Round 1 Western Oval

Footscray’s Opening Round Games at the Western Oval 1927-1995

Here is the full listing of what happened to Footscray on the opening round when the first game of the new season was held at the Western Oval.

In 1943 Footscray did not play in Round 1. In that year Footscray was having a BYE on the opening round of the season, the only time in the 84 years that Footscray did not participate in the designated Round 1. So at the end of this listing, the Round 2 clash with Carlton has been included as although not played in Round 1, this fixture was both the opening game for Footscray in 1943 and also the first game at home in 1943.

The bye was because Geelong did not participate in seasons 1942 and 1943 due to the worsening situation of the Second World War, which meant there was 11 teams rather than 12. Geelong returned to the competition for the 1944 season. In 1942 it was Carlton who had the Round 1 bye.

The category SEASON displays the years that Footscray has been involved with the Victorian Football League (V.F.L.), then from 1990 the competition’s new name- the Australian Football League (A.F.L.) since leaving the Victorian Football Association (V.F.A). So 1925 is the first year 1/84 as it is the first of the 84 years. The year 1995 is 71/84 as it was the 71st consecutive season that Footscray has been with the League.