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FOOTBALL NOTES.
BY MARKWELL.
PUSHING ABOLISHED.
So great was the outcry raised on all sides
against the pushing behind clause as set
down in the lately promulgated rules of the
league, and so determined the stand taken
against the innovation by prominent
players in every team, that delegates were
left no choice but to retrace their false step
in as quick time as possible. Admittedly it
was a false step to permit pushing behind
when a player was in rapid motion, and a
single day's experience of it was sufficient
to convince all delegates, except, perhaps,
Mr. Sloss, of South Melbourne, that the
continuance of it for even another week
would be detrimental to the interests of the
game. Mr. Sloss, at any rate, was the
only leaguer who advised waiting a while
before returning to the former practice of
awarding a free kick for every push from
behind. And so far as it went his reason
for desiring to retain the clause was a com-
mendable one. It was that to revert to
the old custom would mean the continuance
of a hitherto very objectionable feature in
football, namely, the almost constant pip-
ing of the umpire's whistle, with the ac-
companying extreme frequency of unneces-
sary stoppages in the play. The South
Melbourne delegate himself admitted the
great danger to players pushing behind en-
tailed, but he preferred that a little risk
should be run in this direction rather than
that the public should have to put up for
another year with the miserable farce that
had been enacted for seasons under the
name of football.
"The most conspicuous man on the
ground," said Mr. Sloss, and his asser-
tion was undeniable, "for many a long
day has been the field umpire, and
the public have grown heartily sick of
seeing the game stopped and free kicks
awarded every time one player lays his
finger on another." However, both Mr.
Sloss's objection to over-umpiring the game
and the widespread opposition to pushing
behind have been fully met by the resolu-
tion which was passed last niglit week by
delegates in special meeting assembled, and
by the instructions subsequently given to
umpires. The all but unanimous vote of
delegates enacted that pushing behind must
not be permitted under any circumstances,
and that pushing a man from any dircction
when he is in the air must likewise be
deemed a punishable offence. It was de-
cided that the penalty in every case should
be a free kick against the offending player.
The resolution differs only very tightly
from the rule that has been in vogue for
years, but it has been satisfactorily modi-
fied in the instructions received by umpires.
These functionaries have been informed
that the league do not wish them to inter-
fere. unnecessarily with too. play, that
merely technical infringements are to pass
unchallenged, and. that when two players
are struggling against one another for a
mark a reasonable degree of latitude must
be allowed them. If umpires will only
bear in mind the intense aversion on-
lookers have to the whistle they will doubt
less be sparing of it's use and if they will
recollect that their duty is not to look for
faults, but rather to ensure that the play is
carrieded on in a fair and manly fashion, they
will punish only when punishment is
merited, and the public will speedily recog-
nise that the game no longer suffers from
over-umpiring.
A DOUBLE SURPRISE,
To the six or seven thousands who lined
Jolimont enclosure, there was vouch-
safed a double surprise, not unmixed, per-
haps, with a shade of disappointment. On-
lookers discovered in Collingwood what
they had had no previous warrant for
anticipating, namely, fast, dashing, skilful,
and thoroughly organised exponents of the
open game. With Essendon, for whom,
according to Bendigonians, the new rules
had been introduced, and to whom, upon
past reputation, the opening out of the
play ought to have been a very decided ad-
vantage, the pace, the vim, and the skill
were anything but conspicuous. Colling-
wood generally played far the better
game. They kept their places admirably,
they played with and to one another in a
way that did-as much credit to their judg-
ment as to their ability, and they obeyed
with alacrity the directions of their ex-
perienced and capable commander, Strick-
land, to whose genius and industry, I
have no doubt, must be ascribed
the surprising improvement noticed in
the form of the team, as compared with
their display the week before, against St.
Kilda.
It was distinctly to the credit of both
team and commander that they were
able to acquire an unequivocal victory
against a company so celebrated as Essen-
don for its skill in the open. How they
would have fared with Essendon of three
seasons ago we need hardly conjecture.
The four-times premiers were a remarkably
brilliant combination, and if they were
together to-day possibly nothing could
witlistand them. Many of their erstwhile
stars are, however, either gone or set, and
if Saturday's exhibition was a true indica-
tion of present capacity the club is weaker
than it has been for years. Golden opinions
were formed of the team after their opening
game at Geelong, but, apparently, their
success in that engagement ought to have
been attributed to the weakness of their
opponents, who have since gone down
rather badly against Melbourne. Sup-
porters of Essendon express no alarm in
consequence of Collingwood's brilliant win
against their side, and, on the whole, per-
haps, there is no occasion for misgivings;
for, notwithstanding that Colin Campbell
has given up the game, and that so many
cracks have departed, there still remains a
large proportion of the old players, who,
when roused to action, ably acquitted them-
selves in the past. These are far from
played out, and with them are associated
several promising youngsters, who, if they
can have infused into them the genuine
Essendon spirit, will adequately till the
places of the lost ones, and render material
help towards turning the tables against
Collingwood in a future engagement.
