That the Melbourne Storm,Melbourne Vixens and Richmond won premierships while living in those hubs is extraordinary. Many of their interstate competitors had it easier.
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Victorian minister for tourism,sport and major events,Martin Pakula said the trio of premiership wins were a source of pride for the state in times of duress.
"Kick a Vic has been a bit of a national sport over the last few months,"he said."But the stunning effort of the Vixens,the Tigers and the Storm to win premierships on the road shows we're still the sporting capital of the nation,even in the most difficult of times."
A recognition and respect for what Victoria was enduring was present for those three sides,most recently articulated bythe Storm after their NRL grand final win over Penrith.
"This big'V'on our jersey,this is who we are playing for - everyone back home in Victoria,"Storm captain Cameron Smith said on Sunday