on March 16. (Referee P2 1/4/1916)
The ANFC did not function from november 1914 to the end of 1919. (F/Record 21/9/1935, P 14)
B. Burnheim takes over as League Secretary late in the season following the resingnation of L. Davidson.
Effects of War
War was announced on August 6.
By 20 August 10,000 men had enlisted in Sydney.(The Anzacs P 21, Patsy Adam-Smith) By December, 52,561 men had enlisted. (The Australian People and the Great War- Michael McKernan)
Employers panicked when war was announced. Prices rose rapidly in the expectation of shortages. Wholesale grocers in NSW, for example, raised prices of imported commodities between 7½ and 20 percent during August alone. (The Australian People and the Great War - Michael McKernan)
Between 10-31 August unemployment in NSW rose from 13,500 to 29,313 and although these are official figures, it is likely that they underestimated the true picture. Other workers were placed on half time instead of being dismissed. (The Australian People and the Great War - Michael McKernan)
In July and August 1915 62,289 men joined the AIF. (The Australian People and the Great War - Michael McKernan)
1915
NSWAFL Secretary: J.E. Phelan (1914-1924)
NSWAFL President: E.W. Butler
NSWAFL Treasurer: H.C. Hart
Club Personnel:
Newtown: Sec. - W.G. Simmonds. (1934 F/R 19/5 P14)
Sydney: Pres. - G. Leibs (Referee P 2 8/5/1915) Sec - B. O’Grady (Referee P 3 15/5/1915)
Paddington: Pres - L. Alexander, Sec. - T. Targett. (Referee P 2, 8/5/1915) Capt. - George Parr
NSWAFL
It was resolved at the start of the season that competing teams must lodge three guineas before their name will be included in the fixture. (Referee P 2 8/5/1915)
Delegates moved at the May AGM not to include North Shore because of their non attendance at the meeting. This was not successful. (Referee P 2 8/5/1915)
A E Nash, J J O’Meara & J J Jagelman resigned their positions of president, treasurer and commissioner for disputes. Trustees, H R Denison, A E Nash, H Chesney Harte, E W Butler, J J Jagelman & J J O’Mearer as trustees, but they will devote their efforts towards the AFG (Referee P 6 24/4/1915)
A motion was passed at the AGM that the league place on record the good services renderred to it by Messrs., Nash, O’Mearer & Jagelman. (Referee P 6 24/4/1915) (what about the other former trustees?? - IG 1997)
H. Chesney Harte was appointed commissioner for disputes. (Referee P 2 8/5/1915)
In an unusual move, but obviously one which required attention, the umpire and permit committee resolved that because of previous “loose practices”, any player from another state must appear in person before the committee prior to a permit to play is granted. (Referee P 2 8/5/1915)
Because of the league’s debt, it was resolved to offer all gates takings from club matches to the trustees. However should any interestate teams visit, money from these gates be retained. (Referee P 2 8/5/1915)
Because the league could not get more enclosed grounds (AFG & SCG No. 2, being the only ones), it was resolved to play matches on Moore Park. This was met with approval from some older delegates who said that the game should never have moved away from the “Park”. The playing of games on “the old YMCA ground” was mentioned. (Referee P 2 8/5/1915)
To date it was estimated that 1500 players of Australian Football in the state have gone to the front in WWI.
Because of the war, it was reckoned early in the season that only P. Barry, Bignell, Stephens and Davenport remained to play with Sth Sydney. (Referee P 2 8/5/1915)
During the season 46 interstate clearances passed throug the league and 1340 players were registered in first, second and schools. (Referee P2 1/4/1916)
East Sydney report 30 players enlisted. Whilst Newtown have 14 at the front. (Referee P 2 8/5/1915)
East Sydney wear blue and gold. (Referee P 2 8/5/1915)
Newtown wore red & white. (Referee P 6 24/4/1915)
The league donates the entire gate receipts between the Paddington and Newtown (grand) final game to the "Australia Day Fund" and catering for 780 public schoolboy players and 200 catholic schoolboys, the winners of each competition receiving medals.
The Sydney Club trained from Picks Hotel (Bat & Ball Hotel), Moore Park. (1934 F/R 12/5 P15)
Newtown, East Sydney & Paddington Clubs are recorded as "mainstays of the competition". (1934 F/R 19/5 P14)
Because of the lack of players through the world war, the games is nearly wiped out in Sydney. Jim Phelan (Newtown), Ted Butler (East Sydney), Hock Keys (East Sydney), Len Alexander (Paddington), Charlie Turner and Tom Bannon are recorded as being the leaders who kept the game alive in Sydney. (1934 F/R 19/5 P14)
Players had to pay to enter the grounds. Because of this the Balmain players went on strike when refused entry to the Rushcutters Bay ground and would not enter until the fee was removed. Con Cannon, Sailor Casserley and "Big" Webbie were responsible for the strike. (1934 F/R 19/5 P14)
Jim Phelan writes ‘that the league was re-formed in 1915 from the ashes of a bankrupt body after the carnival crash of 1914. It commenced operations with nil plus a legacy of debts and receiving but a sum total of forty pounds from the ANFC for the four years 1915-1918. The League held a credit balance of £86 at the end of the 1918 season. (F/Record 21/9/1935, P 14)
It was during that season that a wonderful spirit of co-operation manifested itself. Officials of the League and participating clubs, umpires and players worked in almost perfect unison and with one common resolve, to keep the game going until war’s end. In each year a trophy was given to each individual player of a winning school team (which in 1915 included catholic schools) and at the end of that same year, the whole of the net proceeds of the league premiership final games was handed over to the ‘Australia Day War Fund’. (F/Record 21/9/1935, P 14)
AFG
At the 12th annual meeting of the league it was resolved to dispose of the ground at Botany (the area where the ground was located was known as Nth Botany ((actuallu it was Alexandria)) before changing the name of the suburb to Mascot) on which there is a nine thousand pound debt. (Referee P 6 24/4/1915)
H. Chesney Harte informed the league that the terms submitted for the use of the AFG have been accepted by the trustees. Only 22 players will be allowed to go free through the gates. (Referee P 3 15/5/1915)
A E Nash, J J O’Meara & J J Jagleman resigned their positions of president, hon treasurer and commissioner for disputes, respectively. The league also lost the services of H R Denison, A E Nash, H Chesney Harte, E W Butler, J J Jagleman and J J O’meara as trustees, “but they will devote their efforts towards the Australian Football Ground”. The league now resumes control of it’s finances as before the trustees were appointed. It was decided to put on record the good services of Nash, O’Meara & Jagleman. (Referee 24/4/1915)
Nth Shore
Withdraw from competition. Speculation mounts as to who their remaining players will turn out for. (Referee P3 15/5/1915)
Paddington
Train Wednesday Evenings on the Hampton Road Ground.
The club holds their annual meeting at the Grand View Hotel, Paddington on Mon. Evening 26 April. (Referee 24/4/1915)
The War
The League’s annual report for season 1915 presented to members of the Leauge on March 27, 1916, contained the following:
Enlistments
Through the want of proper organisation on the part of some of the clubs, and recognition of the duty owed the League in this important matter, your Committee regret that no complete list of players at the front or in preparatory training camps has up to the present been prepared. Even with the incomplete figures to hand it is safe to assert that 50 per cent of players of 1914 have responded to the call. From lists to hand and other sources it is known that the Southern portion of the state has contributed a large quota of players.
When Country and Metropolitan returns are finalised it is estimated that over 1500 players have gone to take part in the greatest game the world has yet witnessed.
Newtown Club’s Honor List
J. Ashton, W H Bolan, F G Barnett, H Brooks, M Caffyn, A A Ellis, Eason, J. Furlong, C. Holliday, H P Horton, H, Jarman, N. Jeffries, F. Meadows, H. Miller, J H Munro, J. McTaggart, C. Pearson, A D S Provan, V Provan. K. Probert, N. Squires, F. Squires, G H Sanders, R Sharp, B. Swindell, J.Walker, R. Weiss, R. Whidden.
In that fateful year, 1915, the spirit which gave birth to the word, ‘Anzac” was evidenced by the few enthusiastic followers of the game in sydneyw ho faced with untold difficulties, unknown to the majority of present day followers of the game, kept the six-starred flag of Australian Football flying. With a heritage of debt from the previous administrative body, which ceased operations after the outbreak of war in 1914, thenewly formed body depending wholly on local resources for finance presented a credit balance for the year’s operations after donating the whole of the gate receipts from the premiership final game between Paddington and Newtown to the “Australia Day Fund” and catering for 780 public schoolboy players and 200 Roman Catholic schoolboys, the winners of each competition receiving medals.
In a sense 1915 may be termed as the darkest and brightest year in the history of the game in Sydney.
The Addendum to the Annual Report of the League on March 27, 1916 by the then President, the late E W Butler, is one of the most cherished possessions of the veteran J E Phelan, the then Hon. Secretary. (F/R 25/5/1939)
1916
Paddington:- Capt. - George Parr. Pres - Len Alexander.
Sydney:- Treas: J. Naylor.
At the League’s Annual General Meeting, it was overwelmingly recommended to the incoming delegates that the net proceeds from normal matches be handed over to a patriotic fund. (Referee P2 1/4/1916)
It is estimated that over 1000 (Australian) footballers from the entire state have enlisted. A number of deaths are recorded. The Annual reports suggests the erection of a memorial tablet in honor of those who have fallen. (Referee P2 1/4/1916)
Jim Phelan successfully moves a motion suspending senior football but carrying on with school and junior football. This was subsequently rescinded at a specially convened meeting of the league. The main factor in bringing about the change of ‘front’ (policy) was that the Rugby League was carrying on through in a modified form. (F/Record 21/9/1935, P 14)
An exhibition of the Australian game was given in London. On October 28th, at the Queen’s Club Ground, West Kensington, London, teams representing the Third Australian Division and the Combined Training Groups met before an attendance of 3,000. (F/Record 5/8/1933, P 14)
Many prominent players from all states of Australia took part in the game which was full of interest and arounsed the spectators to a high pitch of enthusiasm. The Third Division won the match, the scores: 6-16 (52) to 4-12 (36). (F/Record 5/8/1933, P 14)
One newspaper reports stated ‘One thing is clearly apparent. An enormous amount of skill is required and physical fitness is also essential. It is undoubtedly a game of high value from an athletic point of view and there is much to say in it’s favour as a special. The fluctuations are rapid, due to the nimbleness, versatility and dexterity of the players’. (F/Record 5/8/1933, P 14)
Mr Naylor, secretary of the Sydney club writes to the Arrow (weekly sporting newspaper) and, amongst other things, complains about Paddington playing ‘ring-ins’ in a match between the two sides. (Arrow P2 16/9/1916)
The Effects of the War
A referdum to introduce compulsory conscription was held. (The Australian People and the Great War - Michael McKernan)
The working class was seen to be against the war and against conscription.
Reserve Grade
Paddington, Sth Sydney,
1917
Paddington:- Capt. - George Parr
NSWAFL - Balance sheet showed a credit balance of £37/19/10 after all liabilities had been met including two outstanding accounts incurred by the league in 1914. (Arrow 31/3/1917)
Discussion took place at the league’s AGM on Tues. 17 March regarding the playing of senior games this season. The matter to be further discussed at the next meeting. (Arrow 31/3/1917)
The Newtown club advised that it was unlikely that the club would form this season because of heavy enlistments. (Arrow 31/3/1917)
The junior league was to have their annual meeting on 2 April. (Arrow 31/3/1917)
The League decided to conduct a senior premiership competition this season but the handsome Norwood Club shield (donated by the Norwood FC - S.A. - I.G. - 1997) would not be competed for. Paddington, Sydney, Balmain, East Sydney and Newtown have reformed. Sth Sydney is in doubt. (Arrow 14/4/1917)
Applications for junior teams, central and boundary umpires are asked for. (Arrow 14/4/1917)
A play-off between Sydney and Balmain to determine fourth place is held at Rushcutters Bay Oval on Sat 25 August. (Arrow P3 28/8/1917)
Sth Sydney and Western Suburbs battle out the first semi final in the junior league at Rushcutters Bay. (Arrow P3 28/8/1917)
Double Bay and Redfern play off in the junior league in the second semi final. (Arrow 1/9/1917)
Ralph Robertson
Ralph Robertson was considered a brilliant player in Sydney. He was English and came to Melbourne (date unknown) where he ended up playing 14 games with St Kilda in 1899-1900. He was a 'rover' in several articles. He was 5'8" tall, and a traveller.
The Great Strike
The workers went on strike with increasing frequency as the war progressed. The largest of these was the ‘great strike’ in NSW which began in August 1917. Workers at the Randwick tranway workshops objected to the ‘speeding up’ efficiency methods which their employer, the state government, had introduced. Initially only a few thousand workers were involved in the strike but so tense was the industrial-social situation in Australia that is spread reaidly. Eventually, 76,000 (about 14% of the workforce) went out in NSW, throwing the fuel, food and transport industries into chaos. That such a huge disruption could arise out of an apparently trivial dispute showed how deep were the antagonisms that had developed in Australia. (The Australian People and the Great War - Michael McKernan)
The Effect of the War
The prime minister Billy Hughes, tried to introduce conscription through a referendum in December 1917. There were tensions caused by class and religious divisions. This was defeated by a slightly larger majority than in 1916. (The Australian People and the Great War - Michael McKernan)
The Prime Minister believed he needed to placate the wowsers in society who had already succeeded in reducing hotel hours in NSW. During the federal election campaign, he announced that his government would introduce controls on sport.
He waited until September to take such action (the VFL having returned to nearly full strength). He restrictions wayed heavily on horse racing and boxing with more general powers to be used if required. (The Australian People and the Great War - Michael McKernan)
The restrictions on sport remained in force until the end of the war although there were no moves against the 1918 football season. (The Australian People and the Great War - Michael McKernan)
Recruitment campaigns were held at sporting events but attracted little attention. In the end audiences at sporting events became very antagonistic towards recruiters and at some events would ‘count out’ the speakers’. The various sporting bodies tried valilantly to prove their loyalty by publilcising the numbers of men to enlist from their ranks. (The Australian People and the Great War - Michael McKernan)
1918
Newtown: Capt - R Blackburn
Players Killed in WWI
The following were players in Sydney Competition and listed as being killed in WWI:
H. Blackburn, W. Earle, J. Gorman, O B Henderson, T D McKay, W H Mackay, L. Provan, L G Smith, J Solomon, J. Price, R. Scanes, F Young and G Young (Newtown) J. Robinson, Bert Watts, Frank Hickey, Allan Jackson and W.A. Bottomley (Paddington), A. Steptoe and the Ericsons (Central Western), Lakeman (Sydney), Ralph Robertson (Nth Shore) (FR 25.4.1937)
Mr L Joseph of William Street donates a silver cup to the league for competition (Arrow P ? 19/4/1918)
The Sth Sydney club reforms (obviously because of the man-power shortage with WWI) (Arrow P ? 19/4/1918)
Balmain fail to turn out in the first round. (Referee 8/5/1918)
Redfern fail to field a team in the junior compeitition. (Arrow P ? 19/4/1918)
In round 1 of the competition apathy is blamed for Balmain failing to field a team with Paddington having to play with reduced numbers, although it appeared that others were available to play. (Referee 8.5.1918)
It was suggested that Balmain’s failure to take the ground in R1 was an indication that the club may well fail to materialise for the remainder of the season. (Referee 8.5.1918)
NSWAFL
Mr Dick Condon, a former Collingwood and Richmond player and coach who was suspended many times in the VFL, nominates for the league position of Disputes Commissioner. (Arrow P ? 19/4/1918)
He is appointed to this position. (Arrow 24/4/1918)
The AGM was held on Tues. March 26. It would report that despite the fact that several first grade games were played on non-revenue producing grounds the leagues finances were in a healthy state. Also throughout the seasons 1915,16 & 17 the only propaganda payment received from the ANFC was £40 whilst also during these seasons, upwards of £70 was spent by the league in conection with schools and juniors propaganda. (The Arrow, March 22, 1918)
A E Nash continued as president of the Australian Football Council between 1914-1918. (ANFC Annual Reports)
Mr George Turner, a former player of the game in the 1800s, field umpire and official and more recently with the Balmain club was elected as a life member of the league at the April AGM. (Arrow P ? 19/4/1918)
First grade games commence at 3pm. (Arrow 27/9/1918)
The ‘Referee’ reports that but for soldiers from other states etc. who reside in camps near to Sydney playing senior football in Sydney, the senior league would not have been able to operate. . (Arrow 24/4/1918)
The Referee also reports that the league is in it’s most stable financial position it has been in than any period in the past decade. (Arrow 24/4/1918)
Newtown
Ex-Erskineville schoolboy, R. Blackburn captains Newtown. (Arrow 27/9/1918) In mid April, the Newtown club reports that of their 59 players fighting overseas, 7 had fallen. (Arrow 24/4/1918)
Paddington
Wear blue & white uniform. (Arrow 3/5/1918)
Sydney
Wear red & blue. (Arrow 3/5/1918)
Country
A Mr Robert Yelland of Wangat, near Dungog wrote to the league in late April that a team has been formed in his district and requesting the League to send a team to play it. Any proceeds be given to charity. (Referee 8.5.1918)
Mr Yelland (obviously an optimist - IG 1997) wanted to form a league to include teams from Gloucester, Dungog, Maitland, Newcastle and Patterson. (Referee 8.5.1918)
Junior League
With a view to keeping the players together, ie those who have been associated with Double Bay, Sth Sydney and Western Subs Clubs since 1916 deem it adviseable to raise the limit for for the junior league to 20 years (Referee 1/5/1918)
Junior organisers were doubly agrieved when Sth Sydney juniors failed to keep their engagement with Double Bay on 6 May. Newtown however ran out easy winners over Western Suburbs. (Referee 8.5.1918)
Rupert Browne is mentioned as a sports teacher at Gardeners Road Public School keen to start an under 16 competition. (Arrow P ? 19/4/1918)
Miscellaneous
The Referee reports that A E Nash, former president of the NSWAFL and the NSW Rowing Assn has been declared bankrupt. This has been given prominence in the newspapers owing to the fact that the name of Mr Tudor, Leader of the Federal Labor Party has been brought in the Bankruptcy court proceedings alleging that Mr Nash made presents to Mr Tudor at a private dinner in Sydeney at which football matters were discussed. Mr Tudor denies these allegations which Mr Con Hickey, Secretary of the Football Clouncil supports. (Referee 1/5/1918)
Sherrin match balls are advertised for 15/6 each.
Grounds
Alexandria Oval is added to the league grounds.
Rushcutters Bay is used by both Paddington and East Sydney and appears to have become almost the headquarters for the game. (Referee 8.5.1918)
1919
A world wide epidemic of influenza hit in 1918-19. It caused the deaths of 12,000 people in Australia in 1919 and in Europe killed more than were killed in the great war. (The Australian People and the Great War - Michael McKernan)
Public gatherings were restricted because of the chance of transmitting the flu virus.
In March the Victory (Peace) Celebrations Committee wrote to the NSWAFL asking if it was prepared to joinwith the British Assn (Soccer) in providing a sports programme at the University Oval on the occasion of the peace celebrations. Censent by the league was given and intimation duly forwarded to the Celebrations Committee. Noting further, however, having been heard from the committee in regard to the proposal submitted by them, the league decided at a meeting on July 14 to play the series of competition games as originally set down for Saturday and to donate the net proceeds of the gate at Erskineville Oval (the only revenue producing ground under the league’s control) to the fund for disabled soldiers and sailors.(Referee P8, 23/7/1919)
Reserve grade re-commences in 1919. (Referee P9, 14/5/1919)
NSWAFL
In a match between Paddington and Newtown at Erskineville Oval the surface and weather was so wet that Paddington's first grade refused to take the ground. The club's committee requested the reserve grade to remain on the ground to take their place. They said they would if they received dry jumpers and shorts. They didn't and the Paddington team forfeited with the spectators receiving their money back. (Football Record 1937)
Australian Football Council
Melbourne, 27 & 29 December 1919.
Delegates: Phelan & Butler
Paddington
Paddington have a hard time in fielding a senior team. On 16 July only five players turned out to play Newtown. Because their was confusion regarding an umpire, he also failed to materialise, the match was postponed and played on 23 August. (Referee P8, 23/7/1919)
Paddington have, for the present, apparently fallen from their high estate as a playing force. Illness and lack of enthusiasm by erstwhile prominent players, have contribited to their present downfall. (Referee P8, 9/7/1919)
Negotiations have been opened with the League by officials of the newly organised Lithgow club for an exhibition by Metropolitan teams at Lithgow. This matter is not easy at this juncture, unless teams are prepared to ake the trip at their own expense. Time was, before the war, when allowances from the then propaganda allotment of the AFC permitted help being granted teams willing to four the country when invited. Country enthusiasts can have but little conception of the financial standing of the leauge and its consistent clubs in and around Sydney. (Referee P8, 9/7/1919)
The Paddo V Newtown fixture at Erskineville Oval on 16 June draws the largest gate of the season. During the third quarter play was stopped whilst the umpire counted the players to find Paddington had 19 on the field. Paddington were then in the lead 7.3 to 5.13. Paddington’s score was annulled and the team had virtually no chance of overtaking their opposition’s score. They were defeated 6.18 to 4.4 (Referee P8, 18/6/1919)
The writer of the Referee again condems teams for their poor dress. (Referee 14/5/1919)
A team from HMAS Encounter was supposed to meet a team from Paddington reserve grade however the latter failed to turn up. A scratch match was arranged for the navy side who looked resplendid in their outfit. (Referee P8, 18/6/1919)
East Sydney wins the minor premiership from Newtown on percentage. (Although play offs for fourth position were still determined by a game between two sides rather than the percentage factor. I.G. 1997)
Sydney and Balmain play off in an ‘unscheduled’ match on 23 August to decide fourth position. A deferred match between Paddington and Newtown is played on the same weekend. (Referee P9, 27/8/1919)
Concern was shown by league officials should the season go too long and they have trouble securing grounds. (League General Meeting)
Jim Phelan writes that he considers from 1915-1923 was both the darkest and brightest period of the league. (F/Record 21/9/1935, P 14)
The writer from the ‘Referee’ asks “isn’t it time that each club is properly uniformed and late starts are a thing of the past”. (Referee 7.5.1919)
Reserve Grade
HMAS Encounter go through the season undefeated in reserve grade.(The Arrow P 11, 2/4/1920) Teams in the competition include Paddington (largely ex-Double Bay Schoolboys), Newtown, Ashfield Old Boys, Western Subs & HMAS Encounter (the RAN training establishment). (Referee 14/5/1919)
Ashfield old Boys field a team in the second grade. They play on Ashfield Park. (The Arrow 25/4/1919)
Stan Milton plays with East Sydney. (The Referee, P8, 24.9.1919).
The VFL financially support the fielding of a state schoolboys team at £40. (The Referee, P9, 10.9.1919). NSW defeated the Victorian Schoolboys team in Melbourne in early September, however there was a question as to the age of the players. (whether NSW took say U15 players whilst the Vics. Selected U14 players - I.G. - 1997) (The Referee, P9, 3.9.1919).
East Sydney
Travel to Lithgow on 30 August where they and defeat a local team 10.14 to 5.12. (The Referee, P9, 3.9.1919). The umpire, A. Fraser, from Sydney, wrote to the league complainig that he had to pay all of his expenses on the trip. It was resolved to reimburse Mr Fraser £1. (League general meeting minutes 8.9.1919)
Western Subs
Playing in the reserve grade arrange to visit Wagga on September 6 where they play a team from the local assn. (Referee P8, 20/8/1919)
Newcastle
Local endeavour has set the game going again in the Newcastle District. A permanent Association is about to be formed, and players of quality in and around the district are said to be all sufficient to form powerful teams. Country football is growing a pace in NSW. (Referee P9,6/8/1919)
A scratch match was played at Waratah in the Newcastle Dist. An Assn has been formed with a view to extending activities during next season, when, it is estimated, six senior teams will be formed. Mr Gribbin has been elected hon secretary to the Assn. (Referee P9,13/8/1919)
Lithgow
East Sydney have made arrangements to visit Lithgow on August 23 and play the newly formed Lithgow team, which includes old players from Carlton and Essendon club teams. (Referee P9,6/8/1919)
Grounds
Erskineville Oval was the only enclosed ground in the compeititon which the league leased. (F/Record 21/9/1935, P 14)
Moore Park is again, begrudginly used as a venue. (Referee P10, 4/6/1919)
At the last moment, the league was refused the use of the AFG to again ‘renew aquaintances’ with the Moore Park Ground for both senior and junior games. Up to April 26 the league was mapping out its season to use the ground. Teams using the ground for a practice game had been ordered off. It was revealed that a member of the trustees had assumed absolute ownership of the ground and forbidden its use by the NSW League. (Referee P9, 14/5/1919)
The Australian Football Ground,after a checkered career, has now passed into the hands of the Royal Aerial Company. The former caretaker, Mr W Prince is now engaged in that capacity by the company in control. It was a splendid football area, and many will regret it’t passing out of control of the once league trustees. There was, however, no alternative. (Referee P9,13/8/1919)
Wet weather causes the cancellation of games on 19 May. The decision gets a bagging from the writer in the Referee.(Referee P9, 21/5/1919)
From a photograph of the SCG, a bicycle track still surrounds the ground. (Referee).
General
A journo from The Referee complains about the dress of the Balmain players, in that they didn’t make an effort to dress according to their uniform. And then again he complimented the reserve grade teams of HMAS Encounter and Newtown on their turnout (dress). (Referee P5,30/7/1919)
Culcairn and Dist Assn is to affiliate with the NSW League. Hon Sec H W Papworth writes: “My Assn could have easily affiliated with Victoria but we wish to show up as strong as possible the NSW portion of the game”. The League has established a record this season in the matter of appplications from country associations, and it is estimated that the registered players in connection therewith will reach the 2000 mark. The players registered by the Southern Riverina Association alone total 319. There areother Assns such as Broken Hill and Albury not affiliated with the league. .(Referee P8, 23/7/1919)
A proposal is on foot for a country week in Sydney, during which the respective premier country assns teams and the metropolitan premier team will take part in a competition for the state championship. If it can be brought off the fit in with the visit of Sth Melb a combination fit to battle against the doughty southerns can be got together. .(Referee P8, 23/7/1919)
The Beckon-Barallen Assn, consisting of clubs from Kamarah, Ardelthan, Moomboddldool, Beckom and Barellan, has affiliated with the NSW League, and this formed another llink between the country and metropolis. .(Referee P8, 2/7/1919)
The NSW League granted applications for affiliation from the following country assns: Southern Riverina Football Assn. (Finley, Berrigan, Coreen and Tocumwal clubs); Bolagamy Dist Assn (clubs not named), South West Dist Football Assn (Leeton, Narandera, Grong Grong, Ganmain, Coolamon, Matong & Marrar clubs), Wagga United Football Assn (Wagga Lillies, Federals, Mangoplah and The Rock). .(Referee P9, 25/6/1919)
H W Smith, formerly Sec of Ariah Park Club, advised that teams have been formed and matches played at Tullibigeal, while correspondence from Lithgow states that a team is being formed in that centre. G P Anderson, who lately played with Collingwood, has returned to Uranquinty, and is now playing in the Wagga Dist competition. (Referee P9, 25/6/1919)
The decision of the VFL to petition the Aust Football Cncl for a conference with the NSW Rugby League has revived, and with more apparent determination than heretofore to solve the matter, the question of a universal code for Australia. Conference with the Rugby League in Melbourne, and in which Mr C M Hickey, secretary of the Council, took part in November, 1914, duly evolved a game and plan of playing ground which was submitted by Mr C M Hickey to State league Delegates. In other and perhaps more important matters affecting the Australian game as it stands today, the VFL has stated that the Aust Council is practically a defunct body. It will be intersting to NSW patrons of the g ame at least to note whether this latest move of the VFL will galvanise the Aust Council into life, and what part covetous eyes on big gate receipts and more money for players will play in the proceedings.
