August - Melbourne Cricket Club

NO. 142 AUGUST 2009 ISSN 1322–3771
A LIFETIME OF
LEADERSHIP AND LOYALTY

CLUB NEWS
SHORT FORM STARS DOWN
UNDER THIS SUMMER
Newly crowned Twenty20 World Cup champions
Pakistan will make their first visit to Australia in five
years when they join the West Indies as Australia’s
opponents for the 2009/10 cricket season.
The MCG will host eight days of international cricket, with
two one-day matches and a Twenty20 fixture in addition to the
Boxing Day Test against Younis Khan’s Pakistan. The club is
confident it can produce another season of quality cricket pitches
after last year’s significant improvement drew high praise from
Cricket Victoria chairman Geoff Tamblyn.
Australia will play two separate five-match Commonwealth
Bank Series one-day internationals, the first against Pakistan
throughout January and the second against superstar Chris
Gayle’s West Indians in February. This will follow six Test
matches, three against both Pakistan and the West Indies,
including the Boxing Day Test at the ’G.
The Twenty20 international against world champions Pakistan
at the MCG in February is sure to be an entertaining contest, as is
the nature of the shortest form of the game. Australia will be
looking to atone for their disastrous World Cup performance in
England last month against Shahid Afridi and co.
While the 2009/10 domestic competition schedule had not been
released at the time of publication, we hope the Victorian
Bushrangers can successfully defend their Sheffield Shield crown,
won so handsomely last summer. Please visit the club website for
a full fixture of Victoria’s matches at the MCG.
2009/10 international cricket
at the MCG
Boxing Day Test
Australia v Pakistan
December 26-30
Twenty20 International
Australia v Pakistan
February 5
One-Day Internationals
Australia v West Indies
February 7
February 19
Visitor Tickets
MCC visitor tickets and reserved seats will go on sale
through Ticketek or in person at the club on Friday
August 21 at 9.00am for the above matches. A limit
of four visitor tickets per member will apply to all days
except Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, when there is a
limit of two. All other operational details pertaining
to the 2009/10 cricket season will be sent to members
with the November newsletter mailing and be made
available online.
OUR COVER
Job done, MC Tony
Charlton and then
president Donald
Cordner stride
across familiar
territory after the
official opening of
the Great Southern
Stand on March 25,
1992. The Cordner
legacy lives on
(see page 5).
NOTICE OF ANNUAL
GENERAL MEETING
The 172nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the
Melbourne Cricket Club will be held at 8.00pm on
Monday August 17, 2009 in the Members Dining
Room. Full members are invited to attend.
Three sitting members of the MCC committee and
two nominees will offer themselves for election at the
AGM. Full members eligible to vote should by now
have received the appropriate papers with their 2009/10
renewal notices.
Peter Mitchell, Karen Wood and Ted Yencken
are the committee members standing for re-election
by rotation. Stephen Batty and Colin Beames are
presenting themselves for election at the ballot.
Please bring your photo ID membership card to gain
access to the meeting. Parking will be available via
Entrance A off Brunton Avenue.
VALE DIANA JONES AM
It is with great sadness that we record
the passing on July 5 of Diana Jones
AM, warm and gracious wife of former
president David (2003-07), whose term in
office was marked by the couple’s
willingness to immerse themselves in all
aspects of life at the MCC.
Diana was a formidable woman.
Among many contributions to the
community and society generally were her
presidency of the Association for the Blind
(1984-92), now Vision Australia, and her
membership of the Order of Australia
Association, which she chaired in 2002-05.
The latter association’s charter would
have appealed to Diana instantly. It is, inter
alia, to foster love and pride in Australian
citizenship and to encourage awareness of
Australia’s history, traditions and culture.
Our sympathies are extended to David
and the Jones family on the loss of this
wonderful lady.
2 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Members will no doubt be aware
that the club lost one of its
finest servants with the passing
of Donald Cordner in May. Few people
could leave such a massive imprint on
any institution and glowing tributes have
come from far and wide. Among many
duties or interests within the MCC,
Donald was a particularly strong
supporter of the sporting sections. He was
directly involved with football, tennis and
squash and with the Sporting Sections
Sub-committee.
In 1992 he was awarded the Hans
Ebeling Award in recognition of his
outstanding service to the sections and the
following year he was honoured with
Honorary Life membership. We’ve lost a
great man.
Turning to current matters, as we move
into the second half of both the calendar
year and the AFL season, life continues to
be very busy and interesting at the MCG.
The football crowds are holding up well
and we enjoyed another soccer
spectacular with more than 74,000 seeing
Australia defeat Japan on June 17.
The National Sports Museum is in full
operational mode and we are confident
that our investment in this magnificent
asset is well placed and will prove a
winner for us and for the Australian
tourism industry. The ground hosted
more than 2000 delegates for an
international tourism seminar in June and
we received very positive comments from
the delegates about the MCG and the
NSM as outstanding tourist destinations.
For the benefit of members, we have
President David Meiklejohn and collections and exhibitions team leader Sandra
Bruce unveil a portrait of MCC president Frank Grey Smith (1886-1900) on
April 27, appropriately, in the Frank Grey Smith Bar. The portrait recognises
Grey Smith’s critical contribution to the club during a time of financial crisis in
the late-19th century.
included a snapshot, below, of our
financial position. Following a change to
club rules at last year’s Annual General
Meeting (AGM), we no longer will post a
copy of the annual report, containing the
concise financial information, to members
unless it is requested. The annual report is
available on the website and the full
audited accounts can also be provided to
any member on request.
The accounts demonstrate that we
continue to be in a sound financial
position. However, we cannot lose sight
of the fact that we have a substantial debt
commitment to both service and repay in
the years ahead.
On committee matters, I congratulate
David Crawford, our new vice-president,
new treasurer Michael Andrew and new
committee member Karen Wood on their
appointments. Your committee has
substantial responsibilities in managing
both the club and the MCG and I am
pleased that we have the benefit of
contributions from a very talented and
experienced group, which includes these
new appointees.
Our AGM is scheduled for August 17
and I hope to see many of our Full
members there. In the meantime, I look
forward to catching up with members at
the matches and functions at the ’G,
particularly as we head into the AFL finals.
David Meiklejohn
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT – 2008/09
MELBOURNE CRICKET CLUB AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES
CONSOLIDATED
CONSOLIDATED
2008/09 2007/08 2008/09 2007/08
($'000) ($'000) ($'000) ($'000)
REVENUE EXPENSES
Membership 38,683 37,232 Admin and Departmental 50,828 48,590
Event-related 24,174 22,697 Members’ contributions to the gate 10,462 8,797
Commercial Operations 25,727 26,381 Depreciation 25,794 24,353
AGOS/NSM 2,697 869 Finance costs 22,065 22,232
Other 26,793 27,989 Total expenses 109,149 103,972
Total revenue 118,074 115,168
NET PROFIT 8,925 11,196
Loans and borrowings at
financial year end 318,808 328,147
Cash principal and interest payments
on loans and borrowings 31,431 31,151
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS 3

CLUB NEWS
As rain pelted down on a sodden
MCG, the irony was not lost on
the 80,000-strong crowd who
flocked to the Sound Relief concert on
March 14.
Hastily arranged to support victims of
the Victorian bushfires, the 10-hour music
fest provided hope, support, inspiration
and money to so many in the affected
communities. It was another fine example
of the MCG’s broader role as a meeting
place for society and it will go down as a
memorable event in the ground’s long and
proud history.
Given the short notice and the impressive
array of talent drawn to the MCG stage,
that the concert was staged at all says
much about the human spirit invested and
the ability of the MCG events team to yet
MCG ROCKS
TO SOUND RELIEF
again harness resources and put on a grand
show. It was officially Australia’s
biggest-ever concert, with the 80,518 fans
beating the previous record set in 1993 by
Guns ’n Roses at Calder Park.
From the moment the dreadful fall-out
from that fateful February 7 day became
clear, talks began about a community event
on a grand scale. Music promoters Michael
Gudinski and Michael Chugg proposed
simultaneous concerts under the Sound
Relief label to raise funds not only for
bushfire victims but also those ravaged by
the floods in south-east Queensland.
The MCG was the logical Melbourne
venue. However, the Victorian Bushrangers
were likely to host the Sheffield Shield final
and had first call on use of the ’G. After a
series of talks and exploration of options,
Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria
kindly agreed to relocate the final to
Junction Oval, a move for which all
concerned were extremely grateful.
With that hurdle cleared, the logistical
operation was in full swing. Talent was
sourced, staff volunteered their services and
the massive stage was erected. The club’s
new ticket provider Ticketek, under
immediate pressure from tens of thousands
of eager fans within the first hour of sale,
came through with flying colours.
Everyone attending would have
departed with a different highlight. The
reforming of rock icons Midnight Oil,
Hunters and Collectors and Split Enz
was popular with the older brigade – as
was Paul Kelly’s return to the ’G – while
Gabriella Cilmi, Jet, Wolfmother,
Augie March and international act
Kings of Leon had the current generation
in raptures, no matter the cold and wet
conditions. Even Kylie Minogue made a
cameo appearance, more than 10 years after
her last MCG performance at the Mushroom
Records 25th anniversary gig in 1998.
But the day and night belonged to the
people. Young and old, from the city and
country, all had gathered to pay their
respects, show support, have fun and
celebrate each other. Of all venues, none
could have been more appropriate than the
People’s Ground.
CLUB DONATESTOA WORTHY CAUSE
The Victorian bushfire tragedy was felt throughout the
community, including within the membership of our own
club. Consequently, the MCC felt that its contribution towards
helping those in need should extend beyond hosting the Sound
Relief concert.
As we referred to in our last newsletter, the MCC, supported
by the MCG Trust, donated $150,000 to the Victorian Bushfire
Appeal. This pledge came in addition to waiving the normal
hire charges and donating all profits associated with the event.
One month after the concert, Premier John Brumby,
promoter Michael Gudinski and event organisers returned
to the MCG to announce results of the fundraising effort,
with $7,159,760 raised for bushfire victims from the MCG
concert alone. Speaking at the media conference, MCC
general manager event operations Trevor Dohnt (pictured here
presenting the club’s donation to Red Cross Australia chief
executive Robert Tickner) praised the efforts of the MCG’s
450-plus event day staff, who had volunteered their services
on the day.
“For a lot of those people, it was their only source of
income,” Trevor was proud to explain. “Three or four were
victims of the bushfires and lost property but they were
adamant they wanted to work that day.”
The club’s involvement extended to the roles that two
prominent, long-time members are playing in activities
associated with the aftermath of the fires. Justice Bernard
Teague is heading the Royal Commission, while former
committeeman and governor of Victoria John Landy is
chairing the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Advisory Panel.
4 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009

