Coburg coach, Tim Clarke, provides his exclusive summary of how the Richmond-listed players performed at VFL level in last Sunday’s loss to the Northern Blues.
Brad Helbig
Played a really good game through the midfield and across half-back, picking up 27 possessions. His absence through injury the previous week really hurt the team. A major highlight of Brad’s performance was his contested work, which was fantastic, along with his ball use, both centre-back and centre-forward.
Ben Darrou
Very impressive again at full-back. Played on promising Carlton-listed key forward Luke Mitchell for most of the day and beat him. ‘Killed’ the ball decisively in the air and used it really well offensively. Also was good for the team to get him back after he’d missed the previous round due to injury.
Matt Arnot
An above average performance. Had about 20 touches and provided some of the run and dash that was such a feature of his game earlier in the year. Was caught at times with the ball, so he needs to be quicker by hand.
Orren Stephenson
Outstanding in the ruck – an inspirational workhorse. We were forced to play Tom Derickx at full-back, which meant he took about 90% of the ruck work burden. He won 35 hit-outs and was terrific around the ground as well, taking 11 marks.
Nathan Foley
Was terrific in his comeback appearance, playing the first half. Played as a high forward and through the midfield. Highlight of his game was getting the ball in the middle, taking a bounce, and kicking a goal from 45 metres out. Exciting for Richmond that he’s not far away from AFL selection.
Robin Nahas
Played three quarters in a role across half-forward and on-ball. Provided plenty of run and carry through the midfield and also hit the scoreboard, finishing with two important goals.
Matt Dea
Played a half and was very good again across half-back. Defensively, he was much better than the previous week, and he still used the ball well to the team’s advantage.
Aaron Edwards
A top-class, seven-goal display. Was the most dangerous forward on the ground. Leading patterns, and body use, were a real feature of his game. Is doing everything he can to gain AFL selection.
Matt McDonough
Started across half-back and then was moved through the midfield and up forward due to rotations. Was really lively after half-time, producing possibly his best performance of the year. Marking was a highlight of his game.
Brett O’Hanlon
Played wing and half-back for the majority of the match. Gave the side consistent run and carry through the mid-zone. Impacted the scoreboard as well.
Matt White
Provided plenty of midfield run in the first half. Was missed in the second half when rested. Work hard into defence and linked up well through the midfield.
Steve Verrier
Had a solid game across half-back offensively, but needs to work on getting his starting points right defensively.
Tom Derickx
Had to play an important role at full-back on strong Carlton-listed key forward Levi Casboult, due to the late withdrawal from the team of Dave Astbury. Competed really well, despite his lack of training in this area.
Todd Elton
Provided a really good target up forward, with his strong leads and strong hands. A breakout game from him is not far away.
Nick Vlastuin
Came on-ball in the second half and provided good, solid body inside. Picked up nine possessions in the half he played. Needs to work on getting more uncontested ball.
Jake Batchelor
Played the first half, across half-back, on quality Carlton-listed player Jeremy Laidler. Was good in his role and helped set the team up offensively with his good ball use.
Cadeyn Williams
Unfortunately, hurt his groin and shoulder during the game. Was playing his inside-midfield role well before then. Needs to work on surging from contests.
Match details
Coburg 4.4 6.6 12.11 15.13 (103)
Nthn Blues 2.4 11.8 13.11 19.15 (129)
Goals – Coburg: A. Edwards 7, Nahas 2, A. Saad 2, Foley, Arnot, Elton, O’Hanlon.
Best – Coburg: Helbig, A. Edwards, Darrou, Stephenson, Elton, Robertella.
