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What's with the hatred for the Melbourne Storm?

Roar Rookie
28th August, 2014
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The Storm's greatest ever. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Ian Knight)
Roar Rookie
28th August, 2014
124
3167 Reads

I have noticed a disdain bordering on hatred for the Melbourne Storm.

As a Storm fan I would like to analyse where the negativity is coming from.

1. Born of the Super League war
The Storm commenced playing in 1998, formed as a result of the Super League wars and backed by News Limited.

Many people are still resentful of this period, but it’s got nothing to do with current players.

2. Salary cap scandal
Some players probably did know what was going on and it was shameful behaviour, but what club has paid a higher price? There were fines, stripping of titles and a minor premiership, players made to leave, and a season played without earning points.

This period does grate with a lot of fans but what other club could go through all of this and come out even stronger?

3. Craig Bellamy
Bellyache is arguably the best coach going around. How many journeymen has he signed up and turned into stars, who have then had to leave after a couple of years as their value in the market has increased?

Bellamy is innovative, bringing many new tactics to the game. I admit the chicken wing is not the best, but all clubs use wrestling tactics and you do what you can until asked to cease.

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4. The big three
This is the coach’s strength; pay for three quality positions and then build the team around them at a far lower cost. Most of the bias against the club comes from envy as these same guys perform week after week.

They are also the first three picked in any representative side.

5. State of Origin
Many Storm players, including the big three, represent Queensland. Think of Dallas Johnson, Greg Inglis, Mick Crocker… all from the Storm and infuriating to NSW.

Once again, it’s envy!

6. Australian captain
Do you think Cam Smith is worthy of being Aussie captain? Robbie Farrah would say no, but Smith has a much better football brain.

A champion forward who is also a goal kicker is a huge asset, not to mention Smith’s toughness and stamina. Possibly a bit of resentment here from critics.

The Melbourne Storm are an exemplary club and the benchmark many other clubs aspire to.

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They have an average attendance of around 14,000 in an AFL-mad city, and as an overall winning percentage of 63.71 per cent

They have overcome adversity, even if it was brought on by themselves and management, been innovative in game tactics and produced many excellent players.

So what’s your beef? Let me know.

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