South - Tasmania

St. Patrick's Day Football Match

An article appeared in the Tasmanian Telegraph Newspaper on Wednesday 16th March 1859 that referred to a game of football to be played on the following day: ‘St. Patrick's Day’:

There will be a grand Football Match between two elevens; selected by T. G. Gregson and John Stokell, Esquires for 10 Pounds ($20.00), some private matches and a hack race etc. For the convenience of the inhabitants of Hobart Town, Guy’s Stage Coach will leave the Rock Hotel on the morning of Thursday and Friday at 8.00am. Returning each evening at 7 O’clock.

Fares if booked throughout: 10 shillings, and single fares 5 shillings, the former available for Friday if required.

Very first reported game in Hobart

A club by the name of New Town was formed in 1864, albeit somewhat dubious as a ‘so called’ club. These were basically groups of men that made up teams that would in turn challenge each other to a game.

On 21st April 1866, 11 members of New Town Football Club played a team of 14 boys from the Hutchins School. The match was the first reported game by the Mercury Newspaper on Tuesday 24th April. The eleven played well considering their want of practice, and for the School, E. Nairn (captain) and J. Buckland, distinguished themselves in all points of the game, while the forward play of Nicholas, a little man, but a ‘big’ player, Fisher, Butler and O’Connor were worthy of mention.

First reported organised game in Hobart

The first newspaper report on an organised game played was when the Mercury gave a short account of a game played between New Town and the Hobart Town Football Club, on Saturday, 26th May 1866 at the Battery Ground in Hobart. The game was conducted over two Saturday’s with the match finishing in a tie, one goal apiece, and a Mr. G. Wright was New Town’s goal scorer. It was a rudimentary affair with each team providing voluntary people to act as umpires and there were no boundary umpires, so when the ball went ‘out-of-bounds’ the closest player to the ball would be deemed the person to throw the ball back into play. Sometimes it would be kicked into play.

New clubs formed around Hobart

New clubs were formed, Stowell team, playing in a paddock near Battery Point, took the field about 1866, and a club with the magnificent name of Break O’Day appeared.

No grand-final played

Where there is a reference to ‘No grand-final played’ applied to rules of the game at that time. Where a team with a substantial points lead at the conclusion of roster matches, was declared the Premier.

STFA Premier

No grand-final played. City Football Club was declared Premier.

First STFA roster match

City Football Club and New Town Football Club played the very first official game in 1879, under the banner of the STFA. The match took place on 21st June.

First season of the STFA

In the first season of the STFA there were only six roster matches played, with 15 players per team and New Town had a total of just 27 players to represent the club over the course of the season.

First organised senior football competition in Hobart

The first organised senior football competition in Hobart, known as the Southern Tasmanian Football Association (STFA) was established on 21st June, 1879. the association adopted Melbourne rules and matches were played on upper and lower cricket grounds and on the old battery ground. other clubs to join the new competition were: Holebrook, Cricketers, Railway and City.

STFA Premier

No grand-final played. Cricketers Football Club was declared Premier.

STFA Premier

No grand-final played. Railway Football Club was declared Premier.

First inter-colonial games

In July, Hotham (now North Melbourne) 4.18 (42) defeated a Northern Combined team 0.2 (2) in Launceston.

On Tuesday 5th July, Hotham came to Hobart to play a representative STFA team. The Association team was made-up of players selected from Country Teams namely, Oatlands and Richmond and Hobart based clubs North Hobart, Railway, Cricketers, City and New Town. The STFA won the match, its first win in an Inter-Colonial game 3.15 (33) to Hotham 2.16 (28).

Essendon visited Tasmania

Visiting VFA club Essendon, played four matches in Tasmania.

Match No. 1, Wednesday 23rd August 1882 Essendon played a Northern Tasmanian team, selected from Launceston clubs plus Ross and Longford clubs. The game was played on what was known as the 'Western Swamp'. Essendon scored 8 goals to Northern Tas. 2 goals.

Match No. 2, Saturday 26th August, Essendon played a combined STFA team in Hobart. Essendon won 6.15  (51) to STFA 2.18  (30).

Match No. 3, played 3rd September in Hobart (first ever Tasmanian team)  the team was chosen from the North, North West and South of the State Tasmania  v  Essendon. Scores Essendon 6.27  (63) to Tasmania 1.8  (14).

