THE HISTORY OF REPRESENTATIVE / INTERSTATE FOOTBALL
VFA-VFL COMBINE - UNIFORMS
THE TIMELINE
EVOLUTION OF THE JUMPER
SPONSOR PATCHES
THE TIMELINE
THE TIMELINE
(click on any image to see a full-sized version)
1879-1881
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1886-1887
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1889 (May)
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1889 (July)
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1890-1892
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1893 v SA & Tasmania
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1893 v Port Adelaide
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1894
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1897
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1900
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1902-1905
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1906
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Click here to see the state uniforms worn by the VFL-AFL interstate team 1897-2008
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1907-1908
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1909-1920
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1921
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1923-1927
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1931 (June)
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1931 (Aug.)
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NOTE - due to photographic development techniques widely used prior to the mid-1930s, the appearance of these dark jumpers
with light trim was often inverted in newspaper photos. This creates the illusion that these early VFA jumpers were gold with a blue sash. Click here to read more about this phenomenon.
with light trim was often inverted in newspaper photos. This creates the illusion that these early VFA jumpers were gold with a blue sash. Click here to read more about this phenomenon.
1932
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1934-1937
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1950
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1951
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1953-1957
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1958
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1961
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1965
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1966
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1968
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1975-1977
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1978
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1979
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1980
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1981-1982
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1983
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1984-1986
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1987
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1988 (Pre-Carnival)
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1988 (Carnival)
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1988 (June-July)
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1989
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1990
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1992-1994
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1995
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1996-1997
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1998-1999
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2001
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2002
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2004-2005
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2007
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2008
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2010
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2012
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2013
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2014
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2016
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2017
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EVOLUTION OF THE JUMPER
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The Victorian Football Association (VFA) has had a long and varied role in representative football and, together with the South Australian Football Association (forerunner of today's SANFL), in 1879 they played the very first intercolonial match of Australian football.
The VFA also served as the governing body of Victorian football from 1877 to 1896 yet many modern fans have been deluded into thinking top level football in Victoria started in 1897, when eight VFA clubs broke away to form the VFL. |
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Today, after well over 100 seasons of play the VFA (renamed the VFL in 1996) currently sits on the second tier of Australian football, acting as a feeder competition for the national league (AFL). Their representative team plays annual matches against the other major State Leagues from around Australia - the SANFL, the WAFL, the TSL and the NEAFL.
Click the tabs below left to see the story behind each design...
Click the tabs below left to see the story behind each design...
1879
1886
1889 A
1889 B
1890
1893
1894
1897
1900
1902
1905
1906
1907
1909
1916
1921
1931 A
1931 B
1932
1934
1947
1879
1879 - 1881
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July 1st, 1879 marked the official birth of representative football with an intercolonial match between Victoria and South Australia at the East Melbourne Cricket Ground. The South Australian Football Association (SAFA) had first challenged the Victorian Football Association (VFA) to a match in 1877 but that tour was cancelled before a match could be played. For the 1879 intercolonial matches the Victorian side adopted the colours of the colony (red, white and blue); the new uniform making its first appearance on June 28 when the colonial side played a practice match against a Combined Hotham-Essendon 23. Note: the exact design of the 1879 and 1880 uniforms remains unknown (newspaper articles of the day refer only to the colours). However, an 1881 article in The Argus [2-7-1881] confirms the players would be wearing red, white and blue stripes that season. |
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1886
1886 - 1887
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May 22, 1886 vs New South Wales
Intercolonial matches resumed after a four year recess but the VFA found themselves facing an unexpected problem: during the intervening years Footscray had switched from blue and white hoops to a new design that featured Victoria's old colours. The solution? The Association simply borrowed Footscray's uniforms for the intercolonial match. May 21, 1887 vs Tasmania Victoria again wore red, white and blue. A pre-match report in The Argus [19-5-1887, p.7] states: "Last year when the Victorians met New South Wales, the former had the use of the uniforms of the Footscray team, which are similar to the footballing colours of the colony. The Association has since, however, purchased a special set of colours (uniforms) for its representatives". |
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The Australasian [12-5-1887] reports: "The following will be the representative colours in the match next Saturday - Victoria: red, white and blue".
