Paul Foster was one of them.

Robertson has paid tribute to the Bombers veteran ahead of his 250^th Hampden senior game on Saturday, emphasising the inside midfielder’s loyalty and leadership.

“I am pleased I shared the coaching role with him,” he said.

“There wouldn’t be too many people I could share a coaching role with but Paul was one of them.

“There’s a mutual respect for each other and a really good friendship as well.”

Robertson said Foster “displayed qualities that are really valued in football”.

“He leads by example, he’s loyal, he demonstrates great leadership, on and off the field.

“He has the club’s best interests at the forefront at all times.”

Robertson said Foster, a dairy farmer, was red and black through and through and was respected for his commitment to the club.

“Over the years I’d hate to see how many offers he got to go elsewhere for a large amount of money,” he said.

Foster will line up in the Bombers’ midfield against Warrnambool on Saturday.

Roberston said the ball winner loved the contest.

“He plays a brand that usually when you get older it gets harder and harder each week to get up,” he said.

“He’s an inside footballer who does the grunt work and then he milks 300 or 400 cows every Sunday.”

Current Cobden coach and three-time Maskell Medal-winning ruckman Levi Dare said Foster’s work in the midfield “makes me look good”.

“I hit it and he finds a way to get it,” he said.

“He’s a very handy player and a credit to himself and the club. All the boys are keen to get a win for him.”

Dare said Foster was “a champion of the club”.

“He’s a best and fairest winner, coach, life member,” he said.

“He’s a high quality player who is still playing good footy for us.”