Tiger comes good
Howard Leigh | September 07, 2008
INJURY-troubled Richmond midfielder Mark Coughlan has taken a giant step towards resurrecting his AFL career with an eye-catching performance for the Coburg Tigers.
In yesterday's VFL elimination final against Frankston, the 26-year-old had 24 disposals and booted two goals in his most compelling hitout since returning midseason from intensive treatment in Munich for a chronic left-hamstring problem.
Despite Coughlan, Frankston turned a half-time deficit of 25 points into a thrilling six-point win - 14.17 (101) to 14.11 (95).
In the other qualifying final, the Casey Scorpions came from behind at three-quarter time to tip the Northern Bullants out of the finals race by five points at Casey Fields.
Frankston coach Brett Lovett dismissed talk his side had become giant killers.
"I wouldn't say we were underdogs going into the game," he said. "We beat Coburg earlier in the season and believed we could do it again."
Frankston half-forward Marcus Marigliana was reported for allegedly headbutting and centre half-forward Michael Lourey for striking during a wild third-quarter brawl involving 30 players.
Coughlan, who has not played an AFL game since Round 12, 2006 following two knee reconstructions and ongoing hamstrings problems, said he was contracted to Richmond for next season.
"I have no hiccups recently and been able to train during the week," he said. "I plan to have a big pre-season leading into next year."
Yesterday's game also represented the final curtain for 188-game Richmond midfielder Greg Tivendale, who was delisted at Punt Rd last week.
"It's disappointing to go out like this, but give credit to Frankston -- they are a really solid side," he said.
Tivendale intends nominating for the 2009 AFL national draft.
Coburg coach Jade Rawlings said he and his players respected the non-aligned Frankston side.
"They thrive on their spirit and toughness. Good luck to them, they were too good for us," he said.
Coburg's best were ruckman Tristan Cartledge, who had 17 touches, took six marks and had 22 effective tapouts, and forwards Cleve Hughes and Fort Caruso, who each booted four goals.
Lovett was pleased with input of midfielders Toby Conroy, who had 32 touches, Dan Keely (23) and defender Anthony Raso (22 disposals).
"Keely has only played six games and he ran hard," Lovett said.
Former Richmond and Williamstown full-forward Dean Limbach kicked four opportunistic goals in a fascinating duel with Alex Rance.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24306227-19742,00.html
