Footballs on display at Kardinia Park 2013 - Photographer: MRiley
Introduction
The idea for this list came from a discussion with Peter Haby at the Hawks Museum about which club had the oldest footy. Rather than just focus on the AFL/VFL, the idea of the project is to collect information on the oldest Australian Rules footballs that stiill exist.The idea is to celebrate the history of the game and to raise awareness of artifacts and ensure that they are protected. The ball is such an important part of the game the old balls should be protected.
Adding to the List
At the moment the list is small, and all contributions are welcome.I will add all pre 1940 balls that I am informed of, and any post 1940 ball that is the oldest for a particular club or competition, or ball type.
The 'Oldest'
The word 'Oldest' has many meanings and this list is not limited to just the oldest AFL/VFL football. Over time the idea is to find:- Oldest where the brand is known
- Oldest of Each Brand
- Oldest used by each club
- Oldest VFL, VFA, or other competition
- Oldest of Any Type
- Oldest on public display
- Oldest Interstate (SA, WA, Tas)
- Oldest White Football, Rubber Football
The List
| Year | Collection | Image | Description | Event | Manufacturer | On Public Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1894 | Collingwood Football Club |
Source: Collingwood Football Club
|
Good Condition - Usually protected by a glass dome, but the dome was kindly removed so this photo could be taken. | Presented to Archie Smith for kicking 6.4 out of the clubs 8.11 against Carlton on September 15 1894 | Sherrin - Match 11 | Yes (Westpac Centre) |
| 1895 | Caters Auctions |
Source: Carters Auctions
|
brown leather ball indistinctly stamped 'Match', laces partly perished, with silver metal plaque inscribed 'Victorian Football Association/First Premiership Pennant/Won By, The/Fitzroy Football Club/Season 1895./Ball Used In/ Final Match Presented By the Players to Captain Tom Banks As a Momento', mounted on metal and wood stand | 1895 VFA Premiership football presented to Fitzroy Captain Tom Banks | indistinctly stamped 'Match' | No |
| 1905 | Melbourne Cricket Club Museum |
Source: Melbourne Cricket Club Museum Collection
|
Football constructed of four pieces of leather sewn together, and with leather strapping on one side securing the internal inflatable bladder. Inscription: 'MATCH/II/T.W.SHERRIN/MAKER/WARRANTED'. Football is part of a trophy presented to William A. O'Cock as captain of the Collingwood Trades Football Club who were premiers in 1905. Collingwood Trades was part of a Wednesday football competition. The football, penny (M2919.2) and rosette (M2919.9) within the trophy were those used on the day of the premiership win. | Collingwood Trades V St.Kilda, Wednesday Football Competition Grand Final | Sherrin | Yes (Melbourne Cricket Club Museum) |
| 1914 | St Kilda Heritage Museum |
Source: Georgie Day - Heritage Museum Coordinator
|
The inscription on the football reads 'ACTUAL BALL USED - MCNAMARAS PLACE KICK'. The plaque is engraved as “ T W Sherrin maker” | Ball from Dave McNamara’s longest kick, (96.5 yards on July 21, 1914) | Sherrin | Yes (St Kilda Heritage Museum Moorabbin) |
| 1922c | Hawks Museum |
Source: MRiley
|
Length of ball approximately 29.5 with the width approximate 18cm. The ball is mounted on an oval wooden base with gold & brown ribbons added and housed in a glass and wooden display box. Probably been on display ever since; First in the Committee Room, then the Board Room then the Hawks Museum since 1994. | commemorative plaque reads ... Hawthorn Football Club Record score for Victoria League and Association Hawthorn v Prahran Played at Glenferrie Oval August 5th 1922 Hawthorn 30 goals 31 behinds 211 points Prahran 6 goals 9 behinds 45 points J W Kennon President F G Pritchard Secretary |
Not Known - Match Australasian .11. on one side, VE followed by at least 6 more letters on the other (Probably Don - Veribest) | Yes (Hawks Museum) |
| 1924 | Burley Sekem |
1924 Ball - Source: Burley Sekem
|
Original Ball with a replacement bladder (earliest known surviving Burley Ball) | 1924 ANFC Carnival (Hobart) Ball | Burley | No |
| 1930s | Burley Sekem |
1930s Ball - Source: Burley Sekem
|
Original Ball with a replacement bladder | 1930's Ball, c1933 when Burley became the Official ball of the SANFL | Burley | No |
| 1931 | Richmond Football Club | Original Ball Mounted | 1937 VFL Grand Final Ball | Unknown | Richmond FC Museum | |
| 1937 | Geelong Football Club |
1937 VFL Grand Final Ball - Source: MRiley
|
Original Ball in Glass Case | 1937 VFL Grand Final Ball | Sherrin | Kardinia Park |
| 1945 | Carlton Football Club | N/A | N/A | 1945 Grand Final Ball | N/A | No |
| 1954 | Western Bulldogs Football Club |
Source: MRiley
|
N/A | 1954 Football presented to Charlie Sutton | Unknown | Yes- Bulldogs Museum (Whitten Oval) |
| 1961 | Geelong Football Club |
Photographer: MRiley
|
White Ball | 1961 VFL Night Series Grand Final Ball | T.W. Sherrin | Kardinia Park |
Thanks to all who have contributed their time to the development of the list.