1896

1896.
Carlton Captain. T. Blake.
Vice Captain. J. Aitken.
President. A.H.Shaw.
Secretary. J. Balharry.
VFA Delegates: T.S. Marshall & H. W. Balharry.
Home Ground. Various; University C.G., E.M.C.G., M.C.G.
Premiership Matches Played. 18. Won 2. Lost 14. Drew 2.


Carlton would finish 12th. of 13 teams in 1896, sharing the foot of the ladder with Richmond.

It would be our last season in the V.F.A., with the Blues joining 7 other Clubs in a breakaway competition called the Victorian Football League or V.F.L.

The other 7 Clubs would be St Kilda, Essendon, Fitzroy, Melbourne, South Melbourne, Geelong and Collingwood.

Senior clubs in the V.F.A. had become disgruntled in having to travel to sub standard outer suburban grounds with the inherent difficulties of transport.

The loss in revenue from these games coupled with the V.F.A.’s amateur only stance, frustrated clubs.

Former Carlton Captain now V.F.A. Secretary, T.S. Marshall proposed that the V.F.A. take over the complete handling of clubs' finances and donate the excess profits to charity!

Geelong urged Essendon to sound out inner city clubs about breaking away to form a separate competition.


Before the season commenced Carlton lost stalwarts in Jack Leith, Bill Walton, Ingram, Breese (Breeze), and G. Smith.

A sign of desperate times current player Balharry becomes Carlton secretary.

Carlton 3.2 defeated by St.Kilda 5.11

Round 5.
Carlton defeated by Collingwood at Melbourne University Cricket Ground.
Carl. 1.7 1.7 3.10 3.10
Coll. 0.0 2.5 2.5 4.8

Round 17.
Carlton defeated by Collingwood at Victoria Park.
Carl. 0.2 0.3 1.3 1.3
Coll. 2.3 5.7 5.9 9.15

At season’s end South Melbourne and Collingwood were equal first and second on the ladder.
So a “Grand Final" match was played to decide top place.
October 3rd.
A crowd of 29,000 saw former Carlton Captain and champion, Billy Strickland led Collingwood in a defeat of South Melbourne, 6.9 to 5.10, to secure Collingwood's first and only V.F.A. flag.

Better Carlton players for the year; Hannah, Blake, Woodhouse, Patterson, Aitken, O'Cock, Balharry, Ernie Walton, Reekie, and Heffernan.


1896 V.F.A. Ladder.

Pos	Team	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	Goals For	Goals Against	Points
1	Collingwood	18	14	3	1	86	55	58
2	South Melbourne	18	14	3	1	86	55	58
3	Essendon	18	14	4	0	122	64	56
4	Melbourne	18	12	6	0	119	74	48
5	Fitzroy	18	12	6	0	80	59	48
6	North Melbourne	18	8	9	1	92	80	34
7	Port Melbourne	18	7	8	3	70	65	34
8	Williamstown	18	7	8	3	64	93	34
9	St.Kilda	18	6	11	1	69	88	26
10	Footscray	18	5	10	3	69	84	26
11	Geelong	18	4	11	3	87	93	22
12	Carlton	18	2	14	2	46	90	12
13	Richmond	18	3	15	0	52	131	12

Collingwood and South Melbourne had the same Wins, Losses, Draws, Goals For and Goals Against, top spot could not be determined.
A playoff to decided the premiership was agreed, so the first Grand Final was played.
----


1896 Carlton V.F.A. Fixture.

May
02 Bye, played Ballarat Imperial at Ballarat.
09 Essendon, at East Melbourne.
16 North Melbourne, at the University Ground.
23 Richmond, at Punt Road.
30 Collingwood, at the University Ground.

June
06 VFA Charity Day, no premiership matches.
13 St.Kilda, at StKilda.
20 Geelong, at the M.C.G. moved from the University Ground.
27 Port Melbourne, at the University Ground.

July
04 Fitzroy, at the M.C.G.
11 Footscray, at the University Ground.
18 South Melbourne, at South Melbourne.
25 Melbourne, at the M.C.G.

August
01 Williamstown, at the University Ground.
08 Bye:
15 Footscray, at Footscray.
22 St.Kilda, at the University Ground.
29 North Melbourne. Rain had made all grounds unplayable.

September
05 North Melbourne, at North Melbourne.
12 Collingwood, at Victoria Park.
19 Richmond, at the Richmond City Reserve.
26 Williamstown, at the Williamstown Cricket Ground.
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1896 Season.

Some details are mising, teams,reserves/second twenty, goals scorers, etc. If anyone has these could they please contact Blueseum.

March 31
Carlton F. C. AGM held at Carlton Hall 8pm.
The President Mr. Bromley MLA occupied the chair, and was supported by Messrs.
A. H. Shaw, Lanyon, Melville (secretary), M. B. Hearne (treasurer) and Cr. Cook.
The President called on the secretary, Mr. Melville, to read the report, which was as follows;

