Page 11 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

“For Australia, as for many nations, the First World War remains the most costly conflict in terms of
deaths and casualties. From a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted, of which
over 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.”

http://rslnsw.org.au/commemoration/heritage/the-first-world-war

“During the 1916-1918 war years, only social games were played, mainly to keep the players and the
club active instead of disbanding altogether.” (H.Pascarl)

“During times of conflict, sport found its place equally on the battlefield and the home front. Cricket,
Rugby, Aussie Rules, Rowing, Surf Lifesaving carnivals – all were familiar remnants of home, potent
and poignant reminders of familiar activities and the fun, mateship and joy of more carefree days.
The qualities of grit, endurance, fortitude, physical strength and aggression have been considered as
necessary on the sporting field as on the battlefield.

The onset of the First World War impacted upon the game of Australian football; whilst the Victoria
Football League (VFL) was still competitive throughout the years 1914 to 1918, it was not immune to
the adverse effects of war on a nation that was still developing politically, socially and economically.

Whilst the VFL considered suspending the season due to the onset of war, the game went ahead and
the season commenced on 24 April 1915, with nine teams competing. The 1915 Grand Final went to
Carlton, who smashed Collingwood by 33 points in front of a crowd of approximately thirty-nine
thousand spectators.”

https://www.awm.gov.au/blog/2015/10/02/footy-front-afl-during-first-world-war/

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider