Keeping fit in winter
One of the original inspirations for a football-like game (that wasn’t just rugby) was the Victoria cricket team captain’s want for his players to stay active in the off-season. It was through a letter he published in 1858 that he called on the establishment of a new sport to be played in the winter months. Footy was created for cricket and it went on to be even more popular.
British were better than us
National exhibition games used to be played between Britain and Australia, starting as far back as the 1880s. There was even a period where the British beat the Australians 14 times out of 25 games. Shameful, at least we have more Ashes wins.
Only two goals to win
Originally there was no clock for the games. Whoever wins was the first to score just two goals.