The committee, in presenting their annual report for the past season, do so with a feeling of disappointment, as they were sanguine at the early part of the season that the club would come out in a more improved position on the premiership list.
The team deserves every consideration. They gave great promise in most of the matches, and some capital games were played.
It is encouraging to find that with a falling revenue your committee has been able to reduce the club's liabilities, although not to any large extent. With the exercise of great economy we have been able to reduce our liabilites to the extent of some £30 ($60)
The question of a playing ground is one of...(text unreadable)..........matches once more played at Princes Park, the scene of many a hard fought battle in the past.
Illuminated addresses will be presented to Messrs. T. Blake, F. Rolfe, and J. Aitken the last mentioned being presented by the president Mr. Bromley.
It is with extreme regret we have to refer to the serious injury which happened to Mr. George Smith, one of our most sterling players. He was severely injured in a mine accident, and will be maimed for life. We give our heartfelt sympathy for himself and his family, and trust the fund being raised for their benefit will be of substantial help.
It was announced, amid cheering, that this morning Mr. Bloomfield had donated £8 ($16) to the Smith fund.
We hope our successors will be able to chronicle better results than we have been able to do.
The statement of accounts showed that the receipts from all sources last season, including a balance from the previous year of 14s4d ($1.45), amounted to £177 17s 2d ($355.71). The expenditure totalled £143 2s 9d ($286.29), including a sum which had been paid off a loan negotiated previously.
The balance sheet shows a balance in hand of £11 14s 5d. ($23.45)
Mr. Bromley moved that the report and balance sheet be adopted. He congratulated the club upon the state of it's finances.

Club membership had dramatically dropped off.
A few years ago it was 900 now it was down to 195.
The bad results of last year were put down solely to the total absence of professionalism in the Carlton team.
Every man in it played soley for the love of the game. Not a shilling had been voted last year to any player.
A reference was made to Princes Park which the club had now just secured.
The late Cr. William Ievers some 16 years ago first brought this matter up with the City Council and then he only had one supporter.
A hard fought battle ensued and there was much opposition, and Cr. Cook had taken up the fight which was eventually won.
It is believed that the ground will be ready in twelve months to play on.
It remained for the people of Carlton to rally round and support the old club.
A special appreciation for the hard work the out going secretary Mr. John Melville had done over the years was well received.
For a full report see the John 'Jack' Melville page.
Mr. Shaw was elected President, defeating Mr. Bromley.
Vice Presidents; J. Gardiner, Lanyon, Bailey, W. C. Donaldson, G. Ievers.
Patrons of the club;
Lieut.Col. Robertson, Messrs. S. Quirk, T. S. Marshall, A. Gillespie the Mayor, Cr. Strong, Alderman Pigdon, Cr. Cook, Cr. Brenan, Dr. Fletcher.
Drs. Mailer, Coles and Griffiths were added to the patrons list.
Mr. Hearne re-elected as treasurer.
Mr. Balharry elected at secretary.
The committee was elected;
J. Roberts, J. Harrington, F. W. Bennett, H. Darke, J. Frost, E. W. Camm, R. Lewis, A. Kemp, A. Youl.

May 1 V.F.A. Permit Committee.
J. Walsh (B. J. Walsh) granted a tranfer from Footscray to Carlton.
Leith transfer from Carlton to Essendon denied as the Committee was not satisfied that the clearance was bona-fide. (see July 25)

New players for the Blues this year;
Muirhead, - Fitzroy Juniors.
O'Cock, - Albion United.
Orford, a forward/centreman - Brighton.
Hewitt, a fine mark and kick - Cheltenham.
H. Howard, - Fitzroy Juniors.
D. Ferguson, a half back - Williamstown.
F. Blackham, J. Reekie - Albion United.
Birch, - Coburg.
Robinson, - Collingwood Imperials.
Hastings, - Essendon districts.
Heffernan, - returning former Blue.
Weir, - Fitzroy F.C.

May 2
The Blues have lost a quarter of last year's team for various reasons.
Experienced players in Walton, Breeze, Ingram, Leith and G. Smith are gone. The Blues are hoping the new recruits will fill the void.

Commenting on this year's fixture The Australasian mentions that the VFA has endeavoured to even up the draw with last year's top teams to play each other twice and the bottom teams like wise.
However there will always be anomalies.
"It will suffice to say that if there is any disparity at all in the programmes set for the first half dozen clubs, the advantage would appear to lie with Collingwood."
Fast forward one hundred plus years, and nothing has changed.

May 2
Opening round of the 1896 Premiership season.
Carlton had the bye.

Carlton played Ballarat Imperial at Saxon Paddock, Ballarat.
The Blues departed on the 6.30am train for Ballarat.
The weather was fine.
Carlton team; (28 named)
Aitkin, Blake (Capt.), Balharry, Hannah, Patterson, Patterson, Frost, Walton, Woodhouse, Rolfe, Giles, Dobbin, Jack Reekie, Paton, Power, O'Cock, +Ryan, Casey, Heffernan, Howard, Walsh, Weir, Sammy Grey, Blackham, Birch, Dowling, Dowling, Montgomery.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 0.0 2.2 2.2 4.5
B.Imp.1.2 2.2 4.4 6.5

May 8
V.F.A. Permit Committee.
Permits granted for,
H. Howard to transfer from Fitzroy to Carlton.
W. Casey to transfer from South Tasmania to Carlton.

May 9
Carlton played Essendon at the East Melbourne C.G.
The 1896 season got off to a disastrous start for the young, inexperienced Blues.
This game was virtually a walk over for "the same old", they were never extended.
Against a powerful Essendon team the Blues failed to score a goal.
O'Cock's snap shot was going through the goals when the bell to end the first quarter sounded. The goal did not count.
Many new players in the Blues side.
Aitken did not play.
Carlton team; (29 named)
Ashton, Balharry, Bennett, Birch, Blake, Casey, Dobbin, Dunn, Frost, Giles, Grey, Hannah, Heffernan, Howard, Melville, O'Cock, Park, Paton, Patterson, Patterson, Power, Reekie, Rolfe, Ryan, Stewart, Walsh, Walton, Weir, Woodhouse
Umpire; McCoy.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 0.3 0.3 0.7 0.7
Ess. 1.0 5.8 7.9 11.17
Players mentioned; Hannah, he took over Aitken's roving duties, Blake, Balharry, Reekie, Frost, Woodhouse, Patterson, Walsh, Rolfe, and best of the new players were Wally O'Cock, and Bill Casey.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton eleventh.
Played 1 Won 0 Lost 1 Goals For 0 Against 11 Points 0.