A GIANT OF THE CLUB HE LOVED
MCC Honorary Life member
and MCG trustee John Cain was
Premier in the early Cordner years
and he remembers him with respect
and affection.
“Don was the most significant
person around the MCC during my
lifetime,” he said.
“Importantly, he was the key to the
removal of the long-standing restriction
on club membership for women.
He appreciated the government’s view
that there should be no gender
discrimination on public land.
“Loyal clubman that he was, Don
understood well the wider public
interest in the MCG. His presidency
entrenched the notion of the importance
of the partnership between
government, trust and club for the
long-term benefit of Victorians.”
Long-serving committeeman,
president (1985-92) and club
legend Donald Cordner, who
died aged 87 in May, was a man of
rare distinction.
He left an indelible stamp of decency
on everything he embraced and few
could match his multi-dimensional
contribution to society as medico,
sportsman, administrator, husband
and father.
Donald, pictured above with the
love of his life, Moyle, wrote a book
about himself, but a measure of the
man’s modesty is that only 20 copies
were produced.
“I simply wanted to put things down
for the record while I still could,” he
said of the 2001 autobiography he
called The Most Fortunate of Men.
Donald’s devotion to the things that
mattered most to him – family, medical
practice, alma mater, Melbourne
Football Club and the MCC – was
absolute. He was particularly proud of
his service to the Diamond Creek
community where he was the local GP
for 46 years, delivering 2000 babies
over the journey.
He was on the Melbourne Grammar
School council for 16 years, serving five
as chairman concurrently with his MCC
Former secretary (1983-2000) and Honorary Life member John Lill, who worked closely
with Donald Cordner during his seven-year term as president, recalls exciting times.
“First and foremost, Donald was a visionary,” says Dr Lill.
“He was a born leader who resurrected our relationship with the football people so
effectively that it led to the building of the Great Southern Stand and resulted in long-term
security of tenure for the club. Look how important that is today.
“He fought for equal rights for women in the context of admitting ladies to
club membership.
He was also a great proponent of the club’s heritage activities. It was no surprise that he
volunteered to be an MCG guide soon after he retired as president.
“On a personal note, we had a wonderful working relationship. Donald would
contribute ideas, make suggestions and debate issues, but was always totally
supportive of whatever decisions or actions were taken. It’s no wonder he was so admired
and respected by all who knew him.”
presidency, a remarkable commitment
while still practising.
A Brownlow medallist (1946) and
premiership captain (1948) with the
Demons, he played as an amateur
throughout his 166-game career.
Many will best remember Donald
for his engaging personality, his
inclusiveness and generosity of spirit
in every situation and circumstance.
He would often start a conversation
with “Did you know … ?” before
unleashing a torrent of trivia and
statistics in equal measure, usually about
cricket, his favourite subject.
He was a fine speaker with a delivery
that even mastered the sound delay
nightmare from the centre of the arena
when opening the Great Southern Stand
in 1992. He took it in his stride,
matching the professionals on that
memorable day.
Donald was a great fan of the English
language and had a penchant for
adjectives, rarely using a single
descriptor when three or four would do.
And perhaps his favourite adjective was
“extraordinary”, which is apposite
because the word so roundly defines this
outstanding servant of the club.
As president David Meiklejohn noted
recently, he was a great clubman and a
great leader and we’ll all miss his advice
and support.
The MCC family was indeed
fortunate to be a part of his life.
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS 5

CLUB NEWS
HEAT IS ON MCG TURF
The famous MCG turf has taken
on a new look in recent months
following the installation of an
arena lighting system that improves turf
growth during the winter.
Since completion of the new northern
stand three years ago, studies have
confirmed earlier concerns about a
significant lack of light and sun on the turf
on the northern side of the arena. During
winter, only 10 per cent of natural sunlight
reaches this part of the ground.
After extensive research, the club has
purchased a system called Stadium Grow
Lighting, a mobile supplementary lighting
unit from the Netherlands.
A shipment comprising 11 lighting rigs,
each 12m x 2.5m x 2.5m, and two smaller
rigs arrived early in May and were fully
operational a fortnight later.
Early results are promising, with a
reduction in disease and strong growth
occurring in all areas treated by the lights.
It is proposed that the system will be used
as required throughout the football season.
“The lighting rigs are placed above the
grass to provide light and heat, which
stimulates turf growth,” said Tony Ware,
MCC executive manager environment and
turf development.
“This will enable us to achieve year-round
quality turf in all weather conditions.”
Similar systems have been adopted
at dozens of venues around the world,
including Wembley Stadium and
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London,
Manchester United’s home at Old Trafford,
Camp Nou in Barcelona and Melbourne’s
Etihad Stadium.
Tony said the redeveloped northern
grandstand has presented new challenges
to arenas operations manager Cameron
Hodgkins and his ground staff.
“The roof on the new stand has reduced
the amount of natural sunlight we have
available to us,” he said.
“This leads to a lack of growth on a
patch of turf that is a high traffic zone
during the football season. The new system
will reduce the amount of turf replacement
required on an annual basis.”
It is estimated that the use of the lights
will add approximately five per cent to the
MCG’s energy consumption levels.
However, this will be offset by a
number of energy-saving initiatives being
implemented throughout the stadium.
“We are conscious of our community role
in environmental sustainability,” said Tony.
“We have installed a device on the
northern stand roof to measure just how
much light is needed, so that we are using
the energy as efficiently as possible.”
Next time you’re at the MCG on a
non-football weekday, cast an eye out to
the middle and catch a glimpse of the
changing face of the ’G.
CEO JOINS MCC
PORTRAIT GALLERY
Drawn somewhat reluctantly to the sitter’s chair
because he thought commissioning of a traditional
Long Room portrait might be premature, chief
executive Stephen Gough eventually sat for several sessions
with gifted portrait painter Robert Hannaford early last year.
Concurrently, the South Australian artist was also painting
president David Meiklejohn, whose portrait was unveiled in
June 2008. The Gough masterpiece, however, went into storage
for nine months before it saw the light of day in March.
The CEO, in his 10th year at the helm, was overdue to join
his predecessors and the long list of presidents who grace the
Long Room walls.
Vice-president Paul Sheahan was delighted to unveil the
painting before a gathering of family, friends and colleagues.
Stephen is pictured with wife Diane (“He had it done not a
minute too soon,” she quipped), son Alexander and daughter
Emma. You’ll find the painting at the northern end of the Long
Room. It is a striking likeness.
6 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009

