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For just over two years we’ve heard speculation around the ‘if’ and ‘when’ regarding Melbourne being awarded the fifteenth franchise in Super Rugby.
The naysayers have doomed this initiative before the proposals were even assembled, indicating that there is indeed no place in Melbourne for yet another code of football.
A mere eleven years ago, the same was said with regard to the introduction of rugby league to Melbourne, and again when the A League ‘grew up’ into a professional outfit.
In both these examples, the people ‘in the know’ cited that AFL rules the roost, and people won’t pick the one over the other. These are big words based on the assumption that Melbourne consists of traditionalist one eyed die-hard AFL fans.
Although this is partially true, I have to look far and hard to find an AFL devotee who refuses to follow or support the Storm or Victory when the occasion arises, or at least be willing to utilize these events as an excuse to have a beer or three with their mates down at the pub.
Yet another reason to challenge the theory that there’s no space for a new code is to look at the sociological make-up of Melbourne as a city.
With more than 50 000 new residents making the city their home every year, Melbourne is fast becoming more diverse than the non-thinker would dare to consider. To cite a few examples: the 2007 Bledisloe Cup game – more than 80 000 fans watching a union game, in Melbourne?
Or consider Crusaders Vs Western Force drawing more than 10,000 in a warm up match at Olympic Park.
And what about the fact that the first Wallaby captain was from Victoria?
I say the time is ripe for Melbourne to take its first step into the professional era of rugby.
We have the support base, and the love for the game. All we need is the team.
I look after a group on Facebook. The group in question support the bid for Melbourne to be awarded the 15th franchise, and in four months, we’ve acquired 2000 members.
Fans in support of the bid, ready and waiting!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.