UnLtd Big Clash Turns 10 and Expands to Adelaide

The annual event, originally started by Chris Freel in 2015, brings the industry together for a day of cricket raising funds for UnLtd. The event sees usual competitors put their differences aside for the day, with teams representing all corners of the industry (Tech, Creative, Media Owners and Media Agencies) battling it out on the cricket pitch.

Launched in Sydney, the tournament is now also played in Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland and for the first time in 2024, will debut in Adelaide. Since its launch, the Big Clash series has raised over $1.1M for UnLtd’s work supporting charities helping children and young people at risk.

Chris Freel, CEO of UnLtd said, “It’s been fantastic to see this event grow from one game of cricket between Agencies and Publishers in 2015 to an international tournament across five cities with men’s and women’s games and hundreds of people taking part. Thinking back to the initial idea, I can’t believe we have now raised over $1.1M. Big Clash is more than just the money raised, it’s also about bringing our industry together and connecting with each other which is more important now than ever. It’s a great way to kick off the year with the rest of the industry over some friendly (but highly competitive) games of cricket. It is fitting that this will be my final event as the UnLtd CEO and I can’t wait to celebrate the 10 year milestone with everyone in February!”

The competition is always fierce for the coveted trophy and will be even more so this year with the overall scores over the years very tight between Media Owners and Media Agencies. Since its start, Media Agencies have secured 17 wins across the cities in both men’s and women’s games with Media Owners closely following with a total of 16 wins. Creative and Tech teams have secured 3 wins each over the years. In the Women’s games, Media Agencies have the lead with 9 wins overall compared to 6 by Media Owners. In the Men’s games, Media Owners have the lead with 10 wins overall, compared to 8 by Media Agencies.

The 10-year anniversary tour, kindly sponsored by JCDecaux, MiQ, News Corp and Seven West Media, kicks off on 8 February in Sydney, followed by Melbourne on 22 February, Auckland on 29 February, Brisbane on 14 March and Adelaide on 21 March. There will be plenty of special surprises and competitions in store across the states as well as an Exhibition Match in Sydney played by some of the original players of the first ever Big Clash.

Over 3,500 people have participated in the Big Clash events over the years with many faces returning year after year. Some of the regular players reflected on what the event means to them and their highlights over the years.

Dan Flanagan, agency partner, Meta said, “I think Big Clash's second year, was my first encounter of UnLtd, so to me it's pretty special. All I was expecting was a short stint in the sun with some average cricket, but I quickly realised the Big Clash is so much more. It's a day to be learn, listen, be entertained and be a part of something bigger than our day jobs. It's a chance for our industry and people collectively contribute to a social good with meaningful impact in our positions of fortune. And they keep getting better each year. 

My favourite Big Clash moment has to be the first Tech Team win, captained fearlessly by Ricky Chanana. For a bunch of guys who mostly first met at the start of the day, to bond, and take down a competitive agency team, was a thrill. A close second, would be narrowly ousting a good long-term friend, in what became a bidding war for some wine, which to this day remains unopened.”

Kathryn Furnari, head of media, INNOCEAN said, “Big Clash to me is a day where some of the best people in media, sales, tech and creative come together, everyone stands side by side regardless of what deals have been won or lost the day before, and we are united for one reason- (raising awareness and funds) for the kids. And we have a bloody good time doing it! Second best day ever (after the UnLtd Open of course!). My favourite memory was when there was interest from enough women in the industry that we got our own competition (and that I was lucky enough to get nominated as media agency captain)! Winning is also a highlight and the ‘bowl-off’ inside the clubhouse last year due to the rain was particularly memorable and very innovative.”

Ben McCallum, managing director at UM said, “It’s great to see the industry come together for a bit of fun and subtle competition. Often the one time a year that people chase after a cricket ball and talk about how good, or bad, they were 20 years ago. It’s a day where you see lots of familiar faces, have a few laughs and most importantly support the team at UnLtd.

If I put aside the dubious umpiring at critical moments of Coad, Terry and Bass, and the time spent with St Johns Ambulance after diving over the boundary fence in a vain attempt to take the catch of the century, my highlight would have to be the victorious agency team of 2021. A team that lost 2 finals prior but had the belief and determination that we could out sledge our opponents into submission, and we did just that. The team still meets to reminisce about that final (we don’t but we should).”

