2011 Community Cup

Melbourne community radio stations team up to play the field for charity!

The latest chapter in the eternal struggle between the Megahertz and the Rockdogs has concluded with a resounding victory to the musicians. Under the expert tutelage of the legendary Paul Kelly, the Rockdogs ran out winners 11.10.76 to the Megahertz 4.17.41. 2011. Success was not limited to the playing field as charity partner Reclink managed to raise $200,000.

A crowd of 12,000 gathered at Elsternwick Park on Sunday 26 June to watch the motley assortment of Melbourne Rock ‘n’ Roll elite that is the Rockdogs, lead by sultry crooner Dan Sultan, take on the Megahertz, a team comprising the finest athletes of Melbourne’s 3RRR, 3PBS and SYN FM, helmed by debutante co-captains Jess McGuire and Maddy Mac.

Since 1997, the Community Cup has been a fixture on the Melbourne amateur sporting calendar, raising funds for a variety of charities and cultivating a sporting rivalry for the ages. The Rockdogs were out for vengeance after their controversial 2010 loss and wasted no time in stamping their authority on the game.

In keeping with Community Cup tradition, the match shared top billing with performances by sleazy pop/punkers The Mercy Kills, the world’s biggest girl group, The Rebelles and recently reformed rock legends, Tumbleweed. In addition to putting in the hard yards as part of the Rockdogs forward line, veteran campaigner Tim Rogers backed up post-game to front You Am I as they tore through a collection of their greatest hits. Brian Nankervis of RockWiz fame refereed the match in a costume that paid tribute to Nick Cave while organ enthusiast Barry Morgan performed the national anthem.

‘The 2011 Community Cup was a blinder,’ says Megahertz Forward Pocket, Georgia Webster. ‘The elusive Melbourne winter sunshine was out, the bands were in form and the kids, dogs, and general rabble loved the half-time kick-to-kick.’

Despite the end result, it is safe to say that fundraising for Reclink was the winner at the end of the day with public nudity a close second. 

Above: Paul Kelly & Dan Sultan of The Rock Dogs

Reclink Australia is a charitable organisation whose mission is to provide sporting, social and arts activities to enhance the lives of people experiencing disadvantage.