1920
In the 29 Sept issue of the Referee there is a photo of the NSW & Vic teams together with action photos.
East Sydney Capt: … Cross
Sydney : Secretary - Harry Cox,
From reading the minutes of the league’s meetings it appeared that in this season the draw was made up ‘on the run’. The first 5 rounds were confirmed at a meeting on April 27 whilst the remainder, May 29 - July 31, were arranged by a sub committee on May 17 - (IG - 1997)
Further research has revealed that initially, the league only had the use of two enclosed grounds: Erskineville and Hampton Ovals. After round 3 at a meeting of the league’s match committee, it was resolved to give two teams a ‘bye’ each weekend. This meant that only the two enclosed grounds were used, providing a weekly income for the league through gate takings. Previous to this Moore Park and Ruschcutters Bay Ovals were used as the third ground.
Although this bye system continued on an ah hoc basis, from round 6 (12 June), another enclosed ground, S.C.G. No. 2 was used where available.
Only 10 rounds were played in 1920. Representative matches were played on 10 July and on the first three weekends in August. The latter was played between the end of round 10 and the finals. (Quite an unusual situatio).(SMH 19.5.1920)
Trumper Park (formerly Hampton Oval) was acquired (used) by the league. Stan Milton (ES) represents NSW for the first time.
The NSWAFL hold their annual meeting on Monday 22 March whilst the second grade Assn hold their annual meeting in early on 29 March. The Federal Taxation and a team from the Suburb of Epping appear likely to enter teams in the 2nd grade competition. (Arrow Fri 19/3/1920)
In the league’s AGM on 22 March, the secretary’s annual report stated that from a financial and playing viewpoint, the 1919 season had been successful. Concerning the coming season the prospects were particularly bright. The league would not be hampered for want of enclosed grounds and negotiations were proceeding for visits from one or more Victorian teams. (SMH 24.3.1920)
The annual report showed an income of £365.2.11 and expenditure of £365.1.11 with a profit of £72.1.0. (Minutes of the March 22 League Annual General Meeting)
Messrs J E Phelan and E Mcdonald were elected as joint hon secretaries of the league. (Minutes of the March 22 League Annual General Meeting)
Mr David Bullas of the East Sydney Club (who also umpired) was elected as a life member of the league. (League general meeting minutes 27.4.1920)
Season tickets, entitling a lady and gent to the ground were to be sold at 6/- each. A separate lady ticket at 3/- was also decided to be issued. (Minutes of the March 22 League Annual General Meeting)
Interstate
The League representative team visited and played Queensland on July 10. M. McInerery (Paddington) was the captain and V. Kenny (Newtown). The team paid their own travelling fares in the tour. (League general meeting minutes 19.7.1920)
Sth Sydney
Mr A Conlan of 72 Dowling St Redfern spoke of efforts by him to try to re-form the Sth Sydney club. (Minutes of the March 22 League Annual General Meeting)
Affiliation fees per club were four guineas. (Minutes of the March 22 League Annual General Meeting) (Remember, the league took the gate takings).
Owing to Mr Bannon not seeking re-election, Mr J F McNeil was unanimously appointed president and owing to increased work a joint secretary was given Mr J E Phelan in the person of Mr Edward McDonnell. (SMH 24.3.1920)
The League Secretary, J E Phelan, submitted his resignation on 19 January because of the workload. The matter was dealt with at a general meeting of the league on 9 February where, eventually, Mr A S Provan was appointed as Asst Secretary for the remainder of the (football) year - to March. (Minutes of the Feb 9 League General Meeting)
There it was indicated that HMAS Encounter plus additional teams in Northern Suburbs (Epping), Sth Sydney and the Federal Taxation Dept would be added to the competition. The name of the organistion was changed to the NSW Football Association to control second grade and junior football. E W Butler was elected as president. (The Arrow P 11, 2/4/1920)
Umpires
The NSW Australian Football Umpires Assn formed in May. D. Harrod was elected president whilst L. Errington as secretary-Treasurer. (Referee 14.7.1920)
Later it was stated that Leo Harry was the founding secretary of the NSW Umpires Assn, a position he held for 10 years (to end 1929). (The Arrow P12 13.9.1929)
Field Umpires were to be paid 7/6 per match. . (League general meeting minutes 12.4.1920)
The league resolved to provide umpires for the South West Assn providing that they pay the umpires’ fees of £2 per game and travel expenses. (League general meeting minutes 10.5.1920)
A move to allow the new umpires’ assn a seat on the league was not granted. (League general meeting minutes 10.5.1920)
Umpires asked for a seasons ticket for each umpire. It was resolved that boundary umpires be not empowered to report players unless they were officially appointed by the league. (League general meeting minutes 10.5.1920)
Following an inquiry from the Culcairn Assn in July, as to the cost of obtaining umpires it was resolved that the fee would be three giuneas with return rail fare and 6/- living expenses. (League general meeting minutes 5.7.1920)
In interstate games, it was resolved that central umpires be paid twenty five shillings per game and boundary umpires five shillings. (League general meeting minutes 2.8.1920)
Admission Prices
Admission was set at adults: 6 pence plus ½ penny tax. Chidlren 3 pence. . (League general meeting minutes 12.4.1920)
Railway Club
The Railway club had been granted admission to the league upon submission of a letter and subsequent agreement to produce their constitution. Mr Phelan complained at the April 27 general meeting of the league that several members of ‘another’ club had been approached at the Railway Workshops with a view to changing clubs. (League general meeting minutes 27.4.1920)
Sought permission to visit and play Newcastle on July 10. (League general meeting minutes 21.6.1920)
Reserve Grade
Comprised: Nthn Dists, Western Subs, Paddington, Newtown & Sth Sydney, Federal Dept of Taxation, Ashfield (Referee)
Newtown
Visits and plays a Riverina team in early June. (League general meeting minutes 21.6.1920)
Sydney
In the game Sydney V Paddington on 3 July, only half of the Sydney turned up. Paddington won 15.12 to 3.5. (Referee)
Newcastle
Mr J W Evans, hon secretary of the Northern Districts League sought be letter, affiliation with the league which was subsequently granted. . (League general meeting minutes 12.4.1920)
In a match which was a curtain raiser to a representative game, Newtown 17.14 defeated Newcastle 4.17 at Erskineville val on 10 July. (Referee)
Due to a misunderstanding in the use of Rushcutters Bay Oval, the Paddington V Balmain game of 1 May was quickly transferred to the nearby Hampden Oval. This then necessitated the reduction of the quarters to 15 minutes each. (SMH 3.5.1920)
At the AGM the league agreed to enter into a bond of £100 as an Amusement Tax Bond, with the Insurance Office of Aust. (League general meeting minutes 22.3.1920)
Grounds
The Paddington Council indicated by letter that the Hampden Oval would be available for school matches of a Friday during the season. (League general meeting minutes 12.4.1920)
Grounds 5 & 6 at Moore Park had been allotted to the league for the season. (League general meeting minutes 27.4.1920)
NSW Football Assn
The NSW Australian Football Association for second and third grades had their constitution and rules adopted by the league after amending the part which provided for juniors who played in league (1st grade) semi finals or finals ‘and for that season to apply for a permit to b regraded as juniors. (League general meeting minutes 10.5.1920)
Secretary of the Assn was S. Hodgson. Other members included, F. Brock, N. Emmerton, J. Marsfield & E. Phelan. (League general meeting minutes 6.9.1920)
A perusal of the SMH during the season reveals the following teams played ‘third grade’: Newtown, Erskineville & Sth Sydney.
Schools
Mr J Braniff a teacher at the Petersham School wrote to the league requesting a donation of a football. Four members opposed the donation citing that a precedence would be set., the president, J F McNeill said he would donate the ball. (League general meeting minutes 12.4.1920)
A schools coach was to be employed at a maximum of thirty shillings per week for four weeks as a schools coach. (League general meeting minutes 12.4.1920) A Mr Burke, applied for the position and was subsequently employed. At the next meeting of the league it was resolved to pay Mr Burke travelling expenses. (League general meeting minutes 10.5.1920)
Mr Rupert Browne informed the league that the game would be played in 19 schools in 1920 as opposed to 12 in 1919. (League general meeting minutes 27.4.1920)
Regarding the schools, Mr R.L. Browne’s report announced that a visit to Tasmania was being arranged as well as the customary tour to Victoria. (SMH 24.3.1920)
The directors of ANA (I think this is the Aust Natives Assn., a group which were predominent during and leading up to Federation - IG 1997) presented a silver shield for competition amongst schools. (League general meeting minutes 7.6.1920)
The VFL advised that they would pay the inter state schools teams fares to Melbourne as usual and that a Victorian school team would visit Sydney. (League general meeting minutes 21.6.1920)
General
The league appointed a ‘Adverse Match Committee’. (League general meeting minutes 12.4.1920)
Discussion to place on the numbering of players. Mr Sheehan objected stating that in NSW clubs were consistently changing their players and at present the practice, whilst desireable was not practicable. (League general meeting minutes 10.5.1920)
The Sydney store of Grace Bros. wrote and asked the league for a supply of rule books because of several inquiries they had had from country clients. (League general meeting minutes 7.6.1920)
Two hundred copies of the ABC Guide (to football) was purchased for distribution to country and city clubs at two pence each. (League general meeting minutes 5.7.1920)
Randwick Football Club
A letter regarding the admission of the Randwick Football Club was ‘allowed to lay on the table’. (League general meeting minutes 27.4.1920)
Country Affiliates
The following country leagues had been accepted as affiliated bodies to the NSWAFL: South West Dist., Northern Dist FL, Ardlethan Assn., Coreen District FL., Walla Walla Assn forwarded a protest from the Burrumbuttock Club. (League general meeting minutes 5.7.1920) , Milbrulong F.Assn (League general meeting minutes 5.7.1920)
An inquiry was received from P R Fitzgerald of lake Cargelligo regarding rule books and forming a club. (League general meeting minutes 5.7.1920)
Around this time much of the league’s time was taken up with protests etc., from Riverina Clubs.
1921
Captains: Newtown: Billy McKenzie. (Melb.FC 1909-15) (1934 F/R 2/6 P12).
Nth Shore: D. Baird
NSWAFL
Plays Qld in Brisbane (twice) and then in Ipswich.
NSW defeat Tas. at Erskineville Oval.
The Southern Districts Football Council is formed and enrols all associations previously affiliated with the NSW League, and others who have affiliated. ‘Fees are to be paid to the secretary, Mr Haines of Wagga. Several associations, including Wagga, have been forwarding fees to the Sydney body, which is wrong, and entails extra time in reforwarding them to Wagga. Will others please note?’ (The Referee, P13, 11.5.1921).
The affiliation of the Culcairn District Football Assn with the NSW League has been followed by an application from the Albury Border Football Assn. The application of the latter body affords strong evidence of the growing power of the NSW League. The business of the league has developed to such an extnt that it has been found necessary to appoint an assistant hon secretary who will attend daily at the league rooms, Sports Club, Sydney. Notces to that effect have been sent to each league club in Vic., S.A., W.A., & Tas. The NSW league have written to the S.A. League with a view to inaugurating home-and-home matches between representative teams from each state this season. The prospects for the season are excellent. ‘The sale of membership tickets has already exceeded that of last season and as the number is limited, intending purchases will need to do so early’. In keep with the public patronage anticipated, the league has drawn up regulations which should effectively deal with the recalcitrant or unruly player, the late starting of matches and the proper uniforming of players. (The Referee, P13, 27.4.1921).
Attendances more than doubled for practice games compared with 1920 with officials of the league suggesting that competition matches will show a like result. (The Referee, P13, 27.4.1921).
Nth Shore
Former St Kilda & Sth Melb player D. Baird revives the almost defunct Nth Shore Club. Other former VFL players to turn out with north include: Bryan Rush (Collingwood 1913-14), Les Charge (Sth 1910-1915), Tom Fitzmaurice (Ess 1918-1920, Geel. 1925-28 (coach), Nth. 1932-35 (coach in 1934) - this fellow was transferred to Sydney in the Bank. He was a rather renowned player and ruckman. He captained NSW against Victoria whilst playing with Nth. & Fred O’Shea (Ess. 1910-12). (1934 F/R 2/6 P12).
Sth Sydney
Plays a team from Lithgow at Erskineville Oval on 20 July winning 12.11 to 4.3.
Paddington
Play George Watson, a former rugby player ‘who appears to possess qualities that may turn him into a fair footballer. He is a good drop kick, though like most rugby players, greatly favours the high punt. (The Referee, P13, 11.5.1921). It is this player who wins the 1923 1st grade goalkicking.
Newcastle
Four teams compete: BHP, Nail Works, Nth Wallsend and Abermain.
The Newtown Club played ‘Newcastle’ on the Merewether Oval on 2 July.
Reserve Grade
The reserve grade comprised of: Newtown, Railway, Paddington, Ashfield & Sth Sydney. (Referee)
Balmain
The writer of the Referee quotes the Balmain side wearing black & yellow. (Referee)
1922
NSWAFL
At the April 14 Annual Meeting the league annual report revealed that a record £2,000 passed through their books in 1921, which consituted a record since 1903. (The Arrow P8, 14 April 1922) (I suspect that it would be a record of any sort to this state, regardless of the year - I.G. 1997) It was anticipated that this figure would be eclipsed in 1922.
It was anticipated that a new team, Police Force would compete in the first grade increasing the number of teams to eight. It was also anticipate that the following new teams would boost the number competiting in the second grade competition: Botany, East Sydney, St George, Hawkesbury College and Strathfield. (The Arrow P8, 14 April 1922)
Australian Football Council
6 & 8 November 1922 Melbourne
Delegate: Jim Phelan
NSW moves the following motions:
"That a crossbar be placed across the two goalposts" - lapsed for the want of a seconder
"3 points for a goal" - lapsed for the want of a seconder
"That throwing the ball be permitted" - lapsed for the want of a seconder
(AFC Bound Minutes)
Grounds
The league suffered from a severe ground shortage with a result that two teams had to stand down each weekend. When Sydney started the competition was in a very weak state, suggestions came forward that ‘the club should drop out therefore leaving only one team with a bye each weekend’. (The Referee, P12, 3.5.1922)
The annual report further states:: ‘Extra playing areas at Ashfield Park and Penshurst have been secured for the juniors. For the seniors Alexandria Oval has been secured whilst Erskineville and Hampden Ovals have been retained. (The Arrow P8, 14 April 1922)
Schools
(The) four high schools, Burwood, Petersham, Kogarah and Technical, with the possibility of Fort Street and Canterbury ‘will play for a cup given by the league’. (The Arrow P8, 14 April 1922)
Newcastle
Five teams would make up the competition in Newcastle: Newcastle, Wallsend, Nail Works, Aberman (sic) and Steel Works. ‘The new national park has been secured on six days and being enclosed should do much to improve the standard of play’. (The Arrow P8, 14 April 1922)
East Sydney
Stan Milton plays for East Sydney.
(The Referee, P12, 3.5.1922)
Illawarra
It would appear that 1922 was the first year the Illawarra team competed (Evidence of a club in 1906-7 - IG). They played most of their home games at Penshurst Park. Although not yet confirmed, it would also appear that this club/team was the precursor to the St George Club.
Police Team
‘New side, Police are big and strong but many do not know much about the game’. (The Referee, P12, 3.5.1922)
Grades
East Sydney, Newtown, Paddington, Railway, North Shore, Police, Sydney, Balmain comprised the first grade whilst South Sydney, Ashfield, East Sydney, Railway, Paddington and Botany, Public Service, Newtown, Hawkesbury College & Illawarra made up the reserve grade. Strathfield, Newtown, Glenmore (Road), Illawarra, South Sydney, Dockyards & Gardeners Road.
1923
Captains: Paddington: Tom Rees,
Grounds
The NSW Rugby League are upset in losing North Sydney Oval to Australian Football. The NSWAFL outbid the rugby league for the ground to secure the two North Sydney Ovals. North Sydney Rugby League Club are particularly upset seeing that in 1922 they were premiers and had attraced the largest crowds to their games in their competition. They complain that in 1922 also the North Sydney Rugby League club’s revenue was the greatest and it ‘is extra-odrinary’ that the Australian Rules authorities are able to outbid them for use of the home ground’. They consider that in the district many Victorian enthusiasts are supporting the local (Aussie Rules) club. The Referee suggests ‘in this matter they have won a victory of much-moment and if the Shoremen of the Australian Rules show their game at its best, they will attract a strong following’. (The Referee, 11.4.1923)
The Rugby League had also lost the grounds at Sydney Uni, Wentworth Park, North Sydney and Manly. (The Referee, 11.4.1923)
Great joy was expressed in Melbourne over the capture by the NSWAFL the two first class ovals at North Sydney. The VFL demonstrated its feelings in a practical way by sending £150 by way of a loan to help it to meet a payment of £1960. (Referee P.13, 25.4.23) (which I imagine was for the North Sydney Grounds - IG 1997)
With the folding of the Public Service Club which had won the reserve grade premiership in 1922, most of their players went over to the Sydney Club. Amongst them was Bill McKoy who later went on to win several Phelan Medals.
Former St Kilda player, J. Armstrong plays with Sydney. Fitzroy player, H. McNeill transfers to Newtown. (The Referee, 2.5.1923)
Railway
Railway player, V. Huxley works at Gosford Railway Station.
Four Navy players, including Leo Cunneen (later to top tht league’s goalkicking) play for Newtown. (The Referee, 2.5.1923)
NSWAFL
Tom Rees captains NSW to victory over Victoria
The League considered deleting one team from the competition (Referee P.13, 11.4.1923)
Stan Milton
Plays with East Sydney.
Newcastle
A Sydney reserve grade team plays a combined Newcastle side at Erskineville Oval as a curtain raiser to NSW v Victoria on 18 August and win 10.14 to 5.3. A return match is proposed which the Sydney team cannot honour and apparently Newcastle then play the Ballarat FC in Newcastle on October 6. (SMH 20 Aug and 30 Aug 1923)
StKilda
StKilda advise they wish to visit Sydney and play a mid week game against the Sydney premiers, Sydney, which was played on 27 September at Erksineville. St Kilda win 17.15 to 9.15 before 1500 people midweek. (SMH 28 Sept 1923)
1924
Newtown
Sec: J E Phelan, Treas: M. Jacobs.
NSWAFL
Annual meeting held on Mon 24 March at the Sydney Sports Club. The league senior competition will comprise seven teams; Police having dropped out. The second grade assn will control twenty teams, an increase of three whilst the schools competition will total close on thirty teams against 19 last year. (Referee P13, 19.3.1924)
Australian Football Council
6 - 16 August 1924 at the VFL Rooms, Hobart
Delegate: A J Curran (probably tied up with NSW Team)
Alteration to rules by NSW
"That if a player is injured, he may be replaced by another" - lapsed for the want of a seconder
"That the value of a goal be changed to 5 points" - lapsed for the want of a seconder
"That players who the umpires considers are guilty of rough play may be ordered from the field" lapsed for the want of a seconder
Mr Jim Phelan is voted a life member of the AFC
(AFC Bound Minutes 14 August 1924)
Grounds
The league would have control of Erskineville, North Sydney, Hampden and Alexandria Oval. The league is spending £300 at Erskineville Oval to improve accommodation. Some matches to be played on the Agricultural Ground. (Referee P13, 19.3.1924)
An all states carnival is held in Hobart between August 6-16. At the same time the Australian Football Council holds a meeting there and during that time discuss some suggested changes to the rules. Vic. Suggests no change. NSW suggest the following: a cross bar, five points for a goal, two for hitting the posts and one for a behind. Umpires to have the power to order players off the field and injured players able to be replaced in the first half. (Referee P13, 11.6.1924)
Newtown look safe for the premiership however great play by Paddington's, Rees and Milton gave them victory right on full time with a kick from the latter, the league's leading full forward.
The Sydney Junior League, comprising 14 teams, defeated the Senior NSW state team, 8-11 to 5-8. Players from that junior side who went on to star in senior football included P. Flynn who kicked 19 goals in a game, R. Smith of Newtown who later played 16 games with Nth Melb in 1928 and Jack Hayes of Rosebery who played 13 games with Footscray in 1931 and later became Capt/Coach of St George and then Sth Sydney.
Newcastle
Sydney second grade combination defeat Newcastle 15.19 to 6.15 at Erskineville Oval on 16 Aug (SMH 18 Aug 1924)
Umpires
A number of umpires indicated their unavailability to officiate in the seasons final between Newtown and Railway FCs. All resign after the league appoints a VFL umpire, Alex Mutch to the game and the following match. (SMH 10/13/20 Sept 1924)
1925
Coaches: Sydney - Jack Stewart
Presidents: Paddington - J F McNeil.
Secretaries: East Sydney - E W Butler. Paddington - B. Hollis.
NSWAFL
In September the New South Wales Football League, following a recommendation by a Committee of Inquiry, decided by a majority of 9 votes to play District Football in 1926. It was reported that this was the most important step in football legislation since the league was reformed in 1903 and ‘is bound to have far reaching effects’. (The Arrow, P5, 4/9/1925)
It was also reported ‘it was recognized that the game was in danger, and it was felt that the onus lie on the league to stir itself into a determined effort to do something to advance it’. (The Arrow, P5, 4/9/1925)
In a few short sentences, it stated the condition of the game in Sydney, and the remedy. (The Arrow, P5, 4/9/1925)
Two reasons for recommending a change of policy were the lack of interest displayed in club games, and the low standard of play. (The Arrow, P5, 4/9/1925)
The proposed districts were North Sydney, South Sydney, Eastern Suburbs and Central (Sydney-Balmain-Glebe). Provision was also made for the two districts of Western Suburbs and St George, which will be regarded as unallotted territory, ‘and when they show they have the organization they will be admitted as district clubs”. (The Arrow, P5, 4/9/1925)
An alternative proposal was made by J F McNeil, president of the Paddington Club, that the committee should draw up a scheme to admit six clubs. This was accepted and the result will be discussed at a meeting of the League on September 14. (The Arrow, P5, 4/9/1925)
The league president, Mr H Ryall, dissenting vigorously from the recomendations.. (The Arrow, P5, 4/9/1925) He was noted as league president on 20 May.(SMH 20.5.1925)
Mr Jim Phelan is revered as ‘the father of the game in Sydney’. (The Arrow, P5, 4/9/1925)
Those who spoke strongly in favour of the district scheme were Messrs. Hoc Keys, G H Anderson, Jim Phelan, Rupert Browne and the leauge secretary, A A Kerr. (The Arrow, P5, 4/9/1925)
Umpires
Seek a conference with the league however the league denied the request. (SMH 29.4.1925)
Juniors
A competition was mooted for Under 16 boys whilst because of only two entrants in the U18 competition, Sth Sydney and Newtown, the competition is abandoned. (SMH 2.5.1925)
The junior league failed to get off the ground and the senior league indicated it would control the under 16 competition consisting (at this stage) of Kogarah, Newtown and Sth Sydney. (SMH 8.5.1925)
Through force of circumstances the junior league will not function as a controlling body for junior games this season and the under 16 years competition the entrants for which are Kogarah, Netown and South Sydney will be controlled by the management committee of the league. (SHM 8 May 1924)
Grounds
Rugby league secures a three year lease of Wentworth Oval. Soccer last had the lease of the ground.(SMH 1.4.1925)
Grounds used in the league include Erskineville, Hampden Oval, YMCA Ground (AFG) and Alecxandria Oval.
A major dispute occurs in in the Riverina where country clubs reduced the ‘city’ clubs recruiting area to the municipality in which they operate whilst country clubs can play players who reside within a 30 mile radius of the particular centre. A compromise was reached limiting the city clubs recruiting zone to 10 miles north of the Murrumbidgee River, then a further compromise of 5 miles north of the river. (SMH 23.4.1925)
The Federal and Royal Stars Clubs seceded from the Wagga United Football Assn as a result of the problems with players’ residential rule. (SMH 27.4.1925)
Further problems at Wagga were revealed with the admission of two new country clubs, Cookardinia and Collingullie indicating poor gates and more travelling etc. It was said that the new clubs weren’t up to it. (SMH 4.5.1925)
VFL Clubs
Both Richmond and Footscray play each other and NSW during September in Sydney. (SMH Sept 1925)
1926
Coaches: Sydney - Jack Stewart. Newtown - J. Sheehan.
Captains: East Sydney - Perc Chalmers. Newt - J J Sheehan
Interstate
Jack Stewart coached the NSW team. (F/Record 17 May 1941)
The Hurstville Municipal band plays before the NSW V Vic game at Erskineville Oval on 12 June. The match is broadcast on 2BL and relayed to Melbourne’s 3LO. (SMH 9.6.1926)
An estimated crowd of 12,000 watch the NSW V Vic match at Erskineville Oval on 12 June. (SMH 14.6.1926) PHOTOGRAPH OF GAME IN SMH 14 JUNE. ALSO FRONT PAGE OF REFEREE 16/6/1926.
For the second match against Victoria in Melbourne on July 24, Riverina players: E. Justice, A. Campbell (Matong), C. Cooper, S. Rees (Marrar), J. Duffin (Ganmain), D. Ayres (Leeton), R. Armstrong (Junee) are included in the side. (SMH 14.7.1926)
The two other occasions when Riverina players were selected in state teams were in 1908 in the first national carnival and again in 1921. (SMH 14.7.1926)
A Thursday Morning Competition is recorded taking place between 1926-1929. Dowling Street Tram Depot was one of the teams taking part. (other football codes also had similar competition from tram depots at the time - IG).
A ‘national’ railways carnival including Victoria, Sth Aust and NSW takes place in April at Erskineville Oval. Sth Australia wins. (SMH 10.4.1926)
A suggstion came from E W Butler to secure a team from the Northern Territory to play in Sydney as a representative feature. (SMH 27.4.1926)
The league introduced a District Competition, negating private, company and government teams from competiting in the major league. East Sydney and Paddington join to become Eastern Suburbs. The joint meeting for the formation took place without any ill feeling. (SMH 19.3.1926)
‘The success of the district system has exceeded antincipation. The patronage accorded the matches this season has been of such a steady and progressive character that financial worries hold little place in the minds of the League’s officials’. (SMH 25.6.1926)
Seven South West District League players are included in the state team which played the VFL in Sydney.
Metropolis (Sydney) beat Nth Melbourne 9.4 to 7.9 in Sydney at the completion of the season, 25/9 and won in Brisbane against Queensland.
Twenty eight primary schools competed in competitions in Sydney particularly on the North Shore. No competition existed in High Schools.
A team is formed at the Sydney Teachers College.
League games were played on Marrickville Oval, Erskineville, Hampden, Chatswood, Nth Sydney & YMCA Ovals (AFG).
Sth Sydney establish a junior district competition.
The Sydney Competition played for the McCauley Cup (which I understand was a brand of whiskey - IG).
