Booze and Lose

There's a lesson to be taken from the Melbourne Storm's last-minute 16-14 win over the Brisbane Broncos in last weekend's National Rugby League playoffs. Given that the match was decided with mere seconds to spare, one could argue that the teams' differing attitudes toward off-the-pitch preparations made the difference.

The Melbourne players have been off alcohol since the middle of August. On the other hand, the Broncos' recent night-time misbehavior has led to allegations of sexual misconduct for three players after a washroom incident and public embarrassment for typically well-behaved captain Darren Lockyer after he tackled a nightclub manager about a week later. Lockyer's apology was accepted by the nightclub), and the players in the other incident have yet to be charged with any crime, but the incidents clearly indicate that the Broncos were spending a lot of time out for a playoff-bound club. The last-minute playoff result is being seen by some as justice for both the teetotalling Storm and the partying Broncos, and that's a valid conclusion given that alcohol clearly exacerbates the wear and tear of a long rugby league season.

The Broncos may not have set the right example this year, but hopefully, their failure--and Melbourne's resurgent success--can show players young and old the way ahead.

To give an idea of how close it was, here's a clip of the end of the match, as well as some post-match footage. Did the clubs' differing alcohol policies make the difference? Post if you have an opinion.