Abnormally accurate shooting marked
the early efforts of Collingwood, and
formed the leading factor towards winning
the gam. Their first six tries all struck
the opening, and though they were vouch-
safed fewer chances in the later stages they
managed to make half their shots reach
home. Chief amongst their marksmen was
Tulloch, who three times made a bull's eye,
playing the while such football as must
have pleased his friends. Two goals were
scored by Gregory, whose fine kicks formed
a climax to much excellent roving; whilst
Smith, who likewise got a double, was as
industrious in the ruck as forward. To
none of these, however, is due chief thanks
from Collingwood supporters. The post
of honour belongs of right to Strickland,
whose ab!e generalship was itself eclipsed
by the brilliancy of his personal perform-
ance. How he kept going the whole match
through was a marvel to everyone save him-
self. He was, in truth, ubiquitous, and his
timely aid frequently lifted loads from the
shoulders of his friends. Another Carlton
veteran, George Williams, continues to
light under Strickland's banner, and to
light withal so brilliantly that his fame as
a defender can scarce be overstated. For
vigour, pace, and reliability he ranked in
this game next to his captain. Other un-
compromising members of the garrison
were Dow, Monaghan, and O'Brien; and
both Pannam and Sime were clever wing
men; whilst Condon and M'Donald, on the
ball, rendered very valuable aid, the former
more particularly before the interval.
An unfortunate fall early in the
second quarter injured both his ankles,
and well-nigh incapacitated Essendon's
great back man, Officer; but with
praiseworthy patriotism the gallant
"Ned" refused to desert his com-
rades in their trouble. No man living
could under like circumstances have done
his side more service. Anderson, half-back,
was singularly deserving, and the finest
feature of his exhibition was the increase
of energy and earnestness with which he
strove to compensate for Officer's disable-
ment. The team was splendidly equipped
across the centre line. Wright fully main-
tained his Geelong brilliancy; and young
Groves and Captain Stuckey, on the re-
spective wings, were generally victorious in
man-to-man encounters with Collingwood's
sprinters. The best marking in the match
was done by T. Collins. who had the
honour (by no means a slight one) of beat-
ing the great Monaghan in the air. He also
played a telling game in other respects.
Croft lacked neither pluck nor ability for-
ward, where Waugh, who also followed
well, was seen to great advantage, except
on one occasion, when he appeared at a
loss how to dispose of the ball, and even
tually had it taken from him by the umpire.
Forbes marked, ran, kicked, and passed
with a facility that was unequalled by
younger Essendonians, but his best football
was shown before the interval. Salkeld. on
the other hand, did better towards the last,
and Barry and the new man, Cleghorn,
were each creditably associated with
Forbes and Salkeld on the ball.
At the conclusion of the match I en-
countered Alick Dick, the famous ex-
captain of Essendon, and discovered
that his surprise had been as
great as my own at the lifeless
character of Essendon's play. He seemed
particularly incensed against the men who
had neglected to kick when they got the
ball, and for this neglect his censure fell
not upon freshmen, but upon old stagers,
who should have been set a better example. Both
Alick and the Essendon hon. secretary
were satisfied that M'Coy had umpired the
game admirably. This opinion had likewise
been largely acquiesced in by the crowd,
who had accepted nearly every decision
without a murmur.
GEELONG OUTCLASSED.
