Media Release

The Past and Future of Australian Rules Football

It was a visionary Thomas Wills who in the first half of the 19th century proclaimed that ‘we should have a game of our own’.  Wills, a legendary cricketer and rugby player in his day, went on to create Australian Rules Football and own our game was born. Now in the early 21st century it is a sport that attracts thousands of passionate supporters, it is a part of our unique culture and it is also big business.

How Australian Rules Football became the game it is today and what the future holds for the sport and its supporters will be the subject of a public forum at the State Library of Victoria on Wednesday 12 April. Sports writer Martin Flanagan, Hawthorn legend Peter Schwab and broadcasters Francis Leach and Amanda Smith will kick around some ideas and report on the current state of play in Australia’s most popular game.
 
Paul Bateman, event coordinator, says there is a lot more to Australian Rules Football than many people realise.

‘Aussie Rules has a fascinating history. In the early days it was a renegade sport played in roped-off paddocks. The Melbourne Cricket Club wouldn’t allow the game to be played on its ground so it evolved into a community-based sport which was free to watch and open to everyone, regardless of class, gender or income. In many ways this egalitarian, grassroots beginning may account for the game’s great popularity today,’ he said.

This event complements the exhibition National Treasures from Australia’s Great Libraries, on
display at the State Library of Victoria until 7 May 2006 (free entry).

What Public Forum – National Obsessions: A Game of Our Own
Where Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library of Victoria, Entry 3, La Trobe St Melbourne
When Wednesday 12 April, 6.30-7.45pm (refreshments from 6pm)
Cost $15/$12
Bookings 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au

Media inquiries:
Matthew van Hasselt
Media relations coordinator
State Library of Victoria
Ph: 03 8664 7263
Email: mvanhasselt@slv.vic.gov.au