Charles Brownlow and the Corio Bay Rowing Club

Silver albumen print photograph (210 x 150 mm) in original glazed frame (390 x 440 mm). Printed caption on mount above image: "Colac Regatta, December 1886. Senior Eight (Won by Corio Bay Rowing Club)"; the crew are identified in printed captions below image, including "C. Brownlow (Stroke)" (Brownlow is seated, second from left, his hands on the shoulders of the coxwain). Charles Brownlow (1861-1924) played with the Geelong Football Club in the VFA from 1880-1891, so this photograph was taken at the height of his playing career. At the time, Brownlow was also club secretary (he held this position from 1885-1923). The Brownlow Medal, first awarded in 1924, was named in his honour. It is awarded annually to the Best and Fairest player in the Australian Football League.