Miscellaneous
Charlie Gregory writes a column in the Sydney Mail (exact date unknown) on the first meeting which was convened to establish the game in Sydney in 1880. (1927 F/R No.17 P12)
The league hold their annual meeting on March 24 at the Sydney Sports Club. They declare a credit balance of £300. J F McNeil successfully moves that the word ‘rules’ be deleted from the code’s name and not used when referring to the game. The Sydney Sports Ground is used as a venue for games. The league is now called The NSW Australian Football League (SMH 26.3.1926)
On 12 April, at a league general meeting the subject of a paid secretary and securing central offices in Sydney were on the agenda. Nothing appear to come of the suggestions. (SMH 12.4.1926)
The league states that it intends to conduct competition for Under 16 and U18 teams. (SMH 26.3.1926)
On 10 April, the SMH states that the league is conducting an under 17 competition in which HMAS Tingira will compete. Junior grades to commence on May 1. (SMH 10.4.1926)
The policy of a committee consisting of one member from each club to appoint umpires was replaced with an independent committee of three who have no club allegiance whatsoever. (SMH 28.8.1926)
Western Suburbs
The (new) 1926 team is largely comprised of players from the 1925 Railway and some East Sydney players who did not wish to join the newly formed Eastern Subs club. (SMH 3.5.1926)
North Shore
Are again publically referred to as North Shore. On 8 May for the first time a senior game is played between North and Newtown in front of a ‘splendid gathering’. (SMH 10.5.1926)
Crowds
A record crowd for a club games attends Erskineville Oval on 29.5.26 to see the match between Wests & Newtown. (SMH 31.5.1926)
Schools
Northern: Lane Cove, Artarmon, Willoughby, Gordon, Chatswood, Hornsby, Lindfield, Naremburn, Crows Nest, Neutral Bay & Mosman. Metropolitan: Gardiners Road, Glenmore Road, Double Bay, Epping, Erskineville, Newtown. (SMH 9.7.1926) A Mr L. McCallum is the prime mover behind the schools on the north side participating in the game. (SMH 30.7.1926)
Victorian Central Schools defeated Metropolitan Schools 70 to 44 at Chatswood Oval on 11 August. Jimmy Stiff is noted as kicking two goals for Metropolitan Schools. (SMH 12.8.1926)
In a return game, NSW defeat Vic schools 6.15 to 2.5 at Erskineville Oval on 14 August. (SMH 16.8.1926)
Before a crowd of 2,000 Newtown defeat S.A. club Alberton at Erskineville Oval 9-7 to 3-7 whilst in the main match, Metropolis 14.18 def Canberra 10.10 on 18 September. (SMH 20.9.1926)
On 25 September, Metropolis 9.4 def Nth Melbourne 7.9 at Erskineville Oval before a crowd of 3,000. (SMH 27.9.1926)
A photograph of the Sth Sydney V Western Subs game appears on Page 13 of the 25/8/1926 issue of the Referee
1927
Officials
Wests: Capt - Frank Bradley,
Newt: President - Tom English, Capt: Arthur Gloster,
North Shore: Capt- Harry London,
Sydney: Capt - Fred R Blackeby,
South: Capt: Jack Hayes,
East: Capt - Perce Chalmers.
Interstate
Carlton plays Geelong at the SCG on August 13 whilst a Sydney Metropolitan side plays Canberra as a curtain raiser.
21,229 attend the game deriving a gate of £1184.
In the main game the Mayor of Sydney (Ald J H Moyston) bounced the ball to start the game. The acting Hon Secretary of the League, Mr C l Larkey is credited with this game going ahead so smoothly. (1927 F/R No.18 P1)
Metropolis play Carlton on Erskineville Oval on August 20 whilst Geelong play Eastern Subs at Hampton Oval (Trumper Park) on Wednesday 17 August. Geelong win by 3 points whilst Easts player, Stan Milton kicks 11 goals on the VFL fullback, “Jocker” Todd.
6,000 attend the Carlton game which started at the early time of 2.45 thus enabling the Carlton contingent to catch the Melbourne train from Central at 7.15pm. (SMH 22.8.1927)
Queensland visits Sydney for a week at the end of July. They stay at the Arcadia Hotel, Pitt Street.
NSW defeats Qld easily on 30 July at Erskieville Oval before about 3,000. Qld are youthful and inexperienced whilst the NSw team are fully preparing for the carnival in Melbourne. (SMH 1.8.1927)
In an early match a combined team from the newly formed Junior League beat a team drawn from the South Sydney Districty Assn 6.12 to 5.15. (SMH 1.8.1927)
J. Sheehan & P. Chalmers coach the NSW team which plays in the ANFC Carnival in Melb. Four players will be added to the NSW squad from “the country”. Twenty four players in total travel.(1927 F/R No. 14, P3)
Milton did not represent NSW that year. Before the weekend of 4 June, Stan Milton had kicked 22 goals.
One local official said only NSW native players should represent the state.(1927 F/R No. 4, P6)
NSW defeated a representative team from the South Aust Football Assn 14.11 to 10.9 at Erskineville Oval on 24 Sept. (SMH 26.8.1927)
The Tramway Football Assn continued this season.
Marrickville and North Sydney Ovals are used in conjunction with other codes.
In a remarkable co-incidence, a draw took place between Eastern Suburbs and Newtown in round 10 played on 25 June in the first grade 6-14 to 7-8 and also in the reserve grade both kicking 2-4 each at Erskineville Oval. Easts reserve grade were unbeaten this season.
The NSW carnival team is announced which will play in Melbourne beginning August 10. Six players were selected from the country. The Sydney Sports Ground is used as a venue for games. (SMH 27.6.1927)
Sth Sydney Dist Comp.
Minor premiers Rosebery easily defeated Daceyville for the premiership (1927 F/R No.21, P 1). The club travels to Beechworth for an after season trip.
All Age
Conducted by Junior League, Teachers College, Sth Sydney, Paddington & Newtown all enter teams.
Sydney
Adopts new colours of Red & Blue. (1927 F/R P8, R2) Train on Jubilee Oval Glebe (1927 F/R 3, P8)
Nth Shore
Nth Shore complains “that the club could have a lean year due to all the old players dropping out - because of the age limit insisted on by the new committee and the transfer of some players”. (1927 F/R P1, weekend of N/S V Newt. 1st match)
Vice Captain, Bill Vockler is transferred to Wagga in his work. (F/R1927 N 8, P 1)
Eastern Subs
Encourage players to drink at the Darling Point Hotel. Membership fee is five shillings. They ask in their Football Record Notes for players to pay their membership fees. (what changes?? - IG 1997) The secretary asks club personnel who employ people to let him know if any players can get a job. (1927 F/R P1, weekend of N/S V Newt. 1st match)
Eastern Subs went through the season undefeated and thus, although they did draw one game against Newtown. There was no grand final.
Easts leave for a weekend in Wagga on 26 August and plays a combined Wagga side on the Sunday. (1927 F/R No.19 P1)
Easts, (then minor premiers) play Geelong at the Hampton Road Oval, Paddington on Wednesday 17 August. (1927 F/R No.17 P3) The match is played before about 2,000 onlookers with the ball bounced by the Mayor of Paddington, Ald W O’Sullivan. East were without the services of 5 of it’s best players who were in Melb with the state team. Milton booted 11 goals for East whilst Geelong’s captain, Rankin kicked 9. Geelong appeared to be hampered by the small ground and were slow to move. The scores were: Geelong: 5.3 10.8 15.10 18.17 ( 125) whilst East kicked 3.3 8.6 14.11 18.14 (122). Best for East were Milton, Crout, Saunders, Green, and Dunn. (SMH 18.8.1927)
Easts reserve grade were unbeaten this season.
NSWAFL
Notes in it’s official journal, The Australian Football News, that “Lance Leak, that fine rover, has gone to Darwin, there to play with the Blacks - and they have fine teams too!” (1927 P6, weekend of N/S V Newt. 1st match)
The publication also gave news of interstate happenings which in a manner gave an inference to readers that football was one big happy family.
The league spends one hundred pounds on improvements to Erskineville Oval.
The League employed a part-time secretary on an honorarium of one hundred pounds.
Federal Distilleries Pty Ltd donated a premiership shield. It was called The Old Court Whisky Shield. (1927 F/R No.19 P1)
The league brags of new junior teams “springing up in all districts... The South Sydney club has already an Association of five clubs and they are now assured of a fine crop of young players to draw from in the future” (1927P7, weekend of N/S V Newt. 1st match)
The league holds a dance on 20 June at the Paddington Town Hall on 20 June to raise funds to equip the Carnival team with blazers and caps. (F/R1927 N 7, P 6)
League president, H. Smith spends some time in America during the season. Mr A. McWhinney was elected onto the league’s management committee during the season. (F/R1927 N 9, P 8 Jim Phelan’s writings)
First Grade Leading Goalkickers up to 8 July S. Milton (ES) 34, Cameron (S) 25, Rooke (NS) 25, Jack Hayes (SS) 20, Ferguson (S) 19.
Reserve Grade 14 July - Harry Radford (ES) 12
Grounds
Sydney Sports Ground, Erskineville Oval, Marrickville Oval, Hampden Oval, Marrickville Oval, North Sydney Oval,
Western Subs
Known as Magpies. Train at Marrickville Oval Wednesday Evenings commencing at 7.20pm. (1927 P9, weekend of N/S V Newt. 1st match)
Sydney
Train at Jubliee Oval, Glebe Point on Tuesday & Thursday nights
Umpires
“For the first time in the history of the game in this state an innovation is being tried in the matter of the appointment of umpires. Instead of the old practice, where the umpire was selected by representatives of the clubs, his appointment is now in the hands of an independent tribunal. The League has appointed as the first tribunal three men well known in the game in the state, and whose qualifications to carry out the work cannot be questioned. These men are messrs. C S Armstrong, the former Newtown players and state selector, C W Pedler, formerly captain of Eastern Suburbs and representative teams and Goldie Thomas, a stalwart of the East Sydney Club.
With absolute freedom from club control, umpires should be in a better position to gve service to the game. It is the umpire who makes or mars the game, and at no time should he countenance any unseemly actions on the field. The independent board has previously been in force in Western Aust and Tas., and has this season been adopted by the VFA.” (1927 F/R P6, weekend of N/S V Newt. 1st match)
Umpires Officiating: 1sts: N H Williams, F. O’Grady, B. Coleman,
Juniors
Under 17 teams: Paddington, Bondi, Erskineville & Newtown. Games played at Waverley Oval, Moore Park and Jubilee Park Glebe, C. Crane is Secretary of the junior league. (1927 F/R P6, R2)
Tramways Comp.
Sec of Tramways Football Assn writes stating that the Tramways Troubs. “Have taken on the Aussie Game with already 6 teams entering. They play on Wed Mornings on Hampden & Erskineville Oval.
General
The F/Record notes that comments were made in those days following the lines: “Why don’t the league do more for the game?”
Jim Phelan
A testimonial “smoke night” is held for J E Phelan at the School of Arts, Newtown on Thursday June 9 to pay homage to one who has done so much for the Australian Game.
The Sydney Sports Ground is used as a venue for games. (SMH 13.6.1927)
1928
Presidents: Nth Shore - S H Donnelly.
Captains: Newtown - Arthur Gloster
Secretaries: Eastern Subs - A. McWhinney. Nth Shore: Sid Sweet,
Treasurer: Nth Shore - W. Suhan,
NSWAFL
Mr S H Donnelly (also president of North Shore) was elected president of the league. Mr W W Smith was unable to stand for re-election owing to business. (Referee, P11, 21/3/1928)
Mr A. McWhinney was elected secretary owing to the resignation of Alec A Kerr who took the position of chairman of the management committee. (Referee, P11, 21/3/1928)
The annual report stated that the past season could not be regarded as favourable. Attendances in the early part of the season showed a marked increase, they diminsed later and the absence of a grand final showed in the gate receipts. There was a surplus on the season of £44 after making providion for the writing off of an amount of £100 sinking fund on account of improvements at Erskineville Oval. Receipts for the season were £3115. Expenses £2956. Club games returned £969 as against £1056 the previous year. Ground rentals were £868, visiting teams accounted for £743, umpires £249 and advertising £280. (Referee, P11, 21/3/1928)
Newtown
Newtown's Leo Cunneen kicked 17 goals against Western Suburbs at Marrickville Oval on 14 July.
North Shore
Held their annual meeting in the first week in March. Club enthusiasm had been at a low ebb. President, S H Donnelly gives the players and supporters a rev. up at the meeting. (Referee, P14, 14/3/1928)
Interstate Football
NSW plays Queensland in the first interstate game since 1914. The team is listed on page 15 of the Football Record of 2 June 1934. Players contributed two pound ten towards the expenses for the trip. (1934 F/R 2/6 P15)
1929
Clubs
Presidents: Sydney, A.E. Warne. Sth Sydney - Dick Harper.
Captains: Newtown - Arthur Gloster. Sth Sydney - Harry Woolnough. Syd: Emmett McGuire,; StG: H. Ryan
Secretaries: Newtown- Tim Hayes, Wests:Bill Knot;
Interstate
NSW play Qld in Brisbane on 6 July (Brisbane Rugby League Programme 6 July).
NSW v Victoria SCG 8 June (F/R 8 June)
NSW v Tasmania SCG 22 June (F/R 22 June)
NSW are defeated by WA Club, Perth 12.15 (87) to 12.6 (78) at the SCG on Sat 3 August (SMH 5 Aug 1929)
NSWAFL
Newtown went through the season unbeaten to win their second successive premiership. A challenge match between Newtown and a make up of the other clubs was played on 6 October.
(Referee, P13, 25/9/1929)
a photograph of the Newtown team appears on page 13 of The Referee of the 25 September issue.
Parkes and Forbes
Newtown and South Sydney Club visit and play in the NSW Country towns of Forbes and Parkes in the first week of June. (F/R P3 June 8)
St George
“Representations at the league’s annual meeting by a strong and indluential coterie of business residents is the St George district resulted in the recission of a motion, previously carried by the league refusing the newly formed St George District Club admission into league ranks. Following the recission of the motion denying St George District Club admission into league ranks a motion granting admission of the club to league ranks was carried on division. Ir accordancw with the lealgue’s rules, St George Club will have to field bot a league and reserve grade team” (SMH 20 March 1929)
St George
St George enter the 1st grade competition. Andy Glass, Bank Manager, is foundation president and continues in this role finishing in 1949.
Umpires
‘Leo Harry, secretary and founder of the NSW Aust Rules Umpires’ Assn will retire at the end of the season after ten years meritorious service. Mr Harry refers with pride to the fact that, when he formed the Association of Umpires, ten years ago, they were paid 2/6 a match. To-day, they are paid £1.2.6. Mr Harry’s loss will be almost irreparable. (Arrow, P12, 13/9/1929).
Fred Davies
Stan Milton, the league’s most prolific goalkicker over 15 years rates Fred ‘Snowy’ Davies as ‘the best footballer the code in this state has produced’.
At seventeen, Fred played for NSW against Victoria in 1925 in Melbourne. ‘so brilliantly did he acquit himself in the centre, that ‘Barny’ Carr, the crack Victorian did not get a kick from the first bounce until half time. He signed with Fitzroy in 1929 and later returned to Sydney where he captained and coached St George. (Football Record 1937)
He captains NSW against Qld in Brisbane on 6/7/29. (Brisbane Rugby League Football Record, 6/7/1929)
Newtown
Newtown are defeated by Western Aust Club, Perth at Erskineville Oval on Tues. 6 August 13.14 (92) to 7.10 (52)(Souvenir Programme 6 Aug)
A grand final action photo appears on P.14 of 23.9.1929 issue of the SMH
1930
Offials
Newtown: Capt: Eric. Donald. Secretary: JJ Sheehan,
North Shore: Secretary: J. Murphy. 93 Ben Boyd Rd Neutral Bay.
Eastern Subs: Secretary: T J Lawler. (then) Stan Milton 136 Clovelly Rd Clovelly. Capt: Sam Organ,
Sth Sydney: Secretary: L. Sheeley 90 Gardiners Road Rosebery. Capt: Jack Fidler,
Sydney: Secretary: Don Gray 50 Allen Street, Glebe. Capt: F. Emsley
St George: Secretary: A E Stoneham 5 Chapel St Kogarah.
NSWAFL
W G Simmonds wins the Keys (now Sanders) Medal for B & F in the reserve grade. He came from Sth Australia in 1915 and played with Newtown to the end of 1922. He then transferred to Sydney and then in 1927 transferred to Nth Shore. He talks his life in Sydney Football and of the friendships etc. he made in an article written in the Football Record. (1934 F/R 19/5 P14-15)
League Treasurer, Mr H Gordon Harris recorded a profit in the league. The first time in six years. (FR P 7, 13 June 1931)
Newtown
On 14 June, E. Phelan plays his 122nd consecutive game with the club.
St George
Train at Earl Park.
Umpires
Strike for higher fees. (SMH)
Umpires Cup
In 1930 the league’s best & fairest was known as the “Umpires’Cup”.
1st & Reserve Grade
1st grade plays for the Old Court Sheild whilst reserve grade play for the Angus & Coote Shield.
1931
Coaches: Jim Quinn, Newtown. Sydney: Dave Ryan. Sth Sydney - Arthur Gloster.
Presidents: Ald. Harold Falvey, Sth Sydney: A. Herbert, Nth: S H Donnelly
Captains: St George: Perc Cahmbers then Doug Sanders (res.) then Perc Chambers.
Easts: Sam Organ, Nth - Dave Elliman, Sth - Harry Woolnough, Sydney - Jack Hagley, (V.C.) W. R. McKoy,
Secretaries: Newtown, E. Matherson 10 Emu St Canterbury. Nth Shore, J.R. Matthews. Eastern Subs, Stan Milton. Sth Sydney, E. Sheeley. Sydney, J.E. Grey 106 Roscoe St Bondi. St George W. Donald 18 Palmerston Rd Kogoarah
Treasuer: Sth Syd: A. Green. Nth: W H Suhan. East: F J Clarke, Newtown: Eddie Phelan.
At a league meeting it was unanimously decided to support an alteration of the rules in favour of reverting to the old flick pass, which was in operation in 1925.
The South Australian League is circularising the various states by a rotary letter. Victory was strongly in favour of this flick last season, so unless there is a change of front, the league will vote for it.
It is unlikely, however, that it will be passed, as W.A. and Tas. may oppose it.
NSWAFL
First grade play for the “Old Court Shield” whilst Reserve Grade competes for the “Angus & Coote Shield”.(F/R P4 4 July 1931)
Mr Bert Warne, a popular comedian of the day and vice president of the league and an official of the Sydney club. He donated the “Bert Warne Cup” for the best & fairest player of the league.
This was arrived at by football supporters sending in coupons cut from the Football Record setting out who they considered “fairest and most brilliant player in the league”. (F/R P15 4 July 1931)
Hampton Road Oval changes it’s name to Trumper park (4/7/1931 F/R No. P3)
Newtown player, Wally Minogue transfers to Footscray. (4/7/1931 F/R)
Sth Sydney player, Jack Hayes transfers to Footscray where he plays .. games. (11/6/1932 Football Record. P4)
Sth Sydney player, Herb Stiff plays 100 first grade games in R5 against Newtown.
Umpires Assn
President: W. Challender. Sec/Treas: Jack King
1932
NSW plays Victoria on June 11 at the SCG.
Clubs
Secretaries: Newtown: E. Matherson. Sydney: J.E. Grey. Nth Shore: P.A. Duff Flat 3, Craignish Hall McMahons Point., Eastern Subs: Stan Milton 7 Conwey Ave Randwick. St George: R K Ross 8 Lister Ave Rockdale, then Malcolm McPhail. Sth Syd: J. Vaughan 18 Park Ave Mascot. Newt: R. Williams 98 Swanson St Erskineville.
Presidents: Newtown - M.A. Shelley. Sth Sydney: A. Herbert.
Captains: East - F. Linney, Sth - Gordon Shennan, Nth: H V London, Sydney - Jack Hagley, Newt: G. White. St George: Jack Hayes. East: Perc Chalmers
To celebrate the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on 19 March, the league cancelled all existing disqualifications of players from that date.
The league presents player, W.R. McKoy with the football used in the NSW -v- Vic match, suitably inscribed in recognition of him playing 13 consecutive state matches.
Because reserve grade teams, St George and Nth Shore, finish on the same competition points, they play an extra game at the end of the home and away matches to decide fourth place.
Schools
Football is played at Wollahara Public School
Juniors
Dulwich Hill has a junior team.
Twenty one clubs are part of the NSWAFL. Some of them include: Newtown, Laureston Park (where the domestic terminal Mascot Airport now stands), Glebe, St George, Roseberry, Dulwich Hill, St Peters, Tramway (11/6/1932 Football Record. P11 & 12).
Mr A Levy is the President & Secretary of the Laureston Park Junior Club. (11/6/1932 Football Record. P11 & 12).
Sydney
Talk once again mid season centres on District Football with a suggestion that the Sydney Club should change it’s name to Glebe, considering it is playing at Wentworth Park. (Daily Tele. 22/7/1932)
Senior Vice President N P Joseph, presents W R (Billy) McKoy with a suitably inscribed football for his representative services to football from 1922 to 1932.(Football Record P 4 , 16/7/1932)
A Mrs Lock puts on a House Party on 9 July ‘which was very enjoyable’. (Football Record, P 10, 16/7/1932).
1933
Clubs
Presidents - Nth Shore: S.H. Donnelly. Newtown - M.A. Shelley. Sydney: R H Wood,
Secretaries: Newtown: R. Williams, 98 Swanson St Erskineville, St George R.K. Ross, 8 Lister Avenue, Rockdale, Nth Shore: P.A. Duff Flat 3, Craignish Hall, McMahon’s Point, Sydney: J.E. Grey 106 Roscoe Street Bondi, Easts: Stan Milton, 7 Conwey Avenue, Randwick, Sth Sydney: Jack A. Vaughan, 18 Park Avenye Mascot.
Treasurers: Sth Sydney: Albert Green,
Captains: Newtown: George White, Sydney: Jack Hagley, Sth Sydney: Gordon Shennan, Nth Shore: (Vice Capt):Jimmy London, Capt: David Elliman (early), Easts: Perce Chalmers, St George: Jack Hayes, Newtown:- G. White.
Coaches: Newtown - F. Wittman. Nth - Dave Elliman,
Carnival
NSW host inter-state carnival played at SCG between August 2-12. South Sydney's brilliant rover, Jimmy Stiff (later to play first grade rugby league for South Sydney) wins the carnival best & fairest.
W. Jones (N.S.) wins a medal donated by H. Hedger for being judged the best player in the NSW side. (F/R 21/4/1934, P5)
The W.A. team consist of 23 players, a manager and trainer. These 25 representatives will leave Perth on July 25th and travel 2nd class to Melbourne by rail. Then to Sydney 1st class. On the return journey they travel all the way 2nd class. The rail fares and incidental expenses for the team will cost more than six hundred pounds. With accommodation etc it will cost over one thousand pounds for the trip.
Each W.A. league club will be levied fifteen pounds to make up the difference and the VFL have guaranteed a minimum of five hundred pouns to offset their costs.
Attendances were as follows:
Wed. 2 Aug, S.A. V W.A. & Vic V NSW: 6,200
Fri 4 Aug, NSW v Qld & Can V Tas: 2,000
Sat 5 Aug, Vic V & Tas V Qld: 15,000
Mon 7 Aug, Vic V & NSW V Can: 7,000
Wed 9 Aug, S.A. V W.A. & Vic V Tas.:3,500
Thu 10 Aug, Can V Qld & NSW V Tas.: 1,400
Sat 12 Aug, Vic V &:14,600
Mr S B Gravenall coaches the NSW side.
A crowd of 600 attended a “welcome dance” for the visitors.
Merger Talks (?)
During the carnival merger talks took place between delegates from the ANFC and the NSW Rugby League at the Rugby League Rooms (Phillip St) on the evening on August 2nd. The discussion took place on a most friendly basis. There was a frank and candid exchange of views. Representatives of each body admitted that if it was possible, fusion would be desirable; but how to fring it about would be a read difficulty. The rugby league people are anxious to retain their international relations and would only be prepared for a merger provided the North of England saw fit to take up the new game. Australian Rules people said they were not prepared to sacrifice many of their features for a merger; but stressed that each code had its great points and also its faults. Delegates of both sides favour the holding of experimental matches before anything definite was attempted. (F/Record 5/8/1933, P 4)
General
258 players played first grade and 262 played in reserve grade games. (F/R 21/4/1934, P14)
The League grants free admission to all grounds to members of the Limbless Soldiers” Assn of the Commonwealth.
The league is hit by “excessive gate rents”. (F/R 21/4/1934, P4)
Six clubs competed in the 1933 competition.
A new method of deciding the finals was introduced, which proved very successful. (F/R 21/4/1934, P4)
Matches were played at (old) Erskineville Oval,Trumper Park and Wentworth Oval. Prices of admission were sixpence to the ground with an extra sixpence to the grandstand.
1st grade matches commence at 3pm.
The league curtails the season early in order to finish the competition by the end of September. (SMH P.13, 29.8.1933)
To celebrate the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the NSW AFL cancelled all existing disqualifications of players from that date. At the Bridge Opening Sports Celebrations, representatives of our league competed in the only two events staged for footballers and were successful in both. F. Walsh of Newtown Club winning the goalkicking and Rex Ferguson of South Sydney winning the long distance kicking.
The Riverina, part of this state, affiliate with the VCFL (formed in 1927). Eventually the ANFC allots this part of the state to Victoria for promotional purposes.
The league had apparently paid for a telephone line to be installed to the league secretary’s residence, Mr A. McWhinney. At a finance meeting on 27 March it was resolved to have that line disconnected and reconnected at the secretary’s private residence and that the league pay for rent, calls, less personal calls. (NSWAFL Finance Committee Minutes, 27.3.1933)
Major Condor
Major W T Condor was appointed manager of the ABC in Sydney. He involves himself in the game by having printed thousands of booklets on the game and arranges for a Melbourne “hook-up” regarding Carnival happenings. Major Condor donates the Condor Cup for the B & F player in the carnival. Sth Sydney’s Jimmy Stiff won the trophy. The umpires voted on the best players. Victoria’s Hayden Bunton gained 2 votes.
Grounds
Wentworth Park used as one of the league's venues.
The league negotiate with the Trumper park Trust to secure the lease of the ground, again at £125. (NSWAFL Management Committee Minutes, 13.3.1933)
The league gained use of Moore Park Grounds 2 & 3 as from 29 April. (NSWAFL Management Committee Minutes, 10.4.1933)
Leagues affiliated with the NSWAFL included the Metropolitan Australian National Football Assn., Central West Australian National Football Assn and the Newcastle ANFL.
Umpires
Bert Coleman coaches umpires. The main field umpires included: Frank O’Grady, Alan Bouch, Les Rawle, Herb Conlon, Bill Mc Anulty, Tom King, and Fred Bradley. George Maraun was one of the goal umpires.
The umpires refused to officiate during the finals unless they received a pay increase. The league utilised other competent personnel to umpire and "the competition was brought to a successful conclusion." The umpires were refused a pay rise at the commencement of the season. (NSWAFL Finance Committee Minutes, 27.3.1933)
A new method of determining the premiership which ensured a grand final was adopted.
Umpire appointments were printed in the preceeding Wednesdays edition to the game in the SMH.
Juniors
The Carlton and East Hills JF clubs were established. The East Hills club is founded through the efforts of George Bramman (Sen.)
Sydney
Trains at Wentworth Park. It has an improved scoring board.
Sydney's Billy McKoy (V-C) (Phelan Medal Winner) misses his first first grade game since 1924 thru injury. He is later reported as playing good football on the wing. 1933 marks his 12th successive year as a state rep. and this carnival will represent his fourth carnival series.