North v South Games

North v South games commenced on an official basis, and the first of these combined games was won by the South: 6.18 (54) defeated North: 1.10 (16).

Waving of White Flags

Both the Southern Tasmanian Football Association and Northern Tasmanian Football Association introduced the waving of white flags to signal either a goal or point by goal umpires.

STFA buys Risdon Ground

The STFA purchased the Risdon Ground for £650/-/- ($1300.00).

The Risdon ground was situated near the railway station adjacent to the old horse-racing track at New Town (Cornelian Bay grounds).

STFA Premier

No grand-final played. Railway Football Club was declared Premier.

STFA Premier

No grand-final played. Holebrook Football Club was declared Premier.

Southern Tasmanian Junior Football Association

The Southern Tasmanian Junior Football Association was formed. It was during this early period of changes to the face of football, that the reference ‘Junior’ referred to second tier competitions. There was no junior football as we know it today.

Huon Football Association

The Huon Football Association commenced with only three clubs: Huonville, Franklin and Liverpool.

STJFA Clubs

The Southern Tasmanian Junior Football Association (second tier competition) was made-up of clubs : Fitzroy Imperials, Union, Glenorchy, Union Jack, West Hobart and North Hobart.

STFA Clubs

Southern Tasmanian Football Assoication included: City, Railway, Kingston, Fitzroy and North Hobart.

New scoring system

The system of scoring points was introduced, with six points for a goal and one point for a behind. The team finishing with the most amount of points was declared the winner.

STFA name change

STFA changed name to Southern Tasmanian Football League.

STFL changed back to STFA and joined with STJFA

STFL changed name back to Southern Tasmanian Football Association. The Junior body voted to have the word ‘Junior’ erased from its constitution. Which meant there would be no Junior body in Hobart. The old Junior Association became the Southern Tasmanian Football Association. This meant that clubs had seniors and seconds in their competitions

STFA Clubs

Clubs in the STFA were: Lefroy, North Hobart, Glenorchy and Wellington, with Summerton withdrawing after one season.

Derwent Association

The Derwent Association reformed after several years in recess.

Glenorchy leaves STFA

Glenorchy withdrew from the STFA, leaving only three clubs.

Derwent Association

The Cananore club was formed this year and joined the Derwent Association, one of several associations playing in and around Hobart.

STFA Premier

No grand-final played. Wellington Football Club was declared Premier.

Crescent Football Club

The Crescent club was formed and joined the Derwent Association.

STFA Premier

No grand-final played. Wellington Football Club was declared Premier.

Boundary umpires

Boundary umpires were introduced in both the South and North.

STFA Premier

No grand-final played. North Hobart Football Club was declared Premier.

Question of New Town joining STFA

The matter of admitting New Town Football Club to the competition was discussed at length, and further consideration postponed pending more information from the suburban club.

STFA pre-season meeting

A matter of interest was the pre-season meeting of the Southern Tasmanian Football Association, conducted on Wednesday evening 19th April, where Mr. C. J. Eady was elected Chairman for the year, and Mr. W. H. Gill again filled the post of Secretary.

Roster

The roster was drawn up to accommodate the three teams participating and the North Hobart club was to play Lefroy in a season opener on the coming Saturday, with Wellington meeting the former the following week.

TFL Premier

No grand-final played. Derwent Football Club was declared Premier.

Tasmanian Football League

Probably the most significant decision to emerge from the Australian Football Council (AFC) conference was that it recognised the TFL as being the controlling body for football in Tasmania, which in turn gave the TFL a right to have two delegates to the AFC conferences. There was however, a stipulation that one of the two Tasmanian Delegates be appointed from the NTFA.

Mr. W. H. Gill was elected as the TFL’s representative to its Executive Committee.

When the TFL was formed there would be only three clubs competing, Lefroy, North Hobart and Derwent Football Clubs. The Derwent Club had replaced Wellington Football Club that disbanded at the end of the 1905 season. 

TFL club changes

Wellington Football Club became defunct and was replaced by the Derwent Football Club.

