Leonie Sandercock

This 1982 paperback edition of this seminal work on the history of the game includes an additional preface by co-author Leonie Sandercock. In the preface she reflects on three significant changes in the organisation of the VFL which happened in 1981. These were the relocation of the South Melbourne team to Sydney with a change of name and identity to the Sydney Swans The second was the decision by the VFL to play regular games on Sundays. The third major development was the decision to move the VFL Grand Final away from the MCG to the VFL Park ground at Waverley from 1984. A decision which ultimately was not implemented. The book is otherwise the same as the first edition published in 1981.… (mer)

This pioneering work was the first serious attempt to explore the social and economic history of Australian Rules football, with almost exclusive focus on Victoria. The first part of the book documents the origins of the game and the transformation from amateur to semi-professional status. This study asks and attempts to answer many social, political and psychological questions about the place of football in Australian society. Several sociological issues and the development of the football industry are examined, covering such topics as the media, sponsorship, marketing, club finances and player payments and conditions. The authors conclude by examining the role of barrackers and women in football. First published in 1981, with both editions containing an index, bibliography and endnotes.… (mer)