Australian Football’s 100 Year Club
by Andrew Clarke
Gelding Street Press, 2025
RRP $34.99
Reviewed by RagingBull
Australian Football’s 100-Year Club is a book, written by Andrew Clarke and published by Geelong Street Press in 2025. The book aims to chart 100 years of three football clubs’ histories, Hawthorn, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. The book examines the beginnings of each of these clubs. Each suburb that these clubs started in were made of different working classes, and people, whether that be European immigrants or wealthy middle classes. And the book discusses how each club was formed and joined the VFL (Victorian Football League).
Firstly, the book introduces Footscray, Hawthorn and North Melbourne. It then details the early seasons, from losses to wins, and their places on the VFL ladder. Each chapter ends with a chart showing home-and-away games as well as finals. Accompanied with the chapters are photographs of players from the three clubs showing famous players and famous moments. This includes injuries as well as premiership successes, such as Dermot Brereton’s bump from Geelong’s Mark Yeates in the opening seconds of the 1989 Grand Final, and also North Melbourne’s 1996 premiership.
I find the book is too rushed as it tries to catalogue three clubs in one chapter. Each chapter heading covers a decade, for example 1925-1935. This is far too much information to cram in, in 20 or so pages. I’d far rather read individual club histories in separate books that only cover one club. Also, the book claims to discuss the social histories of the club’s suburbs. But even this I found to be rushed. The book really only briefly summarises these parts. I’ve found other books more engaging in this area, such as The Merger by William Westerman, or Larrikins and Legends by Dan Eddy.
Overall, I still found it interesting to read as I do like to read new books that come out about VFL/AFL history. Some books I like better than others, but it is all okay to read about.
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