Tasmania vs Victoria (1960) explained

Ground Image:File:TFL_v_VFL,_Northern_Football_Record,_1960,_June_13.png
Caption:Match programme cover
Home:Tasmania
Home Abbr:TAS
Away:Victoria
Away Abbr:VIC
Home Qtr1:4.5 (29)
Home Qtr2:7.6 (48)
Home Qtr3:10.8 (68)
Home Qtr4:13.13 (91)
Away Qtr1:1.6 (12)
Away Qtr2:5.10 (40)
Away Qtr3:8.11 (59)
Away Qtr4:12.12 (84)
Home Score:13.13 (91)
Away Score:12.12 (84)
Date:13 June 1960
Stadium:York Park
Attendance:15,600

On Monday, 13 June 1960 (Queen's Birthday holiday), the Tasmanian state team hosted a Victorian state team in an interstate Australian rules football match at York Park, Launceston. The Tasmanian team won by seven points, considered one of the biggest interstate football upset victories of all time, and one of the greatest moments in the history of Tasmanian football.[1] It was the first of only two victories by Tasmania against a Victorian Football League or Victorian state of origin team, from a total of 29 matches. A then-record Launceston crowd of 15,613 attended the game.[2]

Tasmania played the better football early, and opened a 17 point lead at quarter time. Victoria fought back gradually throughout the day, and hit the front for the first time ten minutes into the final quarter. A tight contest ensued, and the scores remained level with only two minutes remaining; but, Tasmania kicked the final goal of the game and ended by winning by seven points, 13.13 (91) d. 12.12 (84).

Teams

Tasmania

The Tasmanian team, as usual, was selected among players from the three major senior leagues. The 1960 team demonstrated the rise of the North West Football Union as a senior football body, as it was the first time that more union players had been selected than league or association players. Additionally, the original choice for captain of the team, the union's Darrel Baldock, was the first player who had never previously played in the TANFL to be selected captain[3] – although he ultimately missed the game with injury and the league's Stuart Spencer became captain.

Victoria

The Victorian team was selected from among Victorian Football League players, and included one player of Tasmanian origin: Verdun Howell. The team was the weaker of two VFL representative teams engaged in interstate football on the day: the first choice VFL team was playing an interstate match against South Australia in Melbourne on the same day,[4] and the second choice team travelled to Launceston for the match against Tasmania.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Australian Football - big v humbled in the apple isle. australianfootball.com. en. 2018-10-24.
  2. Web site: 1960 Tasmania v Victoria – 13th June at York Park – Memorable Game. 23 October 2020. 10 June 2020. Pathartnett.net.au.
  3. News: The Advocate. Burnie, TAS. Darrel Baldock to lead Tasmania against V.F.L.. 9. 6 June 1960.
  4. Web site: League. 23 October 2020. North Adelaide Football Club.