Footscray (1919, 1922, 1923)
Like North Melbourne, Footscray became a powerhouse of the VFA after the leagues split, winning nine premierships between 1897-1925. Also, like North Melbourne, Footscray believed that it should be competing at the higher level of the VFL. It first applied for membership of the VFL in 1919, but was rejected due to Essendon and South Melbourne believing that they would lose recruiting areas. Footscray applied to the VFL again in 1922 and 1923, and was again rejected due to the club's recruiting grounds. After winning a 'Championship of Victoria' against VFL premier Essendon in 1924, Footscray was admitted to the VFL for the 1925 season.
Read more about this topic: Proposed VFL/AFL Clubs