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Joined January 2011
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It's day one of the first international Test match of the season. Excitement is at fever pitch. The best players in the world have…
I've loved reading the comments and reactions to the first two trial games from the Melbourne Rebels. Whatever the results, there seems to be…
After the Rebels' 36-0 loss to the Chiefs in Geelong last week, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Melbourne side were preparing…
There are several things one should expect to encounter in trial matches before the season proper. Some things will change, some remain, and the…
In the business world, managing expectations is a crucial ability. Estimates are supplied to a project manager, who takes into account the resources we…
On the train back from Etihad Stadium last night, my mind wandered to a day a mere two months ago. My beloved Melbourne Victory,…
One thing I've loved about working behind the scenes in the Rebel Army, and seeing this ragtag organisation thrive, is the relationships that have…
Sweet revenge. Granted, maybe not for the players or coaches, or even the fans who didn't follow the 2004 decision; but those who saw…
I came across the words from Paul Keating after his unexpected win in the 1993 election, and, for the rugby community in Victoria, I…
The city end of Swan Street in Richmond in January is a testament to the incomparable passion people in the south have for sport.…
One day cricket has to be 2×25 over innings, batters can bat twice, field restrictions apply all match.
Radical ideas to improve the appeal of 13 different sports
They should relocate to Victoria, we can handle two.
Time for Brumbies to relocate to NSW
I respectfully disagree. In the second half of the season, despite the results, the Rebels GREW their average crowd.
I can understand this theory when referring to the first few weeks, 28k to the debut match and 18k to the Brumbies, but the Rebels have shown they have a base.
They’re in no danger of 4 figure crowds.
Melbourne Rebels armed with a cause
Great piece Brett, was a pleasure to meet you on Friday. Glad I wasn’t too awful a spokesman!
Some really good points raised in the comments as well. I think the reasn why we will see this season as a roaring success is what Damo alluded to. Results are secondary to us not because we’re happy with mediocrity, but because we already have more than that. As corny as it sounds, we’ll still have the club next week, we’ll still have each other. It’s great to win, but if a clubs culture is based on results alone, when the results stop coming, so do the punters. Look at Port in the AFL.
Melbourne has done an incredible job in their first year, and you’re right, when we start winning, watch out.
PS. Nice hat.
Why the Rebel Army is Melbourne's gift to rugby
As a front row forward, I must say that this is a great article.
Why rugby forwards are better than backs
Amen to this. Anyone who says the Rebels organisation has been anything but a roaring success in their first year has rocks for brains.
Five things I'm loving about Super Rugby this season
They show the results of studies done regarding injury prevention at ARU SmartRugby sessions. Long story short, helmets (of any kind) guard mainly against cuts and abrasions, and concussion and brain injury will likely still occur to the same extent for people with or without helmets.
The only piece of equipment that will result in a noticeable reduction in head and brain injuries is a moulded mouthguard, made by a dentist. Not the off-the-shelf ones, the proper gear. They should be mandatory across all levels of the sport.
The case for real helmets in rugby
Is there then an option to go the Olympic Football (soccer) route?
For example, each U20 team assembles a squad of 30, of which say 8 can be any age. Gives that learning/mentoring experience and still gives a focus to development.
I think we need a developmental tier. The ladder to play Test for a kid in NSW or QLD is different to a kid in WA or VIC, which is different again to a kid in SA, and that’s unacceptable in my opinion.
Proposing a new structure for club rugby
I’m owning this quiz:
The Melbourne Rebels are the only family I’ll ever need.
I once blew up when I saw the Prime Minister’s XI cricket side named and the “best young talent in Australia” wasn’t there, but some “washed up mug” was.
(conversely, the first time Michael Bevan or Jason Gillespie wasn’t picked, I shed a tear.)
I’ve wanted to be Prime Minister purely so I could pick my own XI.
I applied for softball tickets at the Sydney Olympics and Badminton seats at the Commonwealth Games.
I got them.
I went, got drunk and screamed abuse at the officials telling them they knew nothing about the game.
I own some ABL merchandise.
I know the nickname of the Australian Netball team.
I will miss a milestone in my own life because it clashed with a significant sports event. Missing my own farewell party from work for a Rebels match.
For starters.
Are you a true sporting tragic? Take the test and find out
I think Christchurch is the clincher here. NZ will win the RWC for the same reason the Crusaders will win Super Rugby.
They just have to.
Why the All Blacks will not win the RWC
Ha! Quite an apt description of game 1 😛
In Melbourne, tonight is for the true believers
“The people who never give up, who always keep on believing, who are always there no matter how heavy the travails may be.”
Yesterday was a great day, except for the scoreline, obviously. Great to have a team in Melbourne.
In Melbourne, tonight is for the true believers
I guess the ‘shocking’ response was fair enough. The reason why the crowd figure was so astonishing is that the game (and, by extension, the team) had not really been advertised yet.
Ross Oakley has stated that this was planned, and the next month will be all about putting the Rebels name out there in the community.
Melbourne beat Tonga to start 'Rebelution'
Last report was 6000+ have been sold, Rebels are very confident of getting to their 11,000 goal.
Cipriani was very composed. Wasn’t a flashy performance by any means (to the point where the English press were writing his game off as average) but in that first half you could tell that he and Gareth Delve were running the backs. He did very well.
Melbourne beat Tonga to start 'Rebelution'
I found out later that it was over double the club’s expectations. I’m sure there was a lot of happy Rebels at recovery this morning!
Melbourne beat Tonga to start 'Rebelution'
C- is VERY kind.
Skimming the Fox broadcast at 11.25pm in Victoria, with a very poor attempt at studio coverage and random cuts in play for ad breaks.
Straight out F.
Is Channel Nine really the free-to-air home of rugby?