Cobram premiership reunion a huge success

“The Friday night meet and greet at the Cobram Hotel was like a scene from the arrivals at an airport terminal with plenty of hugs, kisses, laughter and a few tears,” Mr Denson said.

The bar at the Top was buzzing with atmosphere as people got reacquainted with much to talk about.

“It was a great way to lead into the Saturday formalities and game between Cobram and Barooga,” 1984 premiership captain Terry Wells said.

The formalities, on the Saturday, included speeches from 1974 and 1984 identities with 1984 ruckman, Denson, doing a great job as MC.

Premiership coach for 1974, Bob Singline, presented his team to the crowd.

A remarkable 15 players from the 1974 team were in attendance, as well as several other players who played for Cobram in the mid-70s.

Peter Ennals, who was a 1974 player and 1984 president, spoke about both teams in glowing terms.

It seems like premiership teams “breed” leadership.

Four of the 1974 team have coached Cobram seniors at some stage; Bob Singline, Max Campbell, Shane Maddox and Geoff Mitchell.

Three of the team became presidents of the club; Peter Ennals, Garry Ennals and the late Keith Cooper.

The 1984 team had four players coach the club: Terry Wells, Trevor Mills, Brendan Brooks and Phil McIntyre.

Current club president Michael Hoban was also part of the 1984 team.

The 1984 team were introduced by Denson.

Each received a commemorative bottle of wine from 1984 premiership centreman Dean Valente’s vineyard.

Premiership player of 1984 and 1995 premiership coach Trevor Mills gave an insightful analysis about the 1984 season.

Mills mentioned that Les Mogg kept things simple as a coach.

He and his assistants trained the team very hard, and the team was super fit.

“The team had a lot of extroverted characters in it. We were all very close-knit, and our average winning margin was over 10 goals,” he said.

“I’m sure many people in the local area were hoping we would lose. The tall poppy syndrome was alive and well back then.”

Mills also mentioned that football was remarkable in a community because so many people could be involved.

He mentioned that the leadership of Peter Ennals, Les Mogg and captain Terry Wells set the standard, and the rest of the club just lifted to that high standard.

“But when it’s all said and done, the 1974 and 1984 players were just a bunch of young blokes putting their best foot forward, having fun and building long-lasting friendships,” Mills said.