Overview
Think the AFL grand final is the only Aussie rules game worth paying attention to at this time of year? Think again. At Brisbane's first-ever Reclink Community Cup, the city's musos and media played a friendly but spirited match at Pine Rivers Showground, with the former emerging victorious over the latter.
Captained by Eat Laser Scumbag! and Eyes Ninety's Xavier Poropat, Brissie's musicians proved too good for their industry counterparts, leading the Rocking Horses to a six-point win against the Brisbane Lines. After kicking the first goal of the game, they maintained their lead across the afternoon, weathering a half-time spot of rain and fending off a second-half fight back in the process. Final scores were 8.9 (57) to 7.9 (51).
A who's who of local musos lined up for the Rocking Horses, including members of Nova Scotia, Smudge, Gazar Strips, Flangipanis, The Ring-Ins, Tits On Strings, Doozy Daze, Scabz and indie label Dew Process. On the media and industry side, 4ZZZ and Triple J veteran Stephen Stockwell guided a team dominated by 4ZZZ staff, plus representatives from a smattering of other outlets. And, because a couple of pollies normally join in, Senator Murray Watt took to the field for the Rocking Horses, while Senator Anthony Chisholm joined the media.
The Reclink Community Cup isn't just about see your favourite bands kick a few goals; it's also about supporting a good cause. Since 1993, the event has been turning musos into footy players for an annual charity match, with the Melbourne game drawing more than 10,000 people and raising over $100,000 each year. Sydney's been going strong for years too.
Every dollar raised at the game goes towards Reclink's efforts to improve the lives of Queenslanders suffering from disability, homelessness, substance abuse and economic hardship through participation in sport and the arts. Yep, even though the Rocking Horses won the match, a heap of deserving folks are the real winners.