Bill McKoy’s brother, “Lal” comes from the East Albury Club to play with Sydney (F/R 29/4/1933)
The club signs two players, Miler and Allen from “Dulwich Hill Juniors”. (F/R 29/4/1933)
Sydney talks about their “clubrooms” at Wentworth Park
Easts
Mrs Struve of 21 Doncaster Ave Kensington puts on a “cheap night of entertainment for players and supporters, entry is one shilling, including supper”.
Joe Dean of Easts breaks a leg in a first grade match against Newtown. The ladies committees takes up a benefit to raise funds for Joe and tickets are sold.
Former Easts player and Junior, Snowy Davies plays with Fitzroy.
Newtown
Stan Lloyd is reported as playing good football.
The club publishes a souvenir annual report which includes a history of the club plus other valuable information. They are sixpence each.
Fifteen players in first grade and nineteen players of reserve grade are all products of the local schools.
The club asks where their 1932 pennant is??
The club wins the first grade premiership and in doing so becomes winners of the “Old Court Shield” for the second year in succession. (F/R 21/4/1934, P5)
Sth Sydney
Jimmy Stiff is again acclaimed as a champion rover along with Stan Powditch at full forward.
Rupert Browne, Headmaster of Gardeners Road P.S. is patron of the club. Many, many players come through their ranks to play senior football maily with the South Sydney Club. Many represent the state.
Lionel Hastie transfers to Captain/Coach of Leeton Club early in the season.
Rex Ferguson (brother of Ken) plays his 100th first grade game against Newtown on Saturday 27 May.
Sth Sydney sponsor and Long Distance and Accurate Kicking Competition open to players from all codes at L’estrange Park, Mascot on Sat 7 Oct.
It is noted that (now) league life member, Alby Young “is proving an acquisition on the wing in reserve grade”.
Nth Shore
A Irwin Matson travels from Richmond to play with Nth every week.
Hold their Annual Dance at the Shore Team Rooms (Opposite Railway Station) on Sat 23. Dancing 8pm - 1am. Supper and Prizes. First Class music. Tickets 2/-
Report that “training facilities have been made very difficult for North this year, and it is hoped that this difficulty will soon be overcome” (F/R 29/4/1933)
Country Committee
The league has a country committee comprising: S.H. Donnelly (Chair), R. Keane (Barrier), K. Ferguson (Central West), .... Andrews (Southern Dist) with Newcastle rep to be named.
Interstate
NSW plays Qld in Brisbane on July 8. The coach is Mr S B Gravenall
Goalkickers
1st Grade: Stan Milton ES 78 goals,
Res Grade: P. Wilkinson ES 51 goals
League Medals
27 players received votes in 1st grade.
42 players received votes in res. grade.
Competition
The league curtails the competition bu deleting the last round in order to finish at the end of September. (SMH P13, 29/8/1933)
1934
Presidents: St George, Andrew Glass. Newtown - M.A. Shelley.S.S.: A. Herbert,Sydney: Mr Woods.
Secretaries: Sth Sydney, Jack Vaughan, St George: R.K. Ross. Newtown: Jack R. Hardiman, Eastern Subs: Stan Milton, Sydney: Mr J. Fitzgerald, Nth Shore: Mr R Corry.(from mid June): E.A. McRae
Treasurers: St George, Bill Ryan S.S.: Harry Birtles.N.S.: Sam Bowen. (New?):Jack Hardiman.
Captains: St George, Jack Hayes. Nth Shore, Clyde Bunny. Newtown, George White. Sth Sydney: Arthur Curtis. Eastern Subs: Frank Piper. Sydney: Jack Hagley.
Coaches: Nth Shore: Jack Ludlow. St George: Ted Shields. Sydney: Dave Ryan.
Interstate
NSW play Queensland in Brisbane on 2 and 4 June. The team leaves from Central Station on Thursday at 7.33pm to an incredible send-off from family and friends. (1934 F/R 9/6 P7) Results and details of the game are on page 11 of the F/R 9/6 1934.
Former Newtown player, Stan Lloyd represents St Kilda against Geelong at Corio Oval.
NSWAFL
The league plays on Anzac Day with Sydney against Sth Sydney at Erskineville Oval on a Wednesday. (F/R 25/4/1934 P4)
Dave Ryan appointed state coach for the NSW side to visit Brisbane in June. (1934 F/R 5/4 P10) Bryan Rush, FORMER Collingwood and North Shore player is honorary state coach. (1934 F/R 2/6 P15)
NSWAFL withdrew financial support for the PSAAA team which forced the withdrawal of the team to compete in the Centenary Schools Carnival at Melbourne in August. The reason given for the withdrawal was the appointment of a non-football person as the teams manager and lack of funds to the programme by the PSAAA itself. A grant of ten pounds later in the year enabled a team to be sent to Canberra.
Rugby League secured the rights to Trumper which meant the NSWAFL had to use the SCG No. 2 as an alternative.
NSW Tramways Competition held in Sydney during September.
First grade matches commenced at 3.00pm which continues for a number of years.
R J McGinness is the League Treasurer.
An article appear in the 16 June issue of the F/R regarding reserve grade and the need for clubs to field full teams. Mention was made that each club “would have on an average over 50 registered players each” (1934 F/R 16/6 P15)
Registrations
As at 12 May the League has 319 registered players.
Juniors
The NSW Junior League change their name to NSW Metropolitan Australian National Football Association. Mr W. Orr is Chairman of Committees, Charlie Crane Secretary and Alf Andrews, treasurer.
This league complains about the lack of people prepared to help organise and run junior operations.
Clubs involved in the A Grade Competition include: Glebe, Newtown, East Hills, Railway and Tramways, Carlton, East Hills.
They cater for three grades. A grade (All-Age), B grade (Under 18 years and C Grade Under 16 years although most of the clubs affiliated field A Grade only.
Carlton Juniors are defeated by St Georges reserve grade 9-8 to 6-12 in a friendly match.
Metropolitan Schools play a combined Newcastle Schools in Sydney to select a NSW team to play the ACT in Canberra over the School holidays.
Life Members
During 1934 it was decided to award gold medallions to life members of the league and artistic certificates to players who had displayed meritorious service.
Retiring League President, Mr A.D.S. Provan is awarded life membership of the league. (F/R 21/4/1934 P10)
He began playing with the Newtown and YMCA clubs. In 1914 he represented NSW at the Australian Football Carnival held in Sydney then onto war service abroad. (F/R 21/4/1934, P10)
North Shore
North Shore player, Billy Jones is cleared to play with Hawthorn. (no trace of him in encyclopedia - IG)
Reserve Grade player, Bob Henry wins the "Keys" Trophy, B & F in Reserve Grade. He is also awarded with life membership of the club after serving 10 years as a player.
Jack Petersen wins the "Major Condor" Trophy for B & F in first grade.
Billy Ludlow is cleared from Newtown to coach Nth.
On Thursday 31 May, North Shore hold a general meeting in the "Shore Tea Rooms" North Sydney followed later by a "Smoko".
The club’s treasurer is an “ex-rugbyite” and is encouraged to play. (1934 F/R 12/5 P10 - this may show the limited officials the code has and how those playing the game are actually running the game at this stage - IG) (1934 F/R 12/5 P10)
North report in the record that they have been hit by the big depression. Not winning a game and last on the ladder. (1934 F/R 2/6 P10).
Newtown player Stan Lloyd plays with St Kilda. (1934 F/R 25/4 P7)
The club holds a dance at the Newtown Town Hall on Wed 27 June. Admission sixpence. (1934 F/R 2/6 P6).
Eastern Suburbs
Eastern Suburbs player, Stan Milton has played first grade football in Sydney for 15 years. During this time he has kicked 1015 goals in club matches and 151 in rep matches.
The club holds a social dance at St George’s Hall, Five Ways, Paddington on May 7. The club holds several house parties at Mrs Struve’s residence, 21 Doncaster Ave., Kensington. (1934 F/R 2/6 P5).
Former Eastern Subs player, Fred Davies captains Fitzroy.
Stan Milton in his 15th season with the club has on 16/6 has kicked 1166 goals. 1015 in club games and 151 in rep matches. (1934 F/R 16/6 P14)
Sth Sydney
Play a combined Navy Side at L'Estrange Park, Mascot for funds in aid of the Sth Sydney Hospital on Sunday Aug 12.
Hold a function on Wednesday, 2 May at Daceyville Garden Palaise (which I think became the Police Boys Club - I.G.).(1934 F/R 28/4 P 7)
Nuggett Green is selected to represent NSW. He is a rugby convert and first represents the state in 1927-28. He moved to Queensland in 1929 and played with Windsor and represented Queensland against NSW.(1934 F/R 26/5 P9).
The club installs a hot water service to the rooms at Kensington Oval to encourage more players to train. (1934 F/R 16/6 P10)
Bill Prince is a Vice President of the club. (1934 F/R 16/6 P10)
Sydney
Uses Wentworth Oval (Glebe) as it’s home ground. Other clubs also play there (1934 F/R).
The club holds a dance at the Menzies Café, 273 Elizabeth St Sydney “Good music and supper”. (1934 F/R 26/5 P15).
On Saturday, 16 June the club holds a social above Anderson’s Seed Shop in George St Sydney. (1934 F/R 16/6 P13)
The record scribe indicates that the club relies heavily on the Navy and that they will be depleted when ships leave on exercise. (1934 F/R 16/6 P11)
St George
Hold a “conjunction dance” at the Palais Royal, Moore Park (showground) on Monday, May 7. (1934 F/R 25/4 P2). Office bearers noted on P5 of May 12 F/Record.
An ardent club supporter and member of their management committee, Percy “pop” Scrivener dies leaving a widow and children. The club laments the loss and says that he will never be forgotten. (1934 F/R 2/6 P14)
General
The flick pass is re-introduced “to speed up the game”. (F/R 21/4/1934 P4)
Umpires
Gordon Shennan retires from playing with Sth to become a Central Umpire. (F/R 21/4/1934, P5).
The League advertises for an honorary umpires’ coach in the football record. (1934 F/R 25/4 P14)
1935
Presidents: Newtown - M.A. Shelley. St George - Andrew Glass. Eastern Subs - H G Keys,
Secretaries: Nth Shore - Wally Simmonds,
Treasurers: Nth Shore - Wally Rose,
Captains: (Newt.): J. Phelan , St George: J. Hayes, NS: J. Ludlow
Coaches: St George: Ted Shields.
Twenty five thousand people attend home and away games and finals during the season.
In a curtain raiser to the Qld V NSW game on 13 July at Erskineville Oval, NSW Metropolitan Football Assn. Teams, Lauriston Park play Railway & Tramway. This game is proceded by schoolboys matches between Hurlstone V Newtown and Gardener’s Road V Granville.
June 5 issue of the Sporting Globe contains information regarding Nth Shore in 1921.
NSWAFL
Gold life members badges were awarded to T J Hayes, R. Browne, H. Smith, JF McNeil (these people being proscribed life members of the league some time ago).
Nth Shore
B & F: Bobby Jones, Leading Goalkicker: Bill Ludlow.
1936
Presidents: St George - Andy Glass. Newtown - M.A. Shelley.
Secretaries: South Sydney: Rohan McMinn then J A Vaughan. St George: R.K. Ross; Syd: Bruce O’Grady.
Captains: Raleigh Bladlock and then Brian Carroll: Sydney. Frank Piper: East Sydney. Jack Ludlow: North Shore. Herbie Mills: Newtown. Frank Dixon: South Sydney. St George: Fred Davies.
Coaches: North Shore: Vic Geard.
Treasurers: Newtown - Charlie Crane.
Black Shorts
Confusion reigned in the first round when in a match between Nth Shore and Sydney, both sides wore black shorts. Even in dry weather this caused a problem from a rear view of the players. The possibility of one side wearing white and the other black was discussed.
Kensington Oval
The league used Kensington Oval as a venue for the first time. Primarily the home of the South Sydney Club, the league maintained the policy of playing the "Match of the Day" at Erskineville Oval, regardless of home games.
The first game then on Kensington was between the Newtown and Sydney Clubs.
The oval was lengthend at each end by club personnel who were unemployed because of the depression. This is the reason as to why its goal boundaries are close to the roadways and it was redesigned to run North-South.
Most Popular Player
A competition conducted thru the Record saw ... player, Fred Davies voted Most popular player to receive a trophy donated by proprietor of the Park View Hotel, Alexandria, mr George Wilkins.
Prices
Football boots were on sale at the NSW Sports Store, Martin Place, Sydney from 11/11d ($1.21) to 17/11d (1.81). Sherrin Footballs were 18/6 ($1.85). The Record cost 3d per copy.
Publicity
2CH broadcasts comments on forthcoming games at 6.45pm each Thursday Evening in their, "Referee's Sporting Preview"
Admission Prices
The League reduces entry to grounds by one third.
Admission to games was 6d (5c) (outer) for adults and an extra 6d to the stands whilst children were half price.
Games and Conditions
First Grade commenced at 3.00pm (22 minute quarters) and reserve grade at 1.30pm
Clubs
St George was known as the Tigers wearing black with a yellow sash.
Other Sydney Competitions
The Metropolitan Association, a division down from the league was comprised of Railway-Tramway, East Hills, Alexandria, Lauriston Park (where Mascot Airport now stands), Rosebery, St Peters, Teachers's College and Carlton. W. Orr is Assn president whilst Stan Stubley is Assn Treasruer and A. R. Powell Secretary.
Representative Games
A Sydney Metro side played Broken Hill whilst a side from Newcastle (there being no formal competition there, just a group of enthusiasts forming two senior sides) played North shore as a curtain raiser.
Suitable grounds were difficult to obtain in Newcastle.
Their committee consisted of: President - J. Werrin, J.J. Arnold (Secretary), R. Gowie (Treasurer).
Amateur Carnival
The NSWAFL competed in an amateur carnival in Adelaide. In view of the financial position of the league it was resovled a team not be sent. However the following grants were made in able for the team to go: ANFC - fifty pounds, SAFA - twenty five pounds, SANFL - ten pounds and local subscriptions - forty pounds. This amount was agumented by a farewell dance arranged by the league whilst each player was levied five pounds.
The scope of selection was limited given the short notice of the carnival however the team won two and lost three. J. Phelan kicked 27 goals. The team is captained by Frank Smith.
The team played under the “order off rule”.
Schools
Thirteen primary schools participate in some type of a competition in Sydney during the season.
Three new schools: Banksmeadow, Nth Sydney and Rozelle competed whilst inquires were received from Wargambegan and Hay schools.
Herb Conlon umpires the 1st grade grand final. He played junior football in Adelaide and secretary of the junior club. Upon transferring to Sydney he played senior football for two years before taking up umpiring, mainly in the Metropolitan Association.
Newtown
Premiership team is comprised solely of local born players.
Rep Game
Following the season’s end the premiers play Kalgoorlie at Erskineville Oval on 3 October.
1937
Captains: Eastern Subs, Jack Williamson. St George, Fred Davies (former capt of Fitzroy). Newtown, Herbie Mills. Sth Sydney, Frank Dixon. Nth Shore: Charlie Winter. Sydney, Ned Blacklock
Coaches: Eastern Subs, Frank Piper. St George, Jim Phelan. Nth Shore, Charlie Winter. Sydney, Jim Smith. Sth Sydney: F. Dixon.
Presidents: Sydney, A.D. Vivian. St George, Andy Glass. Eastern Subs., Jack Williamson Snr. Newtown - M.A. Shelley.
Secretaries: Sydney, Bruce O'Grady. St George, Joe Burns Sth Sydney, Ben Hansen. Newtown, Ernie McFarlane, North Shore, Peter d'Emden. Easts: Tommy Hehir,
Treasurers: Sydney, Alf Snow. St George, Alan Wicks. Nth Shore, Bob Henry. Newtown - Charlie Crane.
Players to the VFL: Reg Garvin (N), Rhohan McMinn (SS)
Newcastle
Sth Sydney travelled to Newcastle on 24 April, where they played a combined side at the Newcastle No. 2 Sports ground. Secretary of Newcastle, Jim Arnold (his son is still involved). Newcastle hopes to comprise 4 senior teams. (F/R p.11, 1.5.37)
Sth go on to beat Newcastle 15.26 to 10.9. Fitts, McKenzie, Rowell, j. McKenzie, Brooks, Collins & Torpey are mentioned as goalkickers for Newcastle (F/R p.11, 1.5.37)
On June 19, the Metropolitan Junior Assn. sent a combined team to Newcastle to play against the locals in an effort to help foster the code there.
Eastern Suburbs travel to Newcastle on July 4 to play a social match and encourage the locals in the game.
Newcastle visit Sydney on Sunday, 5 September to play a game against Eastern Suburbs at Trumper Park to assist the Mayor's distress relief fund.
Mr C. Priest arranged a strong side of schoolboys which defeat two visiting Sydney school teams during the season. Six of these boys are selected in the state schoolboys team (PSAAA).
One boy, Jack Paul, won the carnival's best & fairest.
The League spends almost thirty seven pounds in assisting Sydney teams to travel to Newcastle for propaganda matches. Such matches were played on the last Sat. in each month.
Inquiries were received from country centres Baradine, Canowindra and Cobar concerning the code. A match was played between the latter on two Sundays and jumpers for the games were lent by Nth Shore & Sth Sydney Clubs.
One-man-aside
The Newtown V Sydney first grade game was declared an "Abandoned Match" following the two side"s reluctance to take the ground under such atrocious weather conditions on June 19 at Kensington Oval.
Each team sent one player onto the field to "kick it out". The NSWAFL refused to let the result be recorded and officials of both clubs were severely reprimanded and fines of two pounds was imposed on each club.
Unreported
Sth Sydney and North Shore reserve grade players, resenting the unsoiled attire of umpire Mick Bourke following their muddy game at Kensington Oval, promptly rolled in the centre wicket area bog after the game. The incident went unreported!
Access Denied
At a meeting of the NSW Rugby League on 14 June, a decision was made to refuse an application by the NSWAFL for use of the SCG on August 7 for a match between VFL club Melbourne and a combined metropolitan side.
Player gets 10 years
Eastern Suburbs player, Billy McCormick was suspended for 10 years for, i) disputing the umpires decision, ii) throwing away the football and iii) striking field umpire, Bob Meyers.
Deaths
Champion rover, Jimmy Stiff is killed in a road accident involving a tram in Botany Road Mascot – (Ref. interview with his sister in 2004).
New Ground for North
North Shore report that they hope to secure the new St Leonards Oval as a home ground for 1938.
Twentieth Year
Eastern Suburbs, Stan Milton is in his 20th year with the club. This year he played reserve grade then made a successful return to the first eighteen. He represented NSW on 26 occasions kicking a total of 151 goals in those games.
Before the merger to form the Eastern Suburbs Club, Stan played for the Paddington Club.
Training
Nth Shore are training on Nth Sydney Oval.
Juniors
The Metropolitan Junior Football Assn. forms an under 18 competition.
A Grade comprised: St Peters, Teachers College, Alexandria, Lauriston Park, Railways and Tramways clubs.
B Grade (Under 18) comprised Lauriston Park, Alexandria, Kingsford and Rosebery.
It is recorded that there are more junior Australian Football teams in the South Sydney area than rugby league sides.
Old Timers Assn.
With now a membership of 100 meets on the first Thursday of each Month at the Sydney Sports Club in Hunters Street. Old players from Sydney and interstate make up the membership.
Sydney club player, Reg Garvin, 1936 winner of the Phelan Medal (then the Provan Medal) is recruited by St Kilda as is South Sydney player Rohan McMinn.
Uniforms
Nth Shore wear a scarlet jumper with a black V.
Schools
The game was being played in the Gardener's Road, Botany, Double Bay, Newtown Tech., Forest Lodge, Glenmore Road, Rozell, Hurstville and Granville Schools.
Mr Rupert Browne, headmaster of the Gardener's Road school is often mentioned for his help and assistance in fostering the game amongst the youth of the school. His contribution no doubt supported so many junior teams playing the game around the Mascot area during this time.
Since, gates on the corner of Gardener's and Botany Roads at the school have been erected in his honour. His name adorns these gates.
Trophy
The management of the Empire Theatre, Railway Square donated a "handsome" shield for the reserve grade competition.
The Bridgewalkers
North Shore players have been referred to as "The Bridgewalkers".
Interstate
On Saturday, August 7, VFL Club Melbourne visits Sydney and plays against a NSW Combination at the Sydney Showground. The curtain raiser was a match between the RAN and RAAF.
Richmond/Windsor Area
South Sydney travel to Richmond where they play an exhibition game against the local RAAF side on the showground in an effort to foster the game in the area.
Leading goalkicker 1st grade: Stan Powditch - StG - 101 goals finishing with 115 for the season.
NSWAFL
At the AGM on 9 March, the annual report states that “1936 was one of the most successful in recent years. Bu reducing admission charges by 1/3 was justified. Attendances increased by more than 100%. A surplus for the league showed £63. (SMH 10/3/1937)
1938
Coaches: St George - Fred Davies. North Shore - Percy Furler, Eastern Subs - Percy Chambers.
Sth Sydney - Brian Carroll. St George: Stan Lynch
Captains: Newtown - Herbie Mills, North Shore - Charlie Winter. Eastern Subs - Jack Williamson. Sth
Sydney - Frank Dixon. St George - Stan Lynch/Fred Pendergrast.
Secretaries: Eastern Subs - Jim Curry. Sth Sydney - Jack Vaughan. St George - Wally A. Clark.
Sydney - Reg Barnsley. Newtown - L.. Blackmore.
Presidents: Eastern Subs - Harold Falvey. St George - Andrew Glass. Newtown - M.A. Shelley
(Shelleys Soft Drink)
Treasurers: Newtown - Charlie Crane.
Interstate
The estimated cost of sending a NSW team to the Amateur Carnival in Launceston, Tasmania was three hundred pounds.
Newtown to travel to Richmond on Sunday, May 22 for a social game against the RAAF. Approx. 60 people are involved.
On July 19, NSW (a Sydney combination) are defeated by East Fremantle at the Sydney Showground.
Grounds
St George play the first match in their area on Monday June 13, when they play Newtown at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah.
Kensington Oval, being partially enclosed was virtually non-productive in financial terms.
Small Carnival
Eastern Subs stage a mini carnival on Sunday June 12 at Trumper Park in aid of the Paddington Distress Relief Fund.
At 12.30pm Eastern Subs Juniors played Lauriston Park and at 2pm a Newcastle side played Eastern Subs. Then the RAAF (Richmond) played a league side at 3.15pm.
Metropolitan Junior Assn
A Grade: Alexandria, Tramways, Railways, Lauriston Park, Teachers' College, Rosebery, St Peters.
B Grade: Lauriston Park, Sth Sydney, St George, Sydney, Kingsford.
Grounds Used: Moore Park 2 & 3, Booralee Park Botany
Nth Shore
Nth Shore play their first competition game north of the harbour when they played South Sydney at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, July 30.
Nth Shore again play South at North Sydney Oval this time in the first semi final on 3 September.
The second semi final was played between St George and Newtown on Saturday September 3 at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah.
Eastern Subs
Jack Williamson, capt., plays his 100th game with Easts on 7 May V St George. Stan Milton plays for Eastern Subs in R9. The club’s management and selection committees resign in mid June.
Broken Hill
The Broken Hill FL decline an offer of having their players included in the state team due to league commitments against a S.A. eighteen.
Newcastle
Several Newcastle players join Sydney clubs. Newcastle League secretary, Mr Arnold anticipates bright season for football in Newcastle.
National Railway Carnival
All but W.A. and Qld fielded teams in a National Railways Carnival held at Erskineville Oval between Tues Sept. 6 to Sat Sept 10.
1938 Honours
1st grade played for the Old Court Shield, donated by Federal Distilleries.
NSWAFL
Record the largest attendance at their AGM on 14 March. (SMH 14/3/1938)
The league grants each club ten pound each.
League delegates vote 73 to 29 against Sunday Football. The shortage of grounds however ensures the continuence of Sunday Football. Sth Sydney and Sydney Naval are the only clubs to vote for the porposal.
At the AGM, N P Joseph is elected a life member of the league. (SMH 15/3/1938)
Umpire Bill Hunkin reports two players and the timekeepers in the game Sth Sydney V St George at Kensington Oval on 2 July. The timekeepers failed to record time-on whilst the umpire attended to a fight and in the meantime they rang full time, just as a Sth Sydney player kicked the goal. The goal, which would have won the game for Souths was disallowed. A subsequent hearing found the timekeepers had erred, they had stopped the game 1 minute early, the goal was allowed and the game was awarded to Sth Sydney.
Billy McKenzie, former Melbourne and Newtown player, coaches the NSW team for the East Fremantle and Tasmanian Carnival.
1939
Presidents: St George - Andrew Glass. Nth SHore - W.H. Fitt.
Coaches: Sydney - Fred Sampson. St George - Keith Wilcoxson. ES: Les Horton.
Treasurer: Sydney - Jim Collins.
Secretaries: Eastern Subs - Roy Lee. St George - Wally Clark. Newtown - L.H. Blackmore. Nth Shore: Jack Guthrie, SS Jack Vaughan.
Captains: Nth Shore - Jack Guthrie. Eastern Subs – Frank Frewin; SS: Frank Dixon, Newtown: Herb Mills, St George: Fred Pendergast,
Grounds
Eight dates are allotted for matches at Jubilee Oval Kogarah during the season. (F/R P4 4 July 1931)
Randwick Oval employees forget to erect the posts at Kensington Oval for the first match of the season on 22 April. Three SS players do the work shortly before the reserve grade game commences (P5 F/R 29/4/1939)
Nth Shore
In round 4, Nth Shore players wear white shorts in a match against Sydney to help distinguish their players. The secretary complains they end up more black than white at the end of the day. (P10 F/R 20/5/1939)
Nth Shore redesigns their jumper to black jumper with red sash (FR 22.4.1939)
Train at Nth Sydney Oval Mondays from 7.30pm and Thursdays from 4.00pm (P10 F/R 29/4/1939)
Long Term player Wal Simmonds celebrates 25 years of playing in Sydney. He commenced with Newtown in 1915, then went to Sydney and then 12 yrs with NS. He is a life member of NS. (P13 F/R 27/5/1929)
Officials complain at the poor attendance at training be mid season (P12 F/R 12/6/1939)
Hold many functions in the city during the year with their final dance at Rayner’s Café, cnr Pitt and Goulburn Streets on 28 Aug from 8pm-1am. (F/R P10 19.8.1939)
Sth Sydney
J. Phelan plays his 200th first grade game against St George on June 3. He formerly played with Newtown and St George clubs. (Sun & Guardian June 4)
Jim Phelan to 26 Aug 1939 had booted 435 goals in league games. In 1933 he played in Victoria, firstly in the Sth Melb seconds, where on one occasion he kicked 14 goals (opposition unknown) and then transferred to the Castlemain Club where he kicked 46 goals. (F/R P5 26 Aug 1933)
Frank Dixon, captain of Sth Sydney plays his 100th first grade game against the Sydney club on 22 July. (SMH 24/7/39)
M. Shennan plays his 100th game August 19 v St George on 19 August (Truth 20/8/39)
The club travels to Newcastle to play a match against a local side on 11 June (P7 F/R 10/6/1939)
Micky Stiff plays his 100th first grade game on 15 July and received a clock for his efforts(P4 F/R 15/7/1939)
Gain the services of Jim Phelan (N) and Arthur Ludlow (NS) (FR 22.4.1939)
Hold their 7th annual ball at Mark Foys Empress Rooms on 23 Sept at 9pm. Tickets are 6/6 (F/R P11 23 Sep 1933)
Eastern Suburbs
Recruit leading Nth Shore ruckman, Athol McPhee.
