Coburg coach, Tim Clarke, provides his exclusive summary of how the Richmond-listed players performed at VFL level in last Sunday’s loss to the Casey Scorpions.
 

Matt Arnot
A really solid performance.  Started across half-forward, where he provided plenty of run, and helped set up four shots at goal.  Was moved into the midfield in the second half, as we couldn’t get our hands on the ball.

Jake Batchelor
Started slowly, but was much better in the second half with more regular defenders around him.  Will push for AFL senior selection this week.

Matt Dea
Provided the team with his usual run-and-carry, although he wasn’t as reliable as he normally is in terms of disposal efficiency.  Notwithstanding that, also will push for AFL selection this week.

Tom Derickx
Took on most of the team’s ruck duties throughout the day due to Orren Stephenson being out.  Competed well, but needed to have more of an impact around the ground.

Todd Elton
Started the game alternating between defence and ruck.  Played the second half on one of Casey’s key forwards, and did a reasonable job, keeping him to only two shots at goal.  Is still improving in that defensive role.

Ben Griffiths
Got moved back due to injuries.  Lacked touch defensively and will need to improve if he’s going to play in this area.

Brad Helbig
Took a slight hip injury into game and, as a result, struggled with his normal movement around contests.  Didn’t have enough all-round involvement, and was well beaten by his midfield opponents.

Sam Lonergan
Had an off day, particularly early on.  Didn’t play with his usual energy, but still ended up with 10-12 contested possessions and eight tackles.  Is sure to bounce back strongly.

Liam McBean
Was our only dangerous forward at times throughout the game.  Provided good energy in the forward line, having four shots at goal.  Had an excellent third quarter, taking four or five marks inside 50.

Matthew McDonough
Played through the middle and up forward.  Was okay with his defensive pressure, but didn’t have enough offensive involvement in the match.

Luke McGuane
Started forward and was involved in many contests, although he couldn’t quite hold on to a few overhead marks.  Moved down back in second half to play a role for us.  Is in good form at the moment.

Kamdyn McIntosh
Played across half-back and on a wing.  Was good defensively, as well as with some of the structures we’ve been working on with him.  Didn’t get involved enough offensively, however.

Robin Nahas
Played mostly deep forward, but lacked his customary buzz.  Needed to get higher up ground in a bid to increase his overall involvement in the contest.

Brett O’Hanlon
Had a quiet day.  Lacked the involvement required to play a good, consistent level of VFL football.

Ricky Petterd
Was solid in his first game back after being sidelined for several weeks with a calf injury.  Played a half and undoubtedly will be better for the run.

Steve Verrier
The defensive part of his game was okay, but offensively he didn’t provide us with his customary run- and-carry.  He also gave away too many free kicks.  Has been in good form, however, so look forward to him bouncing back.


Match details
Coburg                 1.2          3.5          5.8          9.10  (64)         
Casey                    3.5          10.7        13.12     16.15  (111)                                                                                                         

Goals – Coburg:  McBean 2, Arnot 2, Nahas, Lonergan, Carnell, Clifton, McDonough.
Best – Coburg:  Carnell, Venditti, Dea, Derickx, Arnot, Clifton.