MEMBERS HAVE THEIR SAY
As mentioned in the last edition of MCC News, the club
has commenced a comprehensive, three-year research
program to better understand members’ needs and to
measure satisfaction.
As part of this initiative we are utilising Sweeney Research to
measure members’ experiences in the Reserve at MCG events,
as well as periodically surveying members who haven’t
attended events in order to identify any trends surrounding
reasons for non-attendance.
Early results have been promising and will be very useful in
not only improving our offering to members, but also in setting
performance benchmarks for our membership service
generally.
Since December, monthly random samples of members who
had attended at least one recent MCG event were asked via an
online survey about their experiences across numerous aspects
of their visit to the Members Reserve.
They were asked about communication with members
leading up to the event, ticket purchase processes, public
transport, parking, TAB and merchandise outlets, dining
facilities, bars and more.
Highlights of the results received thus far, covering the
December-May period of event attendees, are:
Ninety-two per cent recorded overall satisfaction with their
most recent visit to the MCG.
Eighty-nine percent of members were satisfied or very satisfied
with the information communicated to them about that event.
The range and
service in the
merchandise
outlets, including
the MCG
Superstore,
recorded an 83 per
cent approval rate.
The ease of
purchasing visitor
tickets came in at
80 per cent, although this includes a mix of Ticketmaster and
Ticketek services.
We will continue to survey members throughout the year in
this fashion to help build a performance benchmark for member
satisfaction.
Later this year we will target all members with an annual
“Issues Survey” designed to canvass their views on the MCC’s
broader policies and regulations.
This will be the fifth such survey, following those of 1996,
1999, 2003 and 2006.
In addition, members who attend club functions will now be
able to evaluate the function via the club website, among other
online initiatives (see page 22).
We look forward to your co-operation and if you have
any queries please contact our service representatives on
(03) 9657 8888 or email membership@mcc.org.au.
DEMONS NOW
PART OF
THE SECTIONS
They’d been absent for nearly three
decades, but never far away, so
when it was agreed that the Melbourne
Football Club would once again come
under the MCC umbrella the “fit” was
nice and comfortable.
The connection between the football
and cricket clubs stretches back to the
first formal drafting of the rules of
football in 1859, when most of those
involved were MCC members.
In 1890, the cricket club bailed the
footballers out of financial difficulties
and took them under the club’s wing as
a sporting section.
They remained with the club until
1980, when the professionalism of the
game demanded independence from
the MCC.
The recent return of the Demons to the
MCC fold as a sporting section sees the
footballers retain their independence but
enjoy the reassurance of a reconnection
with the parent club. After all, football
wouldn’t be football without Melbourne.
PLAUDITS ALL ROUND
The club and the ground have been recognised for high achievement in several
areas of MCG operations recently, winning a number of prestigious awards.
In April the MCC security team – headed by facilities general manager Peter
Wearne and security manager Andy Frances – were honoured at the Australian
Security Industry Association Ltd annual awards in the In-House Security Team
Award category. The gong was presented to the security team that “demonstrated
collective excellence in delivering the security strategy for their organisation”.
“The in-house team is responsible for protecting one of Australia’s greatest
assets, a fact that is not lost on any member of the team,” said Andy.
“This responsibility is taken very seriously and each staff member takes great
pride in the work they do.”
The club’s audio systems contractor, Rutledge Engineering, was awarded
Best Commercial Small Project at the National Electrical and Communication
Association 2009 Excellence Awards for its role in switching the MCG’s MATV
system from analogue to digital.
The National Sports Museum website – www.nsm.org.au – continued the good
news, adjudged winner in the Best
Website category in the 2009 Museums
Australia Multimedia and Publication
Design Awards.
Entries were judged on their relevance
of purpose, communication clarity and
degree of usability.
The NSM website is a very handy
reference tool for prospective museum
visitors, with plenty of helpful
information on upcoming activities
and events.
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS
7

NSM NEWS
OUR MISSING OLYMPIAN
Frank Gailey, missing from our
list of Olympians, now found.
YORKER BOWLS
UP SOME
CONTROVERSY
MCC Library staff and volunteers have turned out a
very useful piece of research on the origins of the rules
of football in a recent edition of The Yorker.
Assistant librarian Trevor Ruddell is a football guru who
teamed with author and library volunteer Gillian Hibbins to
produce this definitive interpretation of how the game’s rules
evolved … and no doubt there will be some who disagree.
Citing eyewitness accounts and primary documents, the
authors demonstrate that the colony already had a thriving
football culture before the Melbourne Football Club’s first
rules were written on May 17, 1859.
The game evolved from the 1840s, taking rules (such as
they were) from the personal experiences of players and
reports of games in the UK, mostly in private schools such
as Rugby and Winchester.
Gillian refutes the notion that Tom Wills, one of four
draftees of the 1859 rules, was
influenced by the aboriginal game
known as “marn-grook”. She also
downplays his overall role, noting
that he advocated the rules of football
as played at his alma mater, Rugby
School in England.
The Yorker is recommended
reading. Members may acquire it at
the MCC Library and additional
copies are available at the MCG
Superstore inside Gate 3.
When the news
broke earlier this
year that a
medal-winning swimmer at
the 1904 St Louis Olympics
was an Australian, not an
American as listed in official
records, it once again proved
that history lives.
Frank Gailey, an
adventurous 22-year-old from
Brisbane, sailed into history
when he left our shores for
the US, lured by the prospect
of competing internationally
at the Games, which
essentially were an adjunct to
the St Louis World Fair.
Perhaps because he’d joined
a San Francisco swimming
club some months prior to the
Games, he was mistakenly
assumed to be an American.
Nevertheless, Gailey now
stands as Australia’s most
successful male athlete at a
single Olympics, with silver in
the 220, 440 and 880 yards
freestyle and bronze in the
one mile event.
This, of course, has rendered
all official histories of the
Games out of date, including
the MCC Library’s superb
illustrated booklet The
Olympic Collections at the
Australian Gallery of Sport.
Not to mention IOC
records and Harry Gordon’s
estimable Australia and the
Olympic Games, the AOC’s
official history of the Games.
The Gailey glitch was
discovered when a group from
the International Society of
Olympic Historians (of which
Harry is a member) decided to
investigate the nationalities of
athletes attending the Paris
(1900) and St Louis Games.
They found numerous
discrepancies and several were
medal winners.
We are indebted to Harry
Gordon for this information
and for forwarding the photo
of our new-found hero, the
only one known to exist.
More information on Gailey
is coming through regularly,
says Harry, so we wonder
where those medals got to!
OF THE CLUB WE
HOLD SO DEAR
Former secretary John Lill entrusted a prized piece of
memorabilia to the club when he presented an LP produced
by radio station 3KZ covering the 1958 preliminary final
between Fitzroy and North Melbourne.
After some very careful warming and pressing of the fragile
vinyl, some priceless snatches were retrieved for posterity.
Titled “Fitzroy Story 1958 – A Chapter in the History of the
Fitzroy Football Club”, it features the pre-match and half-time
addresses of ground-breaking coach Len Smith, elder brother of
Melbourne legend Norm.
During the half-time break Smith implores his charges to
handball at all costs – “Don’t go back to take your kick, there
must be someone running past” – confirming Ron Barassi’s
long-held assertion that it was Len Smith, not he, who fathered
the play-on style of game.
There are also several passages of play on the recording with
some great Fitzroy names prominent, among them Gale,
Wiegard, Wright, Abrahams and Ongarello.
A mint-condition copy of the LP would be priceless, so if any
reader knows of one our museums staff would appreciate a call
on 9657 8915.
8 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009

BUTTERFLY CHAMP REMEMBERED
The butterfly sensation of the
sixties, Kevin Berry, will be long
remembered following his widow
Libby Thomas’s donation to the
National Sports Museum of the
Olympic gold medal he won at
Tokyo in 1964.
Berry (right), who died in December
2006 aged 61, was one of our
youngest Olympians. He finished sixth
in the 200m butterfly at Rome in 1960
as a 15-year-old and subsequently set
11 world records before achieving the
ultimate at Tokyo.
A fiercely proud Olympian, he
served the movement enthusiastically
and effectively throughout his
adult life.
His gold medal joins Betty Cuthbert’s
in the NSM’s 1964 display case.
HE REALLY STARTED
SOMETHING BIG
There was another important meeting of the Olympic
family at the MCG in April when more than 500
mourners attended a memorial service for Judy
Patching, who died on February 13 aged 92.
A friend to all, Judy was a key link between the
MCC/MCG and the Olympic movement from the moment
the Australian Gallery of Sport was first mooted, and his
support for this important relationship was undiminished for
more than 20 years.
His bright orange starter’s jacket from 1956 was a feature of
the Olympic exhibition when the gallery opened in 1986 and it
still occupies centre stage in the Faster Higher Stronger
exhibition in the National Sports Museum.
Fittingly, recognition of his service to Australian sport can
be found in the Olympic Stand’s Betty Cuthbert Lounge.
Known to him as “Skipper”, Betty was Judy’s soul mate, with
weekly phone calls exchanged since the Golden Girl’s glory
days when she won three gold medals at Melbourne and
another at Tokyo in 1964.
Sadly, the memorial service is likely to be Betty’s last visit to
Melbourne from her home in Mandurah, WA. She is pictured
(left) below the Patching tribute with friends and fellow
Olympians Norma Fleming (nee Croker), Judy Pollock
(Amoore), Marjorie Jackson and John Landy.
The postscript to Judy Patching’s magnificent contribution
belongs to 1948 representative and MCG guide Ray Weinberg,
whose death notice contained the lovely line: “We never
thought you wouldn’t be here.”
FAREWELL, STAN
Greater love hath no man
than Stan Bannister had for his
club, the MCC, and specifically the
club’s library.
Stan (right), who died in April aged 80,
had been a keen and productive volunteer
in the library since 1995, but had been a
regular visitor for 15 years beforehand. He
simply loved the place and his involvement
with it, so much so that he insisted he be
cremated in his volunteer’s uniform.
A facts and figures man, Stan was
a football and cricket buff whose
encyclopedic knowledge of the games
saw him co-producing the weekly fact
sheets for members and media
personnel at the MCG.
At the funeral service, librarian
David Studham was a proud eulogist
addressing a large congregation that
featured 25 MCC staff and volunteers
resplendent in their uniforms.
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS 9

