Yarra Old Grammarians and Manningham Cobras set for merger
A pair of VAFA division two clubs have decided to merge in a historic moment for the longstanding clubs. Details:
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VAFA division two clubs Yarra Old Grammarians and Manningham Cobras have announced they will merge next season pending on general meetings to be held by both clubs in early September.
The new club, Old Yarra Cobras, are set to play in the division two competition next season as they did separately this year.
The committee of the Manningham Cobras will meet on Wednesday, September 7 in a special general meeting, where a resolution will be put to the members for the amalgamation of both clubs to form a new entity.
A Manningham statement to its members said the decision was the best outcome for the club moving forward.
“We all know what a difficult season this has been and the committee is determined not to be in the same situation going forward,” the statement said.
“We were approached by Yarra Old Grammarians to merge our clubs and, after much consideration, including a number of face-to-face meetings, we believe the best outcome is to proceed with a merger.”
The committee of the Yarra Old Grammarians will meet on Monday, September 12 to form a resolution on the merging of both clubs to form a new entity.
A Yarra Old Grammarians statement to its members said they were challenged by numbers in their men’s team this season.
“This year has been one of highs and lows, with our women‘s team playing finals for the first time in Premier B while filling a full Men’s team has been a week-to-week proposition, often relying on past greats to pull on the boots and playing without a bench,” the statement said.
“With the overall club health constantly the focus of the Executive Committee, we have the following exciting announcement.
“The committee intends to merge with the Manningham Cobras.
“This decision has not been made lightly.
“Feedback was obtained from Life Members, the playing group, coaching staff and Committee, but all agree it‘s the best path moving forward for the longevity of the club.”
Yarra Old Grammarians were formed in 1993 by a group of former students of Yarra Valley Grammar School.
The club has won a total of eight premierships including reserves and seniors flags in 2012 and a women’s premiership in 2019.
Yarra finished in eighth position in the last two seasons of the VAFA Men’s division two competition.
Manningham Cobras were established as the Canterbury Presbyterian RC in 1945.
More recently, they change their name to Manningham Cobras AFC from Bulleen Cobras in 2009.
In 2017, the club was promoted to division three and in 2019, they were promoted to division two after being runners up the season before.
The Cobras finished last this season, winning just two games. Last season they finished sixth, winning four of 11 games in the shortened season.
The newly formed Old Yarra Cobras are on the search for a new coach and said “the merger will result in a very competitive club.”
The club is set to play home matches at Koonung Park, Bulleen next season.
The decision to combine clubs will allow for better player availability and standard of footy.
The Women‘s program will use Doncaster Reserve and could have the potential of fielding multiple teams.
Financially, the club is also set for a boost while administrative resources will increase.
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