Development coach, David Newett, provides a summary of how the Richmond-listed players performed at AFL level with Coburg in last Sunday’s clash with North Ballarat . . .
David Gourdis
Made a welcome return to form. Looked more comfortable back in his customary role deep in defence following a stint up forward. Spoiling and rebounding were highlights of his performance in the backline.
Andrew Browne
Not up to the high standards he has set for himself this season. But was still competitive and worked hard in his ruck battle with a quality, experienced opponent in Orren Stephenson.
Jeromey Webberley
Again was the most damaging Coburg player, whether rebounding from defence, or taking the ball inside 50. Was consistent right across the game, finishing with more than 30 possessions.
Jayden Post
Was used both in defence and attack. Had a relatively quiet game, although he took several strong marks when in the backline, to repel North Ballarat’s forward movements, and showed composure with the ball.
Robbie Hicks
Didn’t get a lot of the ball, but generally used his possessions to the team’s advantage.
Pat Contin
Played in defence and acquitted himself well, gathering 25 possessions. Won plenty of one-on-one duels and provided good rebound.
Mitch Morton
Was quiet throughout. Spent time forward and in the midfield, but had minimal impact on the game.
Tom Derickx
Played predominantly in the ruck throughout the game and, although not dominant, got involved in several offensive passages of play.
Tom Hislop
Backed up the form from his previous match with another solid performance in the midfield. Provided a strong contest at stoppages to take the ball inside 50, applied strong tackles, and used his possessions efficiently.
David Astbury
Spent time at both ends of the ground. Was solid in the first half, either defending or providing a contest when forward. Faded out of it in the second half.
Ben Griffiths (Coburg reserves)
Had more involvements in his second game with the reserves. Again played in a number of positions and looked more confident as the match wore on. A long goal late in the game was a real highlight of his performance.
Dean MacDonald (Coburg reserves)
Another player returning from injury through the reserves. Kicked two goals and looked lively all game playing up forward.
Ben Jakobi (Coburg reserves)
Made his long-awaited return to the playing field after a lengthy injury lay-off. Was solid across half-back.
Nick Westhoff (Coburg reserves)
Had a quiet day. Battled to impact the game offensively, but it was pleasing that he continued to work hard on the defensive aspects.
Match details (VFL seniors)
Coburg 1.2 4.8 5.13 6.17 (53)
Nth Ballarat 6.5 9.6 13.9 17.11 (113)
Goals - Coburg: Carnell 3, Hislop, Clifton, Grgic.
Best - Coburg: Clifton, Hislop, Wheeler, Webberley, Grgic, Gourdis.