NSM NEWS
IT’S GAME ON FOR MUSEUM VISITORS
Although little over 12 months old,
the National Sports Museum
continues to develop new
exhibitions that further enhance its appeal
to visitors of all ages and interests. A new,
bigger and better interactive gallery and a
34-seat sports cinema opened in
late-March and both are already proving
immensely popular.
Game On is an extension of the original
interactive gallery, but this time around
offers a broader range of sporting activities
including cricket, football, netball (see
right), cycling, soccer and archery as well
as a newspaper “sports desk”, multi-media
screens and a comprehensive list of
sporting world records.
Visitors enter the zone along a portion
of the running track from the 2006
Commonwealth Games and from there
it’s into a world of action. They can test
their goal kicking skills against AFL
players, run out batsmen on a virtual
cricket pitch, test their hand-eye
co-ordination and kick, throw, shoot,
When Carmel O’Keeffe decided to
enroll as a mature age Cultural
Heritage and Museum Studies student at
Deakin University, she thought her
selected subject of sport was “a
no-brainer” for a masters degree thesis.
“I’ve always been interested in sport
and I thought it covered so many bases in
terms of social impact, achievement, and
so on,” said the keen Cats supporter, who
made contact with the National Sports
Museum’s Richard Ferguson for
assistance in choosing a specific theme for
her paper.
Perhaps surprisingly, Carmel landed
on the NSM’s collection of swimsuits.
A bit dry, you might say, but
ride, race and run to their heart’s
content. It’s the perfect place for kids (of
all ages) to let off steam.
NSM Cinema Sport offers non-stop
sporting action, screening three short
films created especially for the NSM.
Three-time V8 Supercar champion
Craig Lowndes features prominently in
one of the films, dedicated to champion
racing car driver Peter Brock.
Lowndes is interviewed in and
narrates King of the Mountain, which
covers Brock’s domination of Bathurst,
paying homage to his standing in
Australian sport and documenting the
bond between himself and Lowndes.
“It’s a great tribute to Peter,”
Lowndes said after watching King of the
Mountain for the first time.
NETBALL STARS
ON SHOW
One of the features of the National
Sports Museum is the range of
activities for children, particularly
during the action-packed school
holiday program when members of
Melbourne’s premier netball team
Melbourne Vixens conducted a clinic
in the NSM on April 17.
Vixens co-captain Sharelle McMahon
and new recruits Ama Agbeze and Sarah
Wall allowed visitors to test their skills
against the pros in the museum’s new
netball interactive area, which is part of
the recently launched Game On gallery.
COLLECTION SUITED JUST NICELY
subsequent research proved otherwise,
unearthing a wealth of information
covering the evolution of bathers from
Frank and Lily Beaurepaire’s neck-toknee
woollen suits of the 1900s to the
Thorpedo’s body suit that helped propel
“Peter was my mentor and a great
friend. I enjoyed watching the film and
reliving his incredible success. Seeing the
old footage again brought back fond
memories of watching the races when I
was growing up.”
Also on the menu is an expose of
Skeleton, one of the most dangerous alpine
sports, and an edited version of the surfing
blockbuster Bustin’ Down the Door.
“I’m looking forward to coming back
and spending more time at the museum
with my son Levi, who’s six years old
and is just starting to get into sport,”
Lowndes said.
“There’s a huge range of historical
items and activities, and it’s fantastic to
have motor sport represented among the
exhibitions at such an iconic venue.”
him to unparalleled success in the pool.
In between there were the nylon briefs
worn by Murray Rose in 1956,
considered revolutionary at the time, and
myriad other advances that Carmel
examined. She looked at the collection
through four interpretative themes:
Manufacturing and marketing
Technology, materials and performance
Style and designers
Society and competitive swimming.
The material filled more than 50 pages
and during her research program she was
inspired to become an NSM volunteer.
It was a valuable exercise all round, a
first for the museum since it opened and a
model for future research undertakings.
10 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009

When it came to selecting a big
name to launch an exhibition
at the National Sports
Museum as part of the Australian
Rugby League’s centenary celebrations,
it didn’t take long to settle on Wally
Lewis.
“King Wally”, considered the code’s
greatest player, cut the ribbon at the
official opening of League of Legends –
100 years of Rugby League in Australia
on April 6, with the support of
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy
and several key Storm players.
The exhibition, which will depart the
NSM on August 23, was developed and
presented by the National Museum of
Australia with the Centenary of Rugby
League Committee. It has opened the
trophy cabinets of league clubs around
Australia to shed some light on the
FOOTY’S ELITE ON
SHOW AT THE NSM
The National Sports Museum was
pleased to welcome Ken Hands and
Ross Oakley to unveil their name plaques
as new inductees to the Australian
Football Hall of Fame (AFHOF) in May.
The Carlton strong man and former
AFL chief were in good company. Quite
apart from the illustrious line-up that
preceded them as members of the hall of
fame, their fellow 2009 inductees were
fine performers at the highest level.
Hands and Oakley were joined by
Mark Bickley, Peter Carey, Chris
Langford, Guy McKenna, Bill Morris
and Paul Salmon.
The hall of fame, occupying a large
space on the museum’s lower level, was
KING WALLY A LEAGUE LEGEND
fascinating history of the game.
Trophy highlights include the iconic
Winfield Cup, inspired by the classic
photograph of the post-match embrace
of muddied footballers Arthur Summons
and Norm Proven, as well as the first
State of Origin shield. The exhibition
also includes one of the most important
rugby league objects – the impressive
Royal Agricultural Society Shield
awarded to Rugby League’s first
superstar and pioneer, Herbert “Dally”
Messenger, in 1913.
League of Legends is a 100-year
journey through the history of this rebel
sport, from the early days of formation
to State of Origin clashes, the Tina
Turner marketing years, Pay TV wars
and Melbourne Storm’s premiership
success. It comes highly recommended
to any sports fan.
relocated to the MCG in August 2008
and allows fans to pay homage to the
greats of the national game at the home
of football.
AFHOF is a major drawcard for the
NSM. Not only does it celebrate
football’s elite players and outstanding
administrators, it also displays a
magnificent array of material from
household names such as Alex
Jesaulenko, Ron Barassi, Kevin Bartlett,
Leigh Matthews, Ted Whitten, Roy
Cazaly, Peter Hudson, Norm Smith,
Ian Stewart and many more.
The 2009 inductees’ display features
photographs and objects related to their
careers, including Ken Hands’ premiership
medallion from the 1945 “Bloodbath”
grand final and a letter from the late Dr
Donald Cordner to Ross Oakley, written
in 1996 and commending him for services
rendered to football and society.
Both objects are priceless additions to
a collection that includes an illuminated
address accompanying Haydn Bunton’s
1931 Brownlow Medal, John
Coleman’s training bag and the
guernsey worn by Darrel Baldock in
St Kilda’s one and only premiership side
of 1966. There’s much more, of course,
something for everyone and well worth
a visit when next you’re at the ’G.
OFF AND RACING
Visitors to the NSM will be interested
to see the horse racing display on the
museum’s lower level, just outside the big
rugby league exhibition.
The showcase contains some
fascinating objects, highlighted perhaps
by the trophy for the great Carbine’s
Melbourne Cup of 1890, which wasn’t a
cup. Rather, it is a ewer on a salver
accompanied by sterling silver cake
stands! No matter, it will whet
enthusiasts’ appetite for the expected
relocation of the Champions exhibition
from Federation Square to the MCG.
An announcement is expected shortly.
The quality of the racing collection is
simply outstanding, and from any
viewpoint the material will add another
significant dimension to the NSM’s
broadening appeal.
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS 11

MCG EVENTS
SPORTS OF ALL SORTS
No matter which form of football
you prefer, the MCG has had it
all this winter.
It is hard to remember a bigger build
up to an AFL home and away match
than that for the season opener between
Richmond and Carlton at the MCG on
March 26. The hype surrounding Ben
Cousins’ debut for the Tigers against
his old West Coast Eagles teammate
Chris Judd had the town buzzing.
While the result of the match was a
fizzer – as was the sight of Cousins
tearing a hamstring in the final quarter
– the huge crowd of 87,043
was a forerunner to a number of
big-time sporting contests at the ’G in
recent months.
Coming hot on the heels of the hugely
successful Sound Relief concert a
fortnight earlier (see page 4), the ground
hosted more than 225,000 people across
the four matches in the opening round,
including the grand final replay between
Hawthorn and Geelong.
The transition from cricket oval to
concert venue to football ground was
completed with a minimum of fuss and
is a credit to the skills (and endurance!)
of our arenas and facilities teams.
The traditional Anzac Day clash was
a beauty. Following the poignancy of
our tribute to those who had fallen, it
was down to the footy as the Bombers
and the Magpies played out a classic.
Collingwood fans don’t need
reminding that young tyro David
Zaharakis kicked the winning goal for
the Dons in the driving rain, as they
came from 17 points down with four
minutes to play to steal the win. It
remains to be seen how pivotal that
victory is in the final wash-up of the
home and away season.
It was the Bombers again on show
some weeks later against the hapless
Tigers in the annual Dreamtime at the
’G fixture on May 23. This marquee
event, now in its fifth year, has gathered
swift momentum as it highlights the
skills and athleticism that indigenous
players bring to the game and was
attended by 73,625 fans as the Bombers
cruised to victory.
As the crowds continued to pile in,
it wasn’t long before the MCG reached
the one million patron mark for the
season at the Collingwood-Port Adelaide
match on May 31.
Richard O’Brien, a Collingwood and
MCC member, was the lucky fan when
MCC member and customer services
general manager Scott Butler handed
12 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009

