An exceptionally talented junior, Giobbi’s football career took him to the heights of the NAB League and VFL, as he forged a reputation as one of Melbourne’s top amateur footballers.
However, with that backyard fantasy in mind, his football journey was always going to land him at Euroa’s Memorial Oval — and in 2021 he finally took the plunge, joining his family in becoming a Magpie.
Fast forward 18 months and the combination of Giobbis and Gleesons has helped the Magpies soar to new heights, with all five of the boys playing key roles in building one of the Goulburn Valley League’s most impressive lists.
But there is one final piece of the dream.
To be part of the team that broke Euroa’s 32-year premiership drought — which is something they will get a chance to do on Sunday as it faces Echuca for a shot at premiership glory.
Taking the time to travel up from Melbourne to be part of this Magpies side, Giobbi said he had loved the opportunity to play with family and be part of something special at Memorial Oval.
“Being related to the Gleeson boys and having my brother Adam here as well, I really love the family aspect of it and being able to travel up here and play my footy,” Giobbi said.
“We always used to talk about it when we were growing up and how good it will be when we’re all playing senior footy together at Euroa.
“The club has been calling me since I was 15 and, eventually, I just said ‘wait I’m not giving up’ and I got the stage where the fit was just right to come back up here with my brother and cousins.
“So to be playing in the grand final together now it’s surreal.”
Season 2022 has been an epic journey for Giobbi and his Euroa teammates.
Beginning the season a disappointing 0-2, it was the togetherness of the players that allowed them to quickly regroup and establish themselves as a force of GVL football, losing just two more games to finish third on the ladder.
Now finding himself in a position to become a premiership player, Giobbi reflected on what had been a crazy four months of football.
“It was hard to prepare (for the season) because everything was so up in the air, I only played two games for Euroa last year because my calf was no good and wasn’t sure how I’d hold up,” he said.
“But for me the big thing that brought me back was the fact the boys just stuck together, we’ve got some really good people around the club and each and every week we go out there to do them proud.
“I’ve played a lot of footy at a lot of places, but I’ve never been somewhere as tight-knit as Euroa, it is just awesome to be part of.”
As for the idea of taking to the grand final stage.
Giobbi said he was excited to be part of such a special day and had confidence his team could pull off an almighty upset.
“I just can’t wait to get out there on Sunday, the build up, the atmosphere, it’s going to be incredible,” he said.
“Echuca are the team to beat, there is no question about it, but we got them last year and there is no reason why we can’t get them again next week.”