East defeat Sth Sydney at Trumper Park on 21 May after the flood lights had to be switched on because of the fading light.
Easts figure in three drawn games for the season. They draw twice against the Sydney club.
St George
Recruit two players from Newcastle: M. Gerrity and C. Spurling
Stan Powditch kicks 12 goals from full forward in his club’s game against Nth Shore on 22 July. (SMH 24/7)
“Illawarra residents can look forward to seeing the Naitonal code played in the St George district at Kogarah Oval, Carlton, this year … (inter alia) Much of the credit for the St George Club’s success is due to the unceasing effort of the President, Mr Andrew Glass who has been President of the club since its inception, ten years ago” (P13 F/R 25/4/1939)
Hold their annual ball is held on Grand Final Night at Raynor’s Café, Pitt & Goulburn Sts “tickets available from Miss Dunstan or Mr W Boyd”. (F/R P10 Sep 1933)
Newtown
J. Evers kicks 14 goals against Sydney on 19 August. (Truth 20/8)
Stan Milton
Long term Eastern Subs player, Stan Milton is appointed as a State Selector.
Richmond RAAF
St George visit Richmond RAAF base on Sun. 7 May to play a social game and are defeated.
Metropolitan Junior Assn
A Grade: (Open Age) Alexandria, Rosebery, St Peters, Lauriston Park, Railway, Teachers' College, Tramways.
B Grade: (Under 18) Eastern Subs, St Peters, Railway, St George, Rosebery, Lauriston Park, Alexandria, YMCA.
In the A grade grand final Rosebery 9.7 defeat Alexandria 1.13 at Botany on 2 September. (SMH 4.9.1939)
In the B grade final played at Botany on 9 September, Railway 12.18 beat Eastern Subs 7.5 at Botany. (SMH 11.9.1939)
In the B grade grand final played at Erskineville Oval on 16 September, Railway 2.6 beat St Peters 1.4. (SMH 18.9.1939)
Rosebery
Former Sth Sydney and St George player and coach Jack Hayes coaches Rosebery to a premiership in the A grade of the MNAFA. (F/R P5 9 Sep 1933)
Interstate
NSW (Sydney) are defeated by the ACT in Canberra.
NSW played VFL team Carlton at the SCG on July 29. Admission prices were one shilling to the ground and two shillings to the stands. A second NSW side is selected to play ACT as the curtain raiser.
Newcastle
Newcastle Combined Schools 8.14 d Gardiners Road School 4.3 at Erskineville Oval on 19 June.
J E Phelan
He writes in the football record, which doesn’t seem to have changed (IG) “…By reason of the many changes in the administrative personnel of the NSW League since its inception in 1903, and the fact that early books and records are not in possession of present officials, a complete history of the league Operations is well nigh impossible. However, as one (and the only one) who can lay claim to have been present at every annual meeting of the League since its inception, I am confident that memory will serve me right in this effort to set forth details in connection with playing grouns and Erskineville Oval in particular….”(P3 F/R 2/5/1939)
J E Phelan, recognized as the father of football in Sydney, dies on November 15 aged 79 years. He was life member of the Newtown Club, NSWAFL and the ANFC.
An enlarged photograph of Mr Phelan is unveiled in the league rooms.
Schools
Rupert Browne (Gardeners Road), J. Crocker (?), Tas Carroll (Sth Hurstville) are all listed as sympathetic school teachers involved some way in the code in Sydney (FR P4 19/4/1939)
The Interstate schoolboys carnival was held in Hobart. The carnival’s and NSW best was a Jack Paul from the Newcastle District. He received the maximum of 15 b & f votes winning the J L Williams medal. (F/R P6 30 Sep 1933)
NSWAFL
Grand Final
Newtown Secretary. L. Blackmore is reported following the grand final for abusive language to the goal umpire.
1940
Secretaries: Easts - Roy Lee. Nth Shore - H. Ogilvie. Sydney - Don Gray. Sth Sydney - Jack
Vaughan. Newtown - L. Blackmore. St George - W.H. Boyd.
Treasurers: St George - Keith Wilcoxon. Sydney - Jack Blacklock (called up). Newtown: C. Crane.
President: Nth Shore - Harold Fitt. St George - Andrew Glass.(10th consec. year) Sth Sydney - M J
McMahon. East - J. Curry. Newtown - M.A. Shelley.
Life Members: Easts - P. Streliz & A.C. Anderson. J. Williamson, Les Radford, Eric Neill, Norm
McGuiness, Jim Hill, Ron Woodford and George Davies. St George - Jack Ford
Captains: Nth Shore - Jack Guthrie. Sydney - Fred Tree. Newtown - Herbie Mills. East - Milton
Edgeworth. Sth Sydney - Charlie Sutton.
Coaches: Fred Sampson.
Metropolitan National Football Assn.
The Railway Club secured Henson Park for Wednesday and Fraser Park for Sunday Morning training.
MNFA use Kensington Oval.
Stan Milton captains and coaches the Rosebery side.
Alexandria club (MFA) appoint Frank Grumson as President and C. Browne Secretary and Alan McIntyre treasurer.
The Assn starts a C grade or under 16 competition at the end of May.
A Grade: Alexandria, St Peters, Lauriston Park, Railways, Rosebery, Teachers College, Eastern Subs.
B Grade: St George, Alexandria, Rosebery, Railways, Lauriston Park, St Peters, YMCA.
C Grade: Railways, Rosebery, St Peters, Lauriston Park.
On the June Long Weekend, Railways travel to Wagga to play "Country" railways and win 11-12 to 8-11 and then as a curtain raiser to another match against Nth Wagga and are again victorious 9-7 to 7-5.
Schools
The following competed on an Inter High and Central Tech competition at Erskineville oval on 7 May:
Hurstville A, Nth Newtown, Hurstville B, Newtown A and Newtown B.
An attempt to introduce the game into catholic schools proved unsuccessful.
Newcastle
Islington Oval secured for the 1940 season.
President - E. McDonnell, Secretary - C. Priest.
St George juniors visit Newcastle and play a match against a Newcastle team on Islington Oval.
Jack Turner (Newcastle) umpired. Newcastle won 12-5 to 8-6.
T.S. Carroll whilst visiting Newcastle with the St George juniors suggests that if they can't get a four teams senior competition then they enter teams in the A & B compeitition of the MNFA. Nothing comes of this suggestion.
Sth Sydney travel to Newcastle to play on Monday 17 June at Islington Oval. Their team contains only 5 first graders but they win 13-8 to 8-9.
League Secretary, Ken Ferguson visits Newcastle on the weekend of 7/8 September.
Umpires
L. Rawle is appointed umpires coach.
A. Skelton is noted as a life member in an article regarding a match between teachers college & umpires played on Erskineville Oval on Sun Aug 13. (F/R 7/9/40 P15)
War Effort
NSWANFL along with other state bodies, affiliates with the Dept of Information so that sports operate in parallel with the wishes of the war cabinet.
Many locals join up and leave Australia for the war. It is often recorded that the respective teams give players rousing fairwells in the rooms after the games.
Many experienced interstate players commence playing in Sydney due to Military Duties. A J (Jack) Smith, Captain Coach of S.A. Club, Norwood signs with Sth Sydney.
Many players are employed in essential industries and their availability is uncertain. Newtown could only field 30 players for two teams in round 7.
Footballs were supplied to troops at the Showground, Ingleburn, Camden, Lindfield and Rathmines for games.
A conference, sposored by Mr N P Joseph, the president of the NSWAFL, between representatives of Australian Football, Rugby League and Soccer discussed the proposition of holding a gala day to include all codes in their respective matches on one afternoon with the proceeds going to the aid of patriotic funds was held on 26 June. The meeting lost its support when the respective codes could not agree in which order the games would be played. (SMH 27/6
All 36 players were reported in a brawl which developed in the St George V Sth Sydney game on 13 July by umpire Conlon. (SMH 14/7)
Leo Harry
Life member of the League has the following duties for 1940:
Editor of the Football Record, Umpires Appt Board, State Selector and Snr Vice President of the League.
Sydney Club
With 6 o'clock closing and little social life in Sydney after dark all clubs held socials of an evening after games. One, which continued for years during the thirties and forties was at the home of Mrs Struve, 21 Doncaster Ave Kensington.
Erskineville Oval
The Housing Improvement Board, the body responsible for the construction of the new Erskineville Oval has spent fifteen thousand pounds on the construction of Erskineville Oval and found they had none left for the building of a grandstand.
A temporary stand is erected until the new one is built.
After much lobbying from League officials, the government made available an extra six thousand pounds for the grandstand.
The MNFA used the ground during following its construction and before the official opening.
League teams commence to use the new Erskineville Oval on 13 July as a venue for "Match of the Day".
The "old " Erskineville Oval has been demolished by the Housing Improvement Board "and in its place has been built what will eventually be one of the finest suburban grounds in Australia". The MFNA use the ground before continual use by league teams which took place on July 13.
The league records poor crowds and blame the unavailaility of Erskineville Oval for most of the season and the war. There is a 28% reduction in gate receipts.
Grounds
The League gains use of SCG No. 2 for games and Kogarah Oval for four.
Nth Shore training Mon & Thurs 4.30pm to 6pm, Nth Sydney Oval.
Sydney Club trains on Jubilee Oval, Glebe.
Interstate
NSW play Queensland at SCG No. 2 on 6 July and win 12-11 to 12-9. Combined reserve grade play combined MNFA as the curtain raiser. MNFA won 5-9 to 5-5.
On Sun 14 July, a combined Newtown/Sth Sydney match played AIF (Army Ordinance Corps - RAS) at Kensington Oval Famous international wrestlerChief Little Wolf bounced the ball to start the game. Sixteen pounds eight and four pence was raised for sporting equipment for the AIf at the showground.
NSW 19-23 defeat a combined AIF Services 16-12 side at the SCG with all proceeds going to the Patriotic Fund. Several locals play in the AIF side. The Service side was apparently short of players and South’s Micky Stiff turned out with the side in the fourth quarter to boot 4 goals whilst St Kilda and former Newtown player, Reg Garvin who was in Sydney on holidays also played in the last quarter with the Services team. Players from the Ingleburn Camp did not arrive at the ground. (ST 4/8/40)
200th game
Hec Starr played his 200th first grade game for Sth Sydney in the club’s game against Nth Shore on 27 July. (SMH 29/7)
St George reserves kick 1-13 against Newtown who won the game 1-4 in round 13.
Football Record
The Football Record often leads with a positive article about the war.
Newtown
Newtown hold their 36th annual meeting and show a a thirty six pound profit on 1939’s activities. The club regards the season as their most successful since 1932. (SMH 8/2/40)
General
Sherrin footballs sold for 22/6 & football boots were 18/11 at Mick Simmons Sports Store, Haymarket.
Newtown player, Stan Lloyd captains St Kilda.
1941
Clubs
Presidents: St George - Andrew Glass.
Treasurer: St George - Keith Wilcoxon
Coaches: Sydney - Charlie Sullivan.
Captains: Sth Sydney - Jack James. Newt: Herbie Mills, Nth Shore: Jack Guthrie
Secretaries: Newtown - Les Blackmore & Jack Day. East - Roy Lee.
Erskineville Oval
Easts complain of no hot water at Erskineville Oval.
Clubs
East play RAAF, Camden at Camden and were beaten.
Sths seconds defeat Easts 2-4 to 2-3 in round 9.
Interstate
NSW plays Victoria on the SCG on 24 May with the proceeds: two handred and nine pounds, seventeen & fivepence going to the Patriotic Fund.
Former Newtown junior and senior player, Reg Garvin, currently playing for St Kilda is chosen to represent Victoria.
NSW play Canberra, RAAF & Port Melb on July 26 at Erskineville Oval.
MNFA Club, Railways visits Wagga on June long weekend.
A grade: 7 teams, B grade: 8 teams, C grade: 4 teams.
Ken Ferguson is elected a life member of the NSWAFL
1942
Captains: St George - Jack Browne. Newtown: Alan Smythe
Because of manpower restrictions, Nth Shore do not enter teams in the competition. The other five sides continue with first and reserve grade teams. League contemplates
The production of the football record is severely restricted. Mostly it is a one page publication.
Newtown player Reg Garvin captains St Kilda in 1942-43.
1943
Coaches: St George - Tubby Edmonds.
Presidents: RAAF - Group Capt Marsden. StG: Andy Glass.
Secretaries: RAAF - Jim Curry. StG: R E Peelgrane; Sth Syd: Bill Vaughan; ES: L.Smith; Newt: L. Blackmore,; Syd: J. Barnes.
Captains: RAAF – Jack Kelly. Newtown - Jack Darling. Easts - J. Schmelzkopf. St George - Phonse Kyne. SS: Cec Starr, Syd: J. Hayes.
An RAAF club wearing sky blue jumpers are included into the competition. They field first and reserve grade teams.
Richmond great, Ron Baggot captains the senior side.
Umpires
VFL’s Jack McMurray umpires in Sydney.
Sunday Football
Because of war time measures with personnel working on Saturdays, the league commences a firm policy of Sunday football. (F/R 8.5.1943)
Gate takings increase significantly with a record three hundred and fifty eight pounds and ten shillings grant to clubs.
With the shortage of footballs, each new ball was saved to use for at least three first grade games. New balls were sent to Broken Hill due to their unavailability there.
Many leading Victorian and SA players are posted to Sydney in the forces and play with local clubs.
Bill Morris, a future Brownlow Medalist, plays with South Sydney Along with Jim Matthews (St Kilda) Frank McGrath (Melb.), Billy Wood, Norman Webb Brian Brennan (Footscray) Jim Roland (Geelong). Collingwood Captain Phonse Kyne, plays with and captains St George.
South were in the best position to attract servicemen. Their home ground at Kensington Oval with both Randwick Racecourse and the RAS Showground taken over by the army as bases for troops.
With the influx of servicemen into both the playing and spectator ranks, the attendances at games raises significently.
Easts play an army team on Waverley Oval on Sunday 25 June.
A "test" between an Army and Air Force sides is played at North Sydney Oval on August 15.
Sth Sydney player, Bill Wood kicks 28 goals (and seven behinds) in a match against Sydney on 21 August. This is an Australian Record for major league football which stands for some time.
Football Record
The League has trouble securing enough paper on which to publish the 4 page (one piece of paper football record) (F/R 26 June 1943)
Umpires Assn
President - Len Ellis, Secretary/Treasurer - R.P. Skelton.
The Prime Minister, Mr John Curtin attends a competition game at Trumper Park late in the season.
MANFA
All A grade players are absorbed into league teams whilst the B grade competition starts with 4 sides and then reduced to three.
There is no record of C grade games.
Advertising
The league advertises all matches. A 15 minute session on 2KY each Friday from 7.30pm was devoted to Aussie Rules plus a three minute talk session on 2SM between 7.45pm and 8.00pm each evening.
A public address system was used at the main match despensing players’ numbers, general announcements, race results and music.
1944
Presidents: St George - Andrew Glass. MFA - Stan Stubley.Sth Sydney - M J McMahon.
Coaches: Sydney - Bert Matthews.
Captains: Sth Sydney - Mick Neale. East: Les Radford, Newtown: Jack. Darling, Sydney Naval: Leo Walsh, RAAF Alby Morrison, St George: Phonse Kyne then Kevin Toomey.
Secretaries: RAAF Jim Curry. Newt: Les Blackmore.
Sydney add the name "Naval" to their name for two reasons: the first was because they had many naval players and second because they wanted it to attract new naval arrivals to the city.
Sydney based players representing Army-Navy played against a RAAF team at Lithgow on October 1.
The grand final attracts an estimated crowd of 7,000 to Erskineville Oval. This was considered poor because of bad weather. Sydney Naval win premiership from fourth position.
Sandover Medalist in 1943 (W.A. Best & Fairest), Terry Moriarty plays with Sth Sydney.
Perth defeats NSW by 23 points at Trumper Park on 10 August before an estimated crowd of 12,000 people.
Umpires Fees
First Grade Central: 15/- to one pound. Reserve Grade Central: 10/- to 15/-. Goal: 10/- - 12/6. Boundary 6/- to 7/6.
A public address system was used at all grounds.
Two exhibition games were played at Lithgow.
MANFA
B grade only with St George, Newtown, Belmore and Easts competing.
Jack Guthrie
Former State and NS captain was awarded a medal for the fairest and most brilliant player in a football competition in PNG. He is stationed there as a pilot officer.(F/R P4 13.5.44)
1945
Captains: Sth Sydney - Stan Taylor. East - Sam Loxton. St George: Steve Duff, Sydney: S. Shaw, Newtown: Jack Darling, RAAF: Alan Shoecraft.
Coaches: East: Perc Chalmers,
Secretaries: East: Les Horton, RAAF: Jim Curry, Newtown: Ernie McFarlane,
NSWAFL
Gate receipts trebled those of pre-war days.
First grade matches began at 2.45pm. One game in mid May commence at almost 3pm. Umpires were empowered to report clubs which were late onto the ground. (SMH 15.5/45)
NSW play St Kilda on 15.9.45 at Erskineville Oval and win 10-18 to 4-24.
Finance
The six competing clubs received grants totalling four hundred and thirty three pounds, ten and tenpence.
Seven hundred and thirty pounds was spent on advertising.
Five hundred and thirty three pounds was paid in entertainment tax.
RAAF
Some players travel overnight from Melbourne in order to play with the RAAF side.
1946
Secretaries: Sydney - Don Gray. Newtown - Ern McFarlane. Nth Shore - Jack Gutherie. East - Ernie Howe. Sth Sydney - W.C. Vaughan. St George - T. Williams.
Timekeepers: Sydney - Albert Bate (10th season),
Presidents: Newtown - Jack Ross. Nth Shore - Jack Pepper. St George - Andrew Glass.
Coaches: Newtown - Jack Darling (Capt. 43,44,45) East - Jim McCallum
Captains: Nth Shore - Jack Guthrie. Sth Sydney - Mick Neale. East - Jim McCallum. St George - Steve Duff. Sydney Naval - Jack Davies. Newtown: Alan Smythe.
Treasurers: Claude Mannering.
The sport gets back to normal, or is it normal with all the greats of league football from around the country returning to their home state.
MANFA: President - Stan Stubley. Secretary - Mr Orr.
A Grade: St George, Rosebery, Newtown, Tramways, Railways, Sutherland
B Grade: St George, Newtown.
St George
St George trains at Erskineville Oval Tuesday & Thursdays.
Nth Shore
Nth Shore take their place in the league following a recess of 4 years and play their first game on Nth Sydney Oval against Sth since 1938.
Nth former captain and coach, Charlie Winter turns out with the reserve grade.
Nth have trouble getting back on to Nth Sydney Oval for training.
NSWAFL
Resulting from an ANFC rule change, teams are now to consist of 20 players. Eighteen playing and two reserves.
Football sessions were on the following radio stations:
Friday Evenings:
2BL - Bernie Kerr - 6pm
2KY - Andy Flanagan - 8.30pm
2GB - Cyril Angles - 6pm
Saturday:
2GB - 10.30am & 12 noon.
The league secretary, Mr Ken Ferguson reports that 36 applications have been received from persons interested in umpiring including current umpires. (DM 26/4/46)
The league conducts a combined trial session for all six clubs at Erskineville Oval on 6 April. Three hundred players take part. (DT 7/4/46)
Umpires
Goal umpires request that the league provide sockets behind each goal post in which to place their flags. They claim that under the present system, umpires have to turn their back to the game to grab their flags which were normally left leaning against the fence. (DM 7/8/46)
Schools
Messrs. Rupert Browne (Gardeners Road) and Tas Carroll (Hurstville) are great supporters of the game in schools and each have between 60 - 80 boys playing.
Both of these centres were absolute nurserys to the Sth Sydney and St George clubs. Rupert Browne was honoured with life membership of the league for his work in the Gardeners Road School.
Third Grade
A competition played on Moore Park for under 18 year olds was recognized by clubs as their third grade although this grade came under the auspices of the MANFA.
The league has trouble in procuring medals for the competitions' best & fairest so winners receive "suitably inscribed trophies".
Interstate
Eastern Subs travelled to Narrandera and played a South West Dist League team on 8 June and won 8-10 to 6-14, the first visiting team to defeat their league since 1907.
The following day they defeated the Narrandera side 9-14 to 5-10.
NSW play Queeland at Trumper Park on July 6 whilst a combined MANFA team 4-10 defeats a combined reserve grade 3-7 in the curtain raiser.
Richmond defeats NSW at Trumper Park on 7 September before an estimated crowd of 15,000. A combined Newcastle side plays a combined Eastern Subs-Newtown reserve grade as the curtain raiser to the above match. They are defeated 9.11 to 6.6. (SMH 9..1946)
Visiting Newcastle Officials indicate they will commence first and reserve grade competitions in 1947.
New Club?
Talk also centred around a new team from the Gladesville- Ryde area.
1947
Presidents: Andrew Glass - St George (19th successive year). Sydney - Don Grey. Newtown - Tom Jones. East - Les Horton.
Secretaries: Sydney- Roy Thomas, St George - Jack Randell, Sth Sydney - Alf Mackie, Nth Shore - A. Lee, East - C.J. Edwards.
Treasurers: Sth Sydney - W. Vaughan
Captains: St George - Harry Mallet. RAAF - Ken Sharpe. Nth Shore - Jack Guthrie. East - Roy Hayes.
Coaches: St George - Harry Mallet. East - Roy Hayes. Nth Shore - John Guthrie.
New club, RAAF, is accepted into the competition. They wore a blue jumper and white shorts. The majority of players are based at Schofields.
It was reported that the League Secretary, Ken Ferguson was 100 clothing coupons short to purchase shorts for the state team which was to compete in the ANFC Carnival in July. Ration coupons were still in use following shortages after the war.
A Newcastle senior team plays MANFA combined A grade as a curtain raiser to the NSW v Qld match on 25 May.
The Newcastle side included: W. Jones (capt.), Shegg, Brisbane, Elliott (Bill Elliott no doubt), Tummell, Gurner, Coles, Baker, Britton, Williams, Burdon, Lines, Sutherland, Pring, Challen, Smith, Gilard, Mann and Scammell.
Mr Alex Gilpin heads a band of enthusiastic workers to further the game in Newcastle.
East played against Newcastle in Newcastle 50 attending. East won 11-15 to 6-7.
Railways travel to New. for a game on July 14. Newtown play in Newcastle on 6 July.
A combined side travel to Newcastle on Wed. 12 September to take part in the city's sesqui celebrations and play a local side at the Newcastle Showground.
MANFA
President - S.(Stan)K. Stubley, Secretary - John Allen, Treasurer - Digger Jones.
The Railways club is still going in the MANFA this year coached by former Newtown great Jim (Bubba) Phelan. The club visits Wagga on 14 June for a match. Their President is W. Thompson.
A Grade: (Open Age) Railways, Rosebery, Army, St George, Tramways.
B Grade: (Under 18) Sth Sydney, Newtown, St George, Eastern Subs., Rosebery.
C Grade: (Under 15) Marist Bros.(Kogarah), Newtown, Waratah (East), Nth Shore Police Boys, Woolloomooloo Police Boys, Gardeners Rd School, Nth Sydney Police Boys, Burwood Police Boys.
Indications are that the C grade competition will be doubled in 1948.
Pat Quinlan, later a player with Sydney Uni and power base of the Penshurst Club in later years, supports the Marist Bros. team.
Sydney Uni forms a team.
NSWAFL
International cricketer, Keith Miller moves from Melbourne to Sydney where he works as a newspaper jounalist. He plays with the Sydney Club
Interstate
Broken Hill defeat NSW (a combined Sydney side) at Broken Hill.
Sydney's Jim Cracknell kicked 11 goals against Qld in the NSW V Qld clash at the Exhibition Ground at Brisbane before a record crowd of 20,000. The match was broadcast of the ABC.
Players from Narrandera, Albury and three from Broken Hill join Sydney players in the State team to play in the Tasmanian Carnival.
NSW (seconds) are defeated W.A. team Subiaco on Saturday 9 August at Erskineville Oval 11-10 to 8-11.
Ten thousand people watch East Fremantle 15-11 d another second NSW team 12-6 at Erskineville Oval.
NSW (Carnival side) defeat "The Rest" 21-18 to 13-16 at Trumper Park on 17 August.
A St George Under 18 team defeats a visiting Richmond (VFL) side at Trumper Park 9-7 to 8-11 also on 17 August.
Sydney teams visit Narrandera, Culcairn, Albury and Newcastle throughout the year.
New Clubs
A meeting to form the Balmain Club is set down for 10am at the residence of Mr Ray Queeney, 216 View Street Annandale on Sunday 7 September.
Forty people attend. The following were elected: President - J. Green, Secretary - Ray Queeney, Treasurer - E. W. Queeney.
An initial run was attended by approx. 40 intending players under coach Bill Green on Sunday, 13th Sept.
Feelers were made for the formation of a Western Subs Club. Many from the George Club living in the Western Subs showed interest.
A Sydney University club was formed with Secretary, Neil Mortimer. “A club has been formed at the Sydney University, and the Secretary, Mr Neil Mortimer, is very sanguine that by the due date (December meeting) he will be able to submit a proposition to the League that the Sydney University Club be admitted to the competition” P.10 The Australian National Football Record 20 September 1947 (Sydney Football Record)
A call was made for the start of MANFA Club, Randwick, to be formed with suggestions that the RAAF club be renamed Canterbury-Bankstown to allow civilian personnel to become involved.
On Wednesday 27 August a lunch hour game was played before 500 people at the Sydney Domain. Easts player, Clinton Wines was instrumental in having the game played which included a number of Sydney first grade player including test cricketer, Keith Miller who then played with the Sydney Club.
Grounds
40
Negotiations with rugby league result in sharing Erskineville Oval with that sport whilst this action allowed part use of Carlton Oval, Kogarah.
The league eventually found however that on a couple of dates they were one ground short necessitating deferred matches.
Easts
Carlton centreman, Clinton Wines plays with East.
1948
Presidents: William H. Wood - Western Subs. Balmain - A. Thomas. St George: Andy Glass. Nth: Des Cooper. Easts: Les Horton
Secretaries: Balmain - R Queeney. West - Norm Corner (resg.) then W.A. Robinson Sydney - Roy Thomas. Newtown: Ernie McFarlane.
Treasurers: Balmain - W.E. Queeney. Sydney - Fred Blencowe, Wests - Clarrie Bitmead.
Coaches: Western Subs - Ken Champion resg.(then) A V Radcliffe. Sydney Uni - Jim Phelan. East - Clinton Wines. Nth - Archie Campbell.
Captains: Sydney Uni - John Marshall. East - Clinton Wines. Balmain - Bill Green. Sydney - Bert Dickson. Newtown - Alan Smyth. Sth Sydney - Ron Neale. St George - G. Butler. Nth Shore - E. Hoppen. Wests - Ken Champion
New Clubs
Three new clubs in Balmain, Western Suburbs and (Sydney) University affiliate with the league
Wests
Mr & Mrs Bitmead and Mr Irving (trainer & gear steward) are washing Wests jumpers. (1948 Club Annual Report). They use Henson Park to train on each Tuesday and Thursday Afternoon - without lights. An alternate venue is sought for 1949. (1948 Club Annual Report).
The club recruits junior players (into seniors) from Burwood Police Boys Club.
A total of 84 players were registered for the two senior grades . (1948 Club Annual Report).
D. Tilley captains reserve grade. . (1948 Club Annual Report).
The club turns over £266.16.4. (1948 Club Annual Report).
B & F: 1st Grade: Ken Champion. Reserves: A. Arthur & H. Barry (equal).
