Sport
20 August, 2025
Unwin shines on AFL debut
COBDEN export Rhys Unwin had an AFL debut to remember on Friday night, with a mass of hometown support in the stands.
Around 150 members of the Cobden Football Netball Club packed three buses and headed to Marvel Stadium for the Essendon v St Kilda round 23 clash.
Originally the night was planned as a celebration of the 250th match of another Cobden favourite son in Zac Merrett.
A broken hand the previous week for the Essendon captain put paid to that plan, Unwin’s debut making the trip more than worthwhile for the Cobden hordes.
“Definitely a pretty cool experience,” Unwin said of his debut game in front of 31,107 people.
“I could hear the Cobden crew in the crowd, I was very grateful to have their support on the night.”
Unwin gathered nine possessions, two marks and two tackles in a solid first outing wearing the number 38.
The highlight was a late first quarter goal, the left footer kicking straight through the middle after taking a strong mark just inside the 50-metre line.
“That was the moment you dream about all of your life,” Unwin said.
Ironically the Bomber debutante grew up as a St Kilda supporter.
“It was a little bit weird to play them first up given I was a Saints supporter,” Unwin said.
“Though the posters on my wall were more from the Nick Riewoldt era than the current players.”
Heading into the season, Unwin was unsure about the prospects of getting a senior game in 2025.
“I didn’t have too much expectation, but was hopeful I could crack into the side at some stage.”
Family support has been important in the rise of the young Bomber.
“I think it means as much to them as it does to me.
“I’ve been back to Cobden a few times this year, it’s been great to get back and re-set.”
Cobden senior football coach Brody Mahoney was part of the Cobden Bombers bus trip.
“For the club to have all those tickets for Zach’s milestone, then for it all to be about Rhys’ debut worked out well in a funny way,” Mahoney said.
“We are super proud of Rhys and proud to have been a part of his journey.”
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