Development coach, David Newett, provides a summary of how the Richmond-listed players performed for Coburg in last weekend’s opening round of the 2011 VFL season . . .

Will Thursfield  (5 kicks, 6 handballs, 6 marks)
Was solid in defence, with nine spoils and 10 team defensive involvements.  Provided good support to a young backline and used the ball well offensively. 

Brad Miller  (7 kicks, 1 handball, 4 marks)
Was able to provide the team with a strong target up forward, despite the opposition constantly dropping numbers back.  Led well and forced a contest when outnumbered, and when the ball was kicked in quickly.  Overall, three goals was a good return from him. 

Shane Tuck  (11 kicks, 12 handballs, 4 marks)
Was very good at stoppages with his strong bodywork.  Impressive work-rate throughout (had 10 tackles), showed good leadership in the tight last quarter, and certainly had an impact on the game.  

Ben Nason  (10 kicks, 7 handballs, 4 marks)
Started impressively, kicking two goals in the first quarter.  Finished the game with a total of 17 possessions and used the ball efficiently. 

David Gourdis  (12 kicks, 4 handballs, 6 marks)
Played deep in defence and did a solid job in denying the opposition for the majority of the match.  Got involved in offensive chains and provided run out of the backline. 

Andrew Browne  (6 kicks, 11 handballs, 5 marks)
Had an interesting battle in the ruck and around the ground with promising St Kilda-listed big man Rhys Stanley.  Had 35 hit-outs and six clearances, to be one of the team’s best on the day.

Jayden Post  (8 kicks, 5 handballs, 5 marks)
Was used forward and in the ruck throughout the game.  Had an impact in the last quarter, taking a strong mark and setting up a couple of goals. 

Matt Dea  (9 kicks, 13 handballs, 6 marks)
Played a more attacking role in defence.  Accumulated 22 possessions, with seven handball receives, and was involved in several offensive chains.  Looked strong around contests. 

Robbie Hicks  (10 kicks, 4 handballs, 2 marks)
Worked hard up forward, without having a major impact.  Had an interrupted pre-season and will benefit from having that game under his belt. 

Jeromey Webberley  (17 kicks, 5 handballs, 7 marks)
Very good performance.  Used the many possessions he gathered to the team’s advantage.  Worked hard right throughout the game, running and linking up.  One of the team’s best on the day.  

Dylan Grimes  (7 kicks, 4 handballs, 3 marks)
Had another strong defensive game.  Also provided good spread and attack from the backline. 

Pat Contin  (12 kicks, 6 handballs, 9 marks)
Started the game slowly, but had a significant impact in the final term, kicking two goals and setting up some others. 

Dean MacDonald
Played in the reserves and showed some impressive traits, including a top goal in the first quarter.  Drifted in and out of the game. 

Nick Westhoff
Also played in the reserves, where he presented well as a key forward.  Was involved in several of the team’s scoring chains.

Match details (VFL seniors)
Coburg 7.0 9.2 11.7 16.9  (105)
S’ham  5.2 10.5 12.7 16.12  (108)

Goals - Coburg:  Carnell 4, Nason 3, Miller 3, Tuck 2, Contin 2, Lawton, Post.

Best - Coburg:  Webberley, Grimes, Tanner, Tuck, Nason, Carnell.