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Some sources claim that the MFC is the oldest professional sporting club in the world. There is no doubt that it was formed just before other clubs in Victoria, such as Geelong. However, the claim of "professionalism" is contentious, as the Victorian Football League did not officially allow professional players until Rule 29 was passed in 1911 and for many years Melbourne was a proudly amateur club.[1]
The MFC was an offshoot of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), occupiers of what many consider to be Australia's finest sporting arena the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MGC, known as "The G"). The group which became the MFC came together informally on August 7, 1858 and the club was formally established in 1859. On May 17 that year, at the Parade Hotel in East Melbourne, Tom Wills, W. J. Hammersley and J. B. Thompson (some sources also include Thomas Smith and/or H. C. A. Harrison ), wrote the first set of written rules for Australian Rules Football. By 1866, several other clubs had also adopted an updated vesrion of Melbourne's rules. In 1877, the club became a foundation member of the Victorian Football Association. The MFC joined the breakaway Victorian Football League (later Australian Football LeagueThis is a page about the national league in Australian Rules Football. For information about the rules and history of the game see the Australian Rules Football page. The Australian Football League is the elite, national competition in Australian Rules Fo) at its formation in 1897Events January 1 Brooklyn, New York merges with New York City. January 4 A British force is ambushed by Chief Ologbosheri, son-in-law of the Oba of Benin. This leads to a Punitive Expedition against Benin. February 2 The Pennsylvania state capitol is dest, and has been a part of the competition ever since.
In 1889Events January-April January 8 Herman Hollerith receives a patent for his electric tabulating machine January 22 Columbia Phonograph is formed in Washington, DC. February 11 Meiji Constitution of Japan adopted; 1st Diet convenes in 1890 January 30 ? Crown the MFC was reincorporated into the MCC, and for many years the two organisations remained unhappily linked. The MFC's close association with the MCC allowed it to claim the MCG as its home ground and have it access to a wealthy membership base, but Melbourne's reputation as an "establishment" club has not always been an advantage. The MCC members' automatic right to attend all events at the ground, including Demons' games, also means that many potential members have no actual need to so do - thus, Melbourne's membership is currently amongst the lowest in the competition.
In 19001900 is the common year starting on Monday. see link for calendar) For the film, see 1900 (film). Events January January 1 Nigeria becomes British protectorate January 2 John Hay announces the Open Door Policy to promote trade with China. January 2 Chicag Melbourne won its first VFL premiership (traditionally known as "The Flag," although the actual premiership trophy is a cup), defeating Fitzroy.
Melbourne's greatest player of these years was Ivor Warne-Smith, who in 1926 won the club's first Brownlow MedalThe Charles Brownlow Medal is an annual medal awarded by the Australian Football League to the "best and fairest" player of the year. It is named after Charles Brownlow. After each match, the three field umpires (the ones controlling the game) confer and (the League's annual award for the best and fairest player). In that year Melbourne won its second flag. Warne-Smith won the Brownlow again in 1928.