| History |
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| The Australian Football League has come a long way since it's formation in 1896. Initially known as the Victorian Football League, the name was changed in 1990 after the addition of interstate teams during the previous decade. The league, which began as a Victorian icon, has now grown to the premier league in Australia, a league in which every young footballer aspires to play in. Below is a list of key dates in the progress of the Australian Football League. |
| A brief outline of the history of the Australian Football League |
| 1886 - The formation of the Victorian Football League. Initial teams were Carlton, Collingwod, Essenden, Melbourne, Fitzroy and South Melbourne. St. Kilda and Geelong follow shorlty after. 1897 - First Season. Essenden win the Premiership. 1907 - University joins the league. 1908 - Richmond are admitted into the league. 1912 - Player numbering on the back of jumpers is introduced. 1915 - University disbands. 1924 - The Bronlow Medal is introduced. 1925 - Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Footscray join the VFL. 1932 - The VFL becomes an incorporated company, composed of 12 teams. 1957 - VFL matches are televised (last quarter only). 1970 - VFL Park opens on 18th of April, Fitzroy and Geelong contesting the first match. 1972 - The VFL introduces a final-five system of playing finals. 1977 - The VFL Grand Final is televised for the first time. 1982 - South Melbourne changes it's name to the Swans. All the clubs home games are played at the SCG. 1983 - The Swans change name again to Sydney Swans. The Grand Final is telecast directly to the United States using cable television for the first time. 1987 - The West Coast Eagles and Brisbane Bears are included in the expanded 14 team competition. 1990 - League becomes known as the Australian Football League. Colloingwood wins the first AFL Premiership. 1991 - The Adelaide Crows enter the competition. A final six is approved and the first Grand Final is played at VFL Park. 1992 - The league renames VFL Park as AFL Park, Waverley. West Coast Eagles become the first interstate team to win the Premiership. 1994 - The final eight is implemented. 1995 - The Freemantle Dockers join the AFL. 1996 - Port Adelaide Power join the league. 1999 - Tony 'Plugger' Lockett of the Sydney Swans becomes the highest goal kicker with goal 1300 against Collingwood. |
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