COLONIAL FOOTBALL TEAM.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2129, 20 December 1880, Page 3

COLONIAL FOOTBALL TEAM.

Beferring to the proposed trip home of a Colonial Football Team, the London “ Figaro ” says: —lt is to be hoped the Australian football playt re, who, prompted by the balance-sheet of their cricketing brethren, are desirous, it is said, of paying us a visit, will think better of their intentions. If they really do come, after all, they will probably get what they do not bargain for—“more kicks than halfpence”; for there are many reasons why it is extremely improbable that they will make money by their venture. Football is not a game that commands much “ gate money ” with us, as a rule; and the “ Eughy Union ” has told the Antipodean footballers as much, we believe, thus damping their ardour considerably. The fact is, there seems a likelihood of these Antipodean visits being overdone. Because a a cricket eleven has come, and played, and filled its pockets, Australian athletes of all kinds seem to regard our country as a Tom Tiddler’s land where any amount of filthy lucre is to be picked up. Already the cricketers and the scullers have come over, and now, as we have said, a football team is trying to arrange a trip to this insular Goloonda. Next, we presume, a set of Australian lawn-tennis champions, or of sprint runners and high jumpers, will be coming over the ocean. Then we shall have Antipodean chess and billiard champions anxious to try conclusions with our men, and prize Australian- clog-dancers, and “ six-day-go-as-you-pleasers,” and knurr and spellers, and golfers will be eoming to test their luck. In due time all this may be well and good, but not just now. The thing should not be forced, and for the present Australia had much better repose on the laurels her scullers and her cricketers have won.