OK, so I may not know all the rules of Aussie Rules exactly, but I – like so many other footy illiterates – trammed it down to Elsternwick Park on Sunday to witness a Melbourne music institution: the 2009 Community Cup. The Cup is a highly anticipated annual event where Melbourne’s music community converges to celebrate all the things that matter: music, community radio, giving to charity and sinking piss. Generally speaking, said community stands huddled and unfit, watching similarly unfit musos and radio types running around in footy shorts. That’s probably a little unfair, because I know they’ve all been training very hard – and damn they did do a lot of running around.

The Community Cup emerged like a proverbial phoenix after a year-long hiatus with a different locale and new charity partner Reclink, an organisation that provides sports and recreational activites for the disadvantaged. It’s a real win for community radio to be able to stage such an event and the spirit felt much stronger after losing its footing last year. The Community Cup isn’t just about sport, thank god, because I doubt the pasty, long-haired, pointy-shoed breed of Northsiders would be making their way to Elsternwick for that reason alone. This year’s Cup featured performances by The Cosmic Psychos, Kram, Doll Squad, Jordie Lane and The Scared Weird Little Guys.

There was a light drizzle on the day, but it certainly wasn’t enough to deter the hordes of people through the gates. Face-painted children, animals, cheerleaders sculling beers on the sidelines and a stream of streakers including a few small children made the day all the more festive. The commentary by Leapin’ Larry L and Hugo Armstrong, who at one point described a lost child as a “small, pink marshmallow”, provided some welcome comic relief.

As for the game, the Megahertz (PBS and Triple R announcers and staff) and the Espy Rockdogs (local rock hooligans) played out a thriller that ended in a 56-55 victory for the Dogs. For the Megahertz, Chris Gill from Vinyl Time played mighty fine while PBS station manager Adrian Basso tripped over his shoelace at one point. There was an injury later in the second half that stopped the game momentarily, but luckily it didn’t appear to be too serious and the game went on. Rockdogs captain Tim Rogers provided the game’s decisive moment when he slotted the winning goal after a diving mark, while shape-shifting PBS announcer/musician Phil Gionfriddo changed teams in the second half, significantly altering the game.

A bit like Golden Plains, albeit more athletic, The Community Cup was a fine day of friends, booze and fine tunes. Sure there were long port-a-loo queues but, as the record states, it was still a good chance to reconcile with old friends and flames – except of course the ones you set fire to. That would be awkward.

In the immortal words of half-time band Cosmic Psychos, I’ve only got two words left to say: “Bloody hell.” See you next year.

by Ruth McIver