All set for openerby Sam Landsberger
Moreland Leader
29 Mar 11THE wait is nearly over for Adam Potter.
His debut as coach of the Coburg Tigers in the Victorian Football League will come this Saturday at Trevor Barker Oval, when the Tigers hit the road against Sandringham.
The Round 1 match will be televised on the ABC, with Potter’s first quarter-time address likely to be aired live across the state.
Saturday’s match is about more than just four points for the combatants.
The Tigers and the Zebras both endured disappointing 2010 seasons and will be desperate to climb the ladder.
In a boost to Coburg, star Sandy recruit and former Essendon utility Marcus Marigliani will miss Round 1 after injuring his knee in a practice match last week.
Potter says his Tigers could hardly be in better shape.
Developing ruckman Brendan Fewster is sidelined with osteitis pubis but he is alone in the City Oval medical room.
Coburg hosted Werribee, another side hell-bent on improvement, in the final practice match on Saturday (after deadline) with former Western Bulldogs pacy midfielder Jamason Daniels impressing over summer.
“At the moment he’s tracking really well for Round 1 and Sammy Power, our midfield coach, is really happy with him,” Potter said last week.
The rookie coach said there was still AFL hope for Daniels, who could follow in the footsteps of Carlton’s Ed Curnow and Fremantle’s Peter Faulks.
Potter said he was unsure how much use he would get out of rookie-listed Brad Miller, who was promoted to Richmond’s senior list last week.
Ruckman Tom Derickx is likely to return for Coburg this week from a bruised heel and Potter praised his side’s fitness levels.
“We’ve been on an intense fitness program and have really ramped up work on our decision-making, but the boys are fully aware there’s still along way to go,” he said.
http://moreland-leader.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/all-set-for-opener/
