Local historians usually start their story-telling about football in Kinglake around 1925.

Complete story-telling can go back 30 years earlier, when The Evelyn Observer local newspaper (May 24, 1895) recorded that “the first football match played at Kinglake took place last Saturday”.

Of the match between Kinglake and Queenstown, “the visitors arrived short-handed and minus a few of their best players and played one man less than the locals.

“Some generally good play was shown by both teams,” said the Observer.

“Kinglake had … the best of the game all through, and won by four goals to two.

“Mounsey led the visitors, and J. Murphy captained the home team.

“Those who played best for Queenstown were Mounsey, W. Smith, J.N. Smith and W. Atkins; and for the winners, J. Murphy, McRaile, Alexander, and Drew.”

In June, 1906, the Kinglake correspondent for the Observer noted:

“A football team has been started in this district and the players have entered into the sport with zest.

“The initial match was played at Kinglake West schoolgrounjd on Saturday last between teams chosen from East and West Kinglake.

“The East visitors won rather easily, scoring 7 goals 7 behinds to 3 goals 8 behinds.

“Mr Alex Campbell made an impartial and ‘deliberate’ umpire, and gave the players plenty of breathing spells.

“The game was played in a very friendly spirit and was thoroughly enjoyed.”

In the following year (1907), “great interest” was noted in thed football match between East and West local teams.

“Both sides were well represented, Ern. Woodfield being captain of the West team and Jack Murphy leading the Eastenders.

“The game, which was fast and at times lively, was interesting all through and towards the end the excitement was keen.

“At half-time the East led by 2 points, and eventually ran out winners by 4 points.

“The final scores were:- Kinglake East, 5 goals 6 behinds, 36 points; Kinglake West, 4 goals, 8 behinds, 32 points.

“Mr McAuliffe umpired a fast and difficult game impartially, and was thanked at the close by both teams.

“The best players for the winners were Edgoose, Murphy (3), Alexander, McMahon, Kyne and Lang; and, for the losers, Woodfield, S. Yarwood, P. Junor, Evans, G. Cook and Pearce worked hard to avert defeat.

“At the conclusion of the match, both teams were treated to refreshments in the schoolrom, and these were appreciated although they had to be partaken of in the dark.

“Messrs Edgoose and J. Murphy returned thanks on behalf of their team, to which Mr McAuliffe briefly responded.

“Mr Woodfield, in a very neat speech, proposed the toast of the ladies, and the proceedings terminated.

“Kinglake East have now two wins to their credit and West one; and the next match to be played at an early date promises to be keenly contested.”

The June 28, 1907 edition of the Evelyn Observer stated that both teams were “training assiduously for the occasion” of the return match.

The match took place in Mr Beale’s paddock, and the Observer (Aug. 2, 1907) said that “the day was beautifully fine and there was a large attendance of spectators.

“Mr John Murphy led the East End, whilst P. Junor had charge of the Westerners.

“For the first 10 minutes, the players (through over anxiety) played wildly, and before the umpire could get control of the game numerous free kicsk had to be awarded.

“When the players settled down properly, however, there was not a single instance of rough play and the game was played in an admirable spirit.

“Up till half-time, the game was most evenly contested, the scores then showing 3 goals to 2 goals, in favour of the East team.

“The second half was, however, not so evenl;y contested, as the East men were too smart for their opponents.

“The final scores were: Kinglake East, 9 goals, 9 behinds (63 points), to 4 goals 7 behinds (31 points) scored by West Kinglake.

“The real difference between the teams was that the East team had more effective men than the West.

“The three stars for the Westerners were E. Woodfield, F. Evans and Don. James, whilst others who worked hard were P. Junor, Pearce, Owens, Lang, Burton, Yarwood and Cook.

“The East team was a very even combination, each man doing his share towards the victory.

“Splendid form was shown, however, by J. Murphy, Cameron, Edgoose, Wm, Murphy, Bouchier, Wal Murphy, McMahon and Alexander.

“Mr Wm. McAuliffe acted as hon. central umpire in an impartial manner and gave general satisfaction,

“He was congratulated by many of the spectators at the close for getting through a difficult game so well.

“Messrs Alex. Campbell and J.L.Beale, jun., acted as goal umpries and timekeepers, and Mr Tom Lynch, as boundary umpire.

“The Kinglake ladies thoughtfully provided an excellent lunch.”

