Liam McNally
Moorabool council’s July 1 BaccChat is a mid-footy season special, and will give residents the opportunity to learn about the history of Australian Rules football in the region with Tim Hogan.
Tim Hogan is a Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society committee member, is Principal Librarian for Victorian and Australian Collections at State Library Victoria and is also the editor and chief contributor to Reading Australian Rules Football: The Definitive Guide to the Game.
At his talk at the Lerderderg Library Mr Hogan will explore the local history of footy from Bacchus Marsh’s first team in 1874.
“There were lots of little clubs in early times, every little hamlet and village had one playing in tiny leagues,” he said.
“But it was popular, lots of people followed and went and the rivalries were very, very strong.”
The two-hour presentation had an opportunity for attendees to share their stories, and showcased old memorabilia, including a 1901 premiership team wearing knickerbockers, long sleeves and caps.
Mr Hogan said it’s inspiring to see the impact local clubs have had over a long period.
“It’s inspiring to show people what can be done – they started off with nothing in the early days, they’d just look around for a paddock that might have a couple of trees close together that would function as the goals, or people would chop down a bit of timber and fashion it into goal posts.
“It’s all about community participation, and still is. It doesn’t happen without people-power.”
Moorabool mayor Rod Ward said he’s very into his local footy and is delighted to attend the event.
“Tim has a vast knowledge of local football and his book into the origins of football in Bacchus Marsh and surrounds is fascinating,” he said.