A retrospective of the 1887 match in The Mercury [7-8-1930] and a May 1889 article in The Argus (see below) also confirm Victoria wore these colours.
A retrospective of the 1887 match in The Mercury [7-8-1930] and a May 1889 article in The Argus (see below) also confirm Victoria wore these colours.
1889 A
1889 (MAY)
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May 18, 1889 vs Southern Tasmania
During the 1996 AFL pre-season Hawthorn wore a navy blue jumper adorned with brown and gold diamonds. Rarely has a football uniform aroused such contempt as the Hawks' diamond disaster, which is still mocked by many fans as the worst jumper ever worn. That diabolical design appeared for one game and was banished thereafter. History tells us the Victorian diamond jumper of 1889 illicited similar emotions and suffered the same fate. The week before the match against Southern Tasmania, The Argus [13-5-1889] provided background (and an incorrect description) for the new design: "... the new uniforms, which are half blue and half gold, will be worn for the first time by a Victorian team in this match. The old colours (red, white and blue) have been discarded as these were adopted by the Footscray club, and in securing new colours an effort has been made to obtain something unique and easily identifiable". |
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The Argus [20-5-1889] described the uniform as: "...motley royal blue and gold suggesting strongly the harlequin".
The North Melbourne Advertiser's reporter was clearly not a fan of the new design:
"The new uniform of which we heard so much as being a beautiful blue and gold, and which was soon to take with the public and especially attract the ladies, is an ugly combination of dirty yellow and light blue most peculiarly striped, reminding one very strongly of the antics of a circus clown".[18-5-1889]
"The remarks made last week regarding the Victorian uniform were fully borne out upon the team making their appearance on the field. the general opinion being that the newly adopted costume was hideously ugly and entirely unsuitable". [25-5-1889]
The North Melbourne Advertiser's reporter was clearly not a fan of the new design:
"The new uniform of which we heard so much as being a beautiful blue and gold, and which was soon to take with the public and especially attract the ladies, is an ugly combination of dirty yellow and light blue most peculiarly striped, reminding one very strongly of the antics of a circus clown".[18-5-1889]
"The remarks made last week regarding the Victorian uniform were fully borne out upon the team making their appearance on the field. the general opinion being that the newly adopted costume was hideously ugly and entirely unsuitable". [25-5-1889]
1889 B
1889 (JULY)
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July 13, 1889 vs Northern NSW
Following the uproar in May, a change of uniform in July was something of an inevitability. The Argus [13-7-1889] on the morning of the match re-assured their readers: "The Victorians will not wear the harlequin-pattern colours as in the match with Tasmania, but the blue and gold in narrow vertical stripes, something after the pattern of the jackets worn by the St Kilda, North Melbourne and Richmond clubs". It was also noted: "So that spectators may have a chance of picking out the representatives of the different clubs, they will wear their own club caps. This is not likely to be a very great assistance, as the Ballarat and South Ballarat colours are very like those of the South Melbourne and Melbourne clubs". The caps, combined with the Northern New South Wales uniform of royal blue and white in diagonal bands, would likely have added to the confusion for spectators. |
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1890
1890 - 1892
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July 5, 1890 vs South Australia
The Victorians adopted another design, pairing royal blue jumpers with a gold sash. The Australasian's correspondent, Markwell was impressed by the new uniform: "The (Victorians) certainly commanded the admiration of the thousands of ladies who graced the scene, though it was perhaps the particularly well-chosen and neatly arranged colours of the uniform they wore that gained for them this enviable distinction. The richness of the blue of their jerseys and hose, and the immaculateness of their white knickerbockers, together with the excellently contrasted bright golden band with which the upper garment was diagonally accoutred, constituted just about the most taking football costume yet invented by Mr. Theo S. Marshall, and the worthy hon. secretary has had some experience at the business. The sterling and durable colours worn by the South Australians would probably have carried off the palm against any other costume, but they were certainly in the background on this occasion". [The Australasian 12-7-1890] |
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The South Australian Register [9-7-1890] was also favourable to the new uniform: "The Victorians, in their very pretty costume of royal blue jersey, hose, and cap, and a gold sash and white knickerbockers, were led into the field by their captain, and were well received".
