Williamstown Football Club

The Williamstown Football Club was formed in 1864. Other clubs at the time were Melbourne, Geelong, South Yarra, Carlton, Albert Park, Royal Park, Brunswick, University, Warehouseman’s, Kyneton, Ballarat, Hotham and Belfast (Port Fairy). Games were organised on a fairly ad hoc arrangement and the Victorian Football Association was formed on May 7, 1877. Williamstown was granted “senior status” in 1884 and joined the VFA. South Williamstown was also in the VFA at that time but the two local teams never met. They merged in 1888 and Williamstown’s original colours of black and yellow were changed to blue and gold. Williamstown (the town) was named after King William IV in 1837 and was often referred to as the “village” in 19th century Melbourne. The nickname “The Villagers” stuck with the footy club until the late 1930s when Larry Floyd and Bill Dooley (great grand father of Leigh and Paul) decided a more appropriate synonym was needed and adopted the “Seagulls”.

Location

Williamstown Football Club,  Morris St, Williamstown VIC 3016, Australia,  Williamstown 3016  View Map