Inter-State Matches

VFL Clubs Fitzroy and Collingwood visited Tasmania for a challenge against a STFA side made up from the following selected players: E. Russell, Lee, Mills, Orpwood, Langford, Hill, P. Dodge, Heathorn, Bridges, Brain, Burrell, Weare, P. Williams, Carroll, Able, Anderson, & Laurie Lobdale. Emergencies: C. Williams, Cook, W. Dodge, Donoghue, Searl and C. Williams.

The Fitzroy match was held in June and the visitors won comfortably 6.18 (54) to the STFA 5.5 (35).

The second match against Collingwood in August was a whitewash for the touring team, giving the locals a lesson in what the game was all about. Collingwood 16.8 (104) to the STFA scoring the same outcome as its previous game, 5.5 (35).

TFL Premier

No grand-final played. Lefroy Football Club was declared Premier.

Inter-State matches

Top VFL clubs Melbourne and St. Kilda visited the State for two games against the TFL. In the match against Melbourne, the League scored 4.6 (30) to Melbourne 14.14 (98) and in the other game against St. Kilda (which at the time was the leading club in the VFL competition) the TFL scored 8.11 (59) to the Saints 17.15 (117).

Intra-State matches

There were two games played between the TFL and NTFA, the first in Launceston on 3rd June, where the League 10.14 (74) defeated the Northerners 7.9 (51).

The return match was also won by the TFL 8.13 (61) defeated NTFA 6.11 (47).

STFA change of name

A new resolution was written into the constitution this year to change the name Southern Tasmanian Football Association to the Tasmanian Football League. 

TFL State Premiership

The official State Premiership commenced in 1909 between premiers of the TFL and NTFA, and the State final was played between the two. 

It wasn’t until 1950 when Premiers of the NWFU joined, thus created a rotational format, ie one League would host and automatically qualify for the final, and the other two Leagues would play-off in a preliminary final, with the winner progressing to the final.

During the course of the competition there were several interruptions, mainly caused through disputes. Falling patronage became a serious concern and eventually, the State Premiership series came to an end in 1978. 

TFL Premier

No grand-final played. Cananore Football Club was declared Premier.

Norwood and Melbourne visit

Norwood (SA) and VFL club Melbourne arrived to play matches against the TFL. Victory was attained by the League in the match against Norwood, but the TFL had to concede to Melbourne.

TFL Triangular Series

Matches once again were played between the NTFA, TFL and the NWFU, in what became known as the TFL Triangular Series.

Inter-State visits

Three Inter-State clubs came to Hobart to play one game each against the League.

The result of which, was a morale boosting year for the TFL when its combined League team defeated VFL club Melbourne in Hobart. On the deficit side, Port Adelaide (SA) and Richmond (VFL) won their respective games. Scores were : TFL 11.14 (80) defeated Melbourne 9.8 (62), Port Adelaide 7.13 (55) defeated TFL 6.6 (42) and Richmond 11.11 (77) defeated TFL 8.9 (57)

State premiership abandoned

This years State premiership was abandoned when NTFA premiers Launceston, caused a sensation by refusing to take the field against TFL premiers Cananore, following a dispute with the League over the appointment of the central umpire for the match. The League endeavoured to replace the original umpire engaged, but no avail. This did not suit Launceston and the match was cancelled. The action of Launceston was reported to the NTFA, which took up the position of supporting the offending players in their action.

Finally, the League, as controlling body of football in the State, took action and disqualified the Launceston players, until such time as the League thought that such disqualification should be lifted.

Shortage of players due to World War 1

Before the 1914 season was over, the effects of World War 1 made it difficult for clubs to assemble full teams for competition each week, as many players had enlisted for service. But despite the loss of so many fine players, the League was able to complete the season in a satisfactory manner.

World War 1 caused mayhem for Tasmanian Football

The three TFL clubs found it very difficult to field reasonable teams on a weekly basis. Mainland clubs were unable to visit Tasmania. The TFL and NTFA officials decided not to play a State premiership in 1915.

At the end of the season the following players had enlisted for the Armed Service:

Lefroy: Bailey, I. Margetts, N. Allison, C. Abey, T. W. Simpson. W. Abel, F. Burton, B. Kilmartin, R. Totham, D. Nichols, F. Green, L. Barnett, Newman, E. Smith, Townley

Cananore: Randall, Clennett, Hope (killed in action), Lipscombe, Turner, Freeman, Brownell, C. Hannigan (killed in action), Westwood, Shaw, Pennyquick, Bowen.