The Argus [5-7-1890] incorrectly stated that the Victorians would wear dark knickerbockers to avoid a clash with South Australia's colours (red, white and blue) but correctly noted: "Although the colours blue and gold have of late been adopted as the colours of the colony for intercolonial football, every year finds a variation in the method of wearing them". This continued to be the case throughout the 1890s.
July 10, 1890 vs South Australia (not shown)
Played midweek, this match would have been an absolute shambles for spectators and players alike. The South Australians again wore their red, white and blue uniforms but, for reasons unknown, the Victorians took to the field with each player wearing his own club uniform instead of the new state jumpers.
The Argus [11-7-1890] reports: "The jumble of colours - each man playing in his own club colours, with the exception of the white knickerbockers - had rather confused the Victorians, and several times they had managed in this way to give little marks to the wrong men".
To put this in perspective, here is a description of the various VFA club colours on display in this match:
Carlton - navy blue with white shoulders, white undershirts.
Essendon - navy blue with red sash, navy blue sleeves.
Fitzroy - maroon with yellow shoulders/centre stripe, white undershirts.
Footscray - red/white/blue stripes, white undershirts.
Melbourne - navy blue with red centre stripe, white undershirts.
North Melbourne - royal blue/white stripes, white undershirts.
Port Melbourne - blue with a red stripe down each side, no undershirts.
South Melbourne - red/white hoops with red centre stripe, white undershirts.
St Kilda - red/white/black stripes, no undershirts.
June 1891 vs South Australia
The South Australian Register [15-6-1891] incorrectly describes the gold sash as a "gold hoop".
June 25, 1892 vs South Australia
Match reports in The Argus and The Leader [25-6-1892] confirm the continued use of royal blue.
Played midweek, this match would have been an absolute shambles for spectators and players alike. The South Australians again wore their red, white and blue uniforms but, for reasons unknown, the Victorians took to the field with each player wearing his own club uniform instead of the new state jumpers.
The Argus [11-7-1890] reports: "The jumble of colours - each man playing in his own club colours, with the exception of the white knickerbockers - had rather confused the Victorians, and several times they had managed in this way to give little marks to the wrong men".
To put this in perspective, here is a description of the various VFA club colours on display in this match:
Carlton - navy blue with white shoulders, white undershirts.
Essendon - navy blue with red sash, navy blue sleeves.
Fitzroy - maroon with yellow shoulders/centre stripe, white undershirts.
Footscray - red/white/blue stripes, white undershirts.
Melbourne - navy blue with red centre stripe, white undershirts.
North Melbourne - royal blue/white stripes, white undershirts.
Port Melbourne - blue with a red stripe down each side, no undershirts.
South Melbourne - red/white hoops with red centre stripe, white undershirts.
St Kilda - red/white/black stripes, no undershirts.
June 1891 vs South Australia
The South Australian Register [15-6-1891] incorrectly describes the gold sash as a "gold hoop".
June 25, 1892 vs South Australia
Match reports in The Argus and The Leader [25-6-1892] confirm the continued use of royal blue.
1893
1893
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June 1893 - Victoria 'A' tour of Adelaide
June 1893 - Victoria 'B' tour of Hobart The uniform had finally achieved some consistency with blue jumpers and a gold sash worn each season during this decade. However, 1893 saw the Victorians wearing dark/navy blue for the first time. It was also the first year that Victoria would select more than one representative team to play on the same weekend (a concept later championed by the VFL with their regular selection of Victorian 'B' teams). This new dark blue jumper with gold sash was worn in Adelaide by Victoria 'A' (June 10 versus South Australia, June 12 versus Norwood) and in Hobart by Victoria 'B' (June 7 and 10 versus the Southern Tasmanian Football Association). |
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June 1893 - VFA vs Port Adelaide
A third VFA representative team also played on June 10, defeating Port Adelaide at the MCG. The team wore the uniforms of Essendon, the reigning VFA premiers. |
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1894
1894
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July 21 vs South Australia
The Victorian uniform was altered to all black with a gold sash [The Advertiser 23-7-1894, p.5] (note that Richmond did not adopt black jumpers with a gold sash until 1914). |
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September 24 - VFA vs Essendon (not shown)
An end-of-season exhibition match between Essendon (the 1894 VFA Premiers) and a representative team comprised of players from the other VFA clubs (except Geelong).
