This season saw the unsuccessful introduction of the Caledonian Challenge Cup. The Caledonian sports were held in December 1861 and a prize of a silver cup was to be awarded to the winner of the football match. Unfortunately due to a number of reasons the game did not come off as expected. The Caledonian society gave the cup to University Football Cup and it was agreed it was to be played for in the winter football season. Melbourne challenged University for the cup on a number of occasions, but University failed to turn up. In trying to advance the standard of football matches were played with players from clubs north of Yarra (North) and south of Yarra (South) The game recounts did not change much from other years, players were still running with the ball, there were some high leaping marks taken, kicking was highlighted more and the need for umpires was noted.