Champion of the Colony
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This article's factual accuracy is disputed. Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page. (April 2008) |
A number of publications list the Champion of the Colony award claiming it was, prior to the introduction of the Brownlow Medal, the most prestigious individual award in Australian rules football in Victoria. It is alleged that the award was based on votes from Melbourne's leading football journalists.
The first award was supposedly presented in 1856 and then annually until 1945, despite the Brownlow commencing in 1924.
Those who dispute existence of the award note that there is not a single piece of evidence cited in support of it from any year between 1856 - 1945. It is also noted that Tom Wills could not have won the 1856 award, as he did not arrive back in Victoria until 23 December 1856, having spent years away in England. Also of interest is the non-existent Richmond Cricketers club G S Bruce is supposed to have played for in 1858. Further, Hugh Gavin (of Essendon) is named as winner in 1903, which isn't possible given that he played in Western Australia that year, not Victoria.
The Federation of Australia on January 1, 1901 meant that Victoria was no longer a 'colony' and the award was renamed Champion of the Season in 1902.[1][2]
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[edit] Winners
* Player also won the Brownlow Medal that year.
[edit] See also
Australian rules football - Early years in Victoria
[edit] Notes
- ^ See Footy History at VicNet - mentions "Champion of the season" was the name from 1902.
- ^ See Know Aussie Rules - also mentions "Champion of the season" - for the name of the best player prior to the Brownlow Medal.