ON THE MCG MENU
over the door prize of the year – a
basket of goodies including AFL
memberships for 2010 and vouchers for
the Members Dining Room.
After 14 rounds, a total of 1,372,722
had attended MCG matches at an
average of 50,841 per match.
The split round provided a break
from the routine of AFL, but it was a
different kind of football that graced the
MCG when Australia played Japan in
the final Round 4 match of the FIFA
World Cup Asian Qualifiers on June 17.
With both teams having qualified for
the World Cup the previous week, many
feared a low-key contest, but it was not
to be.
Tim Cahill, surely one of Australia’s
brightest sporting stars, proved himself
to be Japan’s nemesis yet again, with the
midfielder scoring twice to give the
Socceroos a come-from-behind 2-1 win
before 74,100 fans.
A back-post header in the 59th
minute followed by a tap-in from a
corner 18 minutes later ensured
Australia finished qualification for the
2010 World Cup as the top-ranked team
in Asia.
The good news continued the
following day, when Premier Brumby
announced that the Socceroos will play
their farewell match prior to departing
for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the
MCG next May. Further details will
appear in our next newsletter.
Of course no summary of recent
sporting events at the MCG would be
complete without acknowledging the
dominance of the Victorian
Bushrangers, who claimed the Sheffield
Shield title with a drawn final against
Queensland at the Junction Oval.
The match was transferred from the
MCG due to the Sound Relief concert,
but this did not deter the home team.
Victory in the five-day contest was
only fitting for Cameron White’s side,
which didn’t concede a solitary point
all season.
Highest 2009 attendances at MCG
87,043 Rich v Carl Mar 26
84,829 Ess v Coll Apr 25
83,407 Ess v Carl June 26
82,834 Coll v Carl May 17
80,518 Sound Relief Mar 14
77,699 Coll v Ess July 3
74,100 Aust v Japan June 17
73,625 Rich v Ess May 23
70,411 Carl v Ess Apr 11
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS 13

CLUB SPORT
BOWLERS ENJOY HONG KONG HOSPITALITY
The MCC Bowls Section recently
sent a 35-strong touring party
on a week-long visit to the Hong
Kong Cricket Club (HKCC), one of the
MCC’s many overseas reciprocal clubs.
Led by section chairman Robert
Rouch, the MCC lawn bowlers played
a number of competitive and social
matches against HKCC and several
visiting sides from local clubs and
associations.
The main event of the tour was a
serious affair, with both sides carefully
GOLFERS GRACE
KINGSTON HEATH
Following a spate of hot weather in the lead-up, it was a
fine day that greeted golfers for the Members’ Golf Day
at Kingston Heath on February 24.
The day drew a field of 160 members and it was hats off
to Paul D’Amico, who took out the President’s Cup with 41
Stableford points to win the overall competition. The leading
lady was Janette Chrimes, who scored 33 points.
This was the 15th Members’ Golf Day held at Kingston
Heath and the course was in pristine condition, with fast
greens proving to be challenging for many.
The next golf day will be held at Royal Melbourne on
November 30 (see page 20 for details).
selecting their squads in an attempt to
win the evening’s event.
HKCC managed to come out on top,
taking the match four games to three.
It came down to an exciting finish with
club members from both sides loudly
cheering the last rink still playing.
In addition to a formal welcoming
cocktail party, other social highlights of
the MCC’s tour included a night at Happy
Valley Racecourse, a bus trip to Shenzhen
on the Chinese border and several trips to
the famous Hong Kong markets.
MCC committeeman
Peter Mitchell (left)
presents the President’s
Cup to Paul D’Amico
following the Members’
Golf Day at Kingston
Heath.
“The tour was a fantastic success,”
said Doug Sheridan, HKCC lawn bowls
social director. “The MCC tour members
were a wonderful group, who have
definitely enlightened our section’s
experience of the game of lawn bowls
and demonstrated the special relationship
between our two clubs.”
A visit to HKCC is recommended for
any MCC member visiting the region,
with the club’s hospitality second to none
and wonderful member facilities on offer
as our bowlers would surely confirm.
CHAMPIONS IN
THE MAKING
The MCC Hockey Section has
further demonstrated the depth
of talent in its junior ranks, with
almost a dozen players participating
in the 2009 Junior State Hockey
Championships held from June
29-July 5 at the State Hockey Centre.
Eleven MCC junior boys and girls
represented their region at the
championships – Francesca Carr,
Lucy Mowat, Eliza Pettit and Harry
Minchin (u/13), Caitin Symon,
Melissa Morton, Ben Symon and
Josh Bretherton (u/14 – pictured)
and Sarah Breen, Cam Davey and
Mitchell Hope (u/15).
Following their performances, three players – Sarah Breen,
Harry Minchin and Mitchell Hope – have been selected to trial
for the Victorian Under 13 and Under 15 teams.
The MCC Hockey Section is developing a strong junior
program and new players are always welcome. If you are
interested in getting your children involved, please contact
Michael Carr (0413 871 487), Phil Bretherton (0437 002 328)
or visit www.mcchockey.org.
14 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009

TOP YEAR BUT
MORE TO COME
MCC cricket captain-coach Adam
Dale has reaffirmed the club’s
target of a First XI premiership,
following a successful debut season at the
helm that saw the MCC win four of the
nine Premier Cricket titles on offer.
While the First XI was bounced out of
the finals due to a wash out in the
qualifying final, Adam’s own
performance (32 wickets at 14.22) and
his leadership skills on and off the field
were first-rate. At the club’s presentation
dinner in April, the two-time Test bowler
was already looking ahead to the goal of
ending the club’s 11-year premiership
drought at the top level.
The Second and Fourth elevens
celebrated victories in their respective
two-day finals, with opening batsman
Jon Huddart steering the seconds to the
flag with a remarkable finals series,
making 162 in the semi final and 106
not out in the final. He was rewarded
with the coveted Brian Watson
Memorial Award for “an outstanding
MCC all-rounder Andrew
McDonald was the toast of the
club at a cocktail party in the Long
Room on June 12.
Such is the busy life of an
international cricketer, the evening
was the first opportunity for players,
officials and partners to celebrate
Andrew’s Test match debut in January
against South Africa and wish him well
for the current Test series against
England.
Andrew joins a distinguished list of
MCC vice-president
and chairman of
cricket Bob Lloyd
(right) presents
Andrew McDonald
with a decanter to
commemorate
his Test debut in
January. With
Andrew were his
parents, Barry and
Melinda, and wife
Keely.
performance by an MCC cricketer”.
MCC all-rounder Phil Halbish was
named club champion for the first time.
The 32-year-old had one of his most
consistent seasons during a near 10-year
MCC career, taking 33 wickets at 18.39
and making 347 runs at 26.69 to nudge
out Andrew Kent, Adam Dale and Ben
Way for the award.
Finally, some deserved recognition for
curator Scott West, whose team brings
the Albert Ground up to a high standard
each week. The MCC’s main oval was
judged the best of the 18 Premier Cricket
clubs over the course of the 2008/09
season. The ranking also earned Scott the
title of Curator of the Year – Main Oval,
as judged by Cricket Victoria.
Adam Dale was unequivocal in his
praise of the Albert Ground’s quality.
“Scott West and his team have done
an enormous job in difficult conditions
to make playing at the Albert one of
Victorian cricket’s more enjoyable
experiences,” said Adam.
BAGGY GREEN TO BE SAVOURED
Australian Test players who have
played for the MCC. Armstrong,
Ponsford, Trumble, Colin McDonald,
Walker, Spofforth, Sheahan and, more
recently, Jones and Hodge, are just
some of the names that serve as a
reminder of the club’s significant role in
Australian cricket.
Andrew’s family, including expectant
wife Keely, were in attendance, along
with Victorian teammate Brad Hodge
and former MCC players Warren Ayres
and Peter Nevill among many others.
Club champion Phil Halbish (left) and wife
Eloise with captain-coach Adam Dale and
his wife Nickie.
MCC Premier Cricket Committee chairman
Michael Sholly (left) and chairman of
selectors Mark Anderson (right) with
Curator of the Year Scott West.
HARWOOD DONS
AUSSIE CAP
It occurred under strange circumstances,
and he wore the playing shirt of a
teammate, but MCC fast bowler Shane
Harwood was finally rewarded for years
of strong domestic form with his
Australian one-day debut on April 13.
The aggressive paceman has been
cursed by injury since first making the
Victorian side in 2001, so it was with
some irony that he made a last-minute
dash to join the Australian camp in
South Africa after injury decimated the
quicks. Shane was already in the country
preparing for the relocated Indian
Premier League competition so, for once,
the gods were smiling on him.
Such was the frantic nature of his
call-up, Shane had to wear Marcus
North’s Australian one-day shirt,
complete with NORTH inscribed across
his back, which must have confused the
Port Elizabeth locals!
Still, he acquitted himself well, taking
2/57 from 10 overs and dismissing crack
all-rounder Jacques Kallis in the process.
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS 15