The Evelyn Observer’s September 6 issue in 1907, said:

“A football match between (West Kinglake and Kinglake) was played on the Kinglake ground on Saturday last, August 31.

“The weather was anything but fine, and the ground was very slippery.

“The game was very evenly contested, the ‘West end’ being the victors by two points.

“The players that showed out prominently for the winning side were P. Junor, F. Evans, S. Yarwood and C. Deneraz; whilst noticeable on the other side were Murphy (3), Alexander Cameron (2). P. Cameron played a splendid game, being undoubtedly the best player on the ground.

“During the first quarter, Bob Porter, a player on the Kinglake side, had the misfortune to have his collar bone broken.

“He was taken to Yarra Glen for medical treatment and from thence was sent to Melbourne.

“The final scores were West 4 goals 5 behinds to Kinglake 3 goals 9 behinds.

“Mr G. Cook as umpire gave general satisfaction.”

“The largest audience seen for some time gathered at the Kinglake Mechanics’ Institute on Friday evening,25th ult., when an entertainment was given in aid of the injured footballer (R. Lytton),” reported the Observer on November 1, 1907.

“Cr A. Beale was in the chair and negotiated the business in a masterly manner.

“There was a lengthy program and to much praise cannot be given to the popular Secretary (Mr James Alexander) for the success of the meeting.

“During the interval, the President of the Club (Mr Wm. McAuliife) thanked the audience for their practical sympathy in a good cause.

“He also incidently thanked the players of the Club for the gentle-manly manner in which they had played the game during the past season and urged the players to strive to maintain their high standard of excellence in future games.

“At the conclusion of the program, Mr James Alexander made the “speech of the evening”, in thanking the various perfomers.

“Mr Alexander also mentioned that the misfortune to their player was purely accidental.

“His remarks were well received by the audience.

“Mr Jack Murphy (Captain of the Club) seconded the above remarks in a neat speech.

“Mr Bouchier ably responded on behalf of the performers.

“The following was the program: Overture, Misses Kerr; song, Mr A. Beale; recitation, Mr H. Kerr; song, Mr Walter Gaqlssborow; recitation (encored), Mr Bouchier; song, Mr H. Thomson; duet, Misses Morris and Ferguson; song (comic), encored, Mr Ingram; song, Miss L. Maloney; recitation, Miss Vera Morris; graph-phone selections, Mr J. Evans; song, Mr Pollard.

“The second half of the program was given by the same performers with the addition of two comic songs by our old friend, Mr Morris (Steel’s Creek) who fairly brought down the house and had to respond with fresh items.

“A very enjoyable ball was held after the concert (which concluded by the singing of the National Anthem), the floor room bing taxed to its utmost.
“Mr James Alexander capably performed the duties of MC, and the committee provided an excellent supper.

“Everything passed off splendidly, and the Kinglake footballers are to be congratulated on their successful efforts on behalf of their unfortunate comrade.

“In conclusion, however, I might add that it would be advantageous for our local concerts to start more punctually, and perhaps curtail somewhat lengthy concert programs wishing to dance getting home at a reasonable hour.

“I am sure the dancers will also be pleased to start operations earlier,” wrote the Observer’s Kinglake correspondent for the November 1, 1907, issue.

The next week’s issue registered that the concert “under tha auspicies of the Kinglake Football Club, realised £6 17s 6d. The expenses were £1 11s 10d, so that a sum of £5 6s 8d will be available for the injured player.”

The Evelyn Observer, in its June 5, 1908, issue, said:

“The annual meeting of the Kinglake Football Club was held recently, when the following office bearers were elected:

“Patron, Mr J.L. Beale; President, Mr Wm. MCAuliffe; Vice-Presidents, Cr A. Beale, Messrs W. Buchier and C. Exton; Match Committee, Messrs J. Murphy, Wm. Murphy and J.W. Alexander; Hon. Aec. Mr James W. Alexander.

“Mr Alexander would be pleased to hear from club secretaries having ‘vacant’ Saturdays re arranging of matches with his club.”

The Evelyn Observer, in its March 26, 1908, issue, said:

“At the annual meeting of the Kinglake Football Club held on the 17th inst., the secretary (Mr J.W. Alexander) asked that it be recorded in the minutes of the club their appreciation of the patronage and services rendered by Mr A.W. McAuliffe, who has lately, been transferred to Panton Hill State School.

