MIDDWAY Cobra players Steve Tabram, Matthew Moir, Dave Graetz, and Mark Wilkinson train earlier this week for today’s grand final. 21641 Picture: Stewart Chambers
By Shaun Inguanzo
THE MIDDWAY Cobras will play for their fourth successive premiership flag in the RecLink football league today.
A success story both on and off the field, the Cobras players all have a story to tell, with many of them from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Coach Gary Lambert said that the club had gone undefeated in the RecLink league, where the Cobras play against similar teams from different parts of Victoria.
Today, they head to Junction Oval to take on the Westernport Warriors for their fourth premiership in four years.
But working with disadvantaged people – including those with a mental illness – can have its challenges, and commitment, Mr Lambert said, was one of those.
“We’ve played some games with only 13 players,” he said.
“We’ve had a good list, something like 40 players, but some drift in and drift out.”
Mr Lambert said the Cobras was a great outlet for its players who did play and train often.
“They’ve all loved it – one poor guy missed out on the grand final because he broke his ankle a month ago – but he’ll be there on Thursday (today) because it’s been a big part of his life.”
