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.

David Astbury
Started very well in defence, taking a number of marks in the first quarter and helping set up our offensive play.  Was moved forward in the second quarter as part of his development, but was then shifted back again after Matt Dea injured his shoulder.  Is close to AFL selection.

Jake Batchelor
Had a tough day, starting on Carlton-listed player, Nick Duigan, who was the Northern Blues’ main lead-up forward.  Fought his way back through a couple of good contests, but needed to give the team more offensively.

Ben Darrou
Was solid in defence in his first game back from a broken jaw.  Played on resting Carlton-listed big men Casboult, Warnock and Mitchell at different stages and didn’t have a goal kicked on him.  Not far off his defensive best, but was a bit scratchy offensively.

Matt Dea
Started the game really well, cutting off the opposition’s transition and helping set up our offensive play.  Had 13 disposals to the midway mark of the second quarter, before being sidelined for the rest of the match with a shoulder injury.

Tom Derickx
Was okay in the ruck duels, however was beaten overall around the ground by Casboult and Warnock.  Took three strong contested marks, but needed more involvement in the match.

Aaron Edwards
On a tough day for forwards, he found himself in the midfield at stages, and even in defence, due to injuries.  The team’s overall performance didn’t help his performance, however his tackling and pressure on opponents was good.

Todd Elton
Was used both forward and back throughout the game.  Had some solid involvements, with the highlight being his three contested marks in the final quarter.  Needed more overall involvement, however.

Ben Griffiths
Lasted just five minutes before being carried off due to concussion.

Matthew McDonough
Had a very solid game through the midfield, picking up 20 contested possessions and 15 clearances.  Was one of our best players on a day where we were well beaten in the midfield.  Continues to improve in all areas of his game.

Robin Nahas
Picked up another 30 possessions, playing at half-back.  Helped set up our offensive play and the defensive side of his game improved, as evidenced by his seven tackles for the match.

Brett O’Hanlon
Started well, but then copped a heavy knock late in the first quarter. Struggled to get into the game after that and was subsequently ruled out with concussion before half-time.

Brad Helbig
Had a more contested game, but needed to have further involvement and impact.  Although dominated by the opposition midfielders, his pressure throughout was good.

Orren Stephenson
Battled well in the ruck contests, however, like Tom Derickx, was beaten by opponents Warnock and Casboult.

Steve Verrier
Played another solid game at half-back, providing the team with plenty of run and carry, despite not  getting as much space as the previous week.  Continues to make good progress.


Match details
Coburg                 2.1          3.1          7.4          9.6  (60)  
Nthn Blues         2.3          8.11        11.13     17.16  (118)                                                          

Goals – Coburg:  Stephenson, Nahas, Palazzo, Helbig, Elton, Carnell, Venditti, Clifton, Maric.   
Best – Coburg:  McDonough, Nahas, Uysal, Astbury, Verrier, Dea.