May 15
Carlton played North Melbourne at Carlton.
A very unslightly, scrambling type of game, with the occasional passage of fast open play.
The Blues were overwhelmed by North, but in the final quarter they managed to hold the Northerners and out score them.
Beaten by the Northerners in most departments. The forward line is Carlton's weakest link.
Carlton team; (24 named, plus two other names unreadable)
Ashton, Armstrong, Balharry, Blake, Birch, Cameron, Casey, Dobbin, Dunn, Finley, Frost, Giles, Grey, Hannah, Heffernan, Melville, O'Cock, Patterson, Patterson, Reekie, Rolfe, Walsh, Weir, Woodhouse.
Umpire; Carris
Carlton lost;
Carl. 0.3 0.3 1.4 2.6
N.M. 2.2 3.3 6.4 6.4
Goals; unknown.
Players mentioned; Armstrong (best for the Blues on a wing), Hannah (roving), Blake, Paton, Ashton (these three on the ball), O'Cock, Balharry (forwards), Rolfe, Reekie (backs).
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton thirteenth.
Played 2 Won 0 Lost 2 Goals For 2 Against 17 Points 0.

May 23
Carlton played Richmond at the Richmond Cricket Ground.
A split round Queen's Birthday long weekend.
The Blues kicked with the breeze which abated after quarter time.
Richmond played as individuals rather than as a team.
The Blues defence was solid with Reekie, Dunn, and Frost playing well.
Wingers Casey, and Armstrong (who gave away unnecessary free kicks), and the forwards in Hannah and Dobbin also played well.
Carlton team; (28 named)
Armstrong, Ashton, Balharry, Bennent, Blake, Birch, Burns, Cameron, Casey, Dobbin, Dunn, Finlay, Frost, Giles, Hannah, Heffernan, Howard, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Patterson, Reekie, Rolfe, Ryan, Walsh, Walton, Weir, Woodhouse.
Umpire; McCoy.
Carlton won;
Carl. 3.4 5.4 6.4 6.5
Rich. 1.0 2.0 3.1 3.2
Goals; Aitken 2, Hannah, Heffernan, Frost, Balharry.
Players mentioned; Rolfe, Reekie, Armstrong, Aitken, Hannah, Ted Heffernan, Casey, Blake, Frost, Dunn, Dobbin, Woodhouse, Balharry, Joe Paton.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton tenth.
Played 3 Won 1 Lost 2 Goals For 8 Against 20 Points 4.

May 30
Carlton played Collingwood at the University C. G.
The Blues kicked with the wind and should have had at least two more goals on the board at quarter time. Carlton played well against the wind in the second, but could not prevent the opposition scoring two goals.
The Blues held the lead with eight minutes remaining in the last quarter, when the Woods equalised.
A (disputed) goal was kicked as the final bell rang, giving the visitors a hard fought victory.
The final bell was rung four minutes after proper time and Colingwood scored the winning goal while the bell rung. Carlton have lodged a protest with the Association.
Carlton skipper T. Blake played well in the ruck, Aitken roving, and Hannah completely outclassed Pannam (Lou Richards' grand father) on the wing.
Ex Blue, W. Strickland did not play against his former club.
Carlton team; (26 named)
Armstrong, Ashton, Aitken, Blake, Balharry, Casey, Dunn, Dobson, Frost, Grey, Hannah, Heffernan, Howard, Leach, O'Cock, Patterson, Patterson, Paton, Reekie, Rolfe, Ryan, Walton, Weir, Woodhouse, Walsh, Finlay.
Umpire; Shaw.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 1.7 1.7 3.10 3.10
Coll. 0.0 2.3 2.5 4.8
Goals; Frost 2, O'Cock.
Players mentioned; Armstrong, Hannah, T. Blake, Aitken, Fred Rolfe, Bill Weir, Casey, Ashton, Dick Frost, Balharry, O'Cock, Walton.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 4 Won 1 lost 3 Goals For 11 Against 24 points 4.

June 1
V.F.A. Meeting.
Carlton brought to the attention of the committee that the time-keepers at the Carlton-Collingwood match admitted they had made a mistake.
They had allowed the final quarter to run for 30 minutes instead of the usual 25 minutes.
In that extra time Collingwood scored the winning goal.
The V.F.A. will look into it. (See June 20)

June 6
V.F.A. Charity Day.
£182 ($364) was donated to various hospitals.
No premiership matches.
M.C.G. will host a base ball game and then football matches between Essendon and Collingwood, followed by South Melbourne and Port Melbourne.
These matches each will be of 40 minutes duration.
Essendon defeated Collingwood and Port Melbourne defeated South Melbourne.
Essendon 2.4 defeated Port Melbourne 1.1

As in the charity match last year boundary umpires were trialled again.
Former umpire J.J. Trait was is in favour of boundary umpires, he had seen them in operation last season in the Ballarat competition.

