It may not have been the prettiest of wins, with the Tigers’ inaccurate kicking keeping the Pies in with a chance, but their hunger and determination paid off, keeping a finals appearance within reach.
Coburg started off strongly, with two quick goals from Luke Cartelli and Todd Elton in the first five minutes. However, Collingwood struck back, controlling a lot of the play, although wasted opportunities in front of goal by both sides ended with the Tigers holding a three-point lead at quarter time.
The return of Richmond’s Matt White proved helpful, as he created run through the midfield, working alongside Brett O’Hanlon, Daniel Venditti and Luke Cartelli. Elton also had a solid first half, with his sticky fingers proving dangerous, rising above the Magpies to pick up six marks, 11 touches and a goal.
Coburg controlled most of the play in the second quarter, with plenty of opportunities inside their 50, with some smart play and fancy footwork from Steven Verrier and Luke McGuane, giving them a 20-point lead going into the main break.
Collingwood’s Caolan Mooney proved to be a handful for the Tigers, with the 19-year-old Irishman kicking the Magpies' first five goals for the match. Collingwood continued to threaten the Tigers in the third quarter, using their space well to make the switch and create run and opportunities, resulting in four goals for the quarter.
Some classy displays and a miraculous mark from captain Nick Carnell, and some careless free kicks given away by the Magpies assisted the determined Tigers to keep a 13-point lead going into the final term.
An early goal from Collingwood brought the margin back to eight points, but the Tigers responded in style.
A quick snap from Willie Wheeler gave them the momentum they needed, and a captain’s goal from Carnell was accompanied by a huge roar from the home crowd as they began to taste victory.
A classily dribbled goal from Venditti sealed the win, as the Tigers dominated the quarter, picking up 12 more inside 50s (20-8) and the midfield winning the clearances in the final term 13-4.
Collingwood’s prominent performers, Kris Pendlebury (19 disposals), Paul Seedsman (18) and Tom Sundberg (16) were not enough to compete with Coburg’s hunger for a win.
Matt White ended the game with 28 touches, with Venditti (23 disposals), Cartelli (21) and Verrier (20) also putting in solid performances.
David Fahey once again laid on the pressure in the backline, while Leigh Masters also showed some class.
Coburg captain Nick Carnell was happy with the win, and hopes his team can continue on their road to the finals.
“We made a great statement today. It’s been a tough month, but the boys showed spirit and heart to get over the line,” he said.
“Hopefully today’s win can be emulated next week on the road.”
Coburg will travel to Warnambool next week for a home game against Geelong, in hope of showing that they are real contenders this season.
Coburg 2.6 5.11 7.16 10.23.83
Collingwood 2.3 3.3 7.3 9.3.57
Coburg Tigers
Goal Kickers: L. McGuane 2, D. Murphy , M. White , T. Elton , N. Carnell , D. Venditti , L. Cartelli , J. Webberley , W. Wheeler
Best Players: M. White, D. Venditti, S. Verrier, W. Wheeler, T. Elton