The players on the representative team wore their own club uniforms, leading to a number of turnovers throughout the match.
An end-of-season exhibition match between Essendon (the 1894 VFA Premiers) and a representative team comprised of players from the other VFA clubs (except Geelong).
The players on the representative team wore their own club uniforms, leading to a number of turnovers throughout the match.
1897
1897
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July 31, 1897 vs Ballarat FA
Everything changed for the VFA in late-1896 when their strongest clubs broke away to form the Victorian Football League (VFL). The VFL quickly assumed control of football in the colony and took the VFA's place as Victoria's official representative team, consigning the Association to a secondary role. In 1897 the VFA did well to secure a match against the strong Ballarat Football Association (BFA) who had surprised football followers with a 35-point defeat of the VFL in June. Two months later in Ballarat the supposedly weaker VFA were not expected to win, but win they did, posting a hard-fought 3 point victory. The VFA side wore borrowed Port Melbourne uniforms for this match. NOTE - Victorian interstate/representative uniforms for the VFL-AFL from 1897-onwards can be found via this link. |
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1900
1900
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September 15, 1900 vs Footscray
An end-of-season exhibition match between Footscray (the VFA premiers) and the rest of the Association. The match was a fundraiser for the family of the late Frank Mitchell who had been a long-serving secretary of North Melbourne FC and life member of the VFA. Mitchell had helped keep the Association going when the strongest clubs broke away to form the VFL and had been "principally responsible for Brunswick, West Melbourne and Prahran joining the ranks". [(Footscray) Independent 25-8-1900, p.3] The VFA side wore borrowed Brunswick uniforms for the game. (NOTE - this was not an official representative match). |
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1902
1902
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September 4, 1902 vs VFL
Following the split of late-1896, the VFA had repeatedly challenged the VFL to a representative match to decide the matter of Victoria's top football competition. Unsurprisingly, the latter showed no interest in such a contest. After all, what did the league have to gain from accepting such a challenge? It took the serious illness of Fred McGinis, a champion Melbourne Football Club player in both competitions, to bring the bitter rivals together for this benefit match in 1902. The VFL deferred to the association on the matter of uniforms, allowing the VFA to wear their old 1890-1892 intercolonial design. The league donned Melbourne uniforms in a show of respect to McGinis. |
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1905
1905
June 24, 1905 vs South Australia (below left)
A dispute in 1904 between the VFL and the South Australian Football Association (SAFA) over gate takings saw the South Australians call an end to interstate matches between the two bodies that season. The VFA seized on this opportunity, initiating annual matches against the SAFA starting in 1905.
For these contests the VFA again wore their intercolonial design of 1890-1892. This first match, played at Richmond's Punt Road Oval, is notable because both teams wore numbers on their backs, and a special card was printed featuring each player's name, number and position on the field. The cards were sold for a penny each outside the venue. [The Coburg Leader, 24-6-1905, p.4]
In the years prior to this match the use of jumper numbers had only been trialled on a handful of occasions:
Donald McDonald, reporting in The Argus under the nom de plume of "Observer" noted: "The plan of numbering the players for identification was tried. It was all right [sic] against the royal blue uniforms of the Victorians, but the black and white numbers were jumbled up, and lost in the black and white stripes of the South Australians". [The Argus, 26-6-1905, p.9]
A dispute in 1904 between the VFL and the South Australian Football Association (SAFA) over gate takings saw the South Australians call an end to interstate matches between the two bodies that season. The VFA seized on this opportunity, initiating annual matches against the SAFA starting in 1905.
