Historical information

The Emerald Football club history dates from 1904, and like many local clubs and organisations, has always played an important role in the community. This trophy was awarded to Geoff "Digger" Dolan of the Emerald Football Club for scoring 15 goals in a single match against the Woori Yallock Club on the 9th of July 1977. The match broke the club record at the time, resulting in 120 goals being scored in 12 matches from the 16th of April to 9th of July 1977. The trophy consisting of an Australian Rules football mounted on a stand was probably the same football that was used in the match. The football was manufactured by historic Victorian sports equipment makers, Nutting & Young, who ceased operations in 1977.

Significance

This is an example of a creative sporting trophy which recognised an Emerald Football Club player's outstanding achievement. Local football and other sporting teams are often integral to the economic and social development of an area.

Physical description

A trophy consisting of an actual Australian Rules football secured onto a hard plastic stand with a metal clasp. A metal plaque on the stand is inscribed with the award details. The football is mounted in an upward and forward position as though ready to be kicked.

Inscriptions & markings

On metal plaque inscribed: 'PRESENTED TO G. 'DIGGER' DOLAN / CLUB RECORD OF 15 GOALS IN A MATCH / AGAINST WOORI YALLOCK JULY 1977 / 102 GOALS IN 12 MATCHES / 16 APRIL 1977 - 5 JULY 1977'
On the football, printed: 'Football made by Nutting & Young, Vic/ NFL APPROVED'
Also on the football handwritten signatures of (presumably) other team members