June 13
Carlton played St.Kilda at St.Kilda.
The Blues kicked with the wind.
This was a disappointing match considering the Blues encouraging effort last week. Carlton only displayed occasional glimpses of brilliant play.
Four Carlton players Aitken, Balharry, O'Cock and Ashton reported by umpire Carter for misconduct. (see July 2)
A scrambling type of game in which the umpire was the hardest working man.
Carlton team; (23 named)
Aitken, Armstrong, Ashton, Balharry, Birch, Blake, Casey, Dobbin, Dunn, Finley, Frost, Hannah, Heffernan, Howard, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Patterson, Reekie, Rolfe, Walton, Warne, Weir, Woodhouse.
Umpire; Carter.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 2.1 2.1 3.2 3.2
St.K. 0.0 4.5 4.5 5.11
Goals; Heffernan, O'Cock, Paton.
Players mentioned; Aitken, Ashton, Balharry, Rolfe, Blake, Armstrong, O'Cock, Dunn, Reekie, Howard, Hannah, Heffernan.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 5 Won 1 Lost 4 Drawn 0 Goals For 14 Against 29 Points 4.

June 20
Reported in Saturday's Argus that the V.F.A. committee has considered the Carlton claim that Collingwood kicked a goal after time (May 30), and that the result should be changed to a draw.
The V.F.A. has dismissed the protest, and the match stands in Collingwood's favour.

June 20
Carlton played Geelong at the M.C.G. (moved from the University Ground.)
When it rained, the slippery ball made handling very difficult and the game resembled a soccer match.
The Pivots would be rueing their lost chances, the Blues would have seen themselves as being very fortunate.
Geelong had 19 shots at goal compared with the Blues' 4.
Carlton team; (25 named)
Armstrong, Aitken, Ashton, Blake, Balharry, Birch, Breeze, Burns, Burns, Casey, Dobbin, Dunn, Finlay, Frost, Heffernan, Hannah, Howard, McGrath, O'Cock, Patterson, Paton, Rolfe, Reekie, Weir, Walton
Umpire; Crapp.
Match drawn.
Carl. 0.0 0.1 0.1 1.1
Geel. 0.0 1.6 1.11 1.13
Goal; O'Cock.
Players mentioned; O'Cock, Dunn, Blake, Balharry, E. Ashton, Armstrong, Patterson, Weir, Hannah, Casey, Aitken,Harry Howard.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 6 Won 1 Lost 4 Drawn 1 Goals For 15 Against 30 Points 6.

June 27
The V.F.A. decided on a rule change as from this day.
Prior to today, when the umpire threw the ball in the ball had to hit the ground before it was in play.
Now the ball will be in play as soon as it leaves the umpire's hands.

June 27
Carlton played Port Melbourne at the University Ground.
This would be the last meeting between these clubs.
A new rule introduced, when the ball is thrown in, the ball now does not have to touch the ground before it can be played.
This made the game faster with less scrimmages.
A splendid, fast even game played on the open spaces of one of Melbourne's better football grounds.
When one team got an advantage the other would respond, and this continued all day.
High marking was a feature of the day's play.
The Blues wasted their opportunities in the first quarter.
Tom Blake is a first class player, but he can't kick goals.
Carlton team; (26 named)
Aitken, Armstrong, Ashton, Balharry, Blake, Birch, Breene or Breeze?, Burns, Burns, Casey, Dobbin, Dunn, Frost, Hannah, Heffernan, Howard, McGrath, Lannan, Melville, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Rolfe, Reekie, Walton, Weir,
Umpire; McCoy.
Match Drawn.
Carl. 1.3 3.4 3.5 3.5
Port. 1.0 2.1 3.3 3.6
Goals; Dunn, Paton, O'Cock.
Players mentioned; Armstrong, Aitken, Hannah, Howard, Casey, Balharry, O'Cock, Blake, Paton, Dunn, Rolfe, Weir, Dunn,.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 7 Won 1 Lost 4 Drawn 2 Goals For 18 Against 33 Points 8.

July 2
The V.F.A. charged Aitken, Balharry, O'Cock and Ashton with misconduct with using obscene language towards umpire Carter in the St.Kilda match.
Aitken said he only used foul language only after the umpire had used it against him.
O'Cock was charged with kicking O'Grady (St.Kilda) in the head while both lay on the ground.
Both Aitken and O'Cock said that the umpire's statements were untrue.
Balharry admitted using a forcible expression.
Aitken and Balharry received a two week suspension.
Ashton and O'Cock received a one week suspension.

July 3
The Argus published a letter from J. M. Aitken of the Carlton Football Club about the charges of misconduct against him.
Aitken had a number of people who were present at the game and witnessed the events. These witnesses were prevented by the V.F.A. from speaking in his defence.
"If I had been allowed to call my witnesses, they would have no doubt proved my innocence." wrote Aitken.

July 4
J. O'Cock also wrote to The Argus about his suspension and the fact that he was also prevented from providing witnesses that would have proved his innocence.

July 4
Carlton played Fitzroy at the M.C.G.
Balharry and Aitken played, suspensions not taking effect until a later date.
Both clubs fielded weak teams.
Game fairly even until half time, although the Blues had failed to capitalize on the forward line.
Carlton team; (25 named)
Armstrong, Aitken, Ashton, Blake, Balharry, Bruche, Casey, Dobbin, Dunn, Frost, Heffernan, Howard, Hannah, Lannan, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Rolfe, Reekie, Weir, Walton, Warne, Woodhouse, Finlay, Hooke.
Umpire; Shaw.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 0.2 0.2 1.2 1.2
Fitz. 1.2 1.5 3.5 3.9
Goal; Heffernan.
Players mentioned; Ashton, Balharry, Aitken, Howard, Blake, O'Cock, Patterson/Paterson, Rolfe, Casey, Hannah, Heffernan, Walton, Reekie, Weir.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 8 Won 1 Lost 5 Drawn 2 Goals For 19 Against 36 Points 8.

