Football's Forgotten Years

by Colin Carter

Reclaiming the AFL competition’s earliest era 1870–1896

For almost 100 years, the AFL competition has been deemed to have started in 1897 when the VFL was formed after eight clubs seceded from the VFA. But new research, by former AFL Commissioner Colin Carter, makes it clear that the VFL’s founders, the VFL clubs and media commentators agreed that 1870 was their competition’s, and thus the AFL competition’s, first season. A lot of football history has been misplaced and this book outlines why these foundation years must be included in the AFL competition’s history, and the players and administrators who set up the game during those years be recognised for their pioneering achievements.

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how serious books about Football are. The drama is intoxicating.

I’m also convinced that the AFL should acknowledge the early years of the sport (and definitely not because then Carlton would have the most premierships of any team).

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compelling evidence - I’m more or less convinced - but it would have been better as an argumentative essay than as an entire book. There’s not quite enough here to justify the full length of the book.

[Loki · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a polemic than a history book, but still a fascinating examination of the earliest years of organised Australian Rules competitions, from 1870 to 1897, and the reasons why so that era has been so overlooked in the years since then. More a snack than a meal, but definitely enough to make you want that meal.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Justice for the pioneers of our game in this extraordinary era must be celebrated.
Stat's lost or not recorded is painful.
Rivalries never change.
And night games in 1879 were touted as never taking off.

[Spiros Koziaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book. Strong arguments for the history of AFL commencing 1870? I really loved going to the VFA in my teenage years.

[David Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why am I reminded of the old timer who wants to insist that his axe had been in the family for over 200 years? Just three new handles and two new heads.