1858: Thomas Wentworth Wills' letter advocating the formation of a football club published in 'Bell's Life in Victoria and Sporting Chronicle'.
1859: Melbourne (which may have been formed as early as 1858) and Geelong Clubs definitely existed.
1863: Introduction of Challenge Cup competition for top clubs in Victoria. Victorian premiers - Ballarat.
1876: First recorded playing of Australian football in New Zealand. Victorian premiers - Melbourne.
1877: Victorian Football Association (VFA) established with eight senior clubs: Albert Park, Carlton, East Melbourne, Essendon, Geelong, Hotham, Melbourne and St Kilda. First premiers - Carlton. South Australian Football Association (SAFA) formed, also with eight senior clubs: Adelaide, Bankers, Kensington, Port Adelaide, South Adelaide, South Park, Victorian and Woodville. Inaugural premiership won jointly by South Adelaide and Victorian.
1878: West Melbourne (VFA) accorded senior status. Norwood admitted to SAFA, and Bankers and Woodville drop out. Geelong are undefeated in winning VFA premiership with 16 wins and 1 draw. Other premiers - SAFA: Norwood.
1879: First intercolonial match played in Melbourne between Victoria and South Australia (see artist's sketch above). Victoria win 7-0 before 10,000 spectators. Hobart-based Tasmanian Football Association (TFA) formed, the precursor of the Tasmanian Football League. First premiers - City. South Melbourne admitted to the VFA. Other premiers - VFA: Geelong; SAFA: Norwood.