The beginning of the 1862 season was troubled, it appeared some wanted to get rid of the rough, dirty and dangerous play and make it more gentile. The sphere and round balls were also an issue. Thompson moved away from Melbourne, Harrison moved to Geelong and was keen to get the season to start early, Geelong played its first match in March. T W Wills also is believed to return from his trip and joined Harrison at Geelong. They organised a match "Australians vs The world". In the papers there is reference to debate about the rules, which along with bad weather meant many games were cancelled Harrison the famous amateur runner wanted to be able to run with the ball. Many suburban and country cricket clubs had formed football clubs and were playing games. This drew away the big crowds to city matches, crowds in Ballarat were estimated at 800–1000. The annual meetings of secretaries of the several clubs was held at Marshall's Hotel mid May. The first city games did not happen until June.