Good men had to be left at home by
Geelong, notwithstanding that their game
was against Melbourne, who are perhaps
the strongest team in the league competi-
tion. The most noticeable absentees, were
Hy. Young and Armstrong, and the team
felt the loss of these two warriors very
keenly. I doubt, however, if even with
them they would have escaped a thrashing
at the hands of Melbourne. The latter
were powerful in all departments, and par-
ticularly so in defence. Their game proved
much too fast and far too clever for Gee-
long, who cannot be said to have yet mas-
tered the new style of game. Magnificent
dashes by Melbourne's back men took all
the sting out of Geelong's attacks, and
whenever the ball was carried with over
whelming rushes within range of Geelong's
posts, these were found to be less ably de-
fended in comparison, in spite of the untir-
ing and withal capable exertions of Peter
Burns and Rankin, each ox whom played
sterling football. But for this gallant pair,
the utter rout of Geelong would not have
been averted. A light ball, subject to the
vagaries of a strong wind, at first caused
the play to appear indifferent, but the
opening term had not nearly ended, when
Melbourne settled down to a lovely con-
certed game that carried all before it. Nor
must it be understood that Geelong players
lay idly by, and allowed their speedy an-
tagonists to run over them. The fact was
otherwise. Geelong were ever made of
sterner stuff than to readily admit defeat;
awl, it must in truth be said of tbem that
though out-classed almost from the bounce
they pluckily stuck to their heavy task.
They lacked indeed, the dash of Mel-
bourne, and they exhibited nothing re-
sembling concertedness or system, but it
was evident all through that their hearts
were sound as ever. I am assured by one
who has known Geelong for very many
years, and who has carefully noted the vary-
ing fortunes of the old club, that notwith-
standing the two defeats already sustained
the outlook is by no means so black as it
appears. The company comprises, accord-
ing to my informant, a quantity of unde-
veloped talent that must, before the season
has far advanced, show forth to great ad-
vantage. The fault with the team is that
up to now training and practice have been
only perfunctorily attended to, and this
fault is to be remedied without delay. Per-
sonally, I shall be delighted if my informa-
tion prove accurate, for the new game
ought to suit Geelong right admirably, and
it would be a genuine pleasure to find a
club to which Vctorian football is deeply
indebted once again playing a leading part
in matches.
Moysey, M'Ginis, and Shehhan were pro-
minent agents on behalf of Melbourne, their
sprinting and dodging capabilities giving
to each advantages that the openness of the
play tended to increase. Of the backs,
Woods maintained the excellent form he
showed the week before against South Mel-
bourne; and Goding, who once carried the
ball right up the ground from the half
back line, and sent it spinning through the
goal, a feat that merited the rousing cheer
with which it was acknowledged, was gene-
rally as much in evidence as Woods. Leith,
amongst the forwards, again played well,
and his kicking was deemed so destructive by
Geelong that they paid him the compliment
of telling off an extra man to watch him.
This extra man, it may be slated, rather
failed to effect the purpose intended, for
the Melbourne players exerted themselves
the more to give Leith chances, and the
clcver marksman turned every chance to
the best -account. Herring, a Grammar
School recruit, made a most successful first
appearance, and showed himself equally at
home, whether forward or following. Fry,
in the thick of the engagement; and little
Robinson, on the outskirts of the ruck, did
each his share of work; and Young was
quick and clever in front of goal. Best
form on the Geelong side was shown by
Rankin, whose brilliant roving was as
praiseworthy as his vigorous defence. ;
Burns, as already stated, tried hard to stem
the flood: M'Callum and Holligan were
commendably associated on the centre line;
and Jo. M'Shane, Pontin, and H. M'Shane
were stubborn battlers: while Enfield, true
to his name, shot straight for goal when-
ever opportunity offered.
FITZROY STILL WINNING.
A match against St. Kilda on the latter's
ground is never reckoned a certainty by
Fitzroy, and last week the insecurity was
greater than usual because of the absence of
the Graces, Cleary, Reid, Noonan, aud
M'Speerin, a sextet of most valuable per-
formers. The Graces are, it is stated, put-
ting in their Saturdays playing for second
place in a second-rate junior cricket com-
petition, rather tame employment compared
with battling for the football premiership
in the ranks of one of the most talented of
league clubs. The other four are, unfor-
tunately, kept out of the field in conse-
quence of injuries. St. Kilda, knowing that
their invaders were to be thus weakened,
and expecting to have a fully representative
team themselves, looked forward to a win.
But they were destined to learn at the last
moment that Hogan, Duigan, Shaw, and Jo
O'Grady could not participate in the pro-
ceedings, and their hopes of winning had
well nigh vanished ere the strife began.
Fitzroy, who had to face the wind in the
first quarter, were handicapped in a similar
fashion during the second, the north wind
having in obedience to the orders of the
Queensland weather prophet, who was in
league with the Saints, given place to a
southerly burster. Nevertheless, so skil-
fully were the Fitzroyites handled,
and so ably did they answer to I
the helm, that they overpowered
both St. Kilda and the wind, and, except
during the second quarter, they made fair
sailing all the time. Eventually they left
St. Kilda far in their wake, and landed
home with the blushiug honours of victory
thick upon tliem, and feeling confident that
the premiership of 1897 had a big chance of
falling to their lot.
