South Melbourne District Sports Club was established in 1912. Since that time, the Club has been one of the most successful and enduring sports clubs in the area, providing opportunities for adults and children to take an active role, through sport, in their local community - as players, coaches, helpers and supporters.
SOUTH MELBOURNE AND "DISTRICTS"
The history of South Melbourne District and the AFL's Sydney Swans (formerly the South Melbourne Swans) have been closely interwoven over the years, with many 'Districts' players going on to play for the Swans at Lakeside Oval.
In fact that was not the only 'support' that South Melbourne District Sports Club gave to the Swans. In the late 1920's, South Districts donated 40 Guineas to South Melbourne F.C. to stop them from folding.
In 1930, with the introduction of the Coulter law and the Salary Cap, many VFL clubs, including the 'Swans', struggled to survive. Many players sought 'extra' income in these hard financial times with the 'Districts' again providing 'assistance'.
Left over players from the Swan's seconds and thirds were often poached to play with the 'Districts', and occasionally firsts players, such as Laurie and Robert Nash, would also have a game at the Districts as an extra means of support.
It was only through innovative fundraising by the Swans that stopped this habit and secured such outstanding players as Laurie Nash and Bob Pratt to gain success and win the Premiership in 1933.
With the salary cap set at
Last Modified on 20/11/2007 12:50