2010! 2010!

O U R G R E AT G A M E | History comes alive
Welcome to Our Great Game where we will
explore the tapestry of Tasmanian football
history and also embark on some analysis of
topical issues in Tasmanian football.
Starting next week and then approximately every
fortnight we will present the rich and varied
history of the 10 Tasmanian State League Clubs.
And what a history we have! Not only do we
have the recognized oldest club in Tasmania
in Launceston, but also arguably the most
successful in North Hobart. We also have the
fascinating merged history of Clubs such as
Glenorchy, Burnie and South Launceston.
Can you remember Cananore? The Hobart
based club were a dominant force in Tasmanian
football in the first half of last century. The
Canaries wore black and gold and played out
of the TCA Ground. After World War Two the
club was disbanded and then effectively reestablished
under the new district format in
Tasmanian football as the Hobart Football Club.
The fascinating history of these Clubs will be the
subject of a special feature mid-year.
We will also consider the relatively new clubs
such as Clarence and Lauderdale which have
emerged as the eastern suburbs of Hobart have
grown outwards and the much older working
class bastion of North Launceston and the home
of middle class Devonport.
Our Great Game is much more than the 10 TSL
Clubs and some of the topical issues we will
consider include:
• The Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame which
will for the 6th time celebrate the contribution
of numerous individuals and recognize
another great club, legendary team and
memorable game of Tasmanian football.
• Also, Tasmania will once again take on
Queensland in a senior interstate clash in June.
We will consider the role and achievements of
Tasmania in interstate football.
• The Tasmanian Devils. Were they ill
conceived and doomed from the start or
was it the boldest and longest experiment in
Tasmanian football being a serious contender
in the national football club spotlight?
Finally, we will ask you to join the debate about
when we should celebrate Tasmanian footballs
sesquicentenary (150th anniversary). The AFL
celebrated the anniversary of Australian Football
in 2008 on the basis that the formulation of the
so called ‘Melbourne Rules’ of 1858 was a start
point for football history.
Of course different forms of Australian football
were being played in Tasmania, as well as
Victoria, nearly two decades before 1858. In
Tasmania we will consider key milestones
between 1858 and 1875, which is recognized
as the year that the Launceston Football Club
officially came into being, and promote one as
the start point of Our Great Game.
Daniel Smedley
Historian / Manager
Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame
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