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The History
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The VFA
The VFA was founded on the 17 of May, 1877.
The league was split into 2 divisions. Junior division and Senior division. Both divisions had 8 teams, of the teams 7 are still in the AFL. The winner of the league was judged by the VFA, usually the winner was the team with the most wins.
On some occasions the team had the most wins was deemed to have to many wins against junior teams. The winner then would be the 2nd highest win total. -
Teams
In 1889, the ever changing collection of teams in each division became settled at 12 teams. 9 in the AFL today. -
The Pies
In 1992, Collingwood joined the league. The 13th team in the VFA. -
The VFL
8 of the 13 teams in the VFA, branched off to form the VFL. 6 in the AFL today. These 8 clubs had combined won all the premierships in the history of the VFA. -
New things in the VFL
The VFL decided that the would hold a post season competition.
The best 4 teams would play. 1st vs 4th, 2nd vs 3rd. The winner of each game then playing to decide the premier.
Also it was decided that 1 behind would be added onto the score. rather than just called a turnover. -
The Australian Championship
In 1907, it was decided that the premier of the VFL would play against the winner of the SAFL (South Australian Football League). The winner being named the Australian Champions. -
The Tigers
The Richmond Tigers joined the VFL in 1908. They are still in the AFL today. -
Brownlow Medal
The Brownlow Medal was established in 1924. At the end of each game the umpires would pick the 3 best players. The best player getting 3 votes, the 2nd best getting 2 and the 3rd best getting 1 vote. The medal would be awarded to the player with the most votes. -
The Kangas, The Dogs and The Hawks
North Melbourne, Footscray (who are now the Western Bulldogs) and Hawthorn joined the league in 1925. All the teams are still in the AFL. -
Television
With the 1956 olympics being televised straight into people's houses. The VFL decided they would allow the final quarter of each game be televised. When it was noticed that the crowds were getting smaller, the VFL banned live broadcast at all. Only a highlight show later at night. -
VFL Park
VFL park was built. It was designed to hold 155,000 spectators. The ground unfortunatly it would only get up to hold 78,000.
It was built to have a ground away from the MCG. -
A huge impact from TV
Television became a huge part of the VFL. Spectators would rush home from a good win by their team to watch a replay.
Former champions of the game commentated over the game.
Also some attempts were made to create a variety of programs featuring VFL players. -
FINALLY!!!!!
After 93 years of being in the league, the Mighty Stkilda Saints won a premiership. Beating Collingwood by 1 point. OH WHEN THE SAINTS. -
JEZZA!!!!
In 1970, Carlton and Collingwood would meet in a very famous Grand Final. Collingwood lead by 44 points at Half Time. Carlton went on to win by 10 points.
It would feature a mark that changed every mark ever taken as Alex Jesaulenko, as he leaped on top of a players back to take a huge mark. From that day on a huge mark was named a Jezza -
Rule changes
The finals series was changed so that 5 teams featured. 2nd vs 5th, 3rd vs 4th and 1st would get a week off to play the winner of 3rd and 4th. the winner of that to play the winner of 2nd vs 5th in the Grand Final.
A center square was introduced, limiting only 4 players to be allowed inside when a center bounce was taking place.
A second field umpire was introduced.
It was also introduced that anyone could come off and on at any stage, not like substitutions when once you come off, your off. -
Sydney
South Melbourne, struggling for money and fans, were close to be disbanded. However the VFL moved them to Sydney. They became the Sydney Swans. However despite them not being situated in Victoria. The VFL still remained just as that the VFL. -
New Teams
The VFL allowed two new teams to joint the league. One from Western Australia and one from Queensland. The two new teams were the West Coast Eagles and The Brisbane Bears. -
Draft and Salary caps
In 1987, an AFL draft was introduced, in which the worst team from a certain year, would recieve the first draft pick. Usually being the best young talent. the 2nd worst team would then recieve the 2nd draft pick.
Also a salary cap was introduced, the cap restricted teams to be only able to pay each of there players a combined total of $7million.
These two changes made sure that there was more of a level playing field with the talented players split throughout the league. -
Merge?
When Footscray and Fitzroy where running low on money, a merge was proposed. However a fundraiser from the Footscray fans kept the team going. -
AFL
With, NSW, QLD and WA all having teams in the VFL it was time to change the league to the AFL -
Finals expansion
The finals series was changed from 5 teams to 6 teams. -
Fitzroy and Brisbane Bears Merge
These two teams were going bankrupt and they needed to find a solution.
The teams merged and became the Brisbane Lions. -
Port Adelaide
SA got a lisence to enter a team. They entered Port Adelaide -
Gold Coast Suns
The Gold Coast Suns joined the league. Geelong champion Gary Ablett joined the club the help it along. -
Greater Western Sydney Giants
Greater Western Sydney joined the league. Coaching legend Kevin Sheedy took over the club as coach.