University
University Club Notes
This new club has got away to a flying start and is looking forward to a successful year.
There are many good players in the side. The club captain, John Marshall, a former representative for Canberra, looks lilke being the strength of the back line. He will be ably assisted by John Neasy, an ex-Hobart University man. Jim Leahy, a former Sydney player, seems to be in tip-top form. Peter Hingston, another great asset, played for North Shore last season.
The club is fortunate to have such a fine secretary as Neil Mortimer. It is to be hoped that he gets all the assistance from players, as his job is really a hard one. His assistant is Bob Lyons, former Sydney teacher, who is also acting as our publicity officer.
The side is being coached by one who is well know to all of us – “Bubber” Phelan by name. Let us hope he makes a good job of it. We think he will. (P.10 Australian National Football Record – 24/26 April 1948)
Grounds
Henson Park and Concord Oval are added to the list of grounds for use by the League. Saturday and Sunday use cost the league seven hundred pounds. Industrial trouble produced 11 Sundays without trams as public transport. This resulted in a six hundred pound loss for the league.
Officials deliver 20,000 dodgers in the Marrickville District advertising the start of the season match between Qld premiers, Windsor and NSW premiers, Newtown. The match is played on Monday 26 April. Newtown win the game 18-17 to 6-11.
The tender for Trumper Park is lost for the year following a consistent association with the game of 40 years. The league tendered five hundred and fifty pounds after years of steady increases in the tender fee. Another code tendered six hundred and fifty pounds, plus they got the ground for a period of five years.
University Oval is used on one occassion for a competition game.
Umpires
Assn President: R. Higgins. H. J.(Mick) Clancy is elected a life member of the Assn. He is also secretary of the umpires assn.
Interstate
NSW plays Victoria at the SCG on Sat. 26 June before a crowd of 23,000. The NSW team contains 11 Sydney players, 7 from Broken Hill and 2 from the Riverina. The Newtown club supplied 5 players. Jacky Chamberlain is the youngest NSW player at 18. Final scores: Vic 15-24 NSW 9-10.
NSW plays Canberra at Henson Park the following day with a win to ACT 12-16 to 9-10.
Sth Fremantle play NSW at Henson Park on Sun August 8. A combined reserve grade plays Queanbeyan in the curtain raiser.
Newcastle
A combined Newcastle side wearing green jumpers played at combined reserves eighteen at Henson Park as a leader to the NSW v Canberra side on 27 June.
A four team competition comprising Mayfield, Waratah, Newcastle City and Broadmeadow is conducted in Newcastle this year. A grant of one hundred pound is made to fostering the game in this city by the ANFC.
Umpires
Tom King umpires grand final at Henson Park on Sunday 26 September.
Wollongong
Bob Watkins, a business man from Wollongong, ex-S.A., arranges an end of season game on Monday October 3, at the Wollongong Showground. Funds raised to the proposed police boys club in that city. Newtown play Sydney in the main game whilst early events include running races and kicking competitions.
MANFA
Sth Sydney wins Under 18 competition 12-11 to 5-3 over Rosebery on Sat 11 Sept.
Kogarah wins C grade (U16) 11-9 to Eastern Subs Waratahs 1-6 (12).
St George
Jack Ford, a foundation member of the club is recorded as a life member. It is not known the years of bestowal.
Newtown
Five brothers play for Newtown, the are:Bob, Pat, George, Terry and Frank Ambrose. (DT 3/4/48)
Newtown FC challenge Newtown RL club to a match late in the season. (DT 30/8/1948)
Easts
Lose Trumper Park as a training venue.
General
North Shore’s Phelan Medalist, Ken Champion, transfers as ‘captain-coach’ to Wests after North’s initial move to refuse the clearance.
The league plays all finals on Sundays for the first time. (DT 18/8/48)
It is around this year that the game in Sydney begins to become more violent than normal (I.G.)
1949
Presidents: Illawarra - Jim Roberts. St George - Andy Glass (this is his last season, his tenure being 21 consecutive years.) Wests: Bill (W.H.) Wood.
Treasurers: Charlie Crane.(I think Newt – IG)
Secretaries: Balmain: A. Goldberg, St George: Jack Randall. Newtown: Ern McFarlane
Captains: Easts: Clinton Wines, North: Noel Craythorne, Sydney: Jim Cracknell, Sth Sydney: Joe Armstrong, Newtown: A. “Joe” Hughes & Bob Ambrose
Coaches: Wests: Alan Radclilffe. Balmain: Ray Stewart. Sth Sydney: Keith Ethel. Sydney Naval: Jim Cracknell.
Interstate
NSW plays Queensland on Sat 21 May at the Exhibition Ground, Brisbane.
NSW plays Victoria on the SCG on Sat 16 July. Sydney umpire, Tom King Officiates. Crowd: 11,500.
Reduced Player Numbers
The Australian National Football Council attemtped to reduce the number of players per game from 18 to 16. The reduced numbers were used in trial games before the commencement of the season however senior players from several Sydney clubs opposed the move. Officials suggested the reduced numbers would suit the smaller Sydney grounds (SMH & DT 16/4, DT 17/4/49). The NSWANFL supported the change and made such a recommendation at it’s 19 April meeting. (DT 20/4/49). . The alteration was ultimately unsuccessful.
Grounds
Sydney Sports Ground and Mascot Park are added as a venues in the Sydney Competition.
A weeks notice was given that the Sports Ground would not be available for the finals due to top dressing. Semi finals were then transferred to Erskineville Oval and Mascot Park, Preliminary to Henson Park and grand final to the Sydney showground. This all added to the increase in ground costs.
Big crowds attended games at the Sport Ground. Only Illawarra failed to play on it.
NSWAFL
1949 was not a successful year in many ways and may be the start of the poor image of the game in Sydney.(I.G.)
Industrial trouble on the trams and railways again plagued the sport with the cancellation of services over weekends.
One of the wettest seasons on record is recorded.
Rain in the St George v Sydney Naval match at Trumper Park on 7/5/49 caused the crowd to rush the condemmed and closed grandstand to seek shelter. The City Council had cordoned off the stand and erected notices of its unavailability. (ST 8/5/49)
Illawarra
Illawarra enters first and reserve grade teams in Sydney competition.
A combined Illawarra-Sydney team play VFA side, Williamstown at the Wollongong Showground on Sunday 9 October.
Financial
The league has an operating loss of almost four hundred pounds.
Umpires
Umpires fees increased across the board at 2/6.
Rates were: first grade central - one pound ten shillings. Reserve - one pound two and six. Goal - One pound (two games). First grade boundary - fifteen shillings.
Juniors
A decision to overhaul junior football was carried out at the end of the season with a new body: the NSW Football Union formed to control junior and schools football.
Schools
Only Gardeners Road and Hurstville schools, where league stalwarts were employed, entered teams in the respective schools competitions.
Clubs made very little effort to manage and assist local school teams.
Because of industrial trouble on the trains NSW did not send a schoolboys team to Adelaide. The carnival was first scheduled for NSW however poor support saw it move to S.A.
Newcastle
Each of the four senior teams fielded an under 18 side as a second eighteen whilst schools competitions were also conducted.
St George
Col Harris wins St Georges B & F whilst J. Tattersall wins their reserve grade B & F.
Wests
Future Liverpool C-C & Phelan Medalist Wally Bryce plays with Wests.
Easts
Some Easts supporters subscribe part of the fifty pounds transfer fee to East Perth for the services of Roy Hayes. (SMH 8/5/49)
Prestigious
Sydney Naval
Captain-Coach boots 18 goals against Illawarra in their round 15 clash and 12 goals against East in their round 17 encounter. (ST 28/8/49)
1950
Presidents: Newtown - Tom Jones. St George - Jim Campbell. Easts - Les Horton. Sydney - P P Smith.
Secretaries: St George - Jim Randell. Newtown - Erm McFarlane. Easts - Charlie Edwards. Sydney - Fred Blencowe. Illawarra- R. Parsons.
Treasurers: Newtown - Bill Perry. Sydney - Phil Mason. West - Ted McConnell. Easts - Charlie Turner.
Grounds: Waverley Oval is used for the first time. Others include Trumper, Erskineville, Concord, Wollongong Showground, Henson Park, Mascot Park, Hurstville Oval, Nth Sydney Oval.
Captains: Easts - Roy Hayes, Illawarra - Ken Gilbert. Sth Sydney - Frank Larkin. Nth Shore - Colin McLean/Noel Craythorn, West - Phil Miles. Sydney - Leo Hillis. Newtown - Roy Waterson. Balmain - Kev Allen and later Bill Murphy. Sydney Uni - Jack Neasey.
Coaches: Sth Sydney - Frank Larkin. St George - Roy McGlinn. Nth Shore - Colin McLean. Newtown - Jack Darling. Sydney Uni - T. Spencer. Illawarra - R. Sandy. West - Bob Hill. Balmain: Herb Mills.
Club B & F
St George - D. Munro. Reserve Grade - John Trotman.
Nth Shore: John Hardy. Reserve Grade: Bernie White.
1950 was one of the wettest years on record. So wet in fact despite the fact of poor communications, round 9 was cancelled thru wet weather.
The league finished with a deficit of three hundred & fifty three pounds, twelve & six.
No Sunday football contributed to the deficit by gate takings being down one hundred pounds.
The first three finals were played of a Saturday whilst the grand final was played on a Sundays with an increased gate. A record five hundred and ninety three pounds, an all-time record, was taken at the finals gate, exceeding 1949 figures by 272 pounds.
Umpires
Ernie Smith appointed umpires coach.
Frank Williamson is elected life member of the NSWANFUA on 19 March
St George
St George shift their playing and training headquarters to Hurstville Oval with training Tuesday & Thursday Nights. They play seven home games there where they share it with St George Rugby Union Club. There is also a bicycle track around the ground..
Newtown
Newtown's Joe Hughes transfers to East. South’s, Jack Armstrong transfers to Newtown.
Norths
North's Noel Craythorn stands in for their senior coach whilst he is laid up in bed for a month. Eventually, he too has spine trouble and is put in plaster not allowing him to play for the remainder of the season. Vice Captain, Johnny Hardy takes over.
Easts
Easts player, Ray Millington, kicks 11 goals against Balmain on Waverley Oval on 27 May. Whilst in the last match of the competition, East’s Mick Warne booted 18 goals against Illawarra at Waverley Oval.
Newcastle
Open their season on April 15 with five teams. League President: A.C. Needs, Secretary: W.E. Elliott & Treasurer: I.D. Shugg.
On Saturday June 10, a Metropolitan under 20 team plays a Newcastle under 20 side at Erskinveille Oval whilst a senior Sydney representative team plays Newcastle in a later game.
Meanwhile, Sydney 1sts side plays Riverina on Sunday June 11 at Trumper Park with a combined Sydney District Side playing a combined reserves team as the curtain raiser.
Life Member
H G Shepherd appointed life member of the league.
Twenty eight boys from the Gardeners Road Public School toured towns in the Riverina during the May School Holidays staying at and playing teams from Junee, Coolamon, Leeton, Narrandera, Griffith and Ardlethan.
Mrs Teale
Of the Teale Cup fame was an ardent supporter of Balmain and on the club's social committee. She lived at 28 Wrights Road, Drummoyne.
State Coach, Frank Dixon conducts a six week show on radio 2FC each Saturday Morning for metropolitan and regionals listeners on the "finer points of the game".
Kealey Medal
Jim Kealey (U19 B & F) was chairman of the tribunal.
NSW Football Union
Had an Open Age Sydney Districts competition playing together with junior and schools competitions. Burwood, Kogarah, Wests, Newtown, Easts & Randwick had teams in the under 16 competition.
Under 18s included Wests, Newtown,
Bad weather washes out and cancels round 9 games on June 17.
NSW Primary Schools side wins carnival in Hobart.
Sydney Districts Football Assn A grade grand final: Liverpool 10-15 d Rosebery 9-7.
Exhibition Game
Wests play Easts in an exhibiton game at Mona Park, Auburn on Sunday June 30 to bolster the game in the Western Suburbs.
Interstate
Travelling back to their home states from the Brisbane All States Carnival, the Australian Amateurs played a game against Canberra at Newcastle on July 29, whilst NSW played Tasmania at Trumper park on the same date 5,000 atending.
1951
Presidents: Balmain - A. Goldburg. St George - Alan Wicks. Newtown - Tom Jones. Nth - Bern Heafey.
Secretaries: Balmain - R. F. Cooper. St George - Jack Randell. East: Norm Ferguson, Newtown - Ern McFarlane. Nth - Jack Hughes. Liverpool: Keith Willcoxon
Treasurers: Balmain - A. J. Phillips. St George - Col Harris. Newtown - Bill Perry. Sydney - Keith McIntosh.
Captains: Balmain - W. Murphy. Liverpool - Leo Sullivan. Sth Sydney - Frank Gascoigne. Uni - J. Neasy. Wests - George Hall Newtown - Bill Kernick. East - Fred Pemberton. Sydney: Fred Clowe (res.) then Bob Richardson. Nth: John Hardy.
Coaches: Wests - Tony Hall. East: Colin MacLean. Nth - N. Craythorn. Balmain - Bob Ambrose. Sth: Frank Larkin. St George: Roy McGlinn.
The competition catered for almost two Sunday games each weekend. Trumper Park and Liverpool Showground were used. Liverpool had quite a number of "home" games and teams apart from other matches which were scheduled there. Other grounds included: Erskinville Oval, Trumper Park, Waverley Oval, Concord Oval, Henson Park.
Liverpool enter the competition in place of Illawarra. Liverpool wear black & gold.
Illawarra were forced to withdraw from the competition due to the difficult with transport and not being able to field two senior teams.
Phelan Medalist, Ken Champion umpires reserve grade. However he later returns to Wests on the first week in June.
The price of the record increases from 6d to 2/-.
The game began to receive unfavourable press with journalists reporting fights and other disturbances rather than focusing on the quality of football.
VFL defeat SWDF League 20-18 th 6-4 at Narrandera on May 26. Crowd: 5,000.
Sydney defeats Broken Hill and a combined reserves side plays the curtain raiser against an Illawarra combination on Sunday June 10 at Trumper Park.
Illawarra plays Newcastle at Wollongong on July 21 and won 5-6 to 5-3.
Because of university holidays, they played both first and reserve grades with only 14 players.
The league plays a full round on Jubilee Day, May 9. (DM 5/5/51)
Umpires
Umpires coach, Ern Smith. At the end of the season the umpires change the name of their Assn to the National Football Umpires Assn. Frank Williamson is President.
During a reserve grade match between Easts & St George, Central Umpire, Joe Armstrong was attacked and punched.
“Leaning over the fence, the spectator said to Armstrong: “Why don’t you give East a fair go?” and struck Armstrong on the ear.
Other spectators grabbed the man and pulled him away.
After the match Amstrong and the man shook hands.”
A motion to allow umpires to send players from the field following a reportable incident was defeated at a league meeting.
In another incident on 12 May, a St George timekeeper, Jim Campbell was assaulted when he went to the aid of his daughter, Audrey after she was punched at Erskineville Oval in a game against Sydney.
Tramways Carnival
The Road Transport and Tramways Football Carnival is held at Erskineville Oval between 20 -24 August. The carnival is won by NSW winning two out of three games.
Central Coast Match
Sth Sydney travel to Wyong to play a newly formed "Nth Coast Australian Rules Football team", side on the Wyong Showground whilst Newtown under 14 team plays a team of boys from Wyong High schoolboys as a curtain raiser. Locals, Joe Bishop and Ron Adams (former Souths players) were instrumental in organisisng the game.
Finals
The finals are played Erskineville (Sat)., Mascot Park (Sun), then Erskineville Oval on consecutive Sundays.
The League held a ball at the Paddington Town Hall on 17 September. It was very successful
At the end of the year the league changed the rules to make it mandatory for every senior club to maintain at least one junior team in its area.
Clubs play away
Wests, St George, Nth & East all apply to the league to play in the Riverina over the Kings Birthday June Long Weekend whilst South apply to play in Canberra
Nth Shore
The club wears black & red verticled striped jumpers.
Nth Shore captain, John Hardy in round 2 at Erskineville kicks a 25 metre place kick for goal at Erskineville Oval.
Easts
StKilda player, Fred Pemberton coaches Easts.
Eastern Suburbs coach, Roy Hayes is schools coach.
Balmain Rugby Legue Reserve Grade player, Jack Moon also plays first grade for Eastern Subs.
Wests
Train at Concord Oval.
Sth Sydney
Sth Sydney captain, Frank Gascoign plays his 100th first grade game against St George on 14 July (Sun 12/7/51)
B & F
Nth Shore: - 1sts; Johnny Hardy, Res: A. White
Balmain: - 1sts: L. Dalton. Res: W. Longley.
Gates (in pounds)
Comp Matches Finals Season Tkts
1951 £2015 £438 £472
Metropolitan Assn
President: Arch Pilling
General
Sth Sydney first grade and St George Reserve grade are each fined £1 each for being late on the field in their respective matches in mid July.
1952
Umpires' Coach: Fred Bradley
Captains: Balmain - Len Dalton, Western Subs - Merv Wells, North Shore - John Hardy. St George -
Bill Bolitho.
Presidents: Balmain: Arthur J. Phillips
Secretaries: Balmain - A.L. Goldburg. Liverpool - Keith Wilcoxon. Newtown - Ern McFarlane.
Treasurers: Balmain - Bill Murphy
Coaches: Balmain - Bob Ambrose. Nth Shore - John Hardy. St George - Bill Bolitho. West - Merv Wells.
Grounds
Western Subs use Concord Oval.
Clubs
Balmain acquire clubrooms under the railway via duct at Jubilee Oval, Glebe and have them opened by Collingwood President, Syd Coventry and Manager, Gordon Carlyon on Sun. 15 June. Approx. 200 people attend. Mrs W.M. Teale donates a glass case for a magpie trophy.
Sydney University back up their entire reserve grade against Balmain due to university holidays. Their firsts looses 0-6 to 16-35.
Newtown's Bill Kernick played his 150th first grade game for the club.
Umpires
Central umpires, Joe Armstrong, asked to be relieved from a senior game between St George and Sydney at Trumper Park on August 9. He said he had umpired two junior finals at Erskineville Oval and as he left the ground at half time an attempted assault by two spectators missed.
The Sydney team would not allow the umpires to retire and Armstrong continued however after the game was assisted from the field by other umpires.
"Teal Cup"
The original donator of the Teal Cup, Mrs W.M. Teale, a member and supporter of the Balmain club is reported in the Sporting Globe as a ‘real worker for the club’.
MANFA
Teams:
D GRADE
Newtown, Easts, Sydney, Balmain, Western Subs., Nth Shore, Randwick & Marist Bros.
C GRADE
Newtown, Easts, Sydney, Liverpool-Bankstown, Balmain.
A combined C grade played the visiting Footscray 4th eighteen at Trumper Park on Sun 24 Aug. The visitors just won the game.
The grand final between Wests & Norths is hailed as the best game seen in Sydney.
1953
Presidents: N.S.: Bern Heafey. A. Phillips. Easts: Ken O'Brien.
Captains: N.S.: Daryl Symonds. Newtown: Jack Armstrong. Balmain: Kevin Hines. St George: Jack Browne. Sth Sydney: Frank Larkin. Easts: Fred Pemberton. Wests: Jack Quinn.
Coaches: N.S.: Darly Symonds. Newtown: Alan Smythe. Balmain: Bob Ambrose. Sth Sydney: Frank Larkin. Easts: Fred Pemberton. St George: Jack Browne,
Ruppert Browne, mentor and friend to thousands of football followers died on 4 April.
He taught at Gardeners Road Public School from 1912 until about 1950 where he had Australian Football taught. Because of him, many boys took up Australian Football playing it mostly in club side, South Sydney. Many went on to represent the state.
He was made a life member of the NSWAFL, was the league's honorary schools organiser and team manager and organiser of the NSW PSSA football teams for many years.
He was a big reason why Australian football succeeded in parts of Sydney.
Les Taylor was elected Life Member of the league.
The junior competition begins on Anzac Day.
North Shore
Club negotiates with Willoughby Council "with a view of converting Gore Hill Park at St Leonards into a first grade playing park".
St George
St George use Hurstville Oval as a home ground.
Ken McGrath and George Butler play their 100th game against Nth Shore on 2 May. Sid Felstead, later life member of the NSWAFL plays 100th reserve grade game against North Shore on 5 July
Newtown
Reserve grade defeats Liverpool 132 to nil on 10 May. Norm Smythe plays his 398th game against Newtown on 28 June at Trumper Park against Eastern Suburbs.
Their under 18 team finish their fourth successive season undefeated to win the premiership.
Sydney
Danny Wilson plays his 100th first grade game on 1 August against Nth Shore at Trumper Park.
Balmain
Field Under 16 & Under 14 teams & Under 12 teams.
Eastern Suburbs
Use Waverley Oval as their home ground. Life member, Fred Stone dies.
A Central Umpire in the first grade game between Nth Shore and Sydney is assaulted by a spectator at three quarter time.
The game between Easts & Souths on 2 May is washed out and ground closed.
Illawarra win the Sydney Districts Competition.
An under 16 competition is conducted.
Junior club, Rosebery has been playing for 31 years.
Nth Adelaide V Norwood play at SCG on June 13
Newcastle have five senior and five under 19 teams with Islington Oval as their headquarters.
Balmain 6-11 and 7-5 Easts draw in the first semi final
Umpires
Bill Wagener (later president of the Western Subs Licensed Club) umpires all senior finals games.(SFL Record P. 6 -11/4/54)
1954
Presidents: Easts: Ken O'Brien. S.S.: Marsh McMahon.
Secretaries: Easts: Reg Pilkinton.
Treasurers: Easts: Phil Mountain Junior.
Coaches: Balmain: Ray Moore, S.S.:Frank Larkin.
Captains: Newtown: Jack Armstrong. Wests: G. Hall. Norths: Johnny Hardy. S.S.:Jack Sadlier.
NSWAFL: Jim Curry elected life member.
Umpires
Goal Umpire, George Simpson is elected life member of the Umpires' Association for 25 years service.
Other life members are Frank Williamson, Fred Bradley and Leo Harry. Joe Armstrong is umpires’ coach. (SFL Record P. 6 -11/4/54)
Joe Armstrong is umpires’ coach. George Simpson is president of the Assn. (SFL Record P. 6 -11/4/54)
Metropolitan Colts play Newcastle on May 15 to select a state team to play Canberra on 6 June.
Junior grades include: U18, U16, U14 & U12.
Fred Blencowe is president of Jnr assn.
Sth Sydneys Phelan Medalist, Frank Gascoigne plays his 150th first grade game for Sth Sydney on June 7.
Nth Shore
North Shore Life Member, Paddy Shea dies. He captained North during the 1920s.
Nth Shore use Gore Hill oval for competition games. "however it is very bumpy and must be enclosed to be graded properly, and Nth Shore should start a drive for funds to do the job in their own district" writes a Balmain scribe.
Sydney Uni
Speak of conducting a 14 aside comp comprising Sydney Uni (third eighteen, University of Technology, Teachers College and other educational institutions.
Balmain
Eric Curry founds two miget teams, Balmain & Forest Lodge whom play at half time.
Jim Teal returns to Melbourne.
Critic and long time supporter of the game in Sydney, Bob Myers writes to the ANFC requesting two teams from VFL, SANFL & WANFL fly to Sydney week about and play a competition game at the SCG to stop the monopolising by rugby league.
St George
Records John Vizard kicks 10 goals (check the match) (FR 25/26 April 1964)
1955
Captains: W.S.: Fred Shrewing, Eastern Subs: Fred Pemberton, Balmain: Bill Strike, Sth Sydney: Tom Mills, Newtown: Jack Armstrong, Liverpool: Bill Bryce, St George: Kev Allen, N.S. Max Horder. Uni: Peter Meucke.
Coaches: St G.: Kevin Allen, Syd Uni: Ron Amundsen, Fred Pemberton, Balmain: Bill (Lucky) Strike, Sth Sydney: Tom Mills, Liverpool: Bill Bryce, N.S. Max Horder
Presidents: E.S.: Alan Little, Liverpool: Leo Sullivan, Sydney Naval: Ned Byrne, StG: Sid Felstead, W.S.: John Stewart,
Secretaries: Frank Keys, N.S.: Peter Law, E.S.: Reg Pilkington, StG: A. Ludlow, W.S.: Bill Hart
Treasurers Balmain: Bill Murphy,
All age competition is reformed.
Wests
State rover, Phil Miles plays his 100th first grade game on April 16.
Terry Ingersoll in a game against St George kicks 17-1 from 18 shots - 9 straight in the first quarter. The week before he booted 10-3 against university.
Liverpool
Use Rosedale Oval for the first time. Billy Bryce plays 100th first grade game on 4 June.
Nth Shore
Use North Sydney Oval for 7 Sunday games in the season. The first game against Sth Sydney attracts a large crowd.
NSWAFL
NSWAFL Life Membership awarded to Jim Curry. Fred Pemberton captains NSW against Tasmania at Trumper Park.
Juniors
Fifty two junior teams play under the NSW Junior Football Union. Under 18, 16, 14 & 12 grades make up the junior comp. Ashfield plays Belmore mid week whilst Granville continues to enter teams.
The Maitland Club reel under the effects of the devistating floods. The league gives thirty two pounds whilst the ANFC gives two hundred pounds to the region.
Umpires
In the opening round, John Leber umpires his 100th game. A life member medal is presented to current president: George Simpson.
Umpires held their annual picnic at the Royal National Park. Alan McIntyre - most improved. Most outstanding central John Leber. Most improved boundary - Neville Hickmott. Best pair of goal umpires: Arthur Toone and Reg Hickmott. “It is the intention of the Assn to hold these picnics annually”.
Umpires Assn
Pres: George Simpson, Secretary: Murray Ling, Brothers and former Eastern Subs players, Harry and Les Radford were goal umpires.
St George's scribe to the Football Record, Patsy Carroll continues her fathers work fostering Australian Football at Leichhardt Tech whilst she is a teacher at Leichhardt Home Science School.
Leichhardt won the high schools premiership defeating Gardeners Road in the Grand Final.
1st Field Reg. defeated Penguin-K/N in the grand final of the mid week services competition 11-10 to 7-6 at Erskineville Oval.
1956
Umpires: Secretary/Treas: Roy Thomas. Pres: Wal Craig,
Wal Craig elected life member (23.3.56)
Easts: Pres: Alan Little, Sec: Reg Pilkington, Treas: Jack Boucher. Capt/Coach: Alf Penno.
Syd Uni: Capt/Coach: Peter Meucke, Sec: Mr J.R. Allen,
Balmain: Capt/Coach: Ray Moore, Sec: Mr K.M. Lock,
Newtown: Sec.: Ernie McFarlane,Capt/Coach: Arch Pilling, Treas: Bill Perry (res.) then Bill Kernick. Coach: Ted Spencer.
StG: Pres: Sid Felstead, Sec: V.C. Mason, Capt: Brad Boyden,
Nth Shore:G.E. MacKay, Sec: Mr A.N. Miller, Capt/Coach: Max Mayo.
Liverpool: Sec: K.C. Wilcoxon, Capt/Coach: Wal Bryce
Sth Sydney: Sec: Mr Ray Chadwick, Coach; Jack Chester
Sydney Naval: Sec: Mr N. Hanscombe,Capt/Coach: Jack Harding
Wests: Sec: Mr W.H. Hart,Capt/Coach: Fred Sewring,
r
NSWAFL
Sir Edward Hallstrom steps down as league patron. He is manager of the Taroonga Park Zoo. Also manufacturer of the Hallstrom Refrigerators.