For these contests the VFA again wore their intercolonial design of 1890-1892. This first match, played at Richmond's Punt Road Oval, is notable because both teams wore numbers on their backs, and a special card was printed featuring each player's name, number and position on the field. The cards were sold for a penny each outside the venue. [The Coburg Leader, 24-6-1905, p.4]
In the years prior to this match the use of jumper numbers had only been trialled on a handful of occasions:
- May 28, 1887: Carlton v Adelaide FC at (MCG) [the numbers were worn on the chest rather than the back]
- May 30, 1887: Tasmania v Adelaide FC (MCG)
- May 23, 1903: Fitzroy v Collingwood (SCG)
- May 28, 1904: Melbourne v Essendon (SCG)
- 1905: Port Melbourne wore numbers throughout the season.
Donald McDonald, reporting in The Argus under the nom de plume of "Observer" noted: "The plan of numbering the players for identification was tried. It was all right [sic] against the royal blue uniforms of the Victorians, but the black and white numbers were jumbled up, and lost in the black and white stripes of the South Australians". [The Argus, 26-6-1905, p.9]
1905 (June) vs SA
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1905 (August) vs SA
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August 5, 1905 vs South Australia (above right)
For the return match played in Adelaide the teams reverted to their standard numberless uniforms.
Jumper numbers would not officially return at the top level until the 1911 National Carnival, then later that season during the 1911 VFL finals series. In 1912 both the VFL and the VFA mandated the permanent use of numbers on all club jumpers (for more on this topic refer to Trevor Ruddell and David Allen's article Centenary of Numbers [The Yorker, Issue 45, Spring 2011]).
Caps - through to the late-1890s it was common for players to wear caps on-field as part of their official uniform but by 1905 this practice had largely died out.
Team photos of both VFA representative teams in 1905 clearly show each player wearing a royal blue cap. However, action photos from both matches confirm the caps were not worn on-field; for that reason they have not been included in the uniform designs shown on this site.
For the return match played in Adelaide the teams reverted to their standard numberless uniforms.
Jumper numbers would not officially return at the top level until the 1911 National Carnival, then later that season during the 1911 VFL finals series. In 1912 both the VFL and the VFA mandated the permanent use of numbers on all club jumpers (for more on this topic refer to Trevor Ruddell and David Allen's article Centenary of Numbers [The Yorker, Issue 45, Spring 2011]).
Caps - through to the late-1890s it was common for players to wear caps on-field as part of their official uniform but by 1905 this practice had largely died out.
Team photos of both VFA representative teams in 1905 clearly show each player wearing a royal blue cap. However, action photos from both matches confirm the caps were not worn on-field; for that reason they have not been included in the uniform designs shown on this site.
1906
1906
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1906 vs South Australia / Stawell FC / Bendigo & Northern Districts FA
The VFA representative jumper changed to navy blue with gold hoops in 1906, making this the first Association representative team to wear navy blue since the intercolonial team of 1893 (see the 1893 tab at left). The exact reason for the change remains unknown; the VFL's representative uniform had included a navy blue jumper since 1903 and by 1906 other Victorian teams in rowing, softball and lacrosse had also adopted navy blue for any representative contests against other states. Perhaps the VFL not playing interstate matches in 1906 opened the door for the VFA's switch from royal to navy blue. As with 1905, the official team photo shows the players wearing caps but they were not worn on-field. The ceremonial nature of the caps is further highlighted by the fact they were still royal blue, despite the rest of the uniform changing to navy blue that year. |
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1907
1907 - 1908
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1907 vs South Australia / Stawell FC
1908 vs South Australia / Barrier Ranges FA (Broken Hill) After a brief flirtation with navy blue the VFA returned to their 1905 uniform, again without numbers. The 1907 team photos again show the use of ceremonial caps that were not worn on-field, and by 1908 the caps had disappeared completely. |
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1909
1909 - 1911
1909 vs South Australia / Stawell FC
1910 vs South Australia / Stawell FC
1911 vs South Australia / Barrier Ranges FA
In 1909 the VFA representative uniform was modified; the navy blue trousers were replaced by three-quarter length white knicks, and the jumper cuffs and sock-tops were changed to gold.
This would remain the VFA's standard uniform for the next 20 years, with the exception of 1921 (see tab at left).
1910 vs South Australia / Stawell FC
1911 vs South Australia / Barrier Ranges FA
In 1909 the VFA representative uniform was modified; the navy blue trousers were replaced by three-quarter length white knicks, and the jumper cuffs and sock-tops were changed to gold.
