It is not overdramatic to state that members are the heartbeat of a rugby club. Here at the Brumbies, we are fortunate to have thousands of ardent supporters who form our membership base.
That’s why, for Member Appreciation Round, this week’s instalment of ‘My Brumbies Ride’ focuses on two of the most passionate members in the club’s history.
Trevor and Josh Hancock are self-described ‘fanatics'. If you couldn’t tell from their head-to-toe Brumbies outfits, the father-son pair are as die-hard as they come. Known around the club as ‘Brumbies Man’ and ‘Brumbies Boy’, the ACT-based club is interwoven in the lives of Trevor and Josh.
A rugby league convert, Trevor fell in love with rugby towards the end of high school. When asked what it was about the sport that appealed to him, Trevor’s response captured the very essence of the game.
“I loved being part of the team, the community spirit of rugby”
It was that sense of community that compelled Trevor to join as a Brumbies member in 1996, as the club was only finding its feet. A move to Sydney saw him place his membership on hold, though – thankfully for the Brumbies – there was never any temptation to switch to the dreaded light blue.
Upon moving back to Canberra around 2001, Trevor became a foundation member of the Brumbies, and since that point, has held at least four memberships every year.
It is the story of his son Benjamin’s membership, however, that proves just how much the club means to him.
“His (Josh’s) younger brother was actually registered as a Brumbies member before he was registered with births, deaths, and marriages.”
As you could expect, the Brumbies staff at the time thought there must have been a mistake.
“The Brumbies actually rang me and said, “I think you’ve got the wrong date of birth for him”… because he was born on the 23rd of October, and I think I registered him on the 25th”
So, after 30 years of riding the highs and lows, what stands out to Trevor as his fondest memory?
“The ’04 grand final. Admittedly, I had put a little money on Joe Roff being the first try scorer which only added to the excitement. Plus, it was such a crazy game.”
The on-field memories are only part of Trevor’s time following the club.
“I’ve got so many different fan memories, just because the club makes me feel like part of the family”
There was no better example of this than a chance encounter with former Brumbies lock, Mark Chisolm, in a tyre store.
“I turned around and got a little fanboy. I went “Hi Mark, how are you going?” and he actually remembered who I was, but he also asked how Josh and Ben were.”
As far as matches are concerned, Josh can’t go past the Lions match in 2013.
“I got to play at half-time which was really exciting. The whole Lions concept is something really exciting which is why we’re looking forward to this year’s tour so much.”
But there is another memory that sums up the pair’s relationship with the club. After hearing that Josh was having a tough time at school, Ben Alexander saw an opportunity to make a difference.
Following a Wallabies victory over Fiji, Alexander made a beeline to Josh, before presenting him with his match worn jersey. In a reflection of the Brumbies care for their community, Alexander took the time to craft a personalised message on the jersey.
“Happy Birthday Joshie!!! Thanks for braving the cold all those years ago!! Good luck with your rugby and… GO THE WALLABIES!!!”
As a budding prop, no player had a greater impact on Josh than Ben Alexander.
Their love for all things Brumbies has seen Trevor and Josh travel around the country, as well as trips to Fiji and even Hamilton for the 2013 grand final. It was a 48 hour-round bus trip to Brisbane, however, that stands out for the pair. Having made the trip for their mate Ben Alexander’s 143rd Super cap, Josh said the game stands out, but not because of what they saw.
It was what they couldn’t see – due to a thick layer of fog inside Suncorp stadium - that rendered the trip “infamous”.
Finally, when asked about what membership meant to them, the pair’s answer was unequivocal.
“You get to be part of the family. While I get upset when they lose, because I know the players through their engagement and through being a member, I know they’re hurting.”
And so what was Trevor’s final message to fans?
“If you join (as a member), you will get so much more out of the Brumbies because they are such an engaging club.”
‘My Brumbies Ride’ is a new online series looking at the journeys of the people who have made the club what it is today. It will feature unique stories from fans, members, coaches, players, staff and sponsors - any or all who have had a connection to this proud club since 1996.