North Hobart: A. Aulsebrook (killed in action), L. Chambers, E. Russell, A. Bucirde, K. Moore, W. Jack, K. Mackey, Ward (killed in action), V. Shirley, A. Stanton, H. Brain, Mahoney, W. D. Leitch.

1916 - 1918 World War 1 – intervenes

The three major football bodies in Tasmania attended a meeting to discuss the future of the game. The result was a resolution that football be discontinued until the end of the War.

Football resumed after the war under difficult conditions

The resumption of football in Hobart and most other centres after the War, followed a three year lapse of the game. But if that wasn’t enough, the population had to contend with an epidemic of Influenza that swept Australia and rage throughout Tasmania later in the season, football had to be cancelled according to health authorities advice, which applied to all forms of sport that attracted crowds.

Visiting teams from South Australia

Two clubs from South Australia visited Tasmania, the first was West Torrens that played the TFL in a close encounter with the TFL winning by three points 10.13 (73) to 9.16 (70). The other match also went to the TFL beating West Adelaide 12.17 (89) to 10.9 (69).

1920 War and epidemic recovery

The recovery process was a prosperous one for the game as most clubs around the State had survived well under the circumstance. A ‘remarkable resilience’ is probably the most apt description to describe the rebound by the peoples of Tasmania to the incredible impost of War and an epidemic.

TFL adds fourth team

The TFL include a fourth club, New Town Football Club, into its ranks to complete an even competition, that automatically alleviated the bye of the previous three team competition.

A highlight was the positive result for first comer to the TFL where New Town Football Club won the opening match of the season.

Interstate visting teams

During the season matches were played against three visiting mainland teams, with the TFL winning one game. Results were: South Adelaide 12.9 (81) defeated TFL 8.13 (61), TFL 14.9 (93) defeated Glenelg (SA) 10.19 (79), Richmond (VFL) 10.9 (69) defeated TFL 9.12 (66).

North Hobart Oval

Finally, the TFL received approval for the usage of the North Hobart Oval, for its headquarters and roster matches. On the basis of 20% of gross takings, plus 71/4% of all members tickets, with a minimum amount payable of £100 per season.

North Hobart forfeits game against Cananore

On 11th August the North Hobart club failed to appear for its match against Cananore, claiming the TFL had been unreasonable in imposing a penalty on captain Percy Martyn, after declaring himself unfit for the North verses South match the previous week. He was suspended for two roster matches. North Hobart was fined £15 ($30) and the match was awarded to Cananore.

Re-introduction of the Triangular Series

Saw the re-introduction of the Triangular Series between the three major bodies : TFL. NTFA and NWFU.

New Town Oval

The TFL secured the New Town Oval for the season on the same rental basis as North Hobart Oval.

Tasmania selection issue for carnival team

Highlight of the season was the staging of the fifth AFL Carnival in Hobart – the first in Tasmania.

When the final Tasmanian team was being chosen, the League sent an invitation to through to the NWFU for Ivor Warne-Smith to join the team at the League’s expense.

The Union refused to endorse the application and as a result Warne-Smith was lost to the carnival team.

W. H. Gill memorial Medal

This was the first year a ‘Best & Fairest’ award was presented, known as the W. H. Gill memorial Medal. The gold medal was donated by News Ltd. The first player to win the award was ‘Leisha’ Smith, of the Lefroy Club.

New Tasmanian goalkicking record

J. Brain from Cananore Football Club set a new Tasmanian goalkicking record of 71 for the season.

Interstate visits

Two VFL Clubs, Essendon and Carlton came to Hobart in 1926. Essendon played one match against the TFL. Carlton played local TFL club New Town. Game results were : TFL 6.12 (48) defeated Essendon 4.9 (33). After one of the best games seen in recent years Carlton ran out winners 16.10 (106) to New Town 12.8 (80)

South Australian club Norwood also arrived, but did not play a match.

Cananore TFL & State Premiers

Cananore won the TFL premiership and then defeated NTFA premiers Launceston for State honours.

ANFC National Conference

During the 1927 ANFC Carnival conducted in Melbourne, the ANFC held a National Conference for all States, to consider several constitutional changes on rules and regulations. Representing Tasmania at the Conference was Mr. William Leitch. Among other matters, and at the behest of the ANFC, the States were required to include into their respective names, the words ‘Australian National’.