As is the case with Melbourne, the Fitz-
roy defence is very strong. The half-back
line, manned by M'Michacl, Hickey, and
Dalton, is a combination as safe as it is bril-
liant; whilst right back in goal the sturdy
Banks forms a buttress that takes no end
of shifting. All four of these were at their
top against St. Kilda. Young Nolan, too,
gave valuable help amongst the back men.
G. Moriarty marked admirably in the
centre, and . Kimberly and Nomeus were
artists on the wings. Muirhead played a
determined and solid game forward; Kier-
nan and Lamley were busy in the same de
partment, especially in the matter of goal
getting, and both Curran and Staniland lent;
a willing and accurate foot at times,
On the bail, Sloan marked and ran as well
as, and very much oftener, than any other
player in the field, and he kept going to ad-
vantage the whole game through. The new-
comers, Astric, M'Kay, and Jenkins, fol-
lowed with the skill and spirit of seasoned
footballers, and D.'Moriarty was entirely in
his element ae rover. Jennings was the
brightest star in the St. Kilda constellation,
his marking and general display back adding
lustre to his reputation. Aylwin was
specially noticeable in the air, and Newton
and M'Namara were likewise capable de-
fenders. Fine form was shown by Stewart,
Hay, and Hall about the centre, and the
Dunnes, Ahern, Blake, and Gower were the
pick of the remainder. Umpire Crapp
held full control over the game from first to
last, and his only fault was that he now and
again exerted his authority to punish men
when his interference was scarcely war-
ranted by the gravity of the offences.
DARK BLUES COMING.
To the old stager amongst patrons of foot-
ball, a return to form by Carlton, or any in-
dication of such return, affords a measure
of real joy. Hence, when it became gene-
rally known on Saturday evening (for the
public did not largely attend the match)
that the representatives of the gallant old
blues had run South Melbourne mighty,
close, many a battered heart warmed up at
the intelligence. I am free to confess that
the news was far from distasteful to myself,
for scarcely anything would please me better
than to find the pioneer clubs, Melbourne,
Carlton, and Geelong, in close proximity on
the list, and fighting against each other for
the pennant. Carlton, at any rate, made a
splendid effort against the Southerners, and
I congratulate them upon the circum-
stance. To be sure, South Melbourne were
not represented by quite their strongest
twenty, but as an offset to this fact Carlton
lacked the help of a couple good men in
Blake and Woodhouse. Perhps the most
gratifying feature of the encounter was the
gallant recovery made by Carlton in the con-
cluding term, a recovery that went even
closer to pulling the match out of the fire
than the scores suggest. South's supporters
had their hearts in their mouths while this
portion of the game was in progress, and
the tinkling of the final bell was heavenly,
music to the bulk of them.- Carlton players,
one and all, performed harmoniously under
the leadership of Aitken, who was himself
in splendid fettle. Peter Williams, who
after a spell of a season or two, has re-
turned to the game, proved as determined
and able a defender as was his wont, and
Reekie helped him brkvely. Hannah. on
one wing, is credited with the best game
of the day; and Armstrong, on the other,
though over-weighted by his immediate an-
tagonist, made the most of his opportuni-
ties, whilst Cummings, Sweetman, Came-
ron, M'Petrie, forward, and Ocock contri-
buted each a full share to the general
account. For South Melbourne, Howson,
on the wing; M'Kay, Windley, Gib-
son, Blackwood, Fraser, and Purdy,
about the ball; M'Cartney and
Waugh back; and Minahan, forward, were
by far the stronger and better half of the
company. Kendall pleased both teams with
the impartiality and briskness of his um-
piring.
RIVAL PORTS.
Between the two avenues of the foreign
trade of the metropolis there naturally
exists a spirit of emulation, and this spirit
discovers itself in sport as well as in busi-
ness. In football the rivalry is particu-
larly keen. The interchange of visits con-
sequently creates quite a fiutter in the
hearts of residents of either port. Last
week it was Williamstown's privilege to en-
tertain the warriors from the eastern bank
of the ever-silting ¥arra, and the visitors,
as became the dignity and importance of.
their thriving town, travelled to the scene
of conflict by specially, if gratuitously, pro-
vided steam launch. This means of transit
was probably adopted with a view to effect
rather than for economic reasons, though in
these times of trial and adversity not-only
seaside footballers, but every club connected
with the V.F.A., must strive to keep down
expenses. Port Melbourne's chosen band
invaded Williamstown with the maximum
of effect and at a minimum of outlay, and
the only drawback to the undertaking was
the fact that, owing to stress of weather,
the steam launch arrived at its destina-
tion a little behind time, and the engage-
ment did not begin till rather late in the
day.
