The codes diverge: the establishment of Victorian football, rugby and soccer in Australia, 1860–1900

Abstract

In the second half of the nineteenth century, three codes of football emerged in Australia – what started as the rules of the Melbourne club and became Victorian and later Australia football, rugby and Association football (soccer). All initially derived from United Kingdom originals, but they developed different trajectories. For much of this period, there was an often confusing interaction between the games as some devotees sought to distinguish them, while others hankered after a composite code to allow for or encourage internal competition in Australia. Others were keen to stick closely to what was developing elsewhere to permit overseas involvement. Many explanations for this complex pattern have been offered but the issues remain unsettled. This article tries to sort out some of what was happening as the codes gradually evolved distinct identities.