Life member of the league and former Easts president, Jim Curry of Paddington, dies at the age of 60.
Future Phelan Medalist, Noel Reading is selected from Maitland in the state schoolboys team.
Ray Moore captains state side against ACT. Arch Pilling captains team against Qld in Brisbane. Newcastle player, Frank Farrelly from Newcastle is selected in state team.
Seasons tickets cost 30/- & ladies one pound. Entry to ground 3/-.
Long Term League and Wests official, Alf Davie is convenor of Norths junior teams.
VFL umpire Alan Nash umpires the Newtown V East match at Trumper Park on 24 June.
A Sydney Tech College Pre-Apprentices compeition starts on Wed 11 July
Junior Activities
One of the first of many reports on “juniors” in Sydney is published in the football record. In short it addresses the problems we always occasion however a more defined “district policy” is adopted.
The following districts are defined:
1. the area covered by Sth sydney & Newtown Clubs;
2. the area covered by the St George Club;
3. the area covered by the North Shore club;
4. the area covered by the Liverpool club;
5. The area covered by Eastern Subs and Sydney Naval Clubs;
6. The area covered by the Western Subs and Sydney Naval Clubs.
Grades are defined as:
C grade: Under 18 years as at January 1 of each year.
D grade: Under 16 years as at January 1 of each year.
E grade: Under 14 years as at January 1 of each year.
F grade: Under 12 years as at January 1 of each year.
Sydney Dists Assn which caters for teams in A grade - all age, and B grade - 19-21 years of age.
UNDER 18: Newt. Syd. Nvl, Easts, Wests, Newtown, Nth Shore, Sth Sydney.
UNDER 16:Easts, Balmain, Liverpool, Sth Sydney, Wests,
UNDER 14: Syd Nvl, Easts, Newt., Wests, Balmain, Nth Shore, Newtown,
UNDER 12: Syd Nvl, Easts, Wests, Balmain, Nth Shore,
Metrop. Under 18 team defeats Footsray 4ths 8-9 to 2-4 on 25 August.
Combined Assn under 18s play Sth Melb 4ths at Trumper Park at 11.30am on Grand Final Day.
In the St George area, Hurstville field two teams whilst Sutherland and Kogarah also play. This is the start of the St George Junior Assn.
Former Umpire, Joe Armstrong is now secretary of the new Maitland club.
An urgent call was put out for persons to umpire school matches of a Tuesday & Wednesday Afternoon.
Jim Kealey elected life member of the league.
Sth Sydney
Ron {Mick) Neale played his 200th club game against Uni on 21 April. Bob Ellison plays his 200th club game on 26 May against Balmain. Albert Annabell played his 100th reserve grade game in the same match.
Wests
Future fulltime league secretary: Rhys Giddeys was playing in the ruck for wests. Terry Ingersol kicks 8 goals in the last h & a game to record 101 goals for the season. He is only the second player in the history of the league to do so.
Liverpool
Wally Bryce plays his 100th first grade game V Sth Sydney at Rosedale on 10 June.
Uni
A Bob Serich is recorded as playing for Sydney Uni. (Is this the same “rotary engine man”?)
Nth Shore
Captain/Coach Max Mayo retires mid season. He stays on on adminstrative side. He is replaced by Jack Travena
Play at Gore Hill Oval on 7 July.
Nth Shore visits Newcaslte on 28 July where they are defeated by combined Newcastle 14-12 to 12-15.
Easts
Keith Caldwell and Kevin Purcell play 100 games for Easts. Ernie Norman plays his 100th club game V Nth Shore at Trumper Park on 10 June.
Kevin Little played his 100th game against Balmain on 2 June.
St George
Col Harris plays his 151st game versus Sth Sydney at Hurstville on 19 May.
Former Pres & Sec. A.H. (Bert) Ludlow dies. He was also former VP of the league and state selector.
Peter Neil played his 100th reserve grade game against Sydney Naval on Sat 9 June at Hurstville Oval.
Balmain
Future coach, Ray Fisher plays his first season on the wing with the “Magpies”.
Sydney Naval
Long time supporter, Mrs Struve of Kensington dies.
Mid Week Comp
The NSW Police enter a team in the mid week service compeition. This is the first time since that a police team has competed in a regular competition.
St George player and policeman, Brian Andrews wins the mid week b & f.
1957
NSWAFL: Pres - Alf J Snow, Sec - K G Ferguson, Treas. - A H Gilpin.
Uni: Coach: Ted Moore, Sec: J R Allen, Capt. Pat Quinlan,
Easts: Coach: Alf Penno, Sec: C.F. Watson,
Liverpool: Capt/Coach: Jack Armstrong, Sec:Keith C Wilsoxon,
Balmain: Sec: K.M. Lock, Capt: John Allen,
Newtown: Sec: Ern McFarlane, Capt/Coach: Arch Pillings,
North Shore: Sec: A.N. Miller,Capt/Coach: Lindsay Jacobs,
St G: Sec.: F. Turner, Capt/Coach: Keith Schow
Sth Syd: Sec: Brian Connors, Capt/Coach: Emerson ‘Bill’ Wall,
Syd Naval: Sec: Mr N. Hanscombe, Capt/Coach: Jack Harding,
Wests: Sec: Mr W H Hart, Capt: Fred Pemberton,
Umpires
Pres: G. Simpson, Sec/Treas: Neville Hickmott. Alan McIntyre umpires his 300th game on 13 July. He has been umpiring for 14 years.
Footballs cost 82/11
Balmain
Travel to Kingswood prior to the start of the season to play a practice game against the Utah Construction Company.
Announce that they are to form into a proprietory company with club secretary, Ken Lock advertising for interested people to become shareholders. (F/Record, P11, 18.5.57)
Wests
Continue with work to the newly acquired ground of “Picken Park”. The ground is opened on Sunday July 21, renamed Picken Oval, with a match between Wests & St George as the first game. Mr John Stewart is the co-ordinator.
Liverpool
Elect Mr Carl Gallagher a life member in recognition for his services to junior football. (F/Record, P11, 27.4.57)
232 cars lined the ground at Rosedale Oval to watch the Liverpool v North game. An est. 800 persons watched the game. (F/Record, P4, 4.5.57)
On 6 July Liverpool is invited by Campbelltown Rugby League Club to play a game them at the Campbelltown Showground to show the locals the “essentials of the National Game”.
Twenty pounds was collected there to go towards two junior Rules teams at Liverpool & Campbelltown areas.
Liverpool Club advertises for a coach for a Bankstown Junior Club.
Liverpool Council name the street leading to Rosedale Oval as National Street.
On (Sun) 9 June, Liverpool hold a gala junior day where they net £54 at Rosedale Oval. (F/Record, P5,15.6.57)
Nth Shore
Are called ‘The Robbins’. (F/Record, P9, 13.4.57)
Sydney Uni
Receive a drubbing by Wests 35.22 to 3.3 in round 3. In the subsequent Football Record they state that they had a number of players unavailabe due to injury, (vets.) duty at the Sydney Show and a number on holidays. As we have heard on many occasions, they complain about being rostered to play during student holidays. (F/Record, P9, 27.4.57)
Juniors
Games are played each Saturday Morning at Moore Park, Rosebery Park, Alexandria Park, Scarborough Park, Miranda Park, Boys Town (Engadine), Rosedale Park, Cabramatta Park, Adams Oval, Birrong Oval and Hammonville. (F/Record, P3, 6.4.57)
The following primary schools compete in the Southern Dists Juniors: Hanndodville, Liverpool, Cabramatta, Campelltown, Bankstown, Fairfield Swans & Villawood.
D Grade (U16): Easts, North, Newtown, Wests,
E Grade (U14): Balmain, Wests, Sydney, Easts,
F Grade (U12): Sydney, North, Newtown, Easts
All junior finals are played at Moore Park.
The following boys are chosen for the NSW State Schoolboys team: Ron Taylor - Homebush Junior Tech, Keith Gane - Granville Junior Tech, Alec Adams and Dave Wyatt both from Leichhardt Junior Tech.
In August, Hurstville Tech defeats Leichhardt Tech 8-8 to 4-3 to win the 1957Premiership of Schools, Secondary Grade (Grade 1: 10 teams). This is 12th premiership Hurstville has won in the last 28 years and they retain the Australian Native Assn Sheild.
In the first 10 years of competition, the A.N.A. shield was won by Burwood School (1920) Gardeners Road (1921,23,24,25,26 & 30), Double Bay 1922 and Ultimo 1927-8-9.
Alan Gibbons for the St George Area and C. Gallagher for the Liverpool area are commended for their organising and coaching of the schools within their areas. (F/Record, P8,15.6.57)
St George JFA
U17: Sutherland, Penshurst United, Hurstville, Kogarah, (F/Record, P10, 25.5.57)
U14: Sutherland, Hurstville, Penshurst United, Kogarah, Boys Town (F/Record, P10, 25.5.57)
Seven schools are playing the game in the St George Area. Much is owed to John Leber for the progress and success of the game in this region. (F/Record, P5, 18.5.57)
Mrs Ludlow od 22a Park Road (I imagine Penshurst - I.G. 1997) opens her house for a Saturday Night house party in aid of the Pens hurst Juniors. (F/Record, P10, 25.5.57)
Sutherland Juniors play under 17 & U14 teams from Maitland at Picken Oval in the apparent first interchange of juniors from the two cities. (F/Record, P8, 8.6.57)
Both St George & Sthn Dist Juniors have formed junior umpires assn. Sthn Dists have 5 umps whilst, under the direction of John Leber, St George have a panel of 14. (F/Record, P5, 18.5.57)
Don Endicott, a former Rosebery player and teacher at Engadine public school is endeavouring to get the game played there.
One affiliated body wanted to introduce the send off rule for juniors. They were informed that this was not part of the Australian Football Platform???
Mid Week
Joe Wardley, police inspector was elected life member of the police club.
Combined Services travel to Newcastle on 20 July to play a combined Newcastle team. Combined services win 13-16 (94) to 8-17 (65).
Policeman and North Shore player, Brian Andrews again wins mid week B & F.
Police inspector, Joe Wardley, an old state representative has been elected as life member of the NSW Police ANFC. He is one who has done so much to reforem the police club, which had been out of existence for over 30 years. (F/Record, P4, 27.4.57)
Newcastle
Maitland, Waratah, Newcastle City, Mayfield, Western Subs and Hamilton compete in the Newcastle District ANFL playing for the Black Diamond Cup, a trophy donated by the Richmond Tobacco Company in 1888. It was originally played for in a knock out basis by teams in Australia and New Zealand. (F/Record, P10, 27.4.57)
It is said that in 1888 Wallsend defeated Fitzroy for the cup. In 1957 it is on show at the Maitland Hotel. (F/Record, P10, 27.4.57)
On 29 June a combined Newcastle plays Perth F.C. at Newcastle.
NSWAFL
The league president, Alf Snow, in the president’s annual message printed in the first of the season’s Football Records says ‘(speaking of our football heritage: Let us unite to strengthen and preserve our National Game’.
Games were played on Anzac Day.
Former League life member and Paddington secretary, Chesney Hart dies.
Frank Ludlow a former Nth Melb player of 1929 and subsequently with Newtown and North Shore dies at the early age of 55. (F/Record, P11, 8.6..57)
Jack Harding C-C of Sydney Naval captains state team against combined universities and the ACT.
Newcastle player, Doug Hoare plays for the state against the ACT. Balmain’s Ray Moore wins B & f trophy for the game.
League announces at their July 15 meeting they were considering the appointment of a full-time secretary and the acquisition of league premiese.
At the same meeting the league discussed the possibility of playing a match between two teams at Campbelltown as an “end of season propaganda game”.
The League resolves to subsidise Wests for 5 years on their project at Picken Oval.
League historian and stalwart, Bob Dawes dies on 31 July at age 88.
Inter-varsity carnival played in Sydney at Sydney Uni.
Perth FC beats NSWAFL 20-14 (134) to 15-14 (104). Sydney Council puts on a Civic Reception for members of the Perth Football Club. (F/Record, P3,6.7.57)
Under Eighteen (third grade) include:
Nth shore, Liverpool, Balmain, Sth Sydney, Western Subs, Eastern Subs. (F/Record, P11, 18.5.57)
Mr J Keily, chairman of the protests & disputes commissioner writes to the league donating a b & f trophy to the third eighteens.
Results etc every Saturday evening 5.30pm - 5.45pm 2KY.
Newtown player, Laurie McNulty kicks 27 goals against Sth Sydney, eclipsing his own club record of 22 goals held by Jim Braun in a match against Balmain in 1954. The club record prior to this the club record was by Leo Cuneen booting 16 in 1929.
Trumper Park
A lot of work was done on grading and grassing the hill section of Trumper Park, only to see a severe storm 2 weeks before the start of the season carry most of the new work onto the playing area. (F/Record, P3, 6.4.57)
1958
Bankstown: Capt: W. Bolitho, Coach: Jack Quinn, Pres: F. Symes, Sec G Herne, Treas: Pat Quinlan,
Balmain: Capt/Coach: Ray Moore, Pres: L. Lock, Sec: K M Lock, Treas: Bill Murphy,
Easts: Capt/Coach: Alf Penno, Pres: A. Little, Sec: C F Watson, Treas: J Boucher, Training on Waverley Oval.
Liverpool: Capt/Coach Armstrong, Pres: Leo Sullivan, Sec K C Wilcoxson, Treas: R. West,
Newtown: Capt/Coach: Harry Free, Pres: Ray Howard, Sec: Ern McFarlane, Treas: A. Dickson, Pres: Ray Howard.
North Shore: Capt/Coach:Pilling, Pres: Mr C. Smith, Sec: Mr A. Davie, Treas: G. Trenouth,
St George: Capt/Coach Schow, Pres: Sid Felstead, Sec: F. Turner, Treas: C. Harris,
Sth Sydney: Capt/Coach Barry Thompson, Pres: Jim Poore, Sec Brian Connors, Treas: C. Baker,
Sydney Naval: Capt/Coach: Jack Harding, Pres: H. Derrick, Sec: P. Coughlan, Treas: Jack Magner,
Wests: Capt/Coach: George Hall, Pres: A. Hall, Sec: Bill Hart, Treas: L. Thomas
Bankstown are admitted to the League. They train on Bankstown Oval. Pat Quinlan who had a fair influence at Sydney Uni transfers and plays with Bankstown. So too does Wests player and future first fulltime league secretary, Rhys Giddey.
University takes on the “management of an Open Age Competition”. They do not field a teams in the Sydney League.
Games
Central Umpire, Fuller reported both St George & Sth Sydney reserve grade teams in the opening rounds for being late on the field and both were short of players.
Kings Cross Football Club??
A meeting to be held at 15 Tusculm Street, Kings X on Wed 16 April with a view of forming a football club at Kings Cross. Organisers intend to compete in the Sth Dists Association “in which there are three known teams (Uni Golds, Uni Blues and Campbelltown) with others to affiliate...”
The people arranging the meeting were all members of the Sydney Uni Club.
Give the Game a Name
The Australian National Football Council are in search of a better name than the one given it by some scribes: RULES. Affiliated bodies were asked to come up with a better short name for the game where it could be better described.
Various names continued to be put forward: “Melball”, “Markball”, “Ausball”, “Marko”, “All States Football”, “Anball”, “Australl”, “Anfoot”, “Natball”
Balmain
Balmain Secretary Ken Lock is still making shares available for the Balmain Football Club Ltd at five pounds each bringing a 20% dividend.
Cec Quilky is vice captain of the senior side.
Nth Shore
“The Robins” have initiated moves to feature items concerning their club and its playing members in their local newspapers.
Their club newsletter is called ”Stab Kick”.
Horrie Cooper retires after 200 games to take on coaching of the club’s third grade.
Former Phelan Medalist and North iffucuakm John Hardy opens his home at Ogilvy Road, Clontarf for a “Monster Social Evening” for the North Shore Club.
Eastern Subs
Roy Hayes represents the state for the last time for a record 41 occassions. (F/R 7.9.1969 - P7)
General
Not all clubs had home games. Clubs like, Souths, Balmain, Uni and sometimes North had to use other clubs home grounds on their “other” day.
This meant that the leasees: Newtown, Sydney, Liverpool etc. would have the catering rights at all games played at their ground, thus making them financially stronger.
1958 marks the 75th year of Marcus Clark Company.
They provide a trophy for competition in Australian Football and the competition named is the Illawarra Districts Assn (??)
The trophy will be on view at the Wollongong and Newcastle Branches of Marcus Clark.
Advisory Board
By decision of the ANFC, an Advisory Board has been chosen to replace the Select Committee of the NSW League. The Board will now act in the capacity of advisors on all matters affecting the game in NSW.
The select committee was limited to advising on matters related to football in schools and the junior ranks.
Members of the Advisory Board are Messrs. S.K. STUBLEY, H.V. QUINTON, J.M. KERSLEY (S.M.) J. ALLEN, A.J. SNOW (as Council Representative) and L. Harry, as proxy for Mr Snow.
Third Grade
Competition began on third weekend in April. Information was sketchy because officials failed to communicate the results to the league on time.
In the second week of operation only Easts, Souths, Balmain and St George field teams. Newtown have forfeited and Wests played with between 11 - 14 men.
The fourth week appears to get under way quite well with Newtown, Liverpool Sydney Naval & Bankstown not fielding teams.
Sydney Naval
Long serving ruckman, Norm Smith retires on 18 May after playing with Navy since 1947
Sth Sydney
A Don Burrows plays reserve grade with Sth Sydney
Umpiring
Joe Armstrong returns to umpiring. George Maraun records his 35th season as a goal umpire. He had umpired more than 500 games and is made a life member of the assn. this season. (Sydney Football Record Vol. 27, No. 5, 3/5/1958, Page 4)
President: G. Simpson, Sec/Treas: N. Hickmott.
NSW Rep Team
St George president, Sid Felstead is chosen as team manager of the NSW Team which will compete in the Centary Championship series in Melbourne.
Mr Felstead (later a life member of the NSWAFL) is a local product, playing under the guidance of Mr Tas Carroll with Hurstville. He joined St George in 1937 playing senior football. He has been both treasurer and delegate to the league.
Selectors are R. Aitken, J. Boucher, H. R. Conlon, L. Harry and Alby Young. State coach is Alf Penno. It is proposed to select 10 players from Broken Hill and 2 from Newcastle.
The league competes in “B” division. Eastern Subs ruckman, and later president of the club, Jack Dean wins the R T Rush Award for the best & fairest for that division of the carnival.
The contingent travels to Melbourne by train and train at Coburg Oval. They stay at Scott’s Hotel, Collins Street Melbourne @ three pounds per day, inclusive.
Schools
Glenmore Road Public School “dropped our game” because the other schools in the dist had switched to rugby
1959
Nth Shore: Pres: John Hardy, Sec: A.E. Davie, Treas: G. Trenouth, Capt/Coach: Arch Pilling (res.), Capt/Coach: Ray Marshall
Wests: Pres: Mr. A. Hart, Sec: Mr W. Hart, Treas: Mr L Thomas, Capt/Coach: George Hall,.
Sth Sydney: Pres: Mr Jim Poore, Sec: Mr Brian Connors, Treas: Mr George Snell, Coach: Gordon McDermott, Capt: Ralph Turner,
St George: Pres: Sid Felstead, Sec: Mr L Gray, Treas: Jack Trotman,Capt/Coach: Wally Wallis,
Sydney Naval: Pres: Mr H. Derrick, Sec: Mr P. Coughlan, Treas: Jack Magner, Capt/Coach: Jack Harding,
Easts: Pres: Mr A.J. Little, Sec: Mr C.J. Watson, Treas: Mr J. Boucher,Capt/Coach: Roy Hayes,
Newtown: Pres: Les Clarke, Sec: Ern McFarlane, Treas: Ray Howard, Capt/Coach: Harry Free,
Bankstown: Mr Reg Syme, Sec: Mr G. Herne, Treas: Mr F. Stenhouse, Capt/Coach: Jack Quinn,
Liverpool: Coach: Fred Hazell,
Balmain: Capt/Coach: Ray Moore.
Umpires: Pres: Mr G Wood, Sec/Treas: Mr Wal Craig,
Easts
Jack Dean transfers to Ardlethan as Capt/coach.
Former capt/coach Fred Pemberton transfers to S.A. club Sturt where he plays first grade with Glenelg.
Juniors
St George Jnr Assn continues with teams from Penshurst, Boys Town, Cronulla, Miranda, St Pats & Heathcote. The club supports a high schools competition on Tuesday Afternoons at Hurstville Oval and Scarborough Park on Wed Afternoons also Sutherland and Port Hacking.
A catholic school comp is played in the area on Fridays at Scarborough Park whilst primary school comps are conducted at heathcote-Engadine and Boys Town Ovals and another at Peakhurst Park on Friday Afternoon.
Picken Oval is used a venue for junior games and team/s from Bankstown area compete in the St George Junr Comp.
Grand finals between under 10, under 12s and under 14s take place at Hurstville Oval on 22 August.
Bankstown
Were known as the “Boomerangs”. They field under 14 & under 16 teams.
Balmain
Billy Carey is noted as playing reserve grade for Balmain. He is later a leading light in the Hills/Hornsby Jnr Comp.
North
Captain-Coach, Arch Pillings resigns after three rounds.
Hold a reunion of old players and supporters after the game on Sunday May 10 at NSO.
President John Hardy strips for the reserves in round 11 against Sth at Erskineville Oval.
Trumper
Work is underway for the construction of a new grandstand funded by the Sydney City Council. It will be called the Frank Dixon Stand after current Deputy Mayor, Frank Dixon.
Sydney Naval
Field a third grade. It was noticed that a number of Naval Service personnel playing for Sydney club were slowly polarising to the Sydney Naval Club. ie: Ray Stivey (Sths) Len Dalton (Balmain).
C/C Jack Harding is advised to retire from playing in June due to an leg injury.
Wests
The club holds an extraordinary general meeting on Tuesday 21 July to apparently iron out any differences. “All club members are exhorted to attend. If you have any suggestions, or criticisms, this will be the the time and the place3 to put them forward.
Terry Ingersoll wins first grade B & F with Trevor Earl and Peter Kuschert runner-up and third placed.
Jim Ryle wins reserves B & F, with George Tatnell and John Brown third.
Dennis Conlon wins U18 B & F then Bob Perry and Bob Kean.
Third Grade
Includes Wests, S/Nvl, East, StG, Newt. N Shore. Liverpool, Sth Sydney & Bankstown join the competition midway through the season. A team from Granville plays and obviously represents a club without the third grade probably Bankstown. The Sth Sydney fails to reappear after the first game. There were many forfeits in this grade.
The thirds first semi preceeds the rep game between NSW and Subiaco.
Umpires
It is noted that Fred Bradley, former umpires’ coach is a life member of the umpires assn. Also a Frank Williamson is recorded as a life member. The year of the bestowal of Bradley is unknown.
Allen MacIntyre, former first grade umpire does under 18 games.
Phil Esmonde umpires the first grade grand final.
NSWAFL
Harry Free captains and coaches the state team against W.A. Club side, Subiaco. Subi wins 22-25 to 11-19 before 9,000 (I doubt that figure - IG??) at Trumper Park. Sth Sydney stars for the home side.
The death of former league president, L.J. Taylor and former president and treasurer of the NSW Football Union are recorded.
The league was still requesting people forward forms for membership of a licensed club under the auspices of the league.
University does not field a team in the competition.
Phelan Medal
Sth Sydney’s Ralph Turner records a record 37 points in winning the Phelan Medal. 114 players polled.
St George
Former president and timekeeper connected with “the Tigers” since 1934, Jim Campbell dies.
The club plays ACT team Queanbeyan at Hurstville Oval on Sat 23 Aug. following some junior grand finals.
Ellis Noack wins the clubs first grade B & F.
Newcastle
Nth pay a trip on 16 August defeating a combined Newcastle team 20-25 to 0-6.
1960
South Sydney: Coach: Jack Atkins, Capt: Kevin Batchelor, Pres: Jim Poore, Sec: Alby Dadd, 180 Lawson St Redfern.
Sydney Naval: Coach: Jim Smith,Capt: Capt: Jack Harding, Pres: Mr H Derrick, Sec: Mr P. Coughlan 174 Denison Rd Dulwich Hill.
St George: Capt/Coach: Col Harris, Pres: Sid Felstead, Sec: Mr E Hennessy, 41 St Catherine St Mortdale. Treas: jack Trotman.
North Shore: Coach: Ray Marshall, Capt: Ray Chadwick, Pres: J.C. Hardy, Sec: K. Allen, 30 Gladesville Rd Hunters Hill.
Liverpool: Coach: Bill Davey, Pres: Ald Leo sullivan, Sec: Keith Wilcoxon,
Newtown: Capt/Coach: Jack Armstrong, Pres: Les Clarke, Sec:. Ern McFarlane, Treas: Ray Howard
Bankstown: Coach: Capt: Tony Wish-Wilson, Jack Quinn, Pres: Reg Symes, Sec: Alan Price, 30 Lyons Road Lakemba.Balmain: Pres: A. Phillips, Sec: J. Whitty,
Easts: Capt/Coach: Roy Hayes, Pres: A.J. Little, Sec: C J Watson, 17 Penkivil St Bondi.
Wests: Pres: Mr H R Conlon, Sec: Mr W Hart
Balmain: Capt/Coach: Ray Thompson,
Umpires: Pres: Mr G Woods, Sec/Treas: P. Kelly,
1960 Heralded in a new era into Australian Football in Sydney.
The long serving league secretary, Ken Ferguson and the president, Wilf Holmes both retired at the end of 1959.
“The League had been reconstituted with a full time Secretary-Organiser”. He was Jack Holman.
The grandstand at Trumper Park had been completed at a cost of one hundred thousand pounds to the Sydney City Council, replacing the old timber stand which stood just inside the entry gate in Glenmore Road.
Trumper Park was considered “headquarters” of the game in Sydney.
An innovative idea, the league experimented with a sixteen aside competition, with two reserves. The main reason for this was the Division II championships to be held in Sydney were to be played under those rules.
ANFC Division II Championships were played mid June with VFA, Canberra, Qld., Australian Amateurs & NSW competing.
The VFA win the carnival thrashing NSW in the final game 23-23 to 8-9.
For the first time the Sydney public see the new innovation of using runners in matches. This strategy was employed by the VFA team. A call for it is made to be used in Sydney.
Following a decision not to play with those numbers the league reverts to the normal numbers on 30 April.
Later there was opposition to the change back even a recission motion was put at the League’s Board of Management meeting.
The league is still operated from the NSW Sports Club, 10 Hunter Street Sydney.
Applications for membership of a league licensed club group was still being sought.
Dr John Dowsett, a former player with the University Club and now at Royal North Shore Hospital, has accepted an invitation to act as Honorary Medical Officer for the Div II Championships.
Souths Jack Atkins is to coach the state side with Naval’s Jack Harding as captain.
At a meeting of the league on 18 July, the league voted to suspend the constitution and give the Board of Management full powers to control the affairs of the league. The suspension operates until February 1961 by which time the BOM must come up with a revised constitution.
Sydney club football had for years been regulated by boundaries. This means if a player lived in a certain area, by rights he had to play with that club. Of course clubs cheated. On registration forms many players were registered as living at a committeemens’ address etc.
In August consideration was given to scrapping the boundaries. This proved unsuccessful.
Umpires
Roy “Shorty” Thomas is elected a life member of the Umpires” Assn.
