A new book, the first to examine in detail the remarkable story of the birth, history, significance and predominance of Australian Rules football in Fremantle, was launched at Fremantle Oval on Thursday.

Dr Norman Ashton’s book, Fremantle Football: The Origins 1885 to 1904, covers the first 20 years of the competition run by the WA Football Association, which was formed in May 1885. This followed an initiative by the Fremantle Football (Rugby Union) Club that year to switch from rugby to the “bouncing game” or “the Victorian game” (what eventually came to be known as “Australian rules” football).

The initiating role of Fremantle marked the start of an amazing two decades of dominance, with Fremantle-based teams winning 15 of the first 20 premierships.

Dr Ashton was born and raised in Fremantle. He is a distinguished scholar, whose career included Chair of the Academic (Professorial) Board and Academic Council, and Head of the Department of Classics and Ancient History at The University of Western Australia, and Pro Vice-Chancellor at The University of Adelaide. Among his publications are two major books, Siphnos: Ancient Towers B.C. and Ancient Megisti: The Forgotten Kastellorizo.

The Ashton family has been involved with Fremantle football since the 1890s. The playing career of Dr Ashton’s grandfather, Arthur Ashton, included stints at all four of the Fremantle-based clubs of his time – North Fremantle, Fremantle, East Fremantle and South Fremantle between 1894 and 1901.

Walter Ashton, son of Arthur and father of Norman, played for South Fremantle in the Fremantle Junior Football Association, including a premiership in 1925.

Norman Ashton, the author and son of Wally, was a member of East Fremantle’s pre-season league squad when Steve Marsh had moved from South Fremantle to East Fremantle as the club’s captain and coach.

Mel Ashton, eldest son of the author, was on the board of directors of the Fremantle Dockers  from December 2002 to November 2008, and vice-president from 2006 to 2008.

The book has forewords by former Fremantle captain and current player Matthew Pavlich and former co-captain Shaun McManus.

It is a fascinating story - and a “must read” for all lovers of football, Fremantle, WA, and WA’s history.

Fremantle Football: The Origins 1885 to 1904 (RRP $50) is available at the Fremantle Team Stores at Domain Stadium, near gate 13, and Fremantle Oval, Parry Street, Fremantle or online here.