Football in Geelong has a long and rich history, dating back to the first known game in 1884.
The sport has since grown in popularity alongside waves of immigration, particularly from Europe, becoming one of the region’s most played sports.
Timeline of key events
- View a timeline of football in the Geelong region from 1884.
In-depth local history
- Post war soccer in Geelong (PDF) by Roy Hay (published 1994)
- Geelong Soccer between the Wars (PDF) by Roy Hay (published 1994)
Football in Victoria
Read more about the history of football in Victoria
A football pitch used by the Federal Woollen Mills team in North Geelong. Photo circa 1925/1935
A look back at the local game
In April 1927, the British battlecruiser HMS Renown visited Geelong, Australia, as part of a Royal tour. During this visit, the ship’s crew played a soccer match against a representative Geelong team at Kardinia Park on April 27, 1927. The crew of HMS Renown won the match decisively, defeating the Geelong team 9–1.
Madden cup 1927
Norlane Olympia 10 Sept 1960.
Ballarat and Geelong Districts Soccer Association Shield (1972-85) . North Geelong Warriors clubrooms.
Geelong United around 1982-83 at Corio Oval, Eastern Park. Photo supplied by Andrew Steffinlongo.
