As the sun beamed down on Elsternwick Park, bringing scarves and heavy jackets into question, it was tough to imagine a more perfect day for one of Melbourne’s most beloved and iconic events. The stage was set for another Community Cup, the event in support of Reclink Australia and their mission to provide and promote sports and arts programs for disadvantaged people.
Live music carried the crowd through the day from start to finish. Pearls were introduced as ‘70s glam-rock-revivalists, though given their droning, wall-of-sound aesthetic, the tag seemed ill-fitting. They provided the soundtrack to an oval-wide kick-to-kick session, their set perfectly digestible if a little underwhelming. Adalita continued the trend a short time later and, at half time, the Public Opinion Afro Orchestra confirmed a pattern. It must be said, though, that considering the AFL has been pre-occupied with staging the perfect ‘match-day experience’, this year, the Reclink Community Cup put them to shame.
Fittingly, the day’s main event – the football match itself – brought the best action. The crowd were expecting another close contest between the two teams, as per tradition. While the Rockdogs had the ascendancy early, they peppered their forward 50 with wayward kicks, enabling the Megahertz to rebound and capitalise. Paul Satur slotted the first goal of the game and, with Jarrad Kennedy opening his account soon after, the Megahertz suddenly looked likely. As they found confidence, they began to link up well and keep the scoreboard ticking over.
In a scrappy and physical affair, the Megahertz simply managed to find a way to the goals more often than their opposition. Alex Rahill, ultimately awarded the Steve Connolly Medal (Best on Ground), led by example all over the ground. The Rockdogs had their opportunities, but squandered most of them, snuffing out any chance of a late charge. They were plucky, though largely without polish. Their shining light was Leisha Jungalwalla (Jungal), who fought hard and notched up a couple of goals for her efforts. Benny Walker also offered a significant contribution. Ultimately, though, the bigger-bodied Rockdogs were no match for the nimble Megahertz, who broke their five-year drought within a convincing 27-point victory.
A strong performance from Graveyard Train capped off another successful Community Cup. The event is now 21 years old and still going strong, and it’s easy to see why. From the patrons to the players, and right down to the volunteers who did such great work bringing everything together, the sense of community was palpable all day long. Congratulations to the Megahertz and a special congratulations to those selling hot chips from a food truck named Chippy Chippy Bang Bang. You might be the real winners after all.
BY NICK MASON
Photo by Emily Day
Loved: The warmth and goodwill of the entire event.
Hated: The margin. A closer contest is always that much more enjoyable. Dust yourselves off Rockdogs and bring the fight next year.
Drank: Tinnies.