July 11
Carlton played Footscray at the University Ground.
The Blues were inaccurate as Footscray was accurate.
T. Ennis scored a goal with his first kick in senior football.
Patterson did not arrive until nearly quarter time.
Carlton team; (26 named)
Aitken, Armstrong, Ashton, Blake, Balharry, Burns, Dowling, Dobbin, Dunn, Frost, Heffernan, Howard, Hannah, Curtis, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Rolfe, Reekie, Weir, Walton, Ennis, Woodhouse, Logan, Stewart, Hooke.
Umpire; Crapp.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 1.3 2.5 3.6 3.10
Foots. 1.1 4.1 4.2 5.2
Goals; Ennis, Hannah, O'Cock.
Players mentioned; Hannah, Blake, O'Cock, Ennis, Armstrong, Frost, Paton, Heffernan, Stewart, Reekie, Weir, Aitken, Balharry, Patterson, Howard, Rolfe, Walton.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 9 Won 1 Lost 6 Drawn 2 Goals For 22 Against 41 Points 8.

July 18
Carlton played South Melbourne at South Melbourne.
The Blues were in it up until the half time break, although the defence was constantly under siege.
Only South's inaccurate kicking saved the Blues from an annihilation.
Described as a "shocking incident", Aitken was injured in a clash when he was thrown against a fence when the ball was out of bounds.
He had to be carried off, and he took no further part in the game.
Carlton team; (24 named)
Armstrong, Aitken, Ashton, Blake, Balharry, Casey, Dowling, Dobbin, Dunn, Ennis, Frost, Hannah, Heffernan, Hooke, Howard, McCarthy, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Reekie, Rolfe, Stewart, Walton, Weir.
Umpire; Carris.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3
S.M. 0.1 1.4 2.11 3.16
Goal; Balharry.
Best; Patterson, Balharry, Heffernan, Dunne, Hannah, Aitken, Blake
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 10 Won 1 Lost 7 Drawn 2 Goals For 23 Against 44 Points 8.

July 24
V.F.A. meeting;
T.S. Marshall suggested the Association with hold all gate takings and give £5 ($10) to each club.
Some the financially weaker clubs were in favour of this proposal.
It was pointed out that there was very little professionalism in the game and that if push came to shove, then the stronger teams would break away and form their own competition.
It was said that the public would prefer to see the stronger teams playing more often.

July 25
Carlton player Jack Roberts umpired the North Melbourne vs Collingwood match at Arden Street, he was attacked by irate North supporters after the game.
To read a very interesting article from The Argus on the incident, the crowd behaviour, and possibly why North was not included in the V.F.L. click on Roberts name highlighted above, and then on his page, go down to 1896.

July 25
Carlton played Melbourne at the M.C.G.
The Sportsman newspaper lists Melbourne as the M.C.C. in the match report and the V.F.A. ladder. (perhaps the the football club had been taken over by the cricket club)
Once this match was the highlight of the season with crowds of 25,000 common.
The Blues fielded a weakened team.
Like last week, Melbourne's inaccurate kicking prevented a blowout.
Former Blue Jack Leith played for Melbourne.
The photo of the Carlton team at the top of this page is possibly from this match.
This was the last game played on the M.C.G. by the Blues this year.
Carlton team; (28 named)
Armstrong, Armstrong, Aitken, Ashton, Balharry, Blake, Casey, Dowling, Dobbin, Dunn, Frost, Hannah, Heffernan, Howard, Logan, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Reekie, Rolfe, Walton, Weir, Ennis, Stewart, Hooke, Bock, Melville, Oliver.
Umpire; McCoy.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 0.0 1.1 2.1 3.1
Melb. 4.2 5.5 6.8 7.11
Goals; Walsh, Hannah, Armstrong.
Players mentioned; Blake, Hannah, Patterson, Armstrong, Casey, Hannah, Rolfe, Walton, Walsh.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 11 Won 1 Lost 8 Drawn 2 goals For 26 Against 54 Points 8.

August 1
Carlton played Williamstown at the University ground.
A poor, scrambling type of game, mostly confined to one side of the ground.
An unusual game, with the Blues dominating the first half, and Willy the second.
During the last quarter a count of players was called.
Both sides were lined up, but the correct number of players was found on each side.
Carlton team; (23 named)
Armstrong, Armstrong, Ashton, Blake, Casey, Dillon, Dobbin, Dowling, Dunn, Ennis, Hannah, Heffernan, Hooke, Kidney, Oliver, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Reekie, Rolfe, Stewart, Walton, Weir.
Umpire; Carris.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3
Will. 0.0 0.0 1.6 3.7
Goals; O'Cock 2.
Players mentioned; Walton, Casey, Reekie, Rolfe, Patterson, Armstrong, Heffernan, Weir, Walsh, Blake, Paton, Ennis, Ashton, Hannah, O'Cock.
From The Carlton Gazette review;
"The umpiring of Carris was very unsatisfactory for both sides, being very erratic in his decisions.
Casey stood out head and shoulders above his fellows and has fairly surprised himself, although he can always be reckoned on for a good game. The manner in which he handled the ball was worthy of the best exponent of the game.
Tom Blake was most conspicious among the followers and the good, solid games he plays has become as notable as Carlton's failures to score points.
Wally O'Cock made the best of his opportunities and scored twice, besides being useful in play.
"Wink" Weir was equal to any back man on the ground and put in sterling defensive work. Reekie and Walton were also good in that department.
Fred Rolfe was at his best which is saying a great deal, following on recent poor performances. He was playing against his old town and divided the honors equally with Walter Warren for marking and kicking.
Patterson was in good nick in the centre, and Armstrong on the wing gave some regular electric dashes. After half time he handled the ball quite as much as anyone on the ground.
Paton and Heffernan greatly aided Blake in the ruck, and up until the interval more than held their own with the opposing side.
Hannah only occasionally came out brilliantly, but he cannot always be expected to play a marvellous game.
Ennis had a couple of shots but could not score.
Ashton resumed his place in the ruck after an absence of three Saturdays and his inclusion greatly strengthened the ruck.
Carlton supporters will be sorry to hear that Jimmy Aitken is still laid up from the effects of a toss received at South Melbourne."
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 12 Won 1 Lost 9 Drawn 2 Goals For 28 Against 57 Points 8.

