I did post on this some weeks ago, but in light of the venue change for Rockdale’s FFA cup match I wanted to bring back a memory from the former Illinden Sports Centre. As Steven Koteski remembers it, 5000 people packed into the ground (that has since fallen in disrepair) in 2001 to see Rockdale City Suns take on rivals Bankstown City Lions. Yet despite such an incredible feat, you would be hard pressed to find anything online that pays any mention to such. No photo. Nothing.

Illinden Sports Centre was established by people. Hard working migrants, some of whom in the 60s and 70s, worked difficult jobs to support their families, and the remainder of their meagre resources pumped into something they loved, being football. The current Illinden Sports Centre (1km from the original site) has very much that same spirit and established by the same people, embodying that same commitment.

Some clubs have succumbed to the indifference of the FFA, have folded and died. Others have seen their fan base completely diminish because their youngsters simply want to watch elite football (which traditional clubs are systematically prevented of being a part of, regularly). They didn’t think people, if left to their own devices, were capable enough to have clubs that were palatable to the greater Australian audience. As such, they took that autonomy away from us.

Melbourne Victory can’t attest to the above mentioned. It, and other A League clubs were conceptualised in a boardroom, by a group of people who wanted to establish brands. Not established around a group of people, but only done so in a place where they could ensure the commitment of owners or corporate interests.

I see excitement in the stands at A League games. Singing, dancing and it’s a great thing (I do the same when I attend).Yet without disrespecting any fellow A league followers out there, what is it that we actually sing for? “The Komiti”, “The Avala Boys, Olympic, Sydney United and many other traditional clubs sing for a team, as it represents who they are. Similarly the clubs I support overseas, Olympique Marseille and AFC Wimbledon, do so with passion that comes from identity, having overcome difficulties and succeeded. Fans that sing because their fathers created the club they support. I just have no idea how someone can possibly shout with anywhere near that same vehemence, for a team that you had no affiliation with the year (or week) earlier. Perhaps they are just happy to have a club to support, and I can respect that too.

This was Rockdale’s chance to shine. To show the uneducated footballing public their history, something amazing they created out of nothing, just like so many other community clubs did in our fair city. It was their chance to play the top team in the country, in a cavernous environment, packed full of people, shaking the fences, yelling, screaming…sends shivers down my spine even thinking how intimidating that would be.

Sadly it’s at Korarah, catering to issues concerning insurance for “fully professional players”, which the club is unable to meet. Will be out to cheer on the lads regardless.

‪#‎communityownedclubs‬ ‪#‎FFACup‬ ‪#‎footballfromthegroundup‬

Heidleberg's tickets are simple and well priced.

Adults: $20 (at gate)
Adults: $15 (pre-sale)
Concessions & Members: $15
Kids under 14: Free!

Their pre-sale tickets are on sale at their game tonight (apparently they have a game tonight?) and on the weekend.

Oakleigh Cannons have done a pre-game build up video. :lol:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=971506496224471

They play Gully tonight.