1944 VFA season

World War II commenced in Europe in September 1939, and had spread to the Pacific in December 1941. The Association had continued with a full program of football in the 1940 and 1941 seasons – with the sole exception that Sandringham had competed as an amateur club in the latter season[1] – but had cancelled the 1942 and 1943 seasons when it became clear that the competition would distract from the war effort.[2]

In February 1944, the Association decided not to recommence play in 1944; four clubs – Coburg, Oakleigh, Northcote and Prahran – were in favour of recommencing. The issue of military commandeering of football grounds was no longer a significant impediment, but wartime rationing did not cover uniforms and footballs.[3] It was decided on 12 June that the Association would resume play in 1945.[4]

The Association seconds competition, which had been in recess during 1942 and 1943, resumed in 1944, with ten of the twelve clubs fielding a team – only Sandringham and Brighton did not compete.[5] Clubs were, however, limited in the number of former senior players they could field.[6] The seconds premiership was won by Port Melbourne. Port Melbourne 20.16 (136) defeated Oakleigh 12.16 (88) in the Grand Final at Coburg on 23 September before a crowd of 7,000.[7]

• On 12 April, Association president J. J. Liston died at age 70 after a short illness.[8] Liston had been president of the Association since 1929.[9] Long-time Preston president[10] Mr Henry Zwar, MLA replaced Liston as Association president.[11]