August 8
Carlton had the bye.

August 15
Carlton played Footscray at Footscray.
This was the last meeting between these clubs until Footscray's admittance into the V.F.L. in 1925.
The brief report in The Australasian under the heading "Uninteresting Games" said if Blake and other regulars had not been missing, Carlton may well have won.
No team details.
Umpire; Carris.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 1.1 1.1 4.2 4.2
Foot. 1.0 4.4 4.4 7.8
Goals; unknown.
No players mentioned.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 13 Won 1 Lost 10 Drawn 2 Goals For 32 Against 64 Points 8.

August 22
Carlton played St.Kilda at the University Ground
Blake and Woodhouse returned adding much needed strength to the Blues.
Armstrong, Hannah and Patterson across the centre "were irrepressible."
Carlton team; (26 named)
Aitken, Armstrong, Armstrong, Ashton, Balharry, Blake, Casey, Curtis, Dillon, Dobbin, Dowling, Dunn, Ennis, Frost, Hannah, Heffernan, Hooke, Kidney, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Reekie, Rolfe, Walton, Weir, Woodhouse.
Umpire; Molyneux.
Carlton won;
Carl. 0.1 2.3 5.4 5.4
St.K. 2.3 2.3 2.3 3.7
Goals; O'Cock, Aitken, Heffernan, Balharry, Woodhouse.
Players mentioned; Blake, Woodhouse, Armstrong, Hannah (BOG), Patterson, Balharry, Rolfe, Heffernan, Walton, Weir, Aitken, O'Cock.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 14 Won 2 Lost 10 Drawn 2 Goals For 37 Against 67 Points 8.

August 29
Although Saturday was fine, all of this round's matches were postponed due to rain which had made the grounds unplayable.

September 5
Carlton played North Melbourne at North Melbourne.
This was the last meeting between these clubs until North Melbourne's admittance into the V.F.L. in 1925.
Carlton team; (27 named)
Aitken, Armstrong, Balharry, Blake, Casey, Curtis, Dillion, Dobbin, Dowling, Dunn, Ennis, Frost, Gilbert, Graham, Hannah, Heffernan, Howard, Hooke, Kidney, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Reekie, Rolfe, Walton, Weir, Woodhouse.
Umpire; Shaw.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 0.0 0.2 0.4 1.9
N.M. 3.4 4.4 6.5 6.6
Goal; Balharry.
No other players mentioned.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 15 Won 2 Lost 11 Drawn 2 Goals For 38 Against 73 Points 12.

September 11 Friday
V.F.A. Meeting.
Carlton's J. Aitken was reprimanded for obscene language in the August 22 match against St.Kilda.

September 12
Carlton played Collingwood at Victoria Park.
The game was as good as over after the first 15 minutes.
Such was their dominance that in the last quarter former Carlton champion Strickland moved his Collingwood players around so they weren't in their usual positions.
About the only "highlight" in this game was that in the final quarter the ball burst.
Carlton team; (24 named)
Aitken, Armstrong, Ashton, Blake, Balharry, Casey, Dillon, Dunn, Dobbin, Frost, Hannah, Hewitt, Howard, Heffernan, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Reekie, Rolfe, Weir, Walton, Woodhouse, Ennis, C. Curtis.
Umpire; Joe Shaw.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 0.2 0.3 1.3 1.3
Coll. 2.2 3.7 5.9 9.15
Goal; Paton.
Players mentioned; Paton, Howard, Walton, Armstrong, Hannah, Hewitt, Graham, Frost, Balharry, Walsh, Aitken.
V.F.A. Ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 16 Won 2 Lost 12 Drawn 2 Goals For 39 Against 82 Points 12.

September 19
Carlton played Richmond on the Richmond City Reserve. (behind the town hall)
The V.F.A. fixture printed at the start of the season had this match scheduled for the University Ground.
This would be the last meeting between these two clubs until Richmond's entry into the V.F.L in 1908.
Blake and Woodhouse were again absent, possibly cross country running.
The City Reserve is a rough, but, never the less a suitable football ground.
Unfortunately the Blues hit the post twice.
The excitement in Swan Street and Bridge Road after the match had not been seen in Richmond for many years.
No team detail.
Umpire; Carter.
Carlton lost;
Carl. 0.2 1.4 1.6 2.6
Rich. 3.3 4.3 5.5 5.5
Goals; Balharry, Patterson.
Players mentioned; Hannah, Aitken, Armstrong, Balharry, Rolfe, Patterson.
V.F.A. ladder; Carlton twelfth.
Played 17 Won 2 Lost 13 Drawn 2 Goals For 41 Against 87 Points 12.

