Development coach, David Newett, provides a summary of how the Richmond-listed players performed at AFL level with Coburg in last Saturday’s clash with Collingwood . . .
David Gourdis
Very good game from the backman, who is back to his best form of last season. Took seven marks and had 10 spoils. Is playing with renewed confidence and making a very valuable contribution to the Coburg defence.
Pat Contin
Was used across half-back and also spent some time in the midfield. Played his role well, curbing opponents and providing rebound.
Tom Derickx
Starting to adjust to VFL football. Again displayed good work rate throughout the game and was competitive in the ruck duels, despite giving away a few free kicks early on.
Tom Hislop
Was a catalyst in Coburg’s good win, with his ball-getting ability inside and out. Provided plenty of drive from the midfield, with some outstanding hard-ball gets and was a strong presence up forward as well, kicking three goals. Offered great leadership through his impressive attitude and overall performance.
Ben Griffiths
Didn’t have a high possession game, but impacted in the forward half. Looked confident presenting to the ball carrier, and his seven marks showed that he is getting closer to his best form after a long lay-off due to injury.
Ben Nason
Started slowly, but had an impact in the second half. Created turnovers and provided link from defence. Finished with 23 possessions and two goals in an improved performance.
David Astbury
A solid four-quarter effort from the key tall. Assisted other defenders when required, took some good marks, and used his possessions to the team’s advantage.
Angus Graham
Produced his best game for Coburg in some time. Won 27 hit-outs, to give the team’s midfielders first use of the ball. Very good follow-up work to apply pressure to opponents, and his spread from stoppages to provide a target resulted in eight marks and 28 possessions all-up. Provided a strong physical presence at contests around the ground and when forward, to cap off a top display.
Nick Westhoff
Played his first game of senior VFL football and, although he was adjusting to the tempo, did have some handy touches.
Jayden Post
Had a relatively quiet day in his return from AFL duties. Was competitive in the forward line and in aerial contests, without having a major impact.
Ben Jakobi (Coburg reserves)
Spent time in defence and midfield throughout the reserves game. Had some good involvements, but skill errors detracted from his performance.
Robbie Hicks (Coburg reserves)
Accumulated 21 possessions across half-forward and through the midfield in his reserves appearance. Applied good pressure at times and was lively up forward.
Jamie O’Reilly (Coburg reserves)
Made a long-awaited return after injury, playing half a game in the reserves. Despite a few errors, was serviceable across half-back, providing some good rebound.
Match details (VFL seniors)
Coburg 2.4 8.4 15.5 22.7 (139)
Collingwood 4.5 8.7 11.12 14.16 (100)
Goals - Coburg: Murphy 6, Hislop 3, Daniels 3, Jordan 3, Graham 2, Nason 2, Griffiths, Carnell, Wheeler.
Best - Coburg: Graham, Murphy, Hislop, Wheeler, Daniels, Gourdis.