From that point onwards the TFL became Tasmanian Australian National Football League (TANFL). 

World War 2

1942 –1944 TANFL in recess due to World War 2.

TANFL changes after the war

Both Lefroy and Cananore Clubs became defunct. Replaced by Sandy Bay and Hobart District Football Clubs.

TANFL recommenced its competition under a new ‘District’ scheme 

TANFL two new clubs

Two new Clubs namely Clarence and New Norfolk District Football Clubs entered the TANFL competition to commence in 1947.

New Town change of name

New Town changed its name to Glenorchy District Football Club.

TFL State Wide League (TSWL)

In1986 the TANFL had created a State wide competition. Member clubs were the existing six Southern, Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart, New Norfolk, North Hobart and Sandy Bay. Two clubs from the NTFA namely, North Launceston and South Launceston joined to form an 8 team competition

Southern Tasmanian Football League (STFL)

Formed in 1996 from the old Huon Football Association and the Tasmanian Amateur Football League (Southern Division), it became known as the Southern Tasmanian Football League.

Its member clubs in 1996 that moved from the Tasmanian Amateur Football Association, were Lauderdale, Mangalore, Claremont, Lindisfarne, Lachlan, and Sorell. Clubs that joined from the Huon Football Association were, Kingston and Channel.

Huon Football Association ends

When the Huon Football Association became defunct in 1997, the Hobart Football Club (formerly TFL Statewide League) joined the STFL, and Lachlan folded in the same year. Former Huon Football Association Clubs, Huonville and Franklin merged. 

Southern Football League (SFL)

From 1998 the STFL became the Southern Football League. 

New Norfolk changes league

In 2000, New Norfolk Football Club left the State Wide League to join the SFL.

State Wide League collapse

With the demise of the State Wide League collapse, the original Southern based club, Clarence, Glenorchy and North Hobart had no option, but to join the SFL in 2001. 

SFL Clubs

Clubs participating in 2001 were, Brighton, Channel, Claremont, Clarence, Cygnet, Glenorchy Storm, Hobart, Huonville Lions, Kermandie, Kingston, Lauderdale, Lindisfarne, New Norfolk Hawks, North Hobart and Sorell.

SFL: two tiered competition

In 2002 the SFL created a two tiered competition (i) Premier League, made-up from former State Wide League Clubs, Clarence, Glenorchy Storm, North Hobart, Hobart, New Norfolk, Kingston, Brighton and Sorell. (ii) Regional League, included the original clubs Channel, Claremont, Cygnet, Huonville Lions, Kermandie, Lauderdale and Lindisfarne.

Sorell leaves SFL Premier League

In early 2003, Sorell Football Club, a member of the SFL Premier League was forced the leave the competition and eventually went into recess.

Lauderdale promotion

Lauderdale Football Club which was elevated from the Regional League to the Premier League in 2004.

SFL two new clubs

2006 Saw the SFL gained two new clubs for its Regional League. Former Oatlands Football Association clubs Bothwell and Kempton merge to form the Central Hawks, while Triabunna Football Club also from the Oatlands association joined -up.

AFL Tasmania re-invented a Statewide League

In 2008, AFL Tasmania re-invented a Statewide League for season 2009. SFL Premier League clubs Clarence, Glenorchy, North Hobart and Lauderdale bailed out of the SFL in preference of the new Tasmanian State League 

Channel leave SFL

Channel Football Club left the SFL and joined the Old Scholars Football Association.

Kermandie problems

Kermandie Football Club found itself with several problems both on and off the field and eventually entered recess in 2009. By 2010 the club had become defunct.

SFL restructure

Southern Football League resumed its original (1996-1997) competition following the exit of clubs to the newly formed AFL Tasmania Tasmanian State League to commence in 2009. Clubs that left the SFL were: Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart, Lauderdale and North Hobart.

Central Hawks insufficient players

Central Hawks were forced into recess due to insufficient player numbers, brought about mainly, by the Bothwell Football Club, that had merged with Kempton to form the Central Hawks, had left the SFL to rejoin the Oatlands District Football Association.

Kingston changes

Kingston became known as the Kingborough Football Club and left the SFL for the Tasmanian State League.