Marika James, agency sales director at GoTransit said, “I have honestly loved the Big Clash since it started. It’s my favourite media event of the year. It’s such a fun day out socialising, networking AND exercising. I’m a competitive sportswoman myself who also loves a beer, so this event ticks ALL the boxes. I actually did a bit of training before last year’s match and won Player of the Day so that was definitely a favourite moment along with winning the big trophy two years in a row with an amazing bunch of ladies (2021 and 2022). You can’t beat the camaraderie at the Big Clash! I love it.”

Paul Kent said, “I love the genuine support for each other throughout the day. Whether you have never picked up a bat before or played state level it doesn’t matter because everyone is there for a far bigger purpose - helping disadvantaged youth - and that shared goal makes it such a collaborative and fun day. It reminds us that we have a really good bunch of people in this industry.  My first - and probably favourite - memory is being a last-minute call up to the tech team so had not attended any practice sessions and was stuck out on the boundary. I think I touched the ball twice all day and that was only to throw it back… Still, I managed to achieve immortality by being in the winning team photos. Shades of John Terry at the 2012 Champions League final…”

Tim Murphy, chief sales officer at QMS said, “The Big Clash has always been the perfect opportunity to bring people together from all pockets of the industry, enjoy some exercise and time outdoors, and embrace being part of a team with people in day-to-day terms, you are 'competing' against. Cricket is played in great spirit and the celebrations of everyone's efforts at the end of the day are always a highlight.

UnLtd is something as an industry we are all so proud of so to be able to contribute to such meaningful causes in this fun and sociable way is one of my favourite moments of the year. The Melbourne Men's Media Team have definitely enjoyed ourselves both on and off the field over the years. It has always been brilliant to catch up with the lads year after year and spend the day outdoors, having a laugh, and all for a brilliant cause. One specific moment that stands out - there were rumours swirling of umpire bribing (all in the name of charity of course) but one year it all came pouring to the surface when Umpires Swift and Pekish roused about $250 in cash from Michael Riach's pocket whilst he was batting in order to overturn some dubious LBW decisions. Fair to say the money was well spent with Riach making 50 and Swift and Pekish's donation pool off to a nice early start.”

Ricky Chanana, chief growth officer at Just Eggs said, “The Big Clash is one of my favourite UnLtd events of the year! It's like the unofficial kickoff that sets the tone for what's to come for the rest of the UnLtd events. All the industry legends gathered, competing in a sport that’s practically in our Aussie DNA. And hey, it's not just about the game; it's about having a ripper of a time and raising funds for a ripper cause. One of the cracking moments for me was a few years back at the Big Clash. Ben McCallum, was diving headfirst at the boundary line, aiming for that sixer catch. It was like a scene from a Hollywood action movie—his commitment was top-notch! It just goes to show that even when we're all out for a laugh, that competitive streak in us shines through and through...”

Big Clash Winners 2015 - 2023

Winners

2015 Media Owners

2016 Media Agencies

2017 Media Agencies

2018 (Melbourne launch) Media Owners (SYD), Media Agencies (MEL)

2019 (Women’s games launch), Media Owners (MEL-Men), Media Owners (MEL-Women), Tech (SYD) Media Agencies (SYD-Women)

2020 (Perth launch) Tech (SYD-Women) Creative (SYD-Men), Media Owners (MEL-Women), Media Owners (MEL-Men), Media Agencies (PER-Women), Media Owners (PER Men)

2021 Creative (SYD-Women), Tech (SYD-Men), Media Agencies (MEL-Women), Media Owners (MEL-Men), Media Agencies (PER-Women), Media Owners (PER-Men), 2022 (Brisbane launch) Media Agencies (PER-Men), Media Owners (PER-Women), Agencies (BRI-Women), Media Agencies (BRI-Men), Media Agencies (SYD-Men), Media Agencies (SYD-Women), Media Owners (MEL-Women), Media Owners (MEL-Men)

2023 (New Zealand launch) Media Owners (PER-Women), Media Owners (PER-Men), Media Agencies (SYD-Women), Media Agencies (SYD-Men),Media Owners (MEL-Women),Creative (MEL-Men), Media Agencies (BRI-Women), Media Owners (BRI-Men), Media Agencies (NZ-Women), Media Agencies (NZ-Men)

Most wins overall – Media Agencies (17), Media Owners (16)

Most wins Men – Media Owners (10), Media Agencies (8)

Most wins Women – Media Agencies (9), Media Owners (6)

Places are filling fast so if you want to join and bat for good, please contact events@unltd.org.au today.