Cobras join Indigenous Round

Ocean Grove Cobras players (back L-R) Noah White, John Tattersall, Bas Gee, Kaylen Wiley, Willow Annand, Izabella Greenwood, Lola Carr, Alex Wiley, (front L-R) Tom Annand, Kenzie Andrews and Paddy White wearing the specially-made socks which will be worn during AFL Barwon's Indigenous Round on July 9. Photos: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

THE Ocean Grove Cobras Junior Football Club is adding a splash of colour to its uniforms on July 9, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during AFL Barwon’s Indigenous Round.

Cobras vice president and Palawa woman Melissa Gee said it is the first time the club has taken part in the round, which will tie in with NAIDOC Week.

“We’re super-excited to get the Cobras involved in the round.

“This round allows us a club, to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and their contributions to the game we all love.”

The Cobras is home to nearly 20 Indigenous players, Gee said.

“It is also a round for the whole football industry to celebrate and thank Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander players, volunteers, administrators and umpires past and present for their contributions and commitment to the game.”

To mark the occasion, the club has included a new design on its club’s socks featuring both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags.

The Cobras will host a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles.

Following the ceremony, three out of five of the club’s under-14 teams will compete in matches starting from 8.30am at Collendina Reserve.

Profits from each purchase of socks goes to the club’s fundraising initiative Opening The Doors Foundation.

For more information, head to openingthedoors.org.au