CLUB NEWS
YOUNG MEMBERS MIX AND MINGLE
T
he MCC Young Members Club has
for some time been a convenient way
for younger members to immerse
themselves in the club and meet fellow
members in a relaxed, social
BRIDGING
THE GAP
environment. It is fast becoming a very
popular special interest group, at the
same time helping to build relationships
with other aspects of club life.
This year, the group’s activities have
ranged from cocktail parties and wine
appreciation evenings to lawn bowls days
and the hugely popular Anzac Eve Ball.
More than 120 members and guests
attended the group’s first Wine
Appreciation and Education Evening in
the Long Room. Young Victorian
winemakers from across the state
presented their labels, discussing their
grape varieties, vintages, wine regions
and how to create great quality wine.
Also in attendance was MCC Long
Room Wine and Food Society’s wine
master Paul Kinross, just to add to the
expertise on hand.
The MCC Bridge Club is into its
second year and has developed an
active and enthusiastic group of more
than 100 members.
The weekly bridge sessions in the
Hans Ebeling Room are regularly a full
house and the club also offers evening
bridge on the last Tuesday of each
month, preceded by dinner in the
Members Dining Room. Teams sessions
with the Melbourne Club and National
Golf Club were highly successful and
Several cocktail parties have been held
at the MCG in conjunction with AFL
matches this season, including the
Geelong v Collingwood match on Easter
Thursday and the Richmond-Essendon
Dreamtime match in May. There are
two more remaining, on August 1
(Collingwood v Brisbane) and August 22,
when MCG co-tenants Richmond and
Hawthorn do battle. Tickets to the latter
function were still available at the time
of going to print and a booking form is
available online.
The Young Members Club was formed
in 1996 to cater for the interests of the
thousands of MCC members aged between
18 and 40. To find out more about how to
join the Young Members Club, please visit
the club website and then choose Special
Interest Groups from the main menu.
there are plans for teams events with
RACV Club, Royal South Yarra and
Kooyong Tennis Club.
According to the experts, bridge is a
fascinating game where every hand is
different. There are many potential
solutions, but one has to find the
solution that has the highest possibility
of working under pressure.
For more details about the Bridge
Club, please visit the MCC website or
contact the club by phone.
YOUNG BLOOD FOR VETERANS GROUP
War Veterans
Group chairman
Les Shelley with
new recruit
Matthew Thorpe
and a peaceful
MCG backdrop.
Anybody who might have thought our War Veterans Group
consisted of a bunch of old folk reliving long-ago conflicts
had better think again.
Not only did they have about 70 Vietnam veterans among
158 luncheon guests at the MCG on June 10, this welladministered
MCC special interest group also welcomed its
youngest member – 28-year-old Matthew Thorpe, recently
discharged from the armed forces after four and a half years’
service that included tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As world hot spots go, Matthew was in a furnace, especially
in Iraq where escort duties predominated. In Afghanistan he
was part of a reconstruction task force.
Asked what the difference was between the two war zones, he
deadpanned: “We were in Iraq over summer and it was 50C
every day. In winter in Afghanistan it got down to minus 30C
with a wind chill factor of minus 60C.”
Back home in Melbourne after discharge, Matthew decided
to attend the Anzac Day match and headed for the Ebeling
Room, set aside for ex-servicemen and women members and
their guests. It didn’t take long for war veterans secretary John
Cullen and his mates to realise they had a potential recruit in
their midst.
The young veteran is taking a bit of time out before deciding
what to do with his life (“probably look at personal training”)
but in the meantime intends to travel and is “looking forward
to seeing some English-speaking countries.”
A Carlton supporter, Matthew has been a member since
1995. He joins sisters Rebecca and Rachel and father Daniel on
the MCC roll.
*The June luncheon was one of three War Veterans Group
functions held annually. Guest speaker was Paul Ham, author
of Kokoda and Vietnam: the Australian War. Secretary John
Cullen will be pleased to field enquiries on 0408 103 837.
16 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
FOOD AND WINE
REGIONAL MENU
July ............. Pyrenees
August ........ Heathcote
September .... Geelong
October........ King Valley
November .... Bendigo
The MCG fine dining experience
is one of Melbourne’s culinary
treasures. On big match days
Epicure will serve the finest fare to as
many as 8000 patrons either in corporate
suites or in the many comfortable rooms
surrounding the mighty ground, and
they’ll do it brilliantly.
On non-event days the function
rooms and spaces have been crammed
since the new grandstand opened for
business. By any measure it has been
a runaway success.
Again, the catering offer matches the
top-flight facilities available to a
demanding commercial clientele.
For members, weekday dining has
never been better. The Committee Room
doubles as a members’ dining room for
lunch from Monday to Friday, even
when a match is scheduled at night.
The ambience of the room always
impresses guests and the quality of
service and the food presented by
Epicure’s top chefs matches that of the
better restaurants in town.
Coupled with a visit to the
National Sports Museum and the MCC
Museum, lunch at the ’G becomes a
major event, but with one important
difference – you have the convenience of
parking under the stadium and taking a
lift to your destination.
Senior chef Steve Maloney is currently
creating an “MCC Food and Wine
Trail” for members, with regional wines
and produce featured each month (see
table). The menu is enticing, the prices
fair and the wine list excellent.
The same applies to the refurbished
Hugh Trumble Café on Level 1 of the
Reserve, where the indoor/outdoor
bistro style service is a popular luncheon
and breakfast venue open daily. The
café is accessible to the public from the
concourse and business has been brisk.
Another food stop for members and
guests is the Museum Café, next to the
NSM entrance inside Gate 3, where
focaccias, wraps, muffins and coffee are the
order of the day at very reasonable prices.
In combination, the dining choices
offer something for everyone and at
every price point. Why not plan a visit
to your MCG soon? For bookings
please phone (03) 9657 8888 or email
membership@mcc.org.au.
GOOD GROUNDING
FOR NEW BOSS
The MCG’s new venue catering manager
Owen Bennett (left), who took over as
Spotless/Epicure boss from Mark Owens in
March, has been there and done that.
In charge of retail outlets at the ground
from 1998, Owen was co-opted as Spotless’s
redevelopment project manager in 2001 and so
enjoyed a great journey as the ground was
transformed with the building of the northern
stand over 2002-06.
Involved from the planning stages, he inspected
several new stadia in the US as part of his brief to
ensure the catering and hospitality facilities – and
the systems that support them – were at least
abreast of the world’s best. Job done.
Owen’s post-redevelopment role at the
ground was in commercial and finance, so he was
certainly well credentialled for the venue manager’s
post when the opportunity arose.
His aim is to maintain his company’s standing as
the best hospitality provider in Australia as evidenced
by their work at the jewel in Spotless’s crown – the
MCG. We suspect he’s on track.
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS 17

FUNCTION NEWS
A FEAST OF FUN FOR MEMBERS
It’s been a period full of action on the
club functions front, with a variety of
fun-filled events and entertainment
for members and guests.
It’s hard to fathom now as we shiver
through the winter months, but back
on February 27 the annual MCG Long
Lunch was transferred indoors due to
extreme heat! More than 500 people,
including many MCC members, spent
the afternoon dining at the ’G with a
number of sporting identities and
celebrities, with proceeds from the event
going to the E.J. Whitten Foundation,
supporting prostate cancer research
and awareness.
Big names included Alisa Camplin,
Michael Klim, Mike McKay, John
Bertrand, Eddie Perfect and Ron Barassi,
who celebrated his 70th birthday with a
cake and the support of cast members of
the WICKED musical. Organisers will
be hoping the weather is much kinder
next year.
The previous evening, the Women of
the MCC interest group held its Women
in Wine cocktail party in the Committee
Room. Addressing members and guests
was Kathleen Quealy of Balnarring
Vineyard, home to Quealy Wines.
Canapés, platters of fresh antipasto and
a selection of local and imported cheeses
with wines to complement the fare were
the order of the night.
More than 360 MCC members and
guests welcomed back footy at the MCG
Footy Season Launch Luncheon in the
Members Dining Room on March 25.
This year’s luncheon was hosted
by Channel 10 football broadcaster
Tim Lane, who kicked off proceedings
by quizzing Carlton vice-captain and
midfield star Nick Stevens about the
injury that would keep him out of the
following night’s much-anticipated
season opener against the Tigers.
Of course, it was the Richmond-
Carlton match that was the talk of the
town. Would Richmond live up to the
hype? Could Ben Cousins’ body
withstand the rigours of AFL footy? Is
Carlton the real deal? Sadly for Tigers
supporters, the answers became clear
before the night was out.
16 18 MCC NEWS
AUGUST 2009

To discuss these issues and more at
the luncheon was a panel of big names:
recently retired Hawthorn star Shane
Crawford, former Melbourne captain
Garry Lyon and Melbourne coach
Dean Bailey.
Crawford in particular provided a
fascinating insight into his former
team’s infamous “rolling zone”, while
Bailey gave the pro-Melbourne crowd
an outline of his plan and some of the
Demon youngsters to keep an eye on.
A silent auction throughout the
function raised more than $8000 for the
Victorian Bushfire Appeal, with MCC
member Bill Hodges the successful
bidder to have his photo taken on the
MCG with Crawford and Lyon.
The second Young Members Anzac
Eve Ball was quickly booked out
with more than 400 members and
guests attending.
Hosted by MCC club manager Mark
Anderson, guests were addressed by
Mike Annett CSC, CEO of the Victorian
RSL, who gave a thought-provoking
speech on the sacrifices made by our
diggers. Once the formalities were over,
the dance floor took centre stage for the
remainder of the evening.
One lucky member, Warwick King,
and his table were the recipients of the
door prize granting them a photo on
the arena that will serve as a priceless
memento.
The Demon supporters among our
members have had numerous
opportunities to show their true
colours, with a series of MCC/MFC
Members’ Game Day Luncheons held
during the footy season.
Up to 150 members and guests
have attended the luncheons held in
the Jim Stynes Room on March 29
(v North Melbourne), April 19
(Richmond) and July 4 (West Coast).
The April 19 function featured
several members of Melbourne’s 1959
premiership team, including John Lord,
captain John Beckwith, Alan Rowarth,
Ian Thorogood, Dick Fenton-Smith,
Geoff Tunbridge and Clyde Laidlaw.
Melbourne president Jim Stynes also
popped in on a day when the Demons
opened their account for the season
with an eight-point win over Richmond.
The final luncheon for the season
will be held on August 30 at the
Melbourne v St Kilda match. Please
check the website for details.
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS 19

