GUN utility Joe Dare will don red and black alongside his four brothers next season as Cobden’s bid to strengthen its playing list intensifies.
The Bombers yesterday announced the former Maskell medallist was set to return to club in 2017 to play under his older brother, Levi, and alongside siblings Rueben, Lincoln and Dom.
The former Carlton-listed star last suited up for Cobden in 2013, before a premiership-winning stint with the Colac Tigers in the Geelong Football League in 2014.
Standing at 188cm and topping the scales at 84kg, Dare caught the eye of AFL recruiters in 2010 on the back of a standout year with the Geelong Falcons. He was delisted from the Blues’ rookie list at the end of 2011.
Levi, a three-time Maskell Medal winner, said the signing was a massive coup for the club.
“Joe can play anywhere. He played as a forward in his juniors, was drafted (to Carlton) as a key backman, and played as a ruck-rover in his Maskell Medal year. He’s a utility who can play anywhere,” he said.
“He has so many strengths and a player of his calibre will definitely help the footy club. His credentials in playing two years of VFL footy, being on an AFL list and winning a Maskell Medal are very strong.”
Levi said his brother’s return would mark the first time all five Dare brothers had played football together in a senior capacity.
“Guys (as talented as) Joe are hard to come by. We’re building for an exciting season and are really looking ahead as a club,” he said.
