Research the game Marngrook and answer the following questions: 

What is the game Marngrook? 

How is it played? 

What is the objective of the game? 

How do you score? 

What is the earliest date that this game was recorded as being played? 

What game that is played today does Marngrook remind you of? 

Marngrook is an Indigenous Australian game that was traditionally played by Aboriginal people in the areas of south-eastern Australia, particularly the Djabwurrung and Jardwadjali tribes.

The game is played using a ball made from possum skin, which is stuffed with charcoal or fur. The ball is tossed into the air and players attempt to catch it using the inside of their foot, similar to a soccer ball. The game is played in teams, usually ranging from 10 to 50 players, and the field can be as large as several kilometers in length.

The objective of the game is for players to keep the ball in constant motion by kicking, punching, or handballing it to other players. There are no set goals or boundaries, and the game is played with a sense of spontaneity, with players moving the ball through the field using their skills and agility.

Scoring in Marngrook is achieved by launching the ball between two tall trees or hitting it against a target, such as a marker. The exact method of scoring may vary between different tribes and regions.

The earliest recorded evidence of Marngrook being played dates back to the 1840s. It was observed and documented by a European squatter, Thomas William Wills, who later went on to co-create the game of Australian Rules Football.

Marngrook is often considered to be a precursor to Australian Rules Football, as it shares some similarities in terms of gameplay, such as catching and passing skills. However, Australian Rules Football has evolved and incorporated many other elements and rules over time.

Here is the step-by-step research on the game Marngrook:

1. Visit reputable sources such as historical records, sports websites, or anthropological studies to find information about Marngrook.

2. Based on the research, Marngrook is an indigenous Australian ball game played by Aboriginal people, particularly in the past. It is considered one of the oldest documented ball games in Australia.

3. To play Marngrook, two teams consisting of players (usually around 30 per team) are required. The players use their hands to catch and kick a small ball made of possum or kangaroo skin. The exact rules and playing field may vary based on different Aboriginal communities.

4. The objective of the game is for each team to gain possession of the ball and score points by kicking the ball between two upright goal posts. It involves teamwork, agility, and ball-handling skills.

5. Scoring in Marngrook is achieved by successfully kicking the ball between the goal posts, similar to goals in soccer or Australian Rules Football. The number of points awarded for each goal can vary depending on the rules used by a particular Aboriginal community.

6. The earliest recorded date of Marngrook being played is subject to debate, as the game has a long history within Aboriginal cultures. However, the earliest documented reference to the game can be attributed to a report of an indigenous football game witnessed by Thomas Wills in 1841 in the vicinity of what is now Coranderrk, Victoria in Australia.

7. Marngrook is often compared to Australian Rules Football because of the similarities in the gameplay, such as kicking and catching the ball, as well as the presence of goal posts. In fact, some believe that Marngrook may have influenced the development of Australian Rules Football.

Please note that Marngrook is a historic game and might not be widely played or recognized in present-day mainstream sports.

To research the game Marngrook, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by searching for information on Marngrook using search engines like Google or Bing. Use relevant keywords like "Marngrook game history," "rules of Marngrook," or "Marngrook origin."

2. Look for reputable sources such as articles, academic papers, or books that discuss the game Marngrook. Pay attention to material from reliable sports history sources, indigenous culture resources, or historical archives.

3. Carefully read and analyze the gathered information to answer the questions. Take notes on each question to ensure a comprehensive response.

Now, let's proceed to answer your questions based on the available research:

1. What is the game Marngrook?
Marngrook, also known as Marn Grook or Goolrush, is an Aboriginal Australian ball game that originated in the Indigenous communities of southeastern Australia. It is considered one of the earliest known forms of football.

2. How is it played?
In Marngrook, players use their hands to catch and throw a ball made of possum or kangaroo skin filled with charcoal. The game is played on a large oval-shaped field. The objective is for players to catch the ball while it is in the air without letting it touch the ground.

3. What is the objective of the game?
The objective of Marngrook is to keep the ball in the air and prevent it from touching the ground. This requires players to use a combination of skill, agility, and teamwork to pass the ball between teammates and evade opponents. There are no specific goals or scoring areas in Marngrook.

4. How do you score?
Scoring in Marngrook is not as structured as modern-day sports. Traditional accounts suggest that a successful play or catch would be celebrated rather than formally scoring points. However, different variations of the game may include an agreed-upon scoring system, such as assigning points for successful catches or throws.

5. What is the earliest recorded date that this game was played?
The earliest recorded date of the game being played is difficult to determine precisely. Marngrook was played by Indigenous Australian communities for centuries, long before any written records were kept. It is believed to have been played since ancient times and was noted in the early 1800s by European colonizers and settlers.

6. What game played today does Marngrook remind you of?
Marngrook has elements that resemble Australian Rules Football (AFL) due to the use of handballing, catching, and an oval-shaped field. The cultural and historical connections between Marngrook and AFL have been acknowledged, as AFL emerged from interactions with Indigenous communities and incorporated some aspects of Marngrook into its rules and gameplay.