Today’s ‘For The Fans Day’ shapes as a memorable occasion for the Melbourne Rebels, its supporters, and the wider Victorian community.
For Joe Powell, our Round 15 clash will bring up an extra reason to celebrate with the twenty-eight-year-old set to bring up his 100th Super Rugby match.
Powell says bringing up his ton at home in front of the Club’s loyal fans shapes as a special personal moment and something he’ll look back fondly on.
“It’s a pretty good achievement to get to 100 games – it’s certainly something you don’t really think of achieving starting off, so it’s pretty to cool to come around,” said Powell.
“It will be a good moment to look back on, but the focus really is getting the win on Sunday and ending the season strongly.”
A junior prodigy hailing from the suburbs of Canberra, Powell began his ascension through Australia’s rugby ranks back in 2014, when he became an important member of the Australian Under-20’s at the 2014 IRB Junior World Championships in New Zealand, playing alongside current Rebels’ teammates Cameron Orr, Ross Haylett-Petty and Vice-Captain, Matt Philip.
In 2015, Powell would make his Super Rugby debut, playing 3 games for the Brumbies in his maiden season off the bench.
Twelve-months later, Powell would burst onto the international scene after just 11 games of Super Rugby experience, selected in the 39-man Wallabies squad to take on England.
One year later, Powell would make his Australian debut, running out for the Wallabies Test against Fiji in Melbourne.
Over the next three seasons Powell would win a further three Test caps, while making 47 appearances for the Brumbies, including playing in his side’s 28-23 grand final win over the Queensland Reds to the claim the 2020 Super Rugby AU title.
In October, Powell would sign with the Melbourne Rebels, where he has since gone on to play 26 matches over two seasons.
Powell says it will be a special moment notching his century at AAMI Park, the same place where he made his Wallabies debut six years ago.
“My career has been a bit of journey, starting back in 2015 to the last two years with the Rebels.”
“Debuting for the Wallabies at AAMI Park where I’m going to play my 100th will be nice – hopefully my parents will come down to watch it as well.
“One of the highlights has been all the lifelong friends I’ve made during my time in rugby. That’s one of the great things about rugby and rugby clubs, and I feel very lucky.”
Despite being eliminated from clinching the Club’s second finals birth in three years, Powell says the playing group is looking forward to finishing the season on a high and is determined to put on a show for their fans for one last time in 2022
“Playing in front of our fans for the last time this season, all the boys are just focused on doing their roles, putting in a strong last performance and finishing with a win.”
Earlier this week the Melbourne Rebels were pleased to announce Sunday’s final home game is ‘For The Fans’, with a host of activities being put on for members and supporters to celebrate their efforts across the season.
For the first time in six years, supporters will be able to head on-field after the full time whistle and throw around the rugby ball or grab a selfie and autograph with their favourite Melbourne Rebels players.
Fan will also receive a 30 % discount off the entire 2022 BLK Melbourne Rebels range, with merchandise tents available on Gosch’s Paddock and inside AAMI Park at the Rebels Shop.
Supporters will also have the unique opportunity to donate their old rugby kit and boots to communities in need, with kit donation tents on-site.
From 12 pm on Gosch’s Paddock, junior players will be able to take part in a free Rugby Clinic. There is no need to sign up in advance – children ages 17 and under can turn up on the day and participate.
To watch Joe in his 100th Super Game and be a part of the Fans Round celebrations, click here.
