THE WALLAROO

“… it was decided to form a football club, the euphonious name of Wallaroo being unanimously adopted …”

THE ‘WALLAROO’ NAME was adopted at the Wallaroo FC‘s founding meeting. As told by ‘Monty’ Arnold, one of the five men present:

“After waiting for some time to ascertain if any others would turn up, we determined to proceed to business, and, at that meeting, of five individuals it was decided to form a football club, the euphonious name of Wallaroo being unanimously adopted.”
— ‘Monty’ Arnold, Old Times, July 1903

The Founding & The “Euphonious” Choice

The Wallaroo FC was established to draw gentlemen from across the broader Sydney area and new arrivals based on social standing and sporting merit. In this regard, its name and structure mirrored the prestigious “subscription” clubs then flourishing in London, including member-based rugby clubs like Blackheath FC.

As Arnold noted, Wallaroo was chosen for its “euphonious” quality—a Victorian era hallmark for sounds that are harmonious and pleasing to the ear. It perfectly fit the time’s penchant for tri-syllabic, rhythmic names (much like Har-le-quin). While the kangaroo was already becoming a common trade symbol, and the wallaby too was well-known, the Wallaroo offered a more sophisticated, “scientific” air, signaling a deeper knowledge of Australian fauna.

The “Devil of the Rocks”

In the Sydney region, the Eastern Wallaroo (Osphranter robustus robustus) is noted for its powerful build and a coat ranging from slate-grey to a soot-like charcoal. To early settlers, the creature possessed a certain gargoylish allure; it was a “devil of the rocks,” known for haunting rugged terrain and sitting hunched upon stone ledges.

This meant the wallaroo moniker gave the club an edgier, exotic mascot to match the dangerous rugby brand of football they played—akin to the Wasps or Hornets clubs of England—far more evocative than “Sydney”, which had already been attached to two previous failed Sydney FCs ventures, and to the Sydney University’s team.

“Old Friends, The Marsupials”

Reflecting the broader sporting community, Sydney’s press—from the venerable The Sydney Morning Herald to the popular sports weekly The Referee—fondly dubbed the Wallaroo FC and its teams “The Marsupials”. The Evening News went further still, shortening the moniker to the punchy, if irreverent, “The Marsups”.

“Good old Wallaroo!
The ‘Varsity were taken down with a vengeance by their old friends, the Marsupials.”
— The Bird O’ Freedom, 31 August 1895

While the Wallaroo FC‘s match jerseys never officially bore a badge, the honorary presentation and award caps certainly did (as seen in the photograph at the top of this page).

Furthermore, close scrutiny of surviving Wallaroo FC team photographs reveals that certain players took matters into their own hands. Perhaps with the needlework of “lady friends,” these individuals occasionally took to the field with a large wallaroo silhouette proudly emblazoned across their jerseys.

All website text & content © Sean Fagan

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