All Victorian school children are taught the more important aspects of their State’s history, in particular, the history of their very own game, AFL.
We are all taught about that first famous game in 1858, and about the first set of rules written in a pub in Richmond the following year.
We are all taught that Melbourne and Geelong footy clubs are amongst the oldest football clubs in the world: Melbourne being formed in May 1859 and Geelong in July 1859.
But in what may well have ramifications across the globe, it has recently been claimed that Geelong is not the second oldest football club in the land after all.
A local Castlemaine historian, engaged by the Castlemaine Football Club to research its history, has uncovered documentary evidence of the club being formed in June 1859 (reported in The Age, 17 June 2009).
The evidence was uncovered in an article from the local paper of the time, and refers to a meeting held in the Supreme Court Hotel on 15 June 1859 to establish the club, meaning that club has just celebrated its 150th birthday.
There are doubts about what happened next, as no evidence exists that the club did very much until 1871.
Get ready for a multitude of 150th birthdays over the next twelve to 24 months, with many country and city clubs having been formed during this period.
After Geelong, Ballarat will be celebrating its 150th birthday in the first half of next year, and plans are already afoot for celebrations that may even rope in the AFL.
In the 1870s, the Ballarat league was almost on an equal footing with the then VFA, and regular representative games took place between the two competitions.
This discovery means a rewrite of footballing history as we know it. And not just in local terms
The discovery has world wide consequences in terms of human history and understanding the human condition.
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June 18th 2009 @ 12:49pm
Pippinu said | June 18th 2009 @ 12:49pm | Report comment
Just read that Kelli Underwood is about to make her debut calling an AFL game – congratulations to her.
Speaking of women in sport – I just saw a photo of our Minister for Sport, and let me tell you folks, she is an absolute picture of health, vitality and well being – a wonderful advertisement for both the Government and the Sports Ministry.
She has my vote for the Prime Ministership when she decides to run.
June 18th 2009 @ 12:51pm
Lazza said | June 18th 2009 @ 12:51pm | Report comment
Funny, I have read all the British papers this morning and nothing about this anywhere?
Pips, I think you’ve got a World Scoop there mate.
June 18th 2009 @ 12:53pm
Pippinu said | June 18th 2009 @ 12:53pm | Report comment
If our Minister for Sport dressed to the nines can’t persuade the men of the nation to get fit and healthy, absolutely nothing can.
June 18th 2009 @ 12:54pm
Lazza said | June 18th 2009 @ 12:54pm | Report comment
“I just saw a photo of our Minister for Sport”
Yeah, she’s from Adelaide too mate. Doesn’t know the difference between Rugby Union and League so that should qualify her for the Ministry of Sport?
June 18th 2009 @ 12:54pm
Art Sapphire said | June 18th 2009 @ 12:54pm | Report comment
Brett – I think we are onto a winner here.
After Baz’s epic triumph (cough, cough, splutter) with Australia comes the sequel – Australian Rules. It will be an all singing all dancing spectacular. Baz will cast Nicole Kidman as the aboriginal wife of David Gulpilil. She will be a shoo in for the Oscar.
June 18th 2009 @ 12:56pm
Captain Nemo said | June 18th 2009 @ 12:56pm | Report comment
nice change of topic pip, what about further explaining this “The discovery has world wide consequences in terms of human history and understanding the human condition.”
I am all ears
I would really love to learn more here. Its great the sports minister is healthy etc but I am more interested in “world wide consequences” since us Sydneysiders are citizens of the planet
June 18th 2009 @ 1:02pm
Pippinu said | June 18th 2009 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
Captain Nemo
I’m glad you asked.
1. Is the Roar about sport, or is it a testing ground for studying human behaviour?
2. Would it be an exaggeration to put this particular discovery on the same level as the discovery of a hobbit fossil on an Indonesian island?
So many questions, so few answers.
June 18th 2009 @ 1:02pm
BigAl said | June 18th 2009 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
Art Saphire . . . Oh!, there’s no brainwashing involved ! – and David Williamson has already produced screenplays
on this subject.
. . . just thought I’d bring you up to speed on Australian culture.
June 18th 2009 @ 1:09pm
Pippinu said | June 18th 2009 @ 1:09pm | Report comment
Big Al
I’m glad you mentioned David Williamson.
Throw in Martin Flanagan, Leunig and Paul Kelly, and one must conclude that it is impossible to separate Australian high culture, Australian Football, Australia’s place in the World, and the history of all three.
The jump to the history of mankind and the human condition is but a small one.
June 18th 2009 @ 1:11pm
Pippinu said | June 18th 2009 @ 1:11pm | Report comment
Can we please return to discussing our Minister for Sport.