Coburg coach Tim Clarke provides his exclusive summary of how the Richmond-listed players performed at VFL level in last Saturday’s victory over Bendigo.

Jake Batchelor

Played his second good game in-a-row.   Provided the team with plenty of run out of defence, finishing with 21 disposals.  Is pushing for AFL selection.

Ben Darrou

Had another good game at full-back.  Gave his opponent no latitude and provided us with plenty of protection in the second half after some easy goals were scored by Bendigo early in the game.  Again was also very good offensively.

Matt Dea

Spent the majority of the game across half-back, where he had seven or eight chop-out marks, and helped generate our offensive ball movement.  Went forward at the start of the last quarter, as part of his overall football development, but was subsequently moved back again. 

Tom Derickx

Continued his rich vein of form, dominating in the ruck with 42 hit-outs.  Provided a big presence for us with his four contested marks and tackling pressure around the contest.

Aaron Edwards

Produced an outstanding performance.  Kicked seven goals, gave off five others, and had 23 disposals all-up.  Moved as well as he has all year, which was pleasing considering that he was in doubt with an injury niggle early in the week.

Todd Elton

Played his best game up forward for the year.  Had 18 disposals and took six contested marks, which is something he’s been working heavily on.  Kicked 2.3, but just needs to make more of his opportunities in the forward half.

Dylan Grimes

Was excellent defensively.  His closing speed on opponents’ leads was back, as was his aggression. Offensively, he was just a bit scratchy, with some missed kicks and ordinary decision-making.  But will be better again next match.

Brad Helbig

Had his best game for the year, with a really good mix of inside and outside football. Applied  plenty of pressure around the ball with six tackles, racked up 32 disposals, including eight clearances, and used the ball extremely well by foot.

Sam Lonergan

Outstanding for the second week in succession.  Had 40 disposals, including 16 clearances, and kicked two goals.  The best part about his game was the 19 uncontested disposals he picked up, which proved he can also work hard and smart for outside footy.  Will be a reliable performer if recalled to AFL ranks.

Liam McBean

Was very good forward up forward again, kicking five goals, to follow on from his six the previous game.  Also took a couple of contested marks, but it was his separation on the lead that was a particularly exciting factor.  Goalkicking accuracy also was a highlight of his game.

Gideon Simon

Struggled to get into the game.  Had a few tackles late, but didn’t really impact.
 

Steve Verrier

Played another good, attacking game off half-back.  Is back to the impressive form he displayed before getting injured.  Only a few mistakes brought his performance down a level.

Match details

Coburg                 4.7          9.8          11.12     23.16  (154)            
Bendigo               0.3          6.6          6.6          12.8  (80)

Goals – Coburg:  A. Edwards 7, McBean 5, Saad 3, Elton 2, Lonergan 2, Helbig, Batchelor, N. Maric, Derickx. 

Best – Coburg:  Lonergan, Helbig, A. Edwards, Grimes, Derickx, Venditti.