Standing guard at the end of Swanston Street, the Early Geelong Footballer bollard celebrates one of the world’s oldest football clubs in its original waterfront home.

Long before they became known as the “Cats” or played at GMHBA Stadium, the team was called The Pivotonians. In 1876, they swapped their crimson guernseys for the now-famous blue and white hoops to avoid clashing with Melbourne’s colours.

The flat port area near Swanston Street served as a rent-free practice ground. Their waterfront training days ended in 1902 when the city reclaimed the land to build Transvaal Square, a Boer War memorial.

Full of humour and history, this bollard reminds visitors of Geelong’s sporting beginnings right on the waterfront.