By RUSSELL BENNETT
A CLYDE house fire took almost everything they had, but the young Cora Lynn Cobras footballers who watched their possessions go up in smoke were just thankful it wasn’t a young family in their situation.
The home Nick Helsby and Liam Toole shared with team mates Tom Arnett and Rob Matthews was destroyed last month – taking with it everything from couches to televisions, beds to washing machines.
But, in a sign of the group’s character, Matthews – whose family owns the property – said: “At least we’re just a group of blokes in our 20s and not a young family with kids.
“We really didn’t lose anything that can’t be replaced.”
But in a bid to help out the four members of the Cobra family, the football club held a special fundraiser on Saturday after the senior side’s thumping 97-point home win over Poowong.
Senior captain Tim Payne helped organise the event, and sent out an invitation over Facebook.
People who came along paid $20 each and many – including current Cora Lynn players – took part in an auction and raffle to help raise funds for their four mates.
More than $5000 was raised for the group, including more than $400 each for signed St Kilda and North Melbourne footy jumpers. A framed Buddy Franklin poster also sold for $550.
A percentage of all bar sales went to the boys, and Payne also opened a temporary bank account to accept donations.
Club secretary Melissa Toner said the event was a “fantastic” boost for the spirit of the club, which – essentially – has become Cora Lynn’s town centre.
Payne, 25, said he couldn’t be more proud of his club – stepping up in a time of need.
“This is all a reflection on the character of the boys (involved),” he said.
“Nobody has to do this, but these guys would do the same in our position.
“They’re really the lifeblood of this club.”
To find out more, search for the Cora Lynn Cobras on Facebook.
