Scotch College

Archives settle arguments

Words: SCOTTY MACLEISH (’46)

Although Archives cannot always guarantee absolute precision, they contain information which can settle arguments.

One hundred and fifty years on, arguments about the origin of Australian Rules football are topical. This topic can be studied in the archives under ‘Topic – Football – 1858’.

Since antiquity boys have kicked objects of various types, and the objects have been caught. In rugby, the catch was called a ‘mark’ when the site of the catch was marked on the ground with the heel of the catcher.

Aborigines kicked stuffed possum skins, and catching these ‘balls’ was called ‘mumarkee’, which contains the letters m.a.r.k.

Australian Rules football has evolved from numerous sources, and continues to do so. The ‘rules’ started evolving in 1859, whereas current ‘tackling’ has been influenced by rugby.

However, the balls used in the first match came from Rugby, England. Their transport to Melbourne had been arranged by Mr Harvey, one of the masters at Scotch College, who played in the first match.

Voluntary assistants in the archives enjoy such discussions, and sometimes achieve agreement. They enjoy the fellowship among retired Old Boys, and welcome further colleagues who may wish to join in this interesting activity.

Please register your interest by calling Dr Jim Mitchell on 9810 4293.
GS