[citation needed] Among its first big opponents was the Geelong Football Club in 1862 which was captained by H. C. A. Harrison.

The Ballaratians captained by Alexander Greenfield travelled by train to Geelong lost the match.

The club hosted the touring British footballers in 1888, with the third quarter of the match played in a snow storm.

[14] Ballarat Football Netball Club's junior program has produced recent AFL players Drew Petrie, twins Nathan & Mitch Brown, brothers Brad & Matt Crouch and AFLW player Sophie Van De Heuvel.

The club song is known as "Cheer, Cheer The Red and The White" and is to the tune of the Victory March, the fight song of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend, Indiana, USA.

From 1906 to 1993, Ballarat played their home matches at the City Oval, beside Lake Wendouree, where they were co-tenants with Redan.