THE grand return of Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds fell flat and the epic career of Matthew Hayden.

AUSTRALIAN racing's weight-for-age classic, the Cox Plate, is set to be run at night next year.

THE football world is still asking: Is Ben Cousins actually any closer to playing?

EXCLUSIVE: V8 SUPERCAR driver James Courtney will next year become one of the sport's richest drivers after signing a $1 million-a-year deal.

MATTHEW Hayden's hope of an Ashes swan-song next year is under mounting scrutiny after an inglorious exit to his Gabba career yesterday.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafa Benitez expects the Spanish contingent's international adventure will help keep the pressure on Chelsea.

EVERYONE loves a superhero, and next Saturday one club is going to pick a superman out of the AFL draft.

ROWER Nick Green was identified yesterday as the most likely future leader of the Australian Olympic movement.

TRAINER Tracey Bartley says punters can expect an aggressive ride from spring carnival star Michael Rodd on Sniper's Bullet in today's $1 million Railway Stakes at Ascot.

AUSTRALIA is facing a front-row crisis going into tonight's World Cup final, with prop Steve Price yesterday ruled out with a torn calf muscle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.
How long does it take to become a member?

The committee determines the number of candidates it can offer Restricted and Full membership in July of each year.

Due to numerous variable factors that are taken into consideration when determining new member intakes each year, it is not possible to estimate exactly how long a candidate on the waiting list will have to wait before they are offered membership.

However, we do know the nomination date of the latest candidates elected to membership in our intake for the 2007/08 season.

All candidates on the waiting list from August 1, 1987 to January 31, 1988 were elected to Full membership, while candidates on the waiting list who were nominated prior to October 1, 1994 have been offered Restricted membership.

2.
How do I join the MCC membership waiting list?

Applicants must complete an MCC membership nomination form and pay the $66 nomination fee.

Nomination forms require the signature of both a proposer and seconder, both of whom must be Full members of the MCC.

Club rules do not permit Restricted members to propose or second nominations.

3.
Can I bring guests into the Members Reserve?

Yes. All members can purchase a maximum of four visitor tickets for entry into the Members Reserve for most cricket and football matches (Grand Final excluded) at the ground.  There are variations for the AFL Finals, Boxing Day Test, Category 'A' AFL home and away matches and other major sporting events.

Members are advised of these arrangements via seasonal guides, newsletters, the website, email or the weekly information bulletin in the sporting pages of each Thursday’s Herald Sun and The Age newspapers.

4.
Where can I purchase visitor tickets?

Visitor tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster (1300 651 220, online at www.ticketmaster.com.au or via outlets), the Membership Services office (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or at the Gate 2 ticket windows on match day, subject to availability.

Conditions:

  • Only members can collect pre-purchased tickets from Gate 2 on match days, when your account confirmation number and membership card must be produced.
  • Members are responsible for their guests' behaviour and must accompany them while in the Reserve.

5.
How do I obtain Long Room and Balcony passes for my guests?

A limited number of Long Room passes are made available to adult members of all categories. A more generous allocation of Balcony passes will be made available to all member categories.

Advance applications for Long Room and Balcony passes will open at 9:00am on the Monday two weeks prior to the match. Advance applications can be made online.

Restrictions are placed on the number of successful advance applications a member can have in each season. The number of passes available is determined by the category of match being played.

Passes not allocated in advance will be available for collection by members on match day from the Passes windows to the left of Gate 2 from one hour prior to gate opening time. Click here for updates on pass availability.

6.
How does the Long Room and Members Dining Room dress code compare to the remainder of the Reserve?

The standard of dress in the Long Room and Members Dining Room for males is shirt, tie, jacket, slacks and dress shoes (jacket is optional in cricket season). Females are expected to dress to a similar standard.

Minimum dress requirements for the Members Reserve is neat casual for men and women. Denim is acceptable and males must wear a collared shirt, irrespective of whether or not a collared sweater or jacket is being worn over the top.

Click here for further details on dress standards.

7.
Can I use my MCC membership to enter the public and AFL member areas at the MCG?

No, your membership card will not be recognised at the public or AFL member entrances at the MCG.

8.
Can I defer my MCC membership or transfer it to another person?

Members cannot defer their MCC membership.

If a membership remains unpaid for greater than 12 months, the member is placed on the suspended member list and must write to the MCC Committee to nominate for reinstatement.

Your photo ID membership card is strictly non-transferable and is issued for personal use only.

Lending your card is a serious breach of the club rules and offenders will incur severe penalties. It is also a member's responsibility to make sure that their card is secure so that it cannot be used by another person.

9.
What do I do if I have lost my card or had it stolen? Am I still able to enter the Reserve?

If you have lost your card or it has been stolen, please contact Member and Customer Services at your earliest convenience by phoning (03) 9657 8888. A temporary pass can be issued to allow entry into the reserve prior to a new card being issued.

10.
Where is the members' car park?

The City of Melbourne controls all parking in Yarra Park and unfortunately there is no area set aside for members. On match days, the closest public parking area to the Members Reserve is through Gate 3 on the corner of Wellington Parade South and Jolimont Terrace.

On non-event days, members can utilise short-term street parking in Jolimont Street or Jolimont Terrace, or if booked into the Committee Room for lunch, parking will be arranged in the underground car park off Brunton Avenue.