but it's not really about how the average Joe in Melbourne refers to them
it's about how the non-Vic sides are referred to 'interstate' when on a nationally syndicated tv show or official game telecast
Bingo.
That’s where we need to see change.
How often do we watch nationally televised games involving the SA, NSW, Wa or QLD teams and the commentators are all Vics and generally know absolutely nothing about the other team playing. Heck half the time they don’t even know the players even as a starting point.
To ensure we get better national recognition, there needs to be better representation when our teams are involved.