A small Victorian dairy farming town, a short drive from the Twelve Apostles, is proving a gold mine for AFL talent.
Cobden in south-west Victoria boasts a connection with five current AFL-listed players including this year's number one draft pick, Sam Walsh of Carlton.
The other players are Gary Rohan (Geelong), Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne), Zach Merrett (Essendon) and Sean Darcy (Fremantle).
It is a mammoth effort for a town of about 1,800 people, almost three hours from Melbourne.
Cobden Football Netball Club president Chris Walsh, who is the uncle of Sam, said the community was "invested" in the sport.
"We're very lucky, kids love their footy here," he said.
The 'Cobden connection' is not new.
Former players John Rantall, Alistair Lord, Stewart Lord, Bernie Moran, Anthony Darcy, Thorold Merrett and recently-delisted Jackson Merrett also have links to the town.
In the 2016 census, the top industry of employment in Cobden was dairy cattle farming, closely followed by cheese and other dairy product manufacturing.
Proud resident Jo Beard, the former Corangamite Shire mayor, said the town had a certain charm.
"It's a beautiful hidden gem in Victoria. We're very friendly, happy-go-lucky people," she said.
"We're so passionate about our sport and you grow up at the footy club because footy clubs are the heart and soul of communities.
"Once you've lived there it's very hard not to want to come home, which is what I did."
Hands-on, practical subjects are also popular at Cobden Technical School, the only educational facility of its kind in Victoria.
Principal Rohan Keert said the school, which has about 160 students, was proud of the town's exports.
"It gives us all a second, or third, team to follow," he said.
"We all followed Sydney Swans because of Gary Rohan, it looks like that support will switch to the Geelong Cats in 2019."
Mr Keert said as well as trades, the school fostered elite sporting talent.
"We regularly celebrate the sporting, academic and vocational success of our students past and present, of which there are many."
But watch this space, the local club president said he was optimistic about Cobden sending more footballers to the big league.
"I think down the track a few more could go on to AFL ranks," Mr Walsh said.
