Not only did the Rockets get three wins from three games on their home deck of Echuca South Recreation Reserve, but the whole day was played in good spirits.
In a close-fought first contest, the Rockets took down the GV Stars 2.3 (15) to 2.1 (13), dominated the North Albury Hoppers 2.6 (18) to 0.0 in the second game and then overcame Benalla 2.0 (12) to 1.1 (7).
However, what really mattered above any scoreline was the Rockets’ spirit, passion and sportsmanship throughout the day as hosts to five other teams from across the region.
“The day went absolutely wonderfully, the Rockets players really enjoyed themselves and were lucky because they won all three games they played in,” Echuca-Moama Rockets assistant coach Ben Trevena said.
“The carnival was played in fantastic spirits and from all accounts everyone had a great day. The weather was good, so that helps.
“Seeing our players having a great time and succeeding on the field makes it all worthwhile, and it’s precisely what you want.
“You do these hard yards to give them the opportunity to go out there, have some fun and do something that they normally wouldn’t be able to do.”
Trevena highlighted that the Rockets’ dedication at training was the reason for their on-field success.
“For them to come away with three wins is fantastic, the team is starting to click and work together and help each other out, which is amazing to see,” he said.
“We had training on Wednesday night, and all the players were talking about how well they did and how they supported each other.
“They’re playing as a team and it its all working well. All the players got a touch of the ball at the carnival, which is what it’s all about.”
A special aspect of the carnival was the fact that the Rockets got to play with Indigenous jerseys on and Sir Doug Nicholls Round replica footballs.
The Indigenous jerseys the Rockets wore were designed by former Njernda Aboriginal Corporation director Aunty Neeva Atkinson and Indigenous artist Dede Atkinson.
“They were so proud to have their new Indigenous jumpers on, they were absolutely thrilled to show that off to the community,” Trevena said.
“They are already asking when they can wear them again, so we’ll have to work that out now.
“There were a couple of other teams that had Indigenous jumpers on, they wore them for the first time as well, and it was great to see that support from other clubs.”
With roughly 30 players suiting up for the Rockets for the carnival, the side had a surplus of talent available to play.
Some of the other clubs were struggling to fill full sides, so in true Rockets fashion, multiple Echuca-Moama players volunteered to play for other teams to fill out the numbers, something that delighted Trevena and the rest of the Rockets coaching staff.
“Some of our players went and played for other teams that had low numbers, that’s good spirit for them to and wear their jumper to make sure everyone could play and get the numbers on the field,” he said.
“We had volunteers to go help out the other teams, they were doing extra games to make the whole carnival function.”
The Rockets have two more rounds left for their season, with the next carnival being played on Sunday, July 27 at Central Park Recreation Reserve and round six on Sunday, August 24 at North Wangaratta Sports Reserve.
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