Jim McSweeney starts umpiring. He played reserves with the St George club for 6 years. “This lad has shown in the few games he has had with the NSWANFL that he had the makings to develop into a good umpire”. (F/Rec)
In the last round the respective umpires found that the first grade teams were too late onto the field following the half time break. Good work by Easts (v Sydney Naval) players saved a score whilst Wests booted a goal before Newtown took the field. (FR 21 Aug 1960)
The league advertises for an umpires’ coach mid-way through the season.
Third Grade
St George, North, Newt., Easts., Liverpool., Bankstown, Wests, Sydney Naval.
Sydney Naval
Souths Phelan Medalist, Ralph Turner transfers to Sydney Naval on the say of the league’s permit & match committee. an appeal by South is unsuccessful.
Danny Wilson plays 250th game in grand final. He was runner-up to Ken Champion in the Phelan Medal (1947??).
Balmain
Rick Dare and A. Devine transfer from Balmain to Newtown. An appeal by Balmain is unsuccessful.
Lenny Thompson kicks 9-5 in their win over Nth Shore in R11
Balmains 9-5 to 5-8 defeat of Newtown in R15 is the first time they have betean the red & whites since 1923 which was done at Alexandria Park. Bearing in mind that Balmain were out of the compeitition for some 25 years during that period.
Kevin Allen (Snr)
Played his early football in Western Australian coming to Sydney in 1942. Since he has played 80 games with Easts, one year as Capt/Coach and one year as secretary. He played 40 games with the Sydney Club, 30 with Balmain (Capt/Coach), 75 games with Wests, 10 games with St George (Capt/Coach), then played with North with a combined 104 for first & reserve. From 1942 he played continuously when he was suspended for 5 games.
St George
After 15 years and more than 200 games, St George defender Jack Trotman retires.
The club at last strikes a new club badge with a number issued to life members.
Former coach and committeeman, Ted Shields dies.
North Shore
Adopt the Bear as their motif.
South Sydney
Sth Sydney High teacher, and member of the Sth Sydney Committee, Joe Davies of Maroubra makes a bitter broadside at those who steal footballs when they are kicked on the roadway during a game.
Newtown
Jack Armstrong, later elected a life member of the league, transfers to Newtown as captain-coach. He injures his back during the season and is out for a number of games.
Ossie Grose makes a welcome return to the club’s ranks.
East
Being late onto the field after half time in the final round in the East V Sydney Naval match, field umpire M. Grundry bounced the ball before the Easts players could take their place. A miracle mark by Alf Penno prevented Sydney Naval from scoring.
The same thing happened at Picken Oval when Wests scored a goal before newtown got on to the field. Newtown won by three points.
Grand Final
Phil Esmond umpires first grade grand final.
1961
Balmain: Secretary - Ken Lock, 91 Day St Leichhardt.
Bankstown: Secretary - Jack Quinn Coach: Jack Quinn, Capt: Alan Dalton.
Easts: Secretary: Alan Little, then Jack Clark, Captain: Jack Dean
Liverpool: Secretary: George Farrow, Capt: Ron Edwards
Newtown: Secretary: Ray Judd, Newt: Capt/Coach: Ellis Noack.
Nth Shore: Secretary: Doug Bouch, Capt/Coach: Lionel Byrne, Pres: John Hardy.
St George: Secretary: Jim Bourke, Capt: Col Harris,
Sydney Naval: Secretary: Jack Magner, then Barry Goldstiver.
Sth Sydney: Secretary: Alby Dadd, Coach: Jack Atkins, Capt: Doug Pearse
Wests: Secretary: Bill Hart, Capt: Ray Nelms
Uni: Secretary: Bernie Robinson, Blues Capt: Geoff Patron. Golds Capt: B. Christie.
Newcastle and Broken Hill F/ball Leagues are also affiliated.
NSWAFL
Senior teams play 16 aside.
The league enters into an agreement with Recreation International to promote match attendances in the forthcoming season.
The league takes up offices in the newly constructed single storey brick building which also serves as a canteen, at Trumper Park. This building is constructed on the site of the old timber grandstand.
Moore Park is used for “third grade” matches as a home venue for Sth Sydney and Balmain.
Third Grade
Nth, Newt, Sth Sydney, Syd Nvl, Liverpool, Balmain, Banks, St George, Wests, Easts.
The grade again gets little support with no ladder or goalkickers mentioned in the Record. Midway through the season though, Newtown player, Jimmy Brooks heads the goalkicking with 25.
Uni.
Uni return to competition. Instead of entering the first grade, the league allows them to enter to reserve grade teams, Uni Blues and Uni Golds. Frank Bird coaches both teams.
This meant that not every reserve grade game was played before their first causing a good deal of problems for each club.
The teams finish second & third in the home & away.(1961 F/R No. 30 P. 2)
Pat Quinlan former players in the early years then went to Bankstown again played with the club. He is in his 10th season with the club. (1961 F/R No. 30 P. 5)
Stan Johnson
A foundation member of the league in 1903, Mr Stan Johnson dies. He is well over eighty.
Interstate
Sth Melb plays a combined Sydney team at Trumper Park on May 28. Ralph Turner captains Sydney..
Publicity
Mon - Thurs at 6.30pm on 2FCs Sporting Highlights. 8.20pm on Fridays, Keith Dunbier has a segment on football in his sports cavalcade.
On Saturday Nights on 2SM, Frank Hyde from time to time interview football personalities.
Newtown
Arthur McCrudden plays his 200th game with the club on 27 May against Sth Sydney.
Sydney Naval
Danny Wilson is recorded as playing his 291st game in first semi final. (1961 F/R No. 30 P. 11)
Parramatta
Efforts were being made to establish a Parramatta Dist Australian Football Club. A Mr Bob Lambert has convened a meeting on Tuesday 11 July at 8pm in the Parramatta Town Hall. The date is later changed to Thur 13 July (F/R 30/13)
A provisional committee is elected consisting of: Ron Cameron (president), K. Little (Sec.), Peter Clark (Treas.), & R. Reid, R. Lambert, K. Brogden and K Dawes form the remainder of the committee.
A jersey design was adopted (following the St Kilda pattern), and the colours of the new club are pale blue and white (Parramatta Council colours.
Permission will be sought to have the Parramatta Council crest emblazoned on the left breast of the jersey. (1961 F/R No.16 P 2)
A game including all potential Parramatta players is played on Sat 2 September against a combined Newcastle combination at Trumper Park. General Meeting organised for 6 Sept at Parrmatta Town Hall. (1961 F/R No. 29 P. 5)
Wests
Obtain a licence to operate a social club. Bill Hart, Secretary of the football club writes in the Record of 24-25 June that “the building, valued at twenty thousand pounds is expected to be completed in 4 months”.
South Sydney
Full forward Roger Challis was killed in a car accident at Gunning NSW on 23 June. He was travelling to Sydney to play for Sth Sydney. He represented Sydney against Sth Melb on 28 May. Challis, a soldier, was only 20 years of age. He was burried at Waverley Cemetery. A football jumper was buried with him at Waverley Cemetry.
Souths coach, Jack Atkins saddled up to umpire the reserve grade game between Uni Gold and Sydney Naval on 15 July.
He completion of this the ran the boundary for the Sydney V Bankstown first grade game to the third quarter then acted as central umpire for the last quarter. (1961 F/R No.16 P 4)
St George
Peter Taylor plays his 200th game against Sydney Nvl in R9, 4 June.
The club continues to use Hurstville Oval. (1961 F/R No.14 P 10)
Geoff Green win 1st grade B & F (1962 F/R, P3 No. 2)
Bankstown
Coach, Jack Quinn (about 45 old) retires from playing. (F/R 30/13)
Army V Navy
A large crowd witnessed another Army V Navy match in their annual clash at Trumper Park.
The 14-18 to 11-12 was Navy’s third successive win.
The day had precision marching by teams of young girls, pleasant music by the Eastern Command Band and a helicopter display. All profits to the NSW Inst. For Deaf and Blind Children. (1961 F/R No. 30 P. 8)
Balmain
Balmain club has a winner for the code in its sponsoring of the Charlton C of E Boys’ Home, from which it draws many of its young footballers.
All credit to Balmain and its officials for the interest taken in fostering football amongst these lads. (F/R 30/14)
ANFC CLUB
The following new members were elected: Messrs. A J Little, A F A Higgins, K Parker, A Young, L L Arthur, J Atkins, J. Boulus, J. Poore & S. Smith. Good progress is being made. Those applicants who have paid part entrance fee will be submitted for election on payment of balance due. Full entrance fee is now thirty shillings and prospective members may secure a nomination form on payment of 10/-. The est. of a social club in Sydney is a long felt need and requires to co-operation of all followers of our code. Think this matter over. A small investment now willo pay future dividends. Particulars from A H Davey Hone Sec., 16 Madeira Street Sylvania (F/R 30/15)
A Mr Jack Kramer, supporter of football offers two pictures, one of Bob Pratt (Sth melb) and the other of John Coleman (Ess.) for the new club, when rooms are obtained. (1961 F/R No.15 P 4)
VFL
Conduct an Essay Competition on “Why I Like Australian Football”. Advertised in the Sydney Record, the winner is to receive 10 guineas for U15 & 15 guineas for the 15 - 17 age group. (F/R 30/15)
Nth Shore
Hold their end of season cabaret & presentation of trophies at the Northern Suburbs UFS Hall, cnr Pacific Highway & Bay Road, Nth Sydney. Dancing 8pm - 1am. Prospective trophy fund please contact J C Hardy or A C Davie (F/R 30/15)
Nth travel to Canberra for their end of season trip. Secretary Doug Bouch is manager and a game is schedule against the Turner club. (1961 F/R No.16 P 3) The club is scheduled to play a match against the Tuner Club on 10/9 (1961 F/R No. 29 P. 5)
The club plans a reunion of past players and supporters in the club rooms at NSO after their game against Newtown on 23 July. (1961 F/R No.14 P 10)
Brothers Peter and Bill Croft each play their 100th first game for the club on Sun 23 July against Newtown at NSO. Both came up thru the club ranks from under 12s. (1961 F/R No.15 P10)
Nth shore thirds play HMAS Creswell Jervis Bay in an “annual match” at NSO. (1961 F/R No. 30 P. 5)
Grand Final
Graham Ashworth umpires the grand final.
Umpires
Former Newtown coach, Jack Armstrong umpires the first grade semi final in his first season as a central umpire. (1961 F/R No. 30 P. 11)
1962
Easts: Sec: John Clark. Capt:
Bankstown: Capt/Coach: R. Foreman
North: Coach: Bert Bertram,
South Sydney - Coach: Jack Atkins
Newtown: Capt/Coach: Ellis Noack,
Parramatta: Capt: Kevin Little,
Sydney Uni: Capt: Peter Malouf
NSWAFL
Ern McFarlane is president and Joe Boulus is secretary of the league. Bill Hart is a member of the committee.
The Board of Management appointed mr Joe Boulus full time Secretary with a secretarial fee of twenty four pounds weekly till one week after the grand final. After which the Board confirmed the appointment as full time secretary all the year around, at the same fee, the appointment to be determined by one month Notice of the Board or Mr Boulus. A levy of thirty shillings per club per week was imposed on all clubs to help pay the secretarial fees. (1962 Annual Report – written by Joe Boulos)
Umpires
R2 first grade Central included: Tom Colbert, Phil Esmond, Jack Armstrong, Ray Marriott, Geoff Witt, A. Shaw. Reserve Grade included: R. Wood, Laurie O’Connor, K. Armitage, R. Leek, J.Ross, F. Gillow.
George Wood is awarded Life Membership of the Assn.
North Shore
Best & Fairest Arthur Crisp
1963
Balmain: Pres: Ken Lock. Coach – Ray Rochert
Bankstown: Pres: Reg Symes, Treas: John Maher, Coach: Ben Sellers
Easts: Pres: Roy Hayes, Secretary: Alan Bonney, Capt/Coach Roy Hayes,
Newtown: Pres. Les ‘Nobby’ Clarke, Sec. John Armstrong. Capt/Coach: Ellis Noack.
North Shore: Sec. Doug Bouch. Coach: Arthur Crisp. Capt - Peter Croft?
Parramatta: Pres Sid Higgins. Capt/Coach Kevin Little
St George: Pres. J Bourke then Sid Felstead, Capt/Coach Ken Ward,
Sth Sydney: Jim Poore, Capt/Coach: Ray Stivey,
Sydney Naval: Sec: Col Mason. Capt – Ralph Turner.
Western Subs: Pres. Herb Conlon, Sec. Bill Hart. Treas. R Robinson Capt/Coach: Neil Wright
University: Sec. A Chamberlain. Capt: Peter Malouf (ret.) then Graham Mitchell. Coach – Frank Bird.
Umpires: Pres: Jack Colbert, Sec./Treas. Ralph Wood, 3 Lenore Street Fivedock. Coach: Phil Esmonde
St George
Col Harris plays his 300th game in round 4 after starting with St George in 1946.
Vic Barnett coaches the reserves (FRecord 13/14 July 1963)
Sid Felstead is nominated for the ANFC Merit Award (FRecord 13/14 July 1963)
The club holds its Annual Ball at the Hurstville Businessmans Club with tickets are one pound and five shillings ($2.50) each. (FRecord 24/25 August 1963)
The club planned to entertain the Queensland club, Wilston-Grange on 21/22 September and also play a game against them.
Presentation night is planned for Tuesday 24 Sept at the Garden Lounge, Allawah Hotel. Admission Free. Ladies were asked to bring a plate. (FRecord 14/15 Sept 1963)
Club have a bye on 11 May and travel to Newcastle where they play the Hamilton Club at Islington Oval before a big crowd to win 8.15 (63) to 6.9 (45). (FRecord 18 May 1963)
Western Subs
George Degan plays 100 games for the club in round 6.
Dennis Bitmead coaches the reserve grade (FRecord 1 Sept 1963)
Umpires’ Assn
Payment ranges from one pound three and six to three pound three and six (probably for first grade field). (FRecord 13/14 July 1963)
Fred Bradley is noted as an ‘old’ life member attending a meeting (FRecord 1 Sept 1963)
Trophy Winners:
Most Imp Senior Central - Mal Lee
Most Impr Junior Central – Roger Summerill
Best Boundary Umpire – Darcy Morgan
Most Improve Boundary Umpire – Laurie O’Connor Jnr
Two Best Goal Umpires – Harry Mead & Jack Colbert (FRecord 25 August 1963)
Umpires’ Assn raises eighty three pounds for the Frank Schwab appeal (FRecord 1 Sept 1963)
George Wood, goal umpire, Vice President, is appointed a life member. (FRecord 18 May 1963)
Training at Erskineville oval Thursday afternoon (FRecord 18 May 1963)
Parramatta
The club has six American Sailors as their guests during Coral Sea Week and had one, six foot six inch Texan, Harvey Haddock play in the reserve grade . (FRecord 18 May 1963)
Mid season in a home game against Newtown at Mona Park on 2 June the club raffles two young (live) roosters as part of their match day fund raiser.
Capt Coach, Kevin Little breaks a bone in his foot and is unable to continue playing. (FRecord 27/28 July 1963)
The club holds their second annual presentation night ball on Friday 6 September at Westedella, Macquarie Street, Auburn
South Sydney
Joe Davies from 56 Torrington Road Maroubra and a South Sydney committeeman writes to the Football Record complaining about the constant theft of footballs when kicked over the ‘northern’ Glenmore Road fence at Trumper Park. (FRecord Round 10 1963)
Back up eight reserve grade players to win against University in round 16. They say it was due to a misunderstanding. (FRecord 27/28 July 1963)
South Sydney FC admit to having army, navy and air force players in their ranks. (FRecord 3/4 August 1963)
Ray Gwilliam (RAAF) wins the first grade B & F and Jim Gallagher the second grades. (FRecord 1 Sept 1963)
Bankstown
Hold a Beatnick night at Campsie Scout Hall in Ninth Ave in early July and advertise their annual ball for the Capital Hall in Bankstown on Thursday 26 September. (FRecord 26/27 July 1963)
Johnny Maher is the coach of Bankstown’s third grade (U19s) (FRecord 1 Sept 1963)
The club advertises in the Football Record that as from round 7 all players will receive two pounds ($4) each a win. Also they write that they intend to acquire 20 acres on which to construct their own ground ‘by this time next year’. (FRecord 18 May 1963)
Bankstown advertise the position of first grade coach for 1964: five hundred pounds ($1,000) a job and accommodation “are envisaged”. The club also advertises for our centre line players and a ruck-rover at 50 shillings ($5) per match. (FRecord 1 Sept 1963)
Sydney Naval
Long time supporters since 1944, Mrs Ferguson dies in June. (FRecord 13 June 1963) In one game at Henson Park (must have been c1947) Albert Bates from Redfern records that she threw a pie in an umpires face because she thought he didn’t give her team a fair go. (FRecord 22 June 1963)
North Shore
Terri Winslade plays his 100th game in the reserves with the club against Sydney Naval in round 13 and in the first grade game coach, Arthur Crisp has two teeth knocked out. (FRecord 13/14 July 1963)
Eastern Suburbs hold their presentation ball at the Bondi Pavillion Hall on 31 August. (FRecord 3/4 August 1963)
Newtown
Record that Bert Aitken played a total of 307 first grade games with the club during the 1930s. (FRecord 1 Sept 1963)
Hold a ball at State Ballroom for a four course meal on 22 June. 25 shillings a head. (FRecord 18 May 1963)
ANFC Club
Arthur Davey was the secretary of the ANFC Club records that membership numbers were almost sufficient to make an application to the court for a licence. He says that the club has purchased the old Allen’s Private Hotel situated on the corner of Albion and Campbell Streets in Surry Hills and subject to approval from the court intends to convert it to the social headquarters of the game in NSW.
Membership had been considerably increased when it was learnt that fees had been reduced to thirty shillings for a joining fee and one pound per year subscription.
Mr Davey appealed for more members. (FRecord 13 June 1963)
Unfortunately and an event which caused the cessation of the progression of the club was the death of Mr Davey (NSWAFL 1963 Annual Report)
University
Played the intervasity carnival in Sydney. Sydney Uni elevated to division in this competition. (FRecord 18 May 1963)
Eastern Suburbs
Kevin Roberts is junior organizer. Club intends to take Under 13s & Under 15 teams to Brisbane in August school holidays to play against the Sandgate club. (FRecord 18 May 1963)
NSWAFL
The year started in a very poor manner indeed.
The annual report came out under several signatures. The president, Ern McFarlane, appeared ignorant of the goings on and at least failed to mention the uproar that occurred at a Board Meeting in January.
Under the hand of Rhys Giddey, a former Western Suburbs and Bankstown player who subsequently developed into a very astutue businessman, who, after the dismissal of the secretary, had been appointed as his replacement, wrote “Owing to an indident prior to the close of a board meeting held on 14 January 1963, the honorary ( I believe he was fulltime) secretary was summarily dismissed. ”Further to this an un audited statement of the league’s accounts showed a deficeit for the 1962 season in excess of five hundred pounds ($1,000). This followed a similar financial result of four hundred and one pounds ($802) in 1961 and three hundred and seventy five pounds ($650) in 1960.
The 1962 league treasurer, Arthur Davey, questioned the functioning of the Board of Management stating there was little no continuity of membership with new members not always conversant with past problems where, he said, “it was impossible under such circumstances to adopt any system of budgetary control.”
The 1962 deficeit was identified mostly by:
• Anover commitment to funding junior and school football;
• The reluctance of the league to apply statutory charges (ie umpires, ground hire
etc.) to their annual charity match (Army v Navy?)
• One sided matches were also listed as a concern which were proving to be a
liability to the league, in a number of ways.
The treasurer encouraged the formation of two divisions in the league or “some alternative to give a similar result” in order to address the declining financial position of the league. (1963 NSWANFL Annual Report)
Mr Davey was very concerned about the finances of the league and the future of it.
By March Mr Giddey said the outstanding debts included the 1962 Ground Rentals, School Subsidies and printing costs. (Sun Herald 10 March 1963)
Secretary of the Australian National Football Council, Bruce Andrew, addressed a special and open meeting of the league on 16 October 1962. There he stated that, whilst it was not the object to intervene in domestic league’s affairs, he strongly suggested that consideration be given to the consolidation of the number of clubs from 12 to eight. This resulted in a motion that the membership of the league remain at twelve clubs and the name of the Junior Union remain unchanged. (NSWAFL 1962 Annual Report)
There was also some concern shown by the ANFC as to the amount of money they contributed towards school football, umpires etc. with poor results (NSWAFL 1962 Annual Report)
Eleven teams in first grade.
The 1962 secretary of the league, Joe Boulos, issued three writs against members of the Board, a writ against the president together with a summons against members of the Board. (NSWAFL 1963 Annual Report). This was the result of the summary dismissal of Boulus. (NSWAFL 1962 Annual Report – Treasurer’s Report)
It is a wet season. (FRecord 27/28 July 1963)
Increase the cost of the Football Record from sixpence (5c) to nine pence (9c) in the second week in July. They suggest that one thousand copies are printed each week and the 5c per copy does not cover the cost of printing. (FRecord 13/14 July 1963)
The league assume new offices at 307 Sussex Street Sydney. Club delegates vote for the Board of Management to remain in office for 1964. This is apparently because the Board has paid nearly one thousand pounds from debts incurred the previous year. (FRecord 13/14 July 1963). The offices have a display in the front window of the premises. (FRecord 9 August 1963)
During the week 5-9 August the Annual Services Competition is played on Picken Oval between teams representing the Army, Navy and RAAF. Many players from the Sydney competition compete. (FRecord 27/28 July 1963)
The league conducts a knockout competition for teams not competing in the finals at Trumper park on Saturdays 17,24,31 August and 7 September.
Rhys Giddey was the secretary of the league in 1963. He made some pretty poigniant comments in the annual report about club administrators trying harder etc. He also suggested that the league should conduct a 6 team competition for the strong clubs only but made no mention of where the other clubs would play: “In conclusion, I would suggest to the League and its more powerful clubs that the destinies of the code in New South Wales will be best guided by the financial support of Licensed Clubs. Every club supporter should be enlisted to this end.” (NSWAFL 1963 Annual Report)
League expects a new Valiant sedan to be driven around Trumper Park at half time on Sunday 25 May courtesy of an Eastern Sububs Chrysler dealer. (FRecord 18 May 1963)
The league resolved to reintroduce the W S Strickland shield, donated by Mr Alf Snow for the team winning most first grade minor round competition (minor premiers) in the ten year period 1959-68. (FRecord 18 May 1963)
Miscellaneous
The Maitland junior team play the Peakhurst team on 9 August. Venue unclear. (FRecord 9 August 1963)
Float the idea of a six team competition in two divisions for 1964 (FRecord 1 Sept 1963)
‘Carnivals’ were conducted by the Newtown club at Erskineville Oval on 15 September and by Eurella House at Picken Oval on 29 September. The Picken Oval event featured a longest kick worth ten guineas ($21) and a 100 yard sprint the winner to receive twenty five pounds ($50)
1964
Balmain: Pres: Ken Lock, Sec: Peter Forty, Coach: Ray Rocher
Easts: Pres: Roy Hayes, Sec: Frank Dixon, Coach: Ken Kilpatrick
Newtown: Pres: Les Nobby Clarke, Sec: John Armstrong, Coach: Ellis Noack
North Shore: Pres: John Hardy, Sec: Doug Bouch, Coach: Peter French
Southern Districts: Pres: Reg Symes, Sec: K Johns, Coach: Billy Stein
St George: Pres: Syd Felstead, Sec: J Bourke, Coach: Ken Ward
Sth Sydney: Pres: Jack McRae, Sec: Bob Campbell, Coach: Ray Stivey
Sydney Naval: Pres: Danny Wilson, Sec: Billy Hilzinger, Coach: Billy Quinn
Western Subs: Pres: Herb Conlon, Sec: Bill Hart, Coach: Athol Webb
University: Pres: Tom Dodd, Sec: Tom Kennedy, Coach: Frank Bird (res.) then Harry Fletcher.
Umpires: Pres: Jack Colbert, Sec: Harry Meads, Tres:
NSWAFL
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the league was in debt in excess of five hundred pounds and that the Australian National Football Council (the head body for football in Australia) would bail out the NSWANFL subject to the league’s books being available for scrutiny however the ANFC secretary, Bruce Andrew mentioned that his body had no intention of inferring with the league’s affairs indicating the situation appeared to be dominated by a clash of personalities although he conceded that it did need administrative and promotional guidance. (SMH 16 March 1963)
Sydney football was amazed at the amount of almost daily coverage it received this year in the Sydney Morning Herald. (FRecord 11/12 Apruil 1964) The league acknowledged the efforts of Sports Editor Doug Gardner and staff reporter, Frank Roberts for their efforts and recommend patrons pay the five pence (5c) per day for a copy. (F/RECORD 12 April 1964) Upon their selection, and upon club officials ringing in their teams, they appeared in the details column of each Friday’s SMHs edition. (F/RECORD 12 April 1964)
Bill Hart encouraged Race caller, Ken Howard to attend Sunday matches at Trumper Park and he was seen there on 5 April. (F/RECORD 12 April 1964)
Attendances in the opening round were up 30% on those of 1963 with gate receipts be best of the last 10 years. (FRecord 11/12 Apruil 1964)
Residential qualifications were scrapped at a Board meeting on 6 April. (FRecord 11/12 Apruil 1964)
Southern Districts
A newly admitted club from the combination of Bankstown/Liverpool & Parramatta clubs. They won their first game. (FRecord 11/12 Apruil 1964)
Umpires
Jack Armstrong continues as an umpire (FRecord 11/12 Apruil 1964)
Umpires wages were increased to
1st Grade – Central – Three pounds seven and six ($6.75) per match
Goal and reserve grade field – two poiunds two and six pence ($.25) per match (FRecord 11/12 Apruil 1964)
Wally Craig’s wife has life membership conferred upon her. (FRecord 11/12 Apruil 1964)
Rothmans Sports Foundation fund an umpires’ coach “for a limited time’ (F/RECORD 12 April 1964)
Noted boundary umpires in some reserve grade games. Saturday games appeared to be an exception.
Eastern Suburbs
It is reported that injured, Roy Hayes, was able to move about without his caliphers. (FRecord 11/12 Apruil 1964)
North Shore
Former President, Col Smith dies. (FRecord 11/12 Apruil 1964)
Balmain
Get new jumpers (F/RECORD 12 April 1964)
Western Suburbs
Fred Shewring plays his 150th game. (F/RECORD 12 April 1964)
University
Players from Sydney Uni and UNSW combined to field a club called ‘Univesities’. They trained two nights per week at University Oval and one night a week at UNSW oval. (F/RECORD 12 April 1964)
St George
Mourn the transfer of Ray Pegg to Western Australia. (F/RECORD 12 April 1964) Records that Peter Taylor had played 270 games by 25 April 1964. (FR 25/26 April 1964)
Parramatta
Were fined fifty pounds ($100) for playing three unregistered players. The club appealed but there was no clonsideration to any change in the penalty until the players signatures could be verified. (SMH 9 May 1963)
Sydney Naval
Dual Phelan Medalist, Ralph Turner breaks his leg. (FR 18/19 April 1964)
Newtown
Recalls that Bert Aitken played 307 first grade games with Newtown and represented the state on 13 occasions. (FR 18/19 April 1964)
South Sydney
Neil ‘Monty’ Ellard, plays his first 1st grade game with South Sydney v Eastern Suburbs on 18 April (F/R 26 April 1964)
Source: https://nswfootballhistory.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NSWAFL-HISTORY.doc
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