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

Matt Arnot
Had close to his best game at VFL level, playing as a high forward, with 30 disposals, five clearances, and a couple of goals.  Will push really hard for Richmond selection this week after being unlucky to be dropped following his AFL debut against St Kilda. 

David Astbury
Spent the first half in defence and was reasonably solid.  We then moved him into the forward line  to try and stretch Frankston’s defence.  He was a good target up forward without hitting the scoreboard.

Tom Derickx
Had the team’s No. 1 ruck duties again and clearly won the hit-outs on the day (40).  Managed to get a bit more of the ball around the ground, but needs to have more involvement overall.  Still gives away too many free kicks, too.

Todd Elton
Lined up on the opposition’s main forward Mike Lourey.  Was always going to be a tough day on one of the competition’s in-form forwards, but he held his own for the majority of the game. 

Ben Griffiths
Played on one of Frankston’s other key forwards in Khan Haretuku and curbed his influence on the game.  Just needed to give us more offensively.

Sam Lonergan
Had another really good inside game.  Won a heap of ‘hard-ball gets’, had nine clearances, and also put plenty of pressure on the opposition with six tackles.  Continues to play at a level above the VFL.

Liam McBean
Was very dangerous up forward again, especially early, taking three marks inside 50 in the first quarter, but couldn’t convert.  Finished the match with four behinds and no goals.  Ground-level work continues to be a highlight of his game.

Matthew McDonough
Although he was a little down on his previous week’s form, he still played a valuable role for the team through the midfield and up forward.   Had nine clearances, which underlined his improvement in this area.

Luke McGuane
Provided us with a good option up forward, kicking 2.2 for the game.  Started slowly in terms of marks, but took three strong grabs in the third to try and help turn the game.  Just couldn’t finish off his work, however.

Kamdyn McIntosh
Had a defensive role early, before being moved into the midfield at quarter-time.  Later on, was shifted back, due to Frankston’s ability to open us up.  Being thrown around made it difficult for him to get into the game.

Robin Nahas
Was tagged heavily and struggled to have an impact on the game.  His defensive pressure was still impressive, however, as evidenced by the six tackles he had.

Brett O’Hanlon
Had a slow start to the game as a forward, but started to find the football when moved into the midfield during the second half.  Needs to give us more offensively, however.

Ricky Petterd
Played a good role for the team down back, providing us with plenty of aerial coverage, as well as offensive involvements.   Apart from a few mistakes with the ball, was one of our better contributors.

Shane Tuck
Had another 30 touches in a terrific inside game.  Coughed the ball up a few times, but played his role extremely well.

Steve Verrier
Played across half-back, trying to limit Frankston’s small forwards.  Another player who needs to get more ball offensively.  And, six frees against, at critical times, was way too many.

Match details
Coburg                 0.4          3.7          6.9          7.11  (53)
F’ston                   4.3          7.7          11.9        14.13  (97)

Goals – Coburg:  Arnot 2, McGuane 2, Nahas, Tuck, Thomas.
Best – Coburg:  Arnot, Tuck, Lonergan, McGuane, Petterd, Clifton.