While Coburg started strong and came out to prove they were top eight contenders, the reigning premiers’ strength and flair proved too strong for the Tigers.
Both teams came out strong in the opening minutes, with tight pressure and physical play all over the ground. Coburg’s Dylan Murphy was attacking the ball in the forward line and the Tigers were able to equal Port Melbourne’s pressure all over the ground to hold a 6-point lead at quarter time.
Coburg coach Adam Potter was happy with the opening performance but was adamant that his hungry Tigers would have to keep it up in order to send a strong message.
The Tigers pressure eased in the second quarter, allowing the Boroughs to control the play and generate run throughout the midfield to create multiple opportunities inside 50.
The top side controlled all the play in the second quarter, picking up 18 inside 50s to Coburg’s four. Although the Tigers were unable to impact on the scoreboard, Port Melbourne’s poor kicking (3.9 for the quarter) was keeping Coburg in the game, going into half time with a 21-point lead.
Thomas Groves had a solid first half for his first seniors game this season, picking up 11 disposals, four spoils and four tackles for the half and showing his worth in the backline. Despite the poor quarter, Luke Cartelli also proved to be a good option around the ground, obtaining 12 disposals for the half and finishing with 19 touches and seven marks.
Two quick goals in the opening four minutes of the third quarter by Browne and Post brought the Tigers back in it, with Nick Carnell and Adamm Maric moving the ball flawlessly through the middle and into the forward line.
Jake King’s half-brother, Liam Brandt, kicked his first VFL goal to keep the Tigers momentum going and Daniel Venditti, formerly from the WAFL, also created great run from half back and covered space throughout the midfield, being rewarded with nine touches for the quarter and 23 for the match.
Although the Tigers were undisciplined in their forward line at times, wasting opportunities to take the lead, Ben Clifton’s pressure was outstanding, recording six tackles for the quarter and finishing the game with 14 and showing off some of his class shown in past seasons.
Coburg went into the final term with a sniff, only 15-points behind the reigning premiers. However, the Boroughs had other ideas, quickly running away with the lead, making the most of the Tigers’ turnovers and undisciplined free kicks early on in the quarter.
Despite a great piece of play by Carnell which lead to an Andrew Browne mark and goal, Coburg were unable to keep up with Port Melbourne as the Tigers slipped to a 46-point deficit.
Despite the class of John Baird and Stephen Brewer, both ending the game with 30 touches, Shane Valenti with 28 and Dean Galea, who proved too strong in their forward line, picking up four goals, Coburg still had many positives to take from the game.
The Tigers played competitive football and were in the game until three quarter time with Andrew Browne playing well around the ground and in the ruck and finishing with two goals. Adamm Maric also ran tirelessly all day to obtain 28 disposals for the match, and David Fahey, Murphy and Groves gave honourable performances.
The Tigers will be hoping to show the same hunger and determination over four quarters next week to come home with the four points when they take on Collingwood at Mantello Holden Oval next Sunday.
Port Melbourne 3.3 6.12 9.15 16.18.114
Coburg 4.3 4.3 8.6 10.8.68
Coburg Tigers
Goals: A. Browne 2, J. Post 2, A. Graham 2, D. Murphy , L. Brandt , L. McGuane , O. Uysal
Best Players: A. Browne, D. Fahey, A. Maric, T. Derickx, T. Groves, D. Murphy