September 26
Carlton played Williamstown at the Williamstown Cricket Ground.
After 20 seasons this was to be the last Association match that the Carlton Football Club would play, and the final time they would play Williamstown.
The next game would be the following year in 1897 in the newly formed Victorian Football League competition.
The Carlton team departed Flinders Street on the 1.55pm train.
The Blues were gallant in a hard fought game. However the did not possess a forward who could match the Villager's W. Warren for accuracy.
Carlton team; (27 named)
Aitken, Armstrong, Balharry, Blake, Casey, Dillon, Duddin/Dobbin, Dunn, Ennis, Finn, Frost, Gilbert, Hannah, Heffernan, Hooke, Howard, Kidney, O'Cock, Paton, Patterson, Patterson, Reekie, Risehead, Rolfe, Walton, Weir, Woodhouse
Carlton lost;
Carl. 2.3 3.3 4.3 5.3
Will. 0.1 2.2 3.2 6.4
Goals; unknown.
Players mentioned; Blake, Woodhouse, Aitken, Hannah, Patterson, Heffernan.
Played 18 Won 2 Lost 14 Drawn 2 Goals For 46 Against 93 points 12.

October 2 Friday
Meeting of Collingwood, South Melbourne, Essendon, Melbourne, Fitzroy and Geelong clubs.
They planned to (A) revamp the V.F.A. into two divisions with the stronger clubs in one section,
or (B) to breakaway and form a new competition.

They chose the latter, with Carlton included because of it's supporter base and her past glories.
This left one spot open for another team and the unanimous choice was St. Kilda.

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Another season of disappointment for the Blues.
They finished twelfth on the same number of points as Richmond (thirteenth)
Now in the newly formed V.F.L. Carlton looked forward to having for the first time their very own ground at Princes Park, but on field, little would change in the coming years.
In their last four years in the V.F.A. the Blues had,
Won 13 Lost 57 Drawn 5

Collingwood won the 1896 Premiership. They played South Melbourne in the first grand final (or test match) as both teams finished on the same number of points.

Nick names;
A match report of a Geelong - Fitzroy game on August 15 referred to the 'Roys as the Cardinals.

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Club by Club; Win, Loss, Draws.

Club

Years	Played	Won	Lost	Drew
Adelaide (Sth Aust)	1887	1	1	0	0
Albert Park	1864 - 1875	-	-	-	-
Ballarat	1878 - 1891	3	1	0	2
Ballarat Imperials	1896	1	0	1	0
Barwon	1876, 1877, 1888	3	2	1	0
Bendigo/Sandhurst	1876	1	1	0	0
Britannia	18--	-	-	-	-
Brunswick	18--	-	-	-	-
Carlton Imperial	1875, 1876	4	2	0	2
Carlton United	1871-	-	-	-	-
City (Hobart Tas.)	1888	1	1	0	0
Collingwood	1892 - 1896	11	3	8	0
East Melbourne	1875 - 1876	4	4	0	0
Emerald Hill 1865-	1864-	2	0	1	1
England (Great Britain)	1880	1	1	0	0
Essendon	1878 - 1896	35	20	11	4
Fitzroy	1884 - 1896	26	10	13	3
Footscray	1886 - 1896	10	5	5	0
Geelong* 1867-96	1864 - 1896	45	15	23	7
Hamilton	1880	1	1	0	0
H. M. 14th. Regiment	1868 -	-	-	-	-
Hobson's Bay Railway Company	18--	-	-	-	-
Hotham (Sth. Aust)	1887	1	1	0	0
Hotham United	18--	-	-	-	-
Maryborough	1875, 1881, 1883	4	4	0	0
Melbourne* 1866-96 (one 1866 & 1872 result unknown)	1864 - 1896	89	42	25	20
North Melbourne-Hotham-North Melbourne	-	-	-	-	-
Norwood (Sth Aust)	-	-	-	-	-
North Park	18--	-	-	-	-
Port Adelaide (Sth Aust)	-	-	-	-	-
Port Melbourne	1887 - 1896	17	9	7	1
Prahran	1886 - 1887	2	2	0	0
Richmond	1885 - 1896	16	11	4	1
Royal Park	1864 -	-	-	-	-
South Adelaide (Sth Aust)	1892	1	1	0	0
South Ballarat	1889	1	1	0	0
South Melbourne	1879 - 1896	37	11	20	6
South Williamstown	1887	2	1	1	0
South Yarra (1865)	1864-	1	0	1	0
St.Kilda	1886 - 1896	16	9	6	1
Toorak	1880	1	1	0	0
University	1885 - 1888	5	5	0	0
Victorian Railways	1876	2	2	0	0
Waratah (Sydney)	1877 , 1878	2	2	0	0
Warehousemen 1865-	1864-	4	2	1	1
West Melbourne	1878 - 1880	5	5	0	0
Western District Combined	1876	1	1	0	0
Williamstown*	1884 - 1896	19	13	6	0

* Williamstown details incomplete, also Melbourne 1864-1865, Geelong 1864-1866 details as yet not available.


Carlton Football Club: 1864-1896. Win-Loss-Draw.

Year	Played	Won	Lost	Drew	Year	Played	Won	Lost	Drew	Year	Played	Won	Lost	Drew
1864	10	1	-	-	1875	17	12	1	4	1886	22	15	6	1
1865	6	3	3	-	1876	20	15	2	3	1887	18	15	1	2
1866	5	1	1	3	1877	21	14	3	4	1888	19	11	5	3
1867	7	2	2	3	1878	24	17	5	2	1889	22	17	5	0
1868	11	5	1	5	1879	22	16	4	2	1890	19	13	4	2
1869	7	5	1	1	1880	22	16	2	4	1891	21	14	4	3
1870	9	2	2	5	1881	24	18	3	3	1892	20	12	7	1
1871	8	5	0	3	1882	21	12	4	5	1893	21	4	16	1
1872	13	6	0	7	1883	24	14	7	3	1894	18	2	16	0
1873	12	5	0	7	1884	24	11	9	4	1895	18	5	11	2
1874	17	12	0	5	1885	23	13	8	2	1896	18	2	14	2

Played. 563; Won. 315; Lost. 147; Drawn. 95.
(Note: Early years stats. incomplete.)

