The game was modified to embody the free running spirit and the exuberance that typified the pioneers of our great country.

Australian Rules Football in it's infancy used rugby balls that were imported from England. The physical torture these balls endured with this tough, vibrant and robust new game, created considerable wear to the balls. They were regularly sent to Tom's saddlery to be repaired. Tom virtually had to pull the ball apart in some cases to complete the repair work, and one day while repairing a ball he had a brainstorm which ultimately was to revolutionise the characteristics of the ball. The rugby ball was elongated, and used to wear heavily on the ends of the ball. Tom created a new shape and developed a pattern that made the ball rounder on the points. The ball was still oval in shape, which allowed the ball to bounce more evenly and easier to kick.

However, the fundamental design still created an air of mystery as to which way the ball bounced along the turf, which makes Australian Rules Football such a delight to play and watch. Tom experimented with his design in some of the local leagues, and realised very quickly that his design was accepted and hailed by all players who used the ball.

Tom scraped his pennies together and in 1879 built a small factory at 32 Wellington Street in Collingwood.