By Carolyn Webb
As one player put it, it was so cold at the Community Cup in Abbotsford on Sunday, you felt like an extra from the movie Braveheart, emerging out of the frigid mist.
The temperature hovered at about eight degrees, meaning even the dogs in the crowd wore their warmest coats.
But at least the beer stayed cold, and it didn’t stop a few of the bravest souls executing the event’s famous nude streak.
Espy Rockdogs players during the Reclink Community Cup Credit: Scott McNaughton
Emma Buckley Lennox, a player for the Megahertz team, last week launched an email campaign in response to changes, in 2016, to the Summary Offences Act that stated that streaking could be classed as obscene and and indecent behaviour.
The campaign called on the State Government to exempt the event under the Nudity (Prescribed Areas) Act 1983, which would allow the nude dash without fear of arrest, a fine or a criminal record.
While no such promise was secured, word spread that police wouldn’t be arresting and fining streakers - as long as no one complained.
The streakers got to have their fun, and so with the live music pumping and and cheerleaders and players vying for the wackiest outfits — one woman played in a bathrobe and curlers — the focus on the day was on having a good time.
Streakers took to the field after word spread that they would not be arrested unless someone complained. Credit: Scott McNaughton
Sunday’s match, at Victoria Park, was the 25th clash between the public radio team, the Megahertz, and the music industry team, the Espy Rockdogs.
The game has raised millions of dollars for the charity Reclink’s sports, education and arts programs for the disadvantaged since it started on a small St Kilda oval in 1993, and shows no sign of waning in popularity.
Musician Tim Rogers from You Am I, said at age 49, it would be his last game for Rockdogs after 15 years.
It was time to give the young ones a go, he said, before he kicked a thumping first quarter goal from half forward flank. Rogers loves how the event raises money to get alienated people involved in the community, while allowing the public to watch some ‘‘ridiculous football’’.
‘‘You walk through the crowd after the game and see people you haven’t seen in years, and meet their kids and their dogs. I love winning but it’s not really what it’s about today,’’ he said.
You am I frontman Tim Rogers played his final game. Credit: Scott McNaughton
Simon Hughes, 40, who played his fifth game for the Megahertz, said Reclink funded his counselling studies and gave him a career path, helping others, after recovering from years of alcohol and drug addiction. He looks forward to the Cup all year.
Paul Kelly, Dan Sultan and Magic Dirt were among the post-match performers.
Federal Opposition leader Anthony Albanese told the crowd the event was about footy, music, sport and the community but also raising money for Reclink’s ‘‘amazing’’ programs that had spread nationwide.
‘‘Reclink has saved many lives as well as transforming many more, and that’s what today is about,’’ he said.
The crowd of over 11,000 watched the Megahertz win by one point, 46 to 45.