Cobram’s under-14s and under-17s outfits prepare for big day

The under-14s, who are out to claim back-to-back flags, will kick the dew off the grass at 9am, followed by the under-17s at 10.30am.

Co-coach Duane Kelly, along with co-coach Danny Kelf, are hoping they can replicate last year’s heroics, where the fourths outfit triumphed in a nail-biter.

The Tigers defeated Deniliquin at the weekend by seven points which kept their premiership defence dreams alive.

“Club perspective, we knew we would have another competitive side at the start of season,” Kelly said.

“The group of kids have taken on all of the learning from their coaches and have really gelled and come together as a tight-knit group.

“The key component was to make sure every player who took the field at start of the year was a better player and we helped shape them into a better person towards the end of the season.”

The under-14s boast a classy squad, one that consists of talented trio Luca Orsida (captain), Bodey Webb and Josh Kelf, with the trio featuring in the top seven of the league vote count on Sunday.

Unfortunately, goal-kicking dynamo Eamon Hyde won’t take to the field following a serious season-ending injury in the latter stages of the season.

“We’ve got a different dynamic this year (compared to last) not as many talls in the side. We have a lot of smaller players with very good skill-sets and we’re a very quick running side,” Kelly said.

“Our back six is the best in the league. We’ve had less points kicked against us and finished higher on the ladder, just in those KPIs alone, we can see we have improved. Actions will speak louder though on Saturday.”

But even if the result doesn’t go their way, Kelly is proud of the achievement from his side in 2023.

“No matter if we win or lose, from a club and a coaching perspective I couldn’t ask for anything more from the players, support staff and parents,” he said.

“It is genuinely heart-warming to have coached a great group of young boys that have turned into great young men.”

In the under-17s camp, they are looking to add a historic achievement next to their name if they can prevail over the Magpies.

The thirds group have yet to lose a game this season and are eyeing off premiers and champions status.

Under-17s coach Rob Allen said that wasn’t the focus this week for his exciting crop of teenagers.

“Everyone is feeling upbeat and looking forward to a massive challenge this Saturday,” he said.

“Both Moama and Cobram, we’ve built a massive rivalry in recent years and this weekend will be no different.

“We’ve had a few close wins and by no means do we feel like we are better than anyone else ... we have got a huge amount of respect for Moama’s junior program and it’s something we’re trying to replicate ourselves.”

Like the fourths, the under-17s have a spread of young guns and the majority have tasted senior experience in 2023.

Chief among them is league best-and-fairest winner Lucas Roberts.

The star on-baller went back-to-back and he will be aiming to cap a stellar year with a premiership medallion.

“Lucas plays in our midfield and he can go deep if needed. He’s a hard-edged mid and runs hard and provides good leadership. Been our standout this year,” Allen said.

“But we think we bat pretty deep. If one of our better players has a quiet day somebody else stands up. We don’t rely on one or two and we have a good spread of contributors.”

Allen was grateful for the amount of support from the community this weekend.

“With the under-14s participating we’re expecting a lot of the Cobram faithful to go and support those sides,” he said.

“Both sides had a great season so far and I know people judge seasons on the final game, but we believe providing a good culture for our juniors is more important.

“We’re really appreciative of everyone’s support and thanks to all of the sponsors and parents for their generous support. It’s what community clubs rely on.”