[2] The origins of the clubs can be traced back to 1861, when a "football" [note 1] match was played in Warrnambool.

In 1913 the club won its first premiership, playing in the Western District Football Association.

Nevertheless, the club divided again in 1928, with Warrnambool City reverting to its original name.

The Blues switched to the Hampden Football League, where the club achieved a large success, winning no less than one premiership per decade.

Warrnambool also claimed a hat trick of flags, accomplishing that honor twice.