When it did begin Williamstown com-
manded the aid ot the wind, and a fairly
even light marked the progress of events
during the first quarter. The change of
ends was associated with a change of wind,
and Port Melbourne ifell somewhat in ar-
rear whilst endeavouring to battle against
so long-continuing a disadvantage. Their
innings came, however, after the interval,
when, with the breeze behind them, they
speedily made up the leeway, and ere the
final change they had established such a
lead as silenced all doubts concerning the
ultimate result. Their superior system of
handball and the excellence of their con-
certed and individual play merited the vic-
tory they achieved. Johnston, as usual,
played a leading part on behalf of Port Mel-
bourne, and along with him W. Monagle,
O'Brien, Sullivan, Hickey, and Pollock must
be accorded high praise for valuable and
artistic service. Williamstown may justly
claim that their hero, W. Warren, played
as good football and put in as much work
as the best of the Portsmen, and they may
likewise, without descending to flattery, be-
stow high commendation upon Scott,
M'Williams, Sprintal, and Thompson, each
of whom shaped throughout in tip-top
style.
FOOTSCRAY GET IT EARLY.
On the Richmond City reserve the tufty
surface is a handicap to clever footballers,
and running with the ball is pretty nearly,
impossible. So far, however, as this dis-
ability was concerned in last week's game,
the advantage rested with neither of the
contesting parties. Footscray were the
quicker in getting under way, and whilst
the Richmond crew floundered helplessly
against the breeze and their nimble foes in
the first quarter the game was won and lost.
Thirty-five points to one win a discouraging
record for Richmond to tackle , in the
second quarter, but they went at it with
unfaltering courage, and almost came with
in hail of the enemy before the inter-
val. They continued to struggle
manfully even after the interval,
but their success was limited, and
the concluding term was hut a repeliiion of
the third. Footscray critics say that after
the first round their men kept ahvays some-
thing in reserve, and that Richmond's at-
tempts to reduce the gap were only per-
mitted on sufferance to appear at times
successful. Probabiy, however, this ver-
sion of the subject is not reliable, and out-
siders may be justified in giving Richmond
credit; for playing a stubborn and deserving
uphill game. At the same time it will be
well not to overlook the fact that Footscray
have proved themselves a capable body of
players, and that they have now won three
successive victories. In points they are
level with unbeaten Ports, and next Mon-
day morning's meeting between the pair
should draw a crowd. Against Richmond
Brockwell followed all day, and earned the
title of best man in the match. Evans,
roving, did numerous brilliant runs, and
Rutley was very deadly forward. R. Dick
in the centre, Powell and Molyneux de-
fending. and Williams on the wing were
poerful agents on behalf of Footscray.
Parker, Brennan, and Hayes following,
Backhouse, in the centre, Harris on the
wing, Elder forward, and Ryan roving
were at their best for Richmond,
BRUNSWICK MOVING UP.
Contrary to expectations, North Mel-

bourne succumbed . to Brunswick. The

game was played under unfavourable con-

itions of ground and weather, and the

football shown was not always of the
highest order. North had generally the ad-
vantage, and did nearly all the scoring for
three-fourths of the afternoon, but failed
to bring off even one of the numerous easy
shots they had for goal. Finally, aided by
the wind, the Brunswick fellows came
along with a rattle, and, much to the sur-
prise of the 'Northerners, pulled off the
match. The winners must be congratu-
lated upon their gallant finish, as much as
upon their win, for staying power has often
much to do with winning matches. North
Melbourne themselves did not, I am sure,
begrudge the game to Brunswick, and on
every hand pleasure is expressed at the
early upward movement of the new team.
The Brunswick captain, O'Loughlin, played
the game of the match, and charmed on-
lookers with the excellence of his high
marking. Other good men on the side
were Johnson, Mudge, Hocking, Sampson,
Dalton, and Robertson; the last-named
practically won the match with his accu-
rate kicking for goal. Up to half-time
Rolent played the finest football for North
Melbourne, big taking the game from end
to end E. Launder, who defended very
ably, deserved to rank on top. Quilligan
and Moatgomerie were prominent on the
wing, H. Launder roved successfully, and
Caldwell rendered palpable assistance back.
Jo. Shaw umpired the match with satisfac-

tion to all concerned.

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