This episode delves into a unique chapter of football history set against the backdrop of World War II. Discover the remarkable story of the Changi Australian Football Association and the creation of the Changi Brownlow Medal within the brutal confines of Changi Prisoner of War Camp in Singapore. Despite being far from home in a hostile environment, Australian POWs found solace and a sense of normalcy through a makeshift football league. Learn how this extraordinary season symbolised the enduring spirit and camaraderie of the players amidst adversity, and how it left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. With insights from Roland Perry’s book, “The Changi Brownlow,” and historical records this is a story that honours the legacy of resilience of the prisoners at Changi and the unifying power of the Australian Game.

The Victorian and Rest of Australia teams in the final game played at Changi

The teams below were sourced from a facebook post by Bat Robertson who sourced it from the Boyles Football Photos website which, sadly, is no longer available (http://www.boylesfootballphotos.net.au/article87–Changi…). I can’t vouch for its absolute authenticity but I have been able to identify additional information on a number of the players listed that confirms they were at Changi and some of their football history. I have included links where available. If you have any additional information on the players named below please contact me at info@grandfinalhistory.au. The men who played in this unique match, and the season that preceded it, deserve every recognition

A world in turmoil, a world at war, radio broadcasts blocked by solar storms and some want to play football on Sundays, undermining the nation’s spiritual and moral foundations and risking national destruction, there was a lot going on in 1941. Melbourne were aiming for their third premiership in a row while others wondered if football should be played at all. The VFA were stealing star players while others were in military camps, unsure how many games they would play and some were paying the ultimate price.

The greatest shirtfront ever delivered occurred in possibly the toughest season ever, with more players reported in 1940 than ever before. The drama and shocks on the field were matched by the turmoil and challenges off the field as the VFA looked to recruit the biggest stars of the day and many players made the biggest decisions of their lives to enlist in the armed services. St Kilda won their first premiership (The Patriotic Premiership with a Flag and a Cup) while Jack Dyer and Norm Smith clashed on the MCG. It was a year unlike any other with a season unlike any other, the 1940 VFL season.

Jack Dyer describes the 1940 Grand Final with Stephen Phillips. Thanks to Rhettorspective YouTube channel

Dan Minogue also had his photo turned to the wall when he left Collingwood, just like Ron Todd. Here is the story of the Minogue Photo

The Patriotic Premiership was St Kilda’s first premiership in the VFL. It was a fundraiser lightning premiership held on the 3rd of August 1940. The video below shows a short summary of the game with a Jack Dyer “Don’t Argue” at the 23 second mark!

Some photos from the Patriotic Premiership

The VFL was “The rebellious child of the Association” and it could not dictate how football was going to be played in 1938. There was a split in Australian Football, the Association were changing the rules, allowing throwing the ball and more as they looked to attract more spectators to their games, so “Who cares what the League thinks” was their motto. 1938 was a dramatic year on and off the field, bribery attempts by gambling cartels, new teams in the finals and doping to help win a grand final. All this and more in the latest episode of Grand Final History.