Goals: Dragesevic 3 Jorgenson 2 Marsh 2 Gilmore 2 Carlson 2 Raines Talbot Chaffey Nicholls.
Best: Dragesevic Marsh Foley Chaffey O'Connor Raines.
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Coughlan takes first steps back
19 July 2004
Herald Sun
Rebecca Williams
RICHMOND midfielder Mark Coughlan took his first tentative steps along the comeback trail in Coburg's 23-point win over Springvale at Shepley Oval yesterday.
The Tigers' 2003 best-and-fairest was given a run for half a game and emerged unscathed from his first hitout in almost three months.
Coughlan, 22, has not played since Richmond's Round 5 loss to Adelaide, battling osteitis pubis and abdominal problems.
Coburg coach David Flood was pleased with Coughlan's second-half contribution, which he said should boost the midfielder's confidence after a long absence.
"He had that bit of a battle with his body and he moved OK actually," Flood said.
"Hopefully it's a step in the right direction and he'll get a bit of confidence in his footy and build from here.
"From a footy point of view he was just finding his feet. But he got through fine."
Rookie-listed Tiger Marc Dragicevic continued his strong form for Coburg, kicking three goals to earn best-on-ground honours.
Former Crow Ben Marsh, draftee Nathan Foley and Mark Chaffey were also named among the best in a victory that pushed Coburg within reach of a top-four berth.
The Tigers led at every change to record a 15.10 (100) to 12.5 (77) win in testing conditions.
"The conditions were a bit heavy underfoot, so I was really happy to come away with a four-goal win," Flood said.
"We just keep chipping away, but from the position we were last year, it's a real step in the right direction."
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10175381%255E19895,00.html
