Coburg's win over Collingwood in VFL shows strength of VFL alignment Jonno Nash
From: Herald Sun
June 24, 2012 6:53PMCOBURG coach Adam Potter said Sunday's 26-point victory over Collingwood affirmed the strength of the Richmond alignment, despite reports questioning the relationships longevity.
The Tigers intended to sever the 12-year partnership at the beginning of the season before recognising the financial costs of fielding a stand-alone reserves team in the VFL was too great.
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said last year he dreamed of the Tigers playing VFL games at Punt Road and coach Damien Hardwick is keen to follow the successful models set by Collingwood, Geelong, and Essendon from next year.
The Richmond-Coburg affiliation expires at the end of the 2014 season.
Potter was quick to dose claims of a rift and refused to discuss the alleged cracks in the alignment.
“There have been some things said that put a bit of pressure on us around the place but I was really rapt with how the boys responded,” Potter said.
“Internally though a lot’s been said about (how) we’re in good shape and from a coaching and playing point of view Richmond and Coburg are both very happy.
“We had 13 Richmond players today and 10 Coburg guys so I guess that balance has been good.”
The Tigers slaughtered the footy in front of goal, registering 10.23 (83) to 9.3 (57) at Mantello Holden Oval.
Tigers midfielder Matthew White collected a game-high 28 disposals while teammate Luke McGuane (16 touches) was wayward, booting 2.6 and three out on the full.
Injury-cursed Kelvin Moore was serviceable as a dashing defender while Dylan Grimes didn't play out the second half, with the Tigers electing to put the 20-year-old on ice as he returns from a hamstring strain.
Magpies star Kris Pendlebury (19 disposals) and Irish import Caolan Mooney (five goals) impressed, but the team had 78 fewer possessions than their opponents.
The Magpies slide to 11th and host Frankston next week.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/localfooty/coburgs-win-over-collingwood-in-vfl-shows-strength-of-vfl-alignment/story-fn53khop-1226406946063