Round 1 - Match Report - vs Sandringham ZebrasCoburg website
Monday, April 8, 2013Coburg got their 2013 season off to the best possible start at Mantello Holden Oval on Sunday, defeating the Zebras 18.13.121 to 13.11.89 by 32 points.
The game started off as a very tightly contested matchup, with both teams showing great pressure and endeavour, clearly wanting to start off the season with a crucial 4 points. The Zebra's had the better of the term, kicking 3 goals to Coburg's 2, going in to the break 6 points up.
Coburg however came out looking a new unit in the second, taking control of the centre bounces through Orren Stephenson (35 hitouts), and getting first use of the ball more often than not. The Tigers used this to their advantage, kicking 5 goals to 2 for the quarter and going in to the main break 13 points clear. Richmond listed players Chris Knight's and Robin Nahas lead the way in the first half, with Knights wracking up 24 disposals and Nahas always looking dangerous, setting up a few goals with his run and pinpoint passing. Liam McBean also ended the half with 3 goals, providing a strong target in the forward half, and finishing with great accuracy.
The second half started in a similar fashion, with Coburg dominant through the middle and cleaner with the ball when it mattered most. Aaron Edwards came to life in the third, kicking 3 goals, with Elton and McBean also looking dangerous, helped out by some efficient delivery from the midfield group. The end of the quarter saw Coburg go in to the final change 25 points up, with the clouds looking likely to produce some heavy rain before the day was out.
Sure enough, mid way through the last quarter the rain came bucketing down, making ball use difficult for both sides, and giving the crowd some pure wet weather footy to spectate. The change in weather seemed to send a new-found spark in to the game, with tempers flaring to boiling point at one stage, seeing players from both teams getting involved in a boundary line scuff. The conflcit was soon resolved however, and Coburg didn't let it affect their play, getting on with the game and closing out the match victorious by 32 points.
Chris Knights didn't stop all day, collecting 41 touches with around half of those being contested - stating once again to Richmond selectors that he is ready to break in to the AFL squad. He was supported by impressive performances in the middle from Helbig and Venditti, With Dea also showing class running out of the back line all day. The wide spread of goal kickers for Coburg was also an impressive factor, showing that the squad will have quite a lot of depth for the coming season.
Coburg: 18.13.121
Sandringham: 13.11.89
Goals: Edwards, McBean 4, Elton 3, Helbig, Nahas, Carnell, Knights, Griffiths, Dea, Saad 1.
Best: Knights, Helbig, Stephenson, Dea, Edwards, Nahas.
The Development squad unfortunately went down earlier in the day by 25 points to the Sandringham side. They did show quite a lot of fight however, bringing the margin back from a larger deficit after half time. Abdallah, Keogh, Robortella and Anderson were amongst the best.
Round 2 will see Coburg face off against Williamstown next Saturday at 1pm. The game will be played at Burbank Oval.
http://www.sportingpulse.com/club_info.cgi?client=1-118-10471-0-16771085&sID=56260&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=23063648Match report on the RFC website here:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-04-08/tigers-star-in-first-round-coburg-win