Riverland’s Cobdogla Football Club launches comeback bid for 2023
A Riverland club in recess could be set to return for season 2023 after withdrawing from competition in 2022, but it faces a fight to retool in time.
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Another local footy club has launched a comeback attempt as it looks to rebuild for season 2023 after a spell on the sidelines.
The Cobdogla Football Club went into recess before the 2022 Riverland Independent Football League – now Murray Valley Football Netball League – season due to a lack of volunteers but has intentions of returning next year.
The the club held a final offseason meeting on Sunday, telling fans “(we) can’t stress enough this is a make or break for the football club”, and ultimately decided on pulling together for 2023.
“We are happy to announce the club has formed a committee for the 2023 season and will be pushing ahead,” a spokesperson said.
“We are currently on the lookout for coaches, players and volunteers for the upcoming season.”
It will be a challenge for the Eagles to register a required amount of players throughout the preseason after experiencing a blow to volunteers, staff and playing troops during Covid.
Former president Darren Tilbrook told The Messenger he was uncertain of the 103-year-old club’s future at the time of recess.
“Honestly, I’m not sure at this stage,” Tilbrook said.
“(Next year) is going to be very strange to say the least.”
Cobdogla will work alongside the Murray Valley Football Netball League and the SANFL and its football operations coordinator for the Riverland, Shane Uren to ensure it meets player and volunteer requirements ahead of the season.
An SANFL spokesperson said the Eagles would need to meet MVFNL expectations before it accepted its bid to re-enter competition.
“SANFL is aware of the Cobdogla Football Club’s approach to join the Murray Valley Football Netball League,” they said.
“The club, however, will be required to meet the league’s affiliation expectations prior to being accepted.
“SANFL Community Football will support and work with the club and league throughout this process.”
The Murray Valley Football Netball League was approached by The Messenger but did not comment.
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