After an epic rugby league State of Origin series concluded this week, the interstate rivalry continues at Ocean Grove this weekend, but this time it will be Victoria vs NSW and a different code.
Ocean Grove Cobras and Glebe Greyhounds Australian Rules Football clubs will resume their annual gathering with the Sydney-based club set to travel south for a weekend of fun, footy and raising funds for River’s Gift.
Each year the Cobras and the inner Sydney-based Greyhounds take turns hosting a weekend of footy games to raise money for River’s Gift, a local charity supporting Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) research.
The State of Origin was founded by two school mates, Cain Sarah now living in Glebe and Harvey Stephenson from Ocean Grove, who got chatting while they were celebrating Christmas together eight years ago.
A few beers in, they hatched a plan: to have their sons, separated by border lines, play against each other in a footy trip. They would raise money for their other school mate Karl Waddell’s charity, River’s Gift, established after the death of his son River to SIDS.
Mr Waddell co-founded River’s Gift and said the event had raised about $130,000 since its inception in 2017.
“It’s grown into quite a tradition,” he said.
“They (Glebe) stay in the local caravan park so they know what to expect – they’ve been here four times now.”
Channel 7’s Sunrise will cross to the event on Sunday morning with 300 to 350 young footballers from Under 8s to Under 16s expected to take part across the weekend.
Last year’s event in Glebe raised $50,000 and the annual parents’ match is always a lot of fun.
Glebe currently holds the trophy, but Mr Weddell said the Cobras are keen to regain it, although at the end, it’s really not about results.
“Absolutely they are,” he said when asked whether the Cobras were keen to win.
“It always makes it easier when it’s held in your own town. There’s been a real camaraderie between two clubs and strong friendships have been formed.
“You just have to look at the banter on social media. There’s always a friendly, competitive spirit.”
River’s Gift State of Origin is at Steeline Ray Menzies Oval, Ocean Grove on Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13. Go to riversgift.org/event/rivers-gift-afl-junior-state-of-origin-7 for more information.
