For more than a decade, Melbourne City Oztag has been steadily carving out its place in Victoria’s sporting landscape. What began as one person’s passion to keep playing the game has grown into a thriving community, bringing together players of all ages and backgrounds who share a love for Oztag.
A Journey into Oztag
The story starts in Cairns back in 2003, when JC Carmody was encouraged by mates to try a non-contact version of rugby league after a motor vehicle accident left him unable to play contact sport. From there, Oztag quickly became more than just a pastime, it became a way to stay connected to sport and community.
After spending time playing in both Cairns and Townsville, the move south to Victoria in 2013 reignited that passion. Driving more than an hour from the Mornington Peninsula to the city every week to both play and referee in the Melbourne competition, JC soon found himself stepping into a bigger role. By 2014, he was venue coordinator, and just two years later, he became the Melbourne licensee.
Growing the Game in Victoria
Since then, Melbourne City Oztag has been built on dedication and persistence. With limited resources but plenty of drive, the competition has grown and sustained a loyal base of members, while also branching out to explore new opportunities for the game across the state.
There have been plenty of highlights along the way:
- Nationals representation: The Melbourne Royals competed at Nationals in both 2018 and 2019.
- State Cup debut: The Melbourne City Kings proudly took the field at the NSW State Cup in 2025.
- Winter Oztag launch: In 2025, Melbourne hosted its first Winter competition. With four teams randomly selected each week, players of all levels got the chance to learn from each other and build connections. The format was unique, and the community feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Celebrating Milestones
The strength of Melbourne Oztag lies in its people. Season after season, players continue to return, creating a community built on loyalty and connection. In 2025, we celebrate:
- Matt Heung playing his 12th consecutive season.
- Michael Paterson playing his 10th consecutive season, while Jenika Stubelj and Mike Bialecki reach 10 cumulative seasons each.
- Team Mustag Sally, entering their 9th consecutive season, with the same core group that first joined in 2017.
Looking Ahead
From humble beginnings to a competition that continues to grow, Melbourne City Oztag is proof of what dedication and passion can achieve. The goal now is to expand Oztag even further across Victoria, giving more people the chance to experience the community, competition, and fun that the sport brings.
Follow Melbourne City Oztag
Stay up to date with their competitions, news, and community highlights:
Facebook: Melbourne City Oztag
Instagram: @melbournecityoztag