HISTORIC FOOTBALL
INTERESTING RECOLLECTIONS
“One of the Old School†writes: “As an intimate and almost lifetime acquaintance of the late Mr. John Acreman, I was pleased to peruse the interesting account of his career published in “The Register†last week. Among the various points which attracted my attention particularly was that in regard to Mr. Acreman’s association with athletics and sports, especially football. It is quite true that he was the first man to introduce football properly into South Australia, and that he had five round balls sent out from England. He also erected the first set of goalposts. That was over 50 years ago-to be exact, in 1854. As there were no rival clubs the pioneer ‘hunters of the leather’, who included numerous St. Peter’s College old boys, picked sides. The combats took place on the park lands between the Frome Road and City Bridges, under what was known as Harrow Rules. The goalposts were about 9 ft. high, with a bar across the top. The ball had to be kicked below this, and could not be handled except when being marked. Shouldering was permitted, but holding and hacking were strictly prohibited. The teams usually comprised 20 men each. Some of the earliest matches were between the soldiers and the civilians, and now and then they were conducted with exceptional vigour.
One of the favourite scenes of battle was Modbury, whither the contestants and their supporters, who made a thorough holiday of the occasion, were conveyed in vehicles, supplied by Rounsevall’s, afterward Cobb & Co., and now John Hill and Co., Limited. At the conclusion of the struggles the visitors dined at Stone’s Hotel. The residents in the vicinity eventually formed a team – the first outside of Adelaide. It was as a result of the behaviour of the comrades of the soldier-footballers at the engagements indicated, I believe, that the work ‘barracking’ originated. They created such noise that the other spectators christened them ‘barrackers’ having regard to the fact that they came from the barracks.
For several years at the end of the season it was the custom for a team representing St. Peter’s College Old boys to meet a combination of all-comers, chosen from the civilians, on the Frome Road ground. As an incentive to the players the ladies provided a ‘bag’ for the winners. In this coveted receptacle were all kinds of serviceable accessories, such as smoking caps, hairbrushes, braces, and handkerchief belts. The bag was retained by the skipper of the team, and the other articles were divided among the men, who drew lots for them. Two keen spectators were the late Bishop Short and Dean Farrell. The former invariably occupied a chair, and the latter sat on an old grey horse. Mr. Andrews of “The Register†reported on the games.
Here are the names of a few of the players:-
John Acreman, N.A Knox (a determined footballer, who won distinction in a position similar to the present day ruck), Charles and Arthur Cooper, Robert Cussen ( who was particularly fleet and generally captained the civilians), George Hawker (the skipper of the St. Peter’s College team), Ben and William Taylor, Joe Cope, Henry Short, Thomas, George and Henry O’Halloren; Henry Mildred, Jimmy Payne, Alfred Hallett, Wil Fisher, W.J Fullarton ( he was nicknamed ‘baby’, and was only man who could touch the bar across the goalposts by springing from the ground), Fred Digby, James Frew, W.J Perryman, Jack Woodforde, Alfred Bonnin, J.H Parr, Henry Gawler, John Young, and Featherstone.
Subsequently the Harrow Rules gave place to some framed at St. Peter’s College, which continued in vogue until the Kensington Rules came into force. They, in turn, were banished in favour of the laws which govern the present Australian game. As the years advanced Mr. Acraman, whose sons became as enthusiastic players as their father had been, was content to remain outside the ropes, but he always retained his deep interest in the pastime. Frequently when witnessing contests he would become so excited and move in such sympathy with the play to such an extent that the spectators in his immediate neighbourhood found it advisable to allow him plenty of room.â€
From “The Register†July 1st 1907.
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St Peter's College as photographed sometime in the 1860's
