By David Nagel
The Cobradome will spring to life this Saturday 2 March with Cora Lynn set to host a smorgasbord of football and netball action in the inaugural running of ‘Super Saturday’.
New president Rohan Marriot and his hard-working team have wasted no time in bringing winter sports back to the forefront, with the ground at Cora Lynn being handed over to the football club this Friday.
Southern league clubs Carrum Patterson Lakes and Hampton Park will kick off the action at 11am, with MPFNL Division One club Pines to take on Eltham from the Northern league at 1.10pm.
Pines premiership coach Paddy Swayn will take on one of his big guns from that 2018 success, with star big-man Tim Bongetti now at the helm of Eltham.
Cora Lynn will then run onto its pristine home deck to take on MPFNL Division Two club Pearcedale at approximately 3.30pm.
Netball certainly hasn’t been forgotten, with Bunyip, Cora Lynn, Neerim South and Pearcedale to play a round-robin competition throughout the course of the day.
Marriot said Cora Lynn senior coach Shaun Sparks originally flagged the idea, which came together smoothly.
“Sparksy came up with the idea, and through our networks I think we’ve come up with a very exciting concept that we’re excited to host,” Marriot said.
“Our ground is in great condition at the moment and it’s the ideal opportunity to showcase it to teams from other competitions, and it will be great preparation as the season proper draws nearer and nearer.
“Hopefully it’s the beginning of an annual event that all six clubs can pencil in as a great start to their seasons.
“We’ve got a nice mix from the Mornington Peninsula, a team from Northern, and that Southern component as well.
“Obviously our club will represent West Gippsland and we’re proud to be able to do that.
“It should be a great exhibition of local football and netball.”
Marriot said the full-time move to Cora Lynn of Casey Demons star Jimmy Munro had made an immediate impact at the club.
“Jimmy has had a massive influence on the playing group, setting standards, and it will great to see what he and Sparksy can do as co-coaches this season,” Marriott said.
“Our boys will be fit and ready to go and we’re aiming to be competitive in every game we play in this year.”
The new president, who fills the massive shoes of departing long-time president Andrew Bergmeier, said former Casey player and Balwyn small forward Will Stevens will be another player to watch this year.
The Cobras are also on the hunt for under-16 and under-18 players for this season.
The club is offering a ‘No Fee’ enticement, with shorts, socks and jumpers all provided.
Contact Lynden on 0477 880 686 for more details.