This would remain the VFA's standard uniform for the next 20 years, with the exception of 1921 (see tab at left).
1909-1911
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1912-1913 / 1920 / 1923-1927
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1912 - 1927
1912 vs Barrier Ranges FA
1913 vs Western District FA
1920/23 vs Goldfields FA
1924 vs Perth FC
1926-27 vs Central Gippsland FA
Season 1912 saw the introduction of jumper numbers for all VFA clubs. The representative team followed suit with large gold numbers replacing the sash on the rear of the jumper.
1913 vs Western District FA
1920/23 vs Goldfields FA
1924 vs Perth FC
1926-27 vs Central Gippsland FA
Season 1912 saw the introduction of jumper numbers for all VFA clubs. The representative team followed suit with large gold numbers replacing the sash on the rear of the jumper.
1916
1916
September 8, 1916 vs North Melbourne FC
Due to the First World War the VFA ended their 1915 season early and went into recess during 1916-17.
However, the players re-united for this one-off exhibition match between North Melbourne (1915 VFA premiers) and a combined VFA representative side comprised of players from the other association clubs.
The match was a fundraiser for former South Melbourne and North Melbourne player Harry Todd who had lost his hands in a workplace accident. Players on both sides were reported to be out of form having had no football for a year.
It remains unknown what uniform the VFA team wore for this match.
Due to the First World War the VFA ended their 1915 season early and went into recess during 1916-17.
However, the players re-united for this one-off exhibition match between North Melbourne (1915 VFA premiers) and a combined VFA representative side comprised of players from the other association clubs.
The match was a fundraiser for former South Melbourne and North Melbourne player Harry Todd who had lost his hands in a workplace accident. Players on both sides were reported to be out of form having had no football for a year.
It remains unknown what uniform the VFA team wore for this match.
1921
1921
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August 6, 1921 vs Goldfields FA
The West Australians travelled to Melbourne to meet the VFA on its home turf. The men of the goldfields, accustomed to rock-hard ovals, found themselves completely lost on the muddy East Melbourne ground and kicked just two goals in a 101-point whitewash. For this match the VFA ditched their traditional representative uniform and wore borrowed Footscray uniforms. No official reason for the switch has been found but it seems logical when one considers the similarities in the uniforms of the two sides (VFA: royal blue with a gold sash, GFA: black with a gold sash). Clearly this was not a problem in 1920 (or later in 1923) on the bone-dry surface at Kalgoorlie but on a quagmire at the EMCG such similar uniforms would have quickly become indistinguishable. |
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1931 A
1931 (June)
June 6, 1931 vs VFL
The VFA and VFL finally brought an end to their hostilities, signing a permit agreement that cleared the way for player transfers between both competitions. After years of acrimony the league also agreed to play the association for the first time since 1902 with the proceeds going to charity.
The VFA wore a modified version of their 1909-1927 uniform, switching from a blue turtle-neck to a button-up v-neck with gold collar.
The shorts changed from the three-quarter-length knicks of the previous thirty years to the new style which had been adopted by VFA and VFL clubs during the late-1920s.
A unique, "swirled" number font was also introduced for this match but was not seen again after this match, replaced by the traditional footy font.
The VFA and VFL finally brought an end to their hostilities, signing a permit agreement that cleared the way for player transfers between both competitions. After years of acrimony the league also agreed to play the association for the first time since 1902 with the proceeds going to charity.
The VFA wore a modified version of their 1909-1927 uniform, switching from a blue turtle-neck to a button-up v-neck with gold collar.
The shorts changed from the three-quarter-length knicks of the previous thirty years to the new style which had been adopted by VFA and VFL clubs during the late-1920s.
A unique, "swirled" number font was also introduced for this match but was not seen again after this match, replaced by the traditional footy font.
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1931 B
1931 (August)
August 15, 1931 vs New South Wales
The VFL had been playing regular interstate matches against New South Wales since 1920 but were unable to send a team to Sydney in 1931. The NSW league approached the VFA to take the VFL's place but this required ANFC approval because the VFA was not an affiliated competition.
