Football in S.A....in 1843!

[The Apostle]

Southern Australian: Friday 17 March 1843

1843.jpg (56.93 KiB) Viewed 547 times

South Australian Register: Saturday 18 March 1843

1843#2.jpg (28.41 KiB) Viewed 547 times

Discuss!

[cripple]

Most likely soccer although the second one makes mention of ireland so could be gaelic or rugby. At least you got to eat ox at the end of it.

[The Apostle]

Quote from http://www.sanfl.com.au/the_sanfl/history_of_the_sanfl/:

History of the SANFL

Football in South Australia has a long and colourful history. The first official record of Australian Rules being played in SA dates back to 1843.

[Pseudo]

Most likely soccer although the second one makes mention of ireland so could be gaelic or rugby. At least you got to eat ox at the end of it.

Not just an ox... an ox roasted whole!

More evidence that the Victorians didn't invent the game, as is frequently claimed. At best they codified a set of rules which was eventually accepted elsewhere in the country.

Oddly, John Acraman is credited with bringing the "first" footballs - round ones - to SA in 1847. I wonder what they were kicking around in 1843? Perhaps the ox's bladder?