Coburg’s season is back on track after a comfortable win over Essendon in the VFL.

Several of the Tigers’ Richmond-listed contingent were influential in the 34-point victory.

Aaron Edwards was superb all afternoon, taking 16 marks and kicking two goals from 22 possessions.

Experienced ball-winners Shane Tuck (25 disposals) and Nathan Foley (24) controlled the midfield, while Liam McBean and Robin Nahas provided the polish in the forward half, kicking four goals each.

Richmond rookie Ben Darrou continued his fine form in defence, taking 12 marks and collecting 19 touches.

Coburg led by as much as 67 points at three-quarter time, before the Bombers finished with a flurry of late goals.

“We had some good match-ups in the forward line, and we tried to utilise them,” Edwards said after the match.

“We had a good third quarter, but we didn’t quite finish it off.  To move up the ladder, we need to do that.”

Coburg dominated the opening exchanges, kicking the only five goals of the first term with the wind as Essendon squandered its opportunities.

The Tigers’ workrate continued in the second, with six goals – including two to key target Liam McBean – extending margin to 40 points at the main break.

Foley and Tuck were instrumental in the midfield early, collecting 27 disposals between them in the first half.

Robin Nahas ignited Coburg in the third quarter, kicking three goals in quick succession to help the home side to an unassailable lead at the final change.

Coburg has next weekend off as the VFL state-of-origin weekend takes place, before travelling to play Werribee in Round 6 on Saturday, May 18.


Final scores
Coburg:              5.4          11.6        18.10     19.11.125
Essendon:           0.5          4.7          7.9          13.13.91

GOALS:
Coburg: McBean 4, Nahas 4, Edwards 2, Arnot 2, Maric, Tuck, Griffiths, Verrier, Maric, Lonergan, Derickx
Essendon: Dell’olio 3, Shinners 3, Daniher 2, Hunter 2, Dusher, Brantcatisano, Lovett-Murray

BEST:
Coburg: Edwards, Nahas, Tuck, Foley, McBean, Maric
Essendon: Hams, Shinners, Hunter, Toy, Brancatisano, Fahey