Coburg coach, Tim Clarke, provides his exclusive summary of how the Richmond-listed players performed at VFL level in last Saturday’s loss to the Box Hill Hawks.

Matt Arnot
Had another really good game.  Picked up 28 possessions (including eight clearances and seven inside-50s) and provided plenty of run and carry.  Also was very hard around the stoppages.

David Astbury
Played an important role across half-back, in his second game back from injury.  Was third man in for most of the match, took quite a few chop-out marks, and used the ball well offensively.

Ben Darrou
Again was terrific down back, limiting the influence of talented Hawthorn-listed forward Sam Grimley, and gathering 27 possessions himself.   His decision-making with the ball was a real highlight.

Matt Dea
After flying back on the “red eye” from Perth, where he was an emergency for Richmond against Fremantle, he was one of our best players.  Defended extremely well and also provided plenty of run off half-back, finishing the game with 27 touches.

Tom Derickx
Competed well in the ruck and up forward.   Had a strong presence at the contests, but needs to mark the ball more frequently.

Aaron Edwards
Once again was clearly our best forward, kicking 5.2.  Could have had an even bigger impact on the scoreboard, if he’d been able to hold on to a few more marks.

Todd Elton
Presented well on the lead early, but failed to impact the game on a consistent basis.

Nathan Foley
Was excellent throughout the three quarters he played, as he continued his comeback from that serious Achilles injury of last year.  Gave the side plenty of his trademark, dashing run through the midfield, collecting 28 possessions (including seven clearances). 

Ben Griffiths
Played his full-back role okay from a defensive viewpoint.  Offensively, however, his ball use was not at his usual high standard, and he contributed to far too many turnovers.

Sam Lonergan
Returned from several weeks on the sidelines with injury and was really good in his inside-midfield role for two quarters, before being rested.  Hardness around the contest was a key highlight of his performance.

Liam McBean
Started impressively with two goals and was a really good option for us up forward.  Doesn’t yet have the required work-rate to turn this into a consistent, four-quarter effort, but is looking better each week.

Matt McDonough
Played centre-forward, after being used down back the previous few weeks.  Kicked two telling goals and had five clearances in his 18 possessions.  Close to his best game at VFL level.

Kamdyn McIntosh
Was good in his role across half-back.  Defended well all day and had a season-high 24 touches.

Brett O’Hanlon
Started the game well on a wing, before injuring his ankle.  Will be out of action now for 4-6 weeks.

Orren Stephenson
Yet again was the standout big man on the ground.  Competed hard at the centre bounces and stoppages, winning 28 hit-outs, and also collected 19 possessions around the ground.

Steve Verrier
Played wing and half-back.  Found it hard to find space and was beaten a few times by his direct opponent.  Needs to be more composed. 


Match details
Coburg                 6.3          9.5          13.13     13.17  (95)
Box Hill               1.1          8.10        15.10     18.15  (123)

Goals – Coburg:  A. Edwards 5, McBean 2, McDonough 2, N. Maric 2, Dea, Arnot.
Best – Coburg:  Dea, Foley, A. Edwards, Darrou, Stephenson, Arnot.