Login
Login

The Reclink Community Cup is a much-adored Charity Football Match Series that pits musicians against media annually since ‘93, raising funds for Reclink Australia.

About Reclink Australia

Reclink Australia’s structured sport and recreation programs help to improve life outcomes for those experiencing mental illness, family violence, homelessness, social isolation, gambling harm, unemployment, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Our programs provide moments of joy, human connection, opportunity and a sense of purpose for participants. Through our partnerships and programs our participants achieve better physical health, better mental health and greater social inclusion.

To find out more about the work of Reclink Australia and our programs, please visit www.reclink.org for further information.

History of the Community Cup

Since 1993 the Melbourne Reclink Community Cup has attracted the who’s who of the radio and music industries that give their time (and bruises) to raise awareness and funds for Australia’s most disadvantaged. The Melbourne event sees the Rockdogs (musicians) and the Megahertz (Triple R 102.7FM & PBS 106.7FM) battling for footy supremacy with the passion and intensity only instilled by a rivalry which has lasted since the first match they played.

Throughout the history of this epic football match, the players, umpires, commentators and entertainment have included a mix of comedians and notable music industry people including Paul Kelly, Courtney Barnett, Tim Rogers and Tex Perkins. From humble beginnings in 1993, the Melbourne event now attracts more than 12,000 people and raises more than $200,000 for Reclink Australia annually. The event’s success has been replicated in Sydney (2012), Adelaide and Fremantle (2015), with Hobart and Brisbane joining the party for 2016 and Canberra in 2017 to support the work of Reclink Australia.

Team History

On ground, the Megahertz are identified by their red and white guernseys whilst the Rockdogs wear black, red and yellow. The Rockdogs where created as a social football team in 1990, known as the Espy Rockdogs they played against Chasers before forming a charity football match against The Totel Hotel in 1993 and raising $500.

The Megahertz where formed in 1997 and have played against the Rockdogs ever since. In that first game between The Rockdogs and the Megahertz, the event raised $6,000 for Sacred Heart Mission and was their major fundraiser until 2007. In 2008 there was no match and in 2009 Reclink Australia became the charity partner and have been ever since. All other states follow the same tradition with red and white representing Media and black, red & yellow the colours for the musician team.

No matter where you are in Australia, we encourage you to gear up in your team colours and come on down to your local Community Cup for a fun family day out, with live music, children’s activities, food and beverage stalls and, of course, the big match between music and community radio icons.

Rules of the Game & Conditions of Entry

Rules of the Game

add remove

The Reclink Community Cup is a non-competitive, grassroots charity community music and sports event which is committed to ensuring the spirit of the game in kept at all time therefore; 

  1. It is an all-gender game.

  2. There will not be any cis men in the centre square/involved in the bounce until the ball is cleared from the centre square at the begin of each quarter or after a goal.

  3. Players must: 

    a) Play in the spirit of the Reclink Community Cup, that is, with inclusivity, fun and safety in mind.

    b) Make efforts to be conscious of their ability, size, experience and skill level, and the safety and ability of others around them, and ensure that everyone is provided with an opportunity to be an important part of the game.

    c) Remember that you’re there for the entertainment factor – to have fun and run amok; not to pretend you’re a real footy player or be focussed on winning.

The game will be played and umpired in accordance with accepted Australian Rules Football rules, except that:

  1. Ruck contests:

    i. Non-cis men are to contest the ruck in the middle of the ground between the Forward 50 and Defensive 50 arcs. eg. the centre square and wings.

    ii. Cis men are to contest the ruck inside both the Forward 50 and Defensive 50.

  2. At the beginning of each quarter and after a goal, cis men cannot enter the centre square until the ball has left the centre square. A free kick will be awarded against any infringing player.

  3. A player must not tackle another player from behind (e.g. a run-down tackle taking someone unaware, increasing risk of injury). A free kick will be awarded against players tackling from behind.

  4. A player must not engage in rough play (e.g. rough tackles, hard bumps/hip and shoulders, pushing and shoving etc.). A free kick will be awarded against a player engaging in rough play.

  5. A player may not bring another player that is smaller than them to the ground in a tackle. (i.e. It is okay to tackle other players to the ground who are the same size or bigger). A free kick will be awarded against the infringing player.

  6. A player may not hip and shoulder another player. A free kick will be awarded against the infringing player.

  7. Each team may play a maximum of up to 20 players on the ground at once.

  8. Of the 20 players on the ground at any one time, not more than 10 should be cis men (unless both teams agree otherwise prior to the game due to lack of non-cis men players available).

Delivery of Rules

add remove

Conditions of Entry

add remove
  1. Ticket is valid for entry to the 2026 Reclink Community Cup at Victoria Park in Abbotsford on Sunday 14 June, 2026 (or equivalent state event it has been purchased for).
  2. Tickets are non-refundable.
  3. Children must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years.
  4.  As a condition of entry you agree to your image, photo and video to be used by Reclink, sponsors and partners for marketing, advertising and promotional purposes.
  5. We have the right to refuse entry and remove patrons in the event of anti-social or unacceptable behaviour.
  6. Streaking is a crime in Victoria. Streakers may be fined by Victoria Police and removed from the event.
  7. Lost property is located at the info tent. Items handed into lost property will be held by Reclink for seven days before discarded. All valuable items will be handed into the Abbotsford police station on day eight.
  8.  Lost children will be escorted to the info tent for supervision until a guardian is located.
  9. The Reclink Community Cup is an all-weather event.
  10. No BYO alcohol is permitted to be brought into the event and no alcohol is permitted to be taken or consumed outside of the event space.
  11. No weapons permitted (including kitchen knives).
  12. No glass permitted.
  13. Dogs on a leash are welcome. Water must be supplied by owner and owner is to ensure any mess is cleaned and disposed of.
  14. Advertising or promoting other events/causes is strictly prohibited.
  15. Strictly no pass outs.