Collingwood District Football Club

Home

The Collingwood District Football Club, nicknamed the Districts and sometimes known as the Collingwood Juniors, was an Australian rules football club best known for competing in the VFL seconds until it was absorbed by the Collingwood Football Club.^[1]

History

The club was founded in May 1906 as a successor to the Collingwood Juniors Football Club. Initially it operated as a 'feeder team' to Collingwood, competing in the Metropolitan (Amateur) Football Association. They finished as runners-up in 1913 and 1914, before winning their first flag in 1915.

The competition was put on hold because of World War I, but the Districts resumed playing in 1918 in the Junior League.

In 1919, the Victorian Football League introduced a reserves competition, known as the Victorian Junior Football League (VJFL) as it was contested by affiliated junior teams like Collingwood District.^[2]

The club won back-to-back premierships in 1919 and 1920, both times against University A.^[3]

Although by the late 1920s the Districts were Collingwood's official reserves side, it remained a standalone club. Some Collingwood District players opted not to play for the seniors, even if it meant missing out on playing in finals with the seconds. Some Collingwood officials were also concerned with rising costs.^[1]

At the end of the 1938 season, Collingwood took control over the Districts, officially making them the Collingwood reserves.^[1]

Match records

• Highest score: 1919 – Collingwood District 31.16 (202) v University B 4. 1 (25)
• Biggest winning margin: 177 points; 1919 – Collingwood District 31.16 (202) v University B 4. 1 (25)

Records set by players

• Most matches: Bill Fitzgerald – 120
• Most goals: Bill Eade – 130
• Most goals kicked in a match: Ern Utting – 15 goals (1919)

References