Initially the ANFC refused to approve the match because of the VFA's non-affiliation and because their playing rules were not in strict conformity with the ANFC laws of the game.
However, when the VFL decided not to vote against the game on the basis that it would improve football in NSW, the ANFC subsequently allowed the match - on the condition it was played under their national rules. [SMH 10-6-1931, p.15]
For this match the VFA broke with tradition, ditching their gold sash which had been part of their representative uniform since 1890, and replacing it with a blue and gold version of the uniform worn by the VFL in their match against the VFA two months earlier.
The VFL had been playing regular interstate matches against New South Wales since 1920 but were unable to send a team to Sydney in 1931. The NSW league approached the VFA to take the VFL's place but this required ANFC approval because the VFA was not an affiliated competition.
Initially the ANFC refused to approve the match because of the VFA's non-affiliation and because their playing rules were not in strict conformity with the ANFC laws of the game.
However, when the VFL decided not to vote against the game on the basis that it would improve football in NSW, the ANFC subsequently allowed the match - on the condition it was played under their national rules. [SMH 10-6-1931, p.15]
For this match the VFA broke with tradition, ditching their gold sash which had been part of their representative uniform since 1890, and replacing it with a blue and gold version of the uniform worn by the VFL in their match against the VFA two months earlier.
The VFL uniform worn in June against the VFA
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The VFA uniform worn in August against NSW
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1932
1932
June 6, 1932 vs VFL
The VFA confronted the VFL at Princes Park on the King's Birthday Holiday and were unlucky to lose a hard-fought match by 8 points.
Matching uniforms - for this match the VFA and VFL wore an identical V, with their respective colours the only variation between the two sides. This remains the only time in top-level interstate/representative Australian football when both teams wore matching designs.
The VFA confronted the VFL at Princes Park on the King's Birthday Holiday and were unlucky to lose a hard-fought match by 8 points.
Matching uniforms - for this match the VFA and VFL wore an identical V, with their respective colours the only variation between the two sides. This remains the only time in top-level interstate/representative Australian football when both teams wore matching designs.
The VFA's uniform
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The VFL's uniform
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1934
1934 - 1937
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1934/35/36/37 vs VFL
After two seasons of copying the VFL's uniforms, the VFA finally established their own identity with this unique design featuring a VFA monogram on the front. Unfortunately, this instant classic has remained largely forgotten... until now. |
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1947
1947
June 16, 1947 vs Bendigo FA
An exhibition match held to increase regional interest in the VFA, and played on a Monday public holiday.
Four VFA players took the field for the opposition: Egan and Brokenshire (Sandringham), Jack Blackman (Preston captain-coach) and Laurie Taylor (Camberwell).
Egan was the BFA's best player and Brokenshire kicked 10 goals for the locals.
To date, it remains unknown what uniforms the VFA representative team wore for this match.
An exhibition match held to increase regional interest in the VFA, and played on a Monday public holiday.
Four VFA players took the field for the opposition: Egan and Brokenshire (Sandringham), Jack Blackman (Preston captain-coach) and Laurie Taylor (Camberwell).
Egan was the BFA's best player and Brokenshire kicked 10 goals for the locals.
To date, it remains unknown what uniforms the VFA representative team wore for this match.
SPONSOR PATCHES
VFA-VFL COMBINE - LOGOS
The VFA was the first of the top-level Representative/State teams to place their official logo on their representative jumper. The 1950 logo seen below also appeared in 1951, but only on the jumpers of the captain and vice-captain. From 1952-on all players in the Combine wore the same logo.
VFA-VFL COMBINE - SPONSOR PATCHES
The VFA was also a pioneer on this front, becoming the first Representative/State team to have a sponsor patch on their representative jumper. In comparison, no sponsor appeared on the Victorian state jumper until 1986 (even though the VFL-AFL club jumpers had sponsor patches since 1977).
VFA-VFL REPRESENTATIVE UNIFORMS HISTORY
Click on the tabs to discover the story behind each design...
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Written and researched by David Eastman
Artwork by Rob Meredith |
First published 4/2/2016
Last updated 6/2/2022 |
