Hall of Fame

John Acraman

Inducted
2002
Era
1877-1900

Regarded as the “Father of South Australian Football”, John Acraman moved to Adelaide from England in 1847. He imported five (round) footballs to Adelaide, which were the first to be used in our game.

He arranged for the first goal posts to be erected in Adelaide and with William Fullarton and Robert Cussen, met Henry Harrison (founder of the Victorian game with Tom Wills) at the Globe Inn on April 28, 1860 to discuss the formation of a local Club /Association.

He was President of the Adelaide Football Club prior to the formation of the South Australian Football Association and was also Vice -President of the North Adelaide Football Club at some stage.

Was one of 10 Vice-Presidents appointed at the first meeting of the South Australian Football Association, he was a major player in our early games and often named captain.

Sign up to receive the latest SANFL news straight to your inbox.