Coburg finished the 2010 season in 11th place on the VFL ladder after a 36-point loss to second-placed North Ballarat on the weekend.
The Tigers have been without several senior regulars in the past few weeks as the Richmond injury list mounts.
Against one of the VFL flag favourites, Coburg was outplayed in the first half and trailed by 48 points at the main break.
But the Tigers showed some encouraging signs in the second half, kicking eight goals to six to reduce the margin.
Young Richmond-listed player Dylan Grimes was among Coburg’s best, curtailing the dangerous Brad Fisher while collecting 16 possessions and 10 marks.
Tiger rookie Pat Contin continued his good form with 28 touches, while Dean Polo (25) and Jeromey Webberley (19) also found plenty of the ball.
Andrew Browne worked tirelessly in the ruck all afternoon, notching 20 touches and 26 hitouts.
Coburg finished the season with five wins, including victories over top-eight sides Port Melbourne (4th) and Box Hill (5th).
Final round scores
Coburg Tigers 1.3 2.3 7.6 10.8 (68)
Northern Bullants 3.3 8.15 11.18 14.20 (104)
GOALS:
Coburg Tigers: Carnell 2, Power 2, Dennis 2, Browne, Gilligan, Lucin, Polak
Northern Bullants: Thomas 3, Anderson 2, Fisher 2, O'Hailpin 2, Casboult 2, Yarran, Lawless, Arrowsmith
BEST:
Coburg Tigers: Grimes, Fahey, Browne, Power, Kahlefeldt, Dennis
Northern Bullants: Anderson, McCorkell, Thomas, Cachia, Thornton, Gale
