We're in the union

Out on the field by yourself. No mates. Facing the massed power of the opposition team. David and Goliath.

Not even Tom Raudonikis would be expected to kick a goal. But when the rugby league luminary and ex wharfie spoke up against the new IR laws recently he could also have been talking about The Colts - the MUA sponsored team that's just come in a winner.

Rejecting John Howard's plan to "stiff-arm people's rights at work", Tom said it all: "On or off the field it's strong teamwork, not individualism, that gets results. Just as strong teamwork wins games, it is collective strength that ensures working people win their fair share."

For the, almost, all-wharfie Colts team (above), their on the field and off the field collective approach proved a winning formula. They came from behind in all three hard fought matches to take out the Western Region Football League, 2005. Branch secretary Kevin Bracken reports victory was all the sweeter as the union team had won out with only a fraction of the resources of their opponents.

Winner of the Herb Pascarl Medal for Best On Ground was Johny Lindsay (P&O General Stevedoring) and top goal kicker was Jason Clarke (P&O West Swanson Dock).

Port Colts will play Parkside in the opening round of the season when the flag will be unfurled at Murphy's Reserve Port Melbourne on April 8 - all MUA members welcome.

PHOTO: WRFL A1 Premiership (back row) Luke Bracken (MUA), Luke Keiley, Paul De Bruin, Lee Schiller, Chris Brennan, Mathew Burns,Blake Twomey, Ryan Winters (MUA), Les Taylor (MUA), (Middle) Leon Cox, Torren Bonnet (MUA), Jason Clark (MUA), Bret Jacobs (MUA), Michael Bracken (MUA), John Lindsay (MUA), John Ellis (Coach)(front) Mathew McBroom, Fabian Webb (MUA), Stacey Massis, Josh O'Neil (MUA), Sam Hoath (Missing) Elton Stevens.