Everyone wants to make their mum proud, and this weekend the Moss Vale Dragons are paying tribute to the mothers of the club who give so much.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mother and manager of the Dragons ladies' team, Sharleen Burke will be swelling with pride on Sunday.
"It'll make me feel very proud to watch the teams run out there dedicating their game to us mothers," Ms Burke said.
Burke's grandfather won a premiership with the Dragons in 1952. The Burke name is highly respected and well known in the Dragon's clubhouse.
"Our name goes all the way back to my Nanna and Pop," Ms Burke said.
"My Nan was a life member of the ladies auxiliary. She passed two years ago, so it's really special to be involved with the club and on this day I know she'd be really proud.
"All of my uncles and dad played for many years also. Dad's still a big part the club."
...win or lose our spirit is always high.
- Sharleen Burke
Following in the footsteps of her family name, Ms Burke undertook the manager role of the ladies' team and this Sunday holds a special meaning for her.
"All the girls know how much this means to me," Ms Burke said.
"They know I get very emotional and my dad will give them a speech before every game. Lots of tears are had (laughs). I also have an under six boy, this is his second year playing and to see him looking up to the girls really inspires them and myself.
"This is our first year playing together and we're getting there. This game will be a hard one because we're playing Camden who are top of the ladder, but win or lose our spirit is always high. Every week we're learning something."
Moss Vale first grade captain, Brad Meuleman said the team's recent form heading into Sunday would hopefully be an indicator of good things to come.
"We're coming off back to back wins, so hopefully we can come back and grab a third win for the mums," Meuleman said.
"It'll be great to get a win for the mums with them watching."
Last weekend the Dragons first grade got a gritty win over Campbelltown City and they're now looking to prove the doubters wrong.
"I think a lot of people wrote us off from the start," Mueleman said.
"Getting those back to back wins and especially last week against City, which was a good defensive game for us, all the boys showed up and continued to show up throughout the game. It's a massive mind thing for us and it's onward and upward."
Meuleman had an astonishing 30 tackles in the City game. He credits the team for that fiery passion he displayed and hopes it carries over for the Mother's Day clash against Camden.
"It's more about how all the boys have bought into the club culture and what we're trying to achieve," Meuleman said.
"Everyone's on the same page and we all want to play for each other. We keep pushing one another and that's where that intensity is coming from.
"I'm sure all the boys want to make their parents, mothers and wives proud this Sunday. We just have to show up and get them all a good win."