At the C.F.C. Annual Meeting on 26th. April 1878,
it was stated that "...club now arrived at it's 14th anniversary",
Carlton had, "since the club's formation the grand total of";
Played 165 matches; Won 84, Lost 17, Drawn 64, Goals For; 259, Against; 69.
(The Argus, 27th April 1878, p8)

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Well over 700 players had worn the colours, and proudly represented the Carlton Football Club from 1864-1896 in the seniors and reserves.
Another 1,100 (plus), players would follow in their footsteps to the present day.

Carlton football club was a pioneer of interstate football, first to play a night game under electric light, and played the first international match against a visiting England team.

Carlton had won the first Victorian Football Association (V.F.A.) flag in 1877 and again in 1887, and now in their last V.F.A. season finished twelfth, equal last with Richmond.


Despite Carlton’s indifferent season, the Blues were asked to join the Victorian Football League (V.F.L.) along with Geelong, Essendon, Melbourne, South Melbourne, Collingwood, Fitzroy and St.Kilda.

Carlton were invited because of their history and supporter base, and on the proviso that they could secure a home ground.

St.Kilda, although success had eluded them, had a good ground in the southern suburb.
(Success still eludes them, except for one year, 1966 )

With the loss of so many clubs the Victorian Football Association was left with just five teams, Richmond, Footscray, North Melbourne, Port Melbourne, and Williamstown.

The V.F.A. in 1897 invited junior clubs Brunswick, and Prahran to join. West Melbourne was admitted a few years later.

The V.F.A. was never to be again the controlling body of football in Victoria.

After the formation of the V.F.L. the commentator "Follower" for the Melbourne Leader said:-

After a long, and it must be confessed, not very glorious career, the Victorian Football Association has practically ceased to exist, and those who hope to see the game reestablished may fervently say "For this relief much thanks!" The members of this fossilised body had year after year turned a deaf ear to increasing demands for reform in the game...


Carlton’s 1890’s Slide.

By 1890 most clubs had enclosed grounds.
They represented their local communities and had the backing of their local councils.


They could raise much needed revenue for ground improvements such as training facilities, stands and embankments.

Carlton never had secure tenure over any of its home grounds.
It was hamstrung by the Melbourne City Council's attitude for providing a permanent enclosed home ground.

Up until 1897 and the opening of Princes Park, Carlton had played home games at,
Royal Park, Madeline Street, Princes Oval, The Triangle, The Albert Ground in St.Kilda Road, The M.C.G., East Melbourne C.G., Victoria Park, The Lake Oval, Friendly Societies Ground (near Olympic Park) and the University Cricket Ground.

Power clubs of the 1880’s and 1890’s, South Melbourne, Essendon, Geelong, and the emerging Fitzroy and Collingwood had the facilities to attract players and the crowds, and therefore the revenue.
Many of these clubs had the full support of their local councils.

Carlton lost many good players to other clubs.
With the loss of these players, and retirements, inexperienced players were used, resulting in a loss of morale, and most importantly the losing of matches.


Sometimes Carlton did not have the required numbers to field a team and retired players were called on to fill the gap.

Carlton’s Captain Peter Williams even failed to turn up for a match against Collingwood in 1894.

Opposition clubs now disliked playing the Blues because of poor crowd attendance and the lack of revenue from an enclosed ground.

With the formation of the V.F.L., it is amazing that Carlton was invited to join at all.

Carlton had been instrumental in Collingwood joining the V.F.A. and was on good terms with the Woods and most of the other clubs, perhaps with the exception of North Melbourne.
Carlton had never taken sides with the "strong" or the "weak" clubs of the competition.

Carlton’s past as a pioneer club, it's role in the development of the game, the club's past success and the fact that it had the largest supporter base, stood it in good stead; and the granting of a permanent home gave the club a much needed lifeline.

In it's 33 years of competitive Pre VFL/AFL Football at the elite level, 1864 - 1896 Carlton had won 7 Premierships and finished second on 6 occasions.

The Carlton Football Club had greatly contributed to the development of Australian Football, and had witnessed the game from humble beginnings to then world record 30,000+ crowds.



1897. Victorian Football League season began.

Eight clubs, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Fitzroy, Geelong, Melbourne, South Melbourne and St. Kilda formed the V.F.L.

It would take another ten years, but by 1906 Carlton was back as a powerhouse in Australian Football.
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Sources.
The Carlton Story. Hugh Buggy and Harry Bell. Pages. 76, 77,78, 260.
Mullin’s Footballers Australian Almanac of 1951. Page 66.
The Rivalry. Michael Roberts. Page 52.
The History of the Carlton Football Club. B.Hansen.
The Blues. Tim Hewat, P31.
The Old Dark Navy Blues, Lionel Frost. p29
Kevin Taylor Footy Stats Book 2000ed. p71.
The Argus 1896 editions.
The Sportsman 1896 editions.
The Carlton Gazette 1896 editions.
The Herald 1896 editions.
The Australasian 1896 editions.

Pre VFL Players | Pre VFL Captains | Pre VFL Vice Captains | Formation of the Club | The Guernsey | Pre VFL Venues | Pre VFL Administrators Melbourne Rules Years: 1864 |Challenge Cup Competition: 1865 | 1866 | 1867 | 1868 | 1869 | 1870 | 1871 | 1872 | 1873 | 1874 | 1875 | 1876 VFA Years: 1877 | 1878 | 1879 | 1880 | 1881 | 1882 | 1883 | 1884 | 1885 | 1886 | 1887 | 1888 | 1889 | 1890 | 1891 | 1892 | 1893 | 1894 | 1895 | 1896

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