“It was unanimously agreed to make a presentation to Mr and Mrs McAuliffe as a token of the esteem in which they are held by the Club.”

A Kinglake West v Kinglake East match summary was published in the local newspaper in its August 27, 1909, issue.

“This match was played at Kinglake East on Saturday, August 21.

“Among the Kinglake sporting fraternity , excitement was intense.

“The match to decide the premiership was to be played and both teams collected their best men.

“It is rather a coincidence that in the first match the West end won by 10 points, while, in the second match, the East end won by the same number of points.

“Although the West players had to tramp through 5 miles of mud, over a foot deep, they turned up in great force, and ran out easy winners.

“From the bounce of the ball, the West team were superior in nearly every department of the game.

“For the West end, Rainer (3 goals) played a cool and deliberate game. Godwell and Evans formed a strong combination in the ruck.

“The brilliant forward of the Whittlesea team, Frank Keating was very much in evidence.

“His high marking and long-kicking were very useful to his side.

“Junor and Deneres Bros showed great dash. Others of note were Yar-wood, Pearce, Owens and Campbell.

“For the East end, Cameron, although not nearly up to his normal standard played a clever game.

“He was veryclearly watched, Murphy Bros. formed a strong ruck, but were outclassed by the West ruck at times.

“Alexanderused dash and skill. Eale was a splendid man at hitting out. Others of note were White, Bourchier, Cameron and McKimmie Bros.

“Kinglake West, 6 goals 5 behinds, 41 points; Kinglake East, 1 goal 7 behinds, 13 points.

“The game was well inspired by W. Moulton. Many thanks are due to those kind ladies who so freely dispensed refreshments.

“By winning two matches out of three, Kinglake West have the honour of being premiers for 1909.”

In the following month (Sept. 1909), Kinglake played Kangaroo Ground.

The Evelyn Observer (Sept. 3, 1909) reported thus:

“The above match was played on Queenstown Cricket Ground on Saturday, 28th inst., in the presence of a fair numberof spectators.

“The ground had been prepared by Mr Wal Knell and was in good playing order.

“The game was played throughout in a friendly manner, and, although the Kinglakeites ran out easy winners, the game was more evenly contested than the scores indicated.

“Mr McAuliffe was to have umpired the match, but owing to business reasons was unable to do so.

“However, the difficulty was overcome by those two smart Kinglake players (Percy Cameron and Jas. Alexander) umpiring in turns (2 quarters each), and a fast game eventuated.

“For the winners, P. Cameron,, Keating, Evans, Alexander, Murphy, Pearce and Junor played fine football, and for the losers, M. White, McGibbon, Bell, Moss and Baker worked hard to avert defeat.

“The scores were: Kinglake, 6 goals, 9 behinds; Kangaroo Ground, 1 goal, 4 behinds.”

As well as teams for East and West, the September 24, 1909 edition of the Observer recorded details of a match between two teams representing Kinglake and Kinglake Central.

“Mr Jas. Alexander kindly acted as umpire, and a very fair game was played.

“The Exton boys (8), showed a good knowledge of the game and gained the victory for their side.

“Bert. Wright and Clarrie Murphy played a good game for the losing side.

“The scores were – Kinglake Central, 12 goals 8 behinds,Kinglake 8 goals 5 behinds.”

There are few local press reports from 1909 to 1925. about football from Kinglake teams.

Match with Yarra Glen

On Saturday afternoon, 17th inst., the members of the Kinglake Football Club journeyed to Yarra Glen to try conclusions with the local team.

Although the Kinglakers wereweakened by the absence of some of their regular players, the game was well contested and played in a most friendly spirit.

The final scores were :- Yarra Glen 5 goals 12 behinds (42 points) ; Kinglake 3 goals 3 behinds (21 points).

The best players for Yarra Glen were: Smedley, Raymond, Bickerton, Alberts, Salteau, Barfield and Ross; and for Kinglake, Cameron (2), Murphy (2), Bouchier and Alexander worked like trojans. Mr. E. Cary, who acted as central umpire, is to be congratulated
for the very satisfactory manner in which he performed his duties.

At the conclusion of the match the visitors were hospitably treated by the committee of the local club.

Such games as these all tend to improve the standard of our great winter pastime,

– Evelyn Observer. August 30, 1907