Coby Bysouth (kneeling, front left) with his teammates after the win.
After the disappointment of losing the Picola League fourths grand final by one point in extra time, Deniliquin Rovers footballer Coby Bysouth got a second chance in the Under-15s at a state carnival for First Nations footballers.
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Coby and his Yakapna teammates were premiers of the Vacsal Statewide Junior Football and Netball Carnival.
The carnival was held in Bairnsdale on September 21 and 22, on the lands of the Gunaikurnai people.
Vacsal is a peak Aboriginal Community organisation delivering a range of government funded programs to support and assist children, young people and families as well as strengthening communities and culture.
The carnival encourages all Aboriginal communities in Victoria, and across the border, to participate in football and netball.
It promotes cultural ties, family participation, healthy lifestyle and showcasing unique talents.
Coby Bysouth with his medal after wining the Under-15 grand final at the Aboriginal State carnival.
This year there were more than 800 participants which comprised 70 teams.
Due to his commitment with Deniliquin Rovers, Coby was unable to attend any pre-carnival training sessions.
He only met his teammates on the day, but the players gelled to deliver a winning performance.
Coby played at half forward and on the wing, and was excited by the final result.
“I’m glad to win a flag, especially in an Aboriginal side,” he said.
Yakapna means family in the Yorta Yorta language, and team coach Levi Power said it set the focus for the group.
“When we bring people in they are in, part of the family and we look after each other,” he told the playing group.
Yakapna went through the carnival without a loss, but almost succumbed to Cummeragunja in round one. That game ended in a draw.
Yakupna met Bairnsdale Regional Unlimited Sports in the grand final, and won 10.9 (69) to 4.2 (26).
Coby contributed one goal to the winning tally.
Coby will now rest in the footy off-season, but said he’ll likely pull on the blue and white with the Rovers thirds in 2023.