FUNCTION NEWS
YOUR FUNCTIONS CALENDAR
DAY DATE FUNCTION VENUE
Saturday August 1 Young Members’ Footy Cocktail Party Hans Ebeling Room
Friday August 7 Women in Football Function Committee Room
Saturday August 22 Young Members’ Footy Cocktail Party Hans Ebeling Room
Thursday August 27 The Bradman Luncheon Members Dining Room
Sunday August 30 MCC/MFC Members’ Game Day Luncheon Jim Stynes Room
Monday September 21 Sporting Sections Grand Final Week Luncheon Members Dining Room
Monday September 21 Brownlow Dinner with the Coodabeens Members Dining Room
Friday September 25 Members’ Dining – Grand Final Eve MDR/Long Room
Tuesday November 17 Sporting Sections Annual Dinner Members Dining Room
Thursday November 26 Annual 50-Year Members’ Luncheon Members Dining Room
Friday November 27 Annual 50-Year Members’ Luncheon Members Dining Room
Monday November 30 Members’ Golf Day Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Thursday December 3 New 50-Year Members’ Luncheon Members Dining Room
Friday December 11 Members’ Dinner Members Dining Room
Friday December 25 Christmas Day Luncheon Members Dining Room
Saturday December 26 Boxing Day Breakfast Members Dining Room
Sunday December 27 Women in Cricket Test Breakfast Members Dining Room
Tuesday January 26 Australia Day Luncheon Members Dining Room
BRADMAN
LUNCHEON
EVER
POPULAR
As is fitting, the annual luncheon in honour of our
greatest cricketer was again looming as a sell-out
as we went to print. The Members Dining Room
function on August 27 is the ninth renewal of this
celebration of cricket.
A memorable afternoon is assured at this all-inclusive,
three-course luncheon that is one of the premier events
on the club’s function calendar.
The inimitable Tony Charlton will host proceedings,
where an afternoon of first-class entertainment and
hospitality will be combined with plenty of discussion
on the recently completed Ashes series.
The function has always received the strong support
of Sir Donald’s family, in particular son John and
granddaughter Greta who are regular attendees.
To join a waiting list for this year’s function, please
call (03) 9657 8888.
MEMBERS’ GOLF DAY
The MCC members’ golf days are a fabulous way for
members to experience some of the finest golf courses in
Australia and the next event is no exception.
On Monday November 30, members with a club, VGA or
WGV handicap can savour the magnificence of the Royal
Melbourne Golf Club, listed by many of Australia’s
professional golfers as their favourite course.
There are two tee-off times available (8.00am and 1.00pm)
and participants will battle for the President’s Plate and other
great prizes. A presentation dinner with guest speaker will be
held afterwards in the clubhouse from 6.00pm.
The cost to participate is $155, which includes green fee, light
lunch and the presentation dinner with drinks. Bookings open
on Tuesday October 6 and application forms will be available
on the website or from the Membership Services Office at the
club. Should applications exceed the field capacity, a ballot will
be conducted.
20 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009

COODABEENS TO LIGHT UP BROWNLOW NIGHT
In what has rapidly become one of the club’s most popular
annual events, the Coodabeen Champions will return as
hosts of this year’s Brownlow Dinner in the Members Dining
Room on Monday September 21.
Members and guests can enjoy a three-course dinner with
beverage service and live crosses to the Brownlow Medal
count on the big screen while the Coodabeens’ unique brand
of humour and song – led by Ian Cover, Jeff Richardson,
Billy Baxter and singer/songwriter Greg Champion – keep
you entertained as the count unfolds.
Bookings will be taken on a first-in, best-dressed basis from
Tuesday July 28 at 9.00am. Members are encouraged to
book early to avoid disappointment.
Please note that, due to the popularity of this function, the
number of guests has been limited to four per member.
WHAT: Brownlow Dinner with the Coodabeens
WHEN: Monday September 21, 2009
TIME: 7.00pm for 7.30pm
WHERE: Members Dining Room
DRESS: Jacket and Tie
COST: $105 (members), $120 (guests)
To find out more, or to make a booking for what is one
of the hottest events in Melbourne during AFL Grand Final
week, please visit the website or contact Member and
Customer Services on (03) 9657 8888.
MEMBERS’ GRAND FINAL
EVE LUNCH
Places are filling steadily for the traditional Grand
Final Eve Lunch for members and guests on Friday
September 25. The high-quality Epicure fare will be
served in the Members Dining Room, Committee Room
and Long Room.
An all-inclusive package will be available at a cost of
$90.00 per head, comprising a three-course meal and a
three and half hour beverage package. The usual dress
standards apply.
Bookings opened in early-May and are now being taken
through the club on (03) 9657 8888.
MEMBERS’ DINNER
RETURNS
While our immediate cricket thoughts are in England
as our boys seek to retain the Ashes, it won’t be long
before the club’s Members’ Dinner is in full swing.
This annual event, open to Full and Restricted members
only, has been a must-do for any cricket-loving member
ever since the inaugural dinner 15 years ago.
The event always offers prominent voices to share
their views on the game and its many intricacies, with last
year’s special guests – former Prime Minister John Howard
and former ICC boss Malcolm Speed – proving a
compelling combination.
The cost for this function is $115 per member, which
includes canapés on arrival and a three-course meal with fine
wines and beverages.
WHAT: MCC Members’ Dinner
WHEN: Friday December 11, 2009
TIME: 6.45pm for 7.30pm
WHERE: Members Dining Room
DRESS: Black Tie
COST: $115 per member
Further information about the entertainment and booking
details will be communicated as they come to hand via the
website, email and in the weekly information bulletin.
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS 21

MEMBERS’ NEWS
WEBSITE ENHANCEMENTS CONTINUE
Members visiting the club website will notice several
new features designed to enhance your online experience.
The MCC website – www.mcc.org.au – was redesigned
12 months ago and in June the club introduced some additional
functionality, including the ability for members to book, pay
for and evaluate many club functions online.
We encourage members to become familiar with this feature
which, as with registering for the Members Dining Room
ballot, applying for Long Room or Balcony passes and
changing your personal details, requires you to create a
password so that you may enter the secure members’ area.
Another interesting feature is the ability for waiting list
candidates to check their nomination date and obtain
information about the latest intake of members. However,
you’ll need to have the candidate’s file number on hand to
complete this process. Additionally, users can now print pages
of the website in a “print friendly” format and access RSS feeds.
We will continue to add to the website’s capabilities, so
if you have any feedback or a question, please email to
membership@mcc.org.au.
MEMBERS INVADE UK
The club has a large number of
members presently in the United
Kingdom, representing the MCC in a
variety of pursuits while also supporting
the Australian cricket team in their bid
to retain the Ashes.
The Golf and Real Tennis sections, as
well as the Bridge Club, are competing
against Marylebone Cricket Club, along
with an MCC cricket team which was
set to do battle with Marylebone in the
traditional clash at Lord’s on July 21,
the day after the Test match.
In addition to the playing of sport,
two groups of MCC members are
currently touring, each taking in a spot
of cricket along the way. The History
and Cricket tour, led by MCC member
and customer services general manager
Scott Butler, departed our shores on
July 1 and on a 24-day tour travelled to
Gallipoli, Istanbul and Paris with a final
stop at Lord’s for the Test.
Early reports from the touring party
featured several highlights, with the
knowledge and insight of historian
Michael McKernan rated highly. At the
same time, fellow MCC manager Peter
French headed the Cricket Lovers’ tour,
which featured attendance at the first and
second Tests in Cardiff and Lord’s
respectively. Between Tests, the group
visited the Cotswolds in style.
Finally, the XXIX Club touring party
of cricketers commenced its tour of
Singapore, UK and Malaysia in late-June,
with a dozen matches on the agenda.
Unfortunately rain played havoc with
the opening matches.
Further reports and updates on all of
our tourists’ endeavours will be
displayed on the club website and in the
next edition of this newsletter. We wish
our tourists a safe and enjoyable time.
War historian Michael McKernan with
the MCC History and Cricket tour group
in early-July at a cemetery on the Gallipoli
Peninsula.
VICE-PRESIDENT
CRAWFORD
HONOURED
The club was pleased to have 23
of its members listed (right) in this
year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Among them was MCC vice-president
David Crawford, who was made an
Officer in the General Division of the
Order of Australia (AO) for service to
sport, business and the community.
David has been a committee member
since 1997 and was treasurer from 2001
until earlier this year when he was
elected vice-president.
Do you know of an MCC member
featured in this year’s honours list who
is not acknowledged here? If so, please
email us at membership@mcc.org.au.
AO (General Division)
CRAWFORD, Mr David Alexander
AM (General Division)
ATTIWILL, Dr Peter Muecke
BATTEN, Dr Margaret Caroline
FOX, Mr Charles John
GRIFFIN, Mr Michael Albert
STOKES, Professor David Michael
TYAS, Professor Martin John
WESTERN, Professor John Stuart
OAM (General Division)
ADAMS, Mr Loch Neish
AGAR, Professor John William
BAYNE, Mr Frederick Allen
BLACKMAN, Dr Graeme Leslie
CARROLL, Dr Lawrence Arthur
DIMMICK, Mr William Frank
JONES, Mr Robin Bethune
LYNCH, Mr Paul Bryan
McKELLAR, Dr William Duirs
McKERN, Mr Gordon James
MILLEDGE, Mr Alexander Dexter
RICHARDS, Mr Keith Ernest
RYLES, Mr Graham Hartley
WILSON, Mr Roger Buick
AFSM (Australian Fire Service Medal)
GIBBS, Mr David Gerrard
2009/10 MEMBER INTAKE
At its meeting on June 23, 2009 the MCC
committee elected to Full membership
candidates on the waiting list nominated
from May 1, 1988 to September 30, 1988.
Waiting list candidates nominated
from November 1, 1994 to January 31,
1995 inclusive will be offered Restricted
or Restricted Junior membership.
Those nominated before November 1,
1994 and who turn 15 years of age
before September 1, 2009 will also be
offered Restricted Junior membership.
These candidates were previously eligible
for membership based on their
nomination date but were too young
under the club rules to be offered
Restricted Junior membership at the time.
In accordance with the club rules, the
names and addresses of these candidates
will be available for perusal at the Gate 2
Membership Services office on match
days and during business hours
(Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm). Candidates
wishing to advise address changes are
asked to do so through the website.
22 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009

