This silver trophy is one of the most important in the history of women's sport in Australia, but its winner remains a mystery.
For years, it sat quietly in the Museum's collection, known only as CH1974.168 TROPHY. It wasn't until a recent survey of women's sporting objects that its story started to emerge.
A database entry revealed its significance: 'Awarded to M. Perry for Best Player in a football match between Economic v Foys, 28 September 1918.' This was one of the earliest recorded games of women's Aussie rules.
During the First World War, female workers from Economics Ltd, Foy and Gibson and other department stores such as Boans and Bon Marché organised football matches to raise money for charities.
An intra-store match in 1915, between the shopgirls and factory workers of Foy and Gibson, is considered to be the first time that women took to the field in football in Australia, according to historian Brunette Lenkic.
The Museum’s trophy relates to a match held just three years later at the WACA Ground, as part of the Old Brigades Carnival, with proceeds going to the Returned Blind Soldiers and the Miners, Tunnellers, Pioneers and Engineers Funds.
The Economic team didn't take the win on this occasion, but The West Australian called it a 'vigorous' and 'spirited' game – and their own M. Perry still took best on ground.
So who was M. Perry – the star player from this historic match? Got any info? We'd love to hear from you!
