Coburg coach, Tim Clarke, provides his exclusive summary of how the Richmond-listed players performed at VFL level in last Sunday’s season-opening win against Sandringham.

Ben Darrou

Continued his good form down back playing on one of Sandringham’s key forwards. Contributed well right throughout the match, both defensively and offensively.

 Ben Griffiths

Played a solid game on St Kilda-listed veteran Justin Kozchitzke and other key forwards. Was also productive offensively, with two score involvements.

 Kamdyn McIntosh

Was a little down on the form he’d displayed during the pre-season with his run-and-carry.  Did, however, win some terrific one-on-one contests, and improved as the game wore on.

 Matt McDonough

Played a solid defensive game when down back, and provided great run off half-back as well. Also had an impact when moved forward and into the midfield during the second half.

 Matt Dea

Maintained his excellent form from the team’s final practice match, getting involved offensively and doing a strong defensive job for the team after half-time. Putting his hand up for AFL selection.

 Steve Verrier

Again impressed with his run-and-carry off half-back.  Didn’t use the ball as well as he would liked, but has shown significant improvement since our first practice match of the pre-season.

  Chris Knights

Was best-on-ground with more than 40 touches.  Provided great link run across half-back and had plenty of inside-50 entries.  Is offering terrific leadership for all the players at Coburg.  Another player putting his hand up for AFL selection.

 Nick Vlastuin

Won some solid inside football, but lacked the spread and offensive involvement that he’d shown previously in the pre-season.  His pressure on the ball and opposition players was still at a high level, however.

 Orren Stephenson

Was outstanding in the ruck again, giving our midfielders first use all day.  Also managed to get himself in some dangerous positions, offensively and defensively.  Putting his hand up high to play AFL football when the opportunity arises.

 Matt White

Provided great run-and-carry throughout the four quarters.  Continues to impress with his stoppage work and ability to win inside football.  Will provide the senior team with great run when given the opportunity.

 Brad Helbig

Produced another standout performance, playing through the midfield.  His hardness at the ball, and opposition players, has been a real feature of his game since returning from injury during the pre-season.  We look forward to seeing him return to AFL football soon.

 Robin Nahas

Gave the team terrific run-and-carry through the midfield and half-forward.  Collected more than 20 possessions and was involved in many scoring chains.  Will be pushing hard for a return to the Richmond side if he maintains this form.

 Aaron Edwards

Was another top target up forward, kicking four goals and giving off several others.  His leadership in the forward line has been terrific for all the younger players alongside him. Another player putting his hand up for AFL selection.

 Todd Elton

Provided a great leading option up forward all day.  Took more marks than he had in previous games and contributed well on the scoreboard with three goals.  Exciting for the Club to see him playing like that.

 Tom Derickx

Took another key step on the comeback trail from his wrist operation early this year. Contributed well, backing up Orren in the ruck and providing a tall option up forward.  Plays his best football when he is aggressive at the ball and opposition players.  

 Liam McBean

Turned in an impressive performance.  Marked the ball well inside-50 and contributed four goals.  His development is coming along nicely, and he will benefit from playing in the forward line alongside Edwards, Derickx and Elton, allowing him, at times, to get the fourth tall defender.

 Cadeyn Williams

Has been clean inside and shown strong improvement with his stoppage work.  Is also boosting his possession count and getting more involvement in games.  Will be one to watch through the midfield at VFL level, as the season progresses.

Match details

Coburg                 2.2          7.5          14.9        18.13  (121)

S’ham                   3.2          5.4          10.7        13.11  (89)

Goals – Coburg:  McBean 4, A. Edwards 4, Elton 3, Dea, Knights, Saad, Carnell, Helbig, Nahas, Griffiths.

Best – Coburg:  Knights, Helbig, Stephenson, Dea, Edwards, Nahas.