FOOTY TIPPING
BATTLE HOTS UP
The inaugural MCC members’ AFL
footy tipping competition is entering
its final stages and there is a congested
leader board competing for some great
prizes over the coming weeks.
After 15 rounds, Vincent D’Angelo had
edged his way to the lead by one point,
with an impressive 93 winners. He is
followed closely by Tep (92) and three
others one point astern. However, there
are many other contestants within
striking distance of winning the 42-inch
Sharp LCD television on offer for the
MCC’s premier tipster.
Footy Tipping Leader board
(After Round 15) *Cumulative margin
Vincent D’Angelo 93 (530*)
Tep 92 (476)
Stefv 91 (506)
Floater 91 (509)
Michael Friend 91 (538)
Gavin Hopper 90 (417)
Kim Brewer 90 (489)
Samuel Smith 90 (518)
Graeme Marcy 90 (518)
hekec 90 (523)
RebekahH 90 (531)
Gerard Wright 90 (542)
Buddy Magnificent 90 (543)
REVEREND NOW
OUR LONGEST SERVANT
It is with sadness that the club lost
its equal longest-serving and
second-eldest member, Mr Jack (John)
King, who passed away in March.
Jack was elected to full membership
of the club on December 12, 1927 and
celebrated his 100th birthday last
October. Not a bad innings.
Also elected in 1927 was Rev. Paul
Ryan OAM, who now becomes our
sole No. 1 member.
Our longest-serving members
Elected
Rev. Gerald Ryan 17/12/1927
Mr Richard Lean 1/9/1928
Mr Russell Boughton 1/9/1928
Sir Edward Cohen 1/9/1928
Mr George McCahon 1/9/1928
Mr Derek Shew 1/9/1928
Mr Keith Chrystal 10/5/1930
Dr Alan King AM 10/5/1930
Mr Peter Hay 31/10/1930
Prof. Alan Shaw 31/10/1930
Mr Russell Coutie 31/10/1930
LANDY, McDONALD
TELL THEIR TALES
Publications detailing the lives and times of two of
the club’s more prominent sporting identities, athlete
John Landy and cricketer Colin McDonald,
are now available for MCC members at special prices.
The Landy Era – from nowhere to the top of the world,
written by former athlete and veteran athletics writer
Len Johnson, chronicles the achievements of the man who
ignited the race for the sub-four minute mile.
In the process, the former MCC committeeman and
governor of Victoria inspired a generation of Australian
athletes to challenge the world at distances from 880 yards
to the marathon.
MCC members can purchase the book online for just
$25 (plus $5.95 postage and optional $2 insurance) at
www.melbournebooks.com.au.
For enquiries, or to make a phone order, please ring
Melbourne Books on (03) 9662 2051.
Former Australian and MCC opening batsman Colin
McDonald was a mainstay of the Test team during the
1950s, playing 47 Test matches against fast bowling giants
of the game, including Wes Hall, Frank Tyson and Fred
Trueman.
He later became a respected ABC cricket commentator
and, as executive director of Tennis Australia, was a
central figure in the establishment of Flinders Park as the
new home of the Australian Open.
The Colin McDonald Story – Cricket, Tennis, Life is available for members
to pre-order for just $35 (RRP $44). Please check the order form accompanying
this newsletter mailing.
MCC WOMEN HELP THOSE IN NEED
Part of the Women of the MCC
(WOMCC) special interest group’s
mission is to provide support to groups
using sport to improve the confidence
and skills of women and girls. A group
of young women who visited the MCG
in June would certainly say “mission
accomplished”.
The River Nile Learning Centre
supports young Sudanese women who
are single mothers. WOMCC is currently
funding a project with the support of
Cricket Victoria to facilitate members of
the River Nile becoming involved in their
local community via active recreation
and backyard cricket.
The MCC and Cricket Victoria hosted
the Sudanese visitors for a picnic and
cricket day at the MCG on June 23.
After a guided tour of the MCC Museum
and ground facilities, Victorian cricketers
Kristen Beams (VicSpirit), Aiden Blizzard
and Damien Wright (Victorian Bushrangers)
showcased their skills in a batting
and bowling display in the Bill Lawry
Centre.
WOMCC also supported Cricket
Victoria’s Harmony 8 program to attract
young indigenous girls to play cricket.
As part of the project, the girls had the
opportunity to come from Gippsland and
visit the MCG, meet the VicSpirit team
and watch a match.
To find out more about WOMCC, please
visit the club website and then select
WOMCC from the special interest group list.
AUGUST 2009 MCC NEWS 23

MEMBERS’ NEWS
YOUR 2009 AFL FINALS
ARRANGEMENTS
MEMBER BEHAVIOUR
As has been reported previously, the
club is disappointed that the
Discipline Sub-committee has been
required to meet on a regular basis to
deal with cases of alleged misconduct
or card misuse by members or guests.
Over recent months, the
sub-committee has handed down a
raft of penalties, including the
suspension of membership for
periods from three months to four
years and the withdrawal of visitor
ticket privileges. The offences ranged
from abuse of staff or other patrons,
audible and abusive language,
intoxication and anti-social
behaviour, fighting and lending a
membership card.
It should be noted that in some of
these cases, the offence has been
committed by the guest of a member.
However, as all members are
responsible for the behaviour and
actions of their guests in the Reserve
at all times it has been the member
that has suffered the consequences.
Members should also be aware
that their annual membership fee is
still payable during the period of
suspension.
Grand Final
The Members Reserve’s capacity of
about 23,000 will be available for the
2009 AFL Grand Final. Full members
should check details of seating
arrangements and the reserved seat ballot
in the information sheet accompanying
their recent renewal notice mailing.
While Restricted members are
ineligible to attend the grand final, if the
Reserve appears likely to be at less than
capacity, a limited number of entry
tickets may be sold either in the week
leading up to the grand final or on the
morning of the match. The club will
notify members of its decision by email
and on the website.
About 12,000 pre-purchased reserved
seats are set aside for successful applicants
in a random computer ballot and the
remaining seats are for walk-up members
on the day when gates open at 8.00am.
Early Finals
The Reserve will operate as per the home
and away season during the first three
weeks of the AFL finals series, with the
majority of seating available on a walk-up
basis. Reserved seats will also be available.
Reserved seats
Approximately 4000 reserved seats on
levels 1 and 4 will be made available for
members and their guests for matches in
the first three weeks of the AFL finals.
These reserved seats will go on sale to
members at 9.00am on the Monday
preceding the weekend’s game/s.
Long Room and Balcony Passes
Depending on the expected popularity
of matches, the club may release some
Long Room and Balcony passes for
some finals matches if we believe these
member-only areas could comfortably
accommodate some guests. If this is the
case, advance applications will open
online at 9.00am on the Monday
preceding the weekend’s game/s and
close at 5.00pm the same day.
Visitor Tickets
The number of visitor tickets available
for early finals will depend on the
expected popularity of each game. Up to
four per member may be available.
Tickets will go on sale on the Monday
preceding the weekend’s game/s and will
be available from the Membership
Services Office (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri),
through Ticketek or, subject to
availability, at the members’ entrance on
match days.
Dining
The Members Dining Room will be
available for members during the finals
series, although there will be a ballot for
spaces. Registrations will be taken via the
website or phone (9657 8888) from
9.00am to 5.00pm on the Monday
preceding the particular match/es.
Members are entitled to one registration
in the ballot. Duplicate registrations will
be excluded.
A reserved seat on Level 2 is part
of the Members Dining Room package
during the early finals but this does
not apply for the grand final. All other
conditions that existed during the home
and away season will apply during the
finals.
As the finals draw closer, you can stay
up-to-date with the latest information
through the club’s various
communication mediums.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Existing financial members for the
2008/09 season should already have
received their renewal notice for the
coming season, which commences on
September 1, 2009.
Payment of subscription renewals
is due from September 1 and those
wishing to attend AFL finals matches
must pay their subscription at least
two business days in advance for
their membership card to be valid at
the turnstiles.
MCC CONTACTS
Mail: PO Box 175, East Melbourne, 8002 Telephone: (03) 9657 8888 Fax: (03) 9650 5682
Country and interstate: 1300 367 622 (local call fee only) Email: membership@mcc.org.au Web: www.mcc.org.au
24 MCC NEWS AUGUST 2009