Olary Ridge

The Olary Ridge Football Association was formed in 1935 with Erskine, Dawson and Nackara as the member clubs. Arguably the most remote association ever formed in South Australia it only survived for one season.

The three member clubs had all played previously for a number of years dating back to the early 1920s. Each had used ‘borrowed’ players to ensure enough players for their games or played matches with limited numbers per team. Matches were also played against B grade teams from Peterborough. Teams from Ucolta and Yunta also played during the 1920s. On occasions Dawson, Nackara and Oodlawirra would play as a combined team to challenge an A grade team from Peterborough.

Murray Zilm was appointed as umpire for the 1935 season following the withdrawal of umpire E House. Oodlawirra were unable to find enough players to field a team so pooled their players with Nackara, they had previously played as Nackara-Ooodlawirra. Most of the Erskine players had previously played for Orroroo.

Nackara were forced to forfeit a game against Erskine during the season as they were unable to find the sufficient amount of players as shearing was now in full swing. However as that was the only forfeit, it can be said that the season was relatively successful. Dawson was the only Olary Ridge team to continue playing in 1936 when they played a match against Peterborough Rovers.