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

Mate, I'm saying the requirements themselves are a disgrace. How can you say a professional player needs lights to reach a certain lux? I would understand issues with security, turf quality, fencing etc. but the lights? Come on.

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

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

in 4 sizzlah

in 4 sizzlah

What's with you sydney lot dissing sizzler

People of Sydney, especially T-Unit.

Any good pre-match pubs near Jubilee?

I've always gone to St George RSL across the road, right next to Sizzler. Failing that, there's the Royal Hotel opposite Carlton train station on Jubilee road that's a 10 minute walk from the ground. If you're getting the train, that might be easier. Otherwise it's a 10-15 minute walk past the ground to the RSL.

Yeah, EG and I are getting the train. Come man.

Eh, I've posted why I've a chip on my shoulder about Sizzler. I've eaten road bitumen that's been more tender and succulent than my solo experience at Sizzler Kograh. :lol:

An interesting article I found on the Rockdale City Suns facebook page regarding how much of a loss it means to the club and it's supporters with their Ro16 game being moved to Jubilee Oval, instead of it being held at Bicentennial.



Whilst I understand their concerns, it's a good incentive to get the facilities upgraded so when they do qualify for future FFA Cups, they won't have this issue again.

So apparently there's a healthy handful of Sydney United and Sydney Olympic supporters making the trip down to Melbourne. I gather the Sydney United supporters will be boosted with an addition of Melbourne Knights supporters, likewise South Melbourne supporters joining Olympic.

Interesting to note, there's been a flare count of 0 this FFA Cup. I get the feeling that might change in the Ro16. :lol: