The Coburg Tigers kicked off the 2012 VFL season with a 13-point win against cross-town rivals Northern Blues yesterday.
The Tigers were able to produce good pressure, particularly in the second half, with Jeromey Webberley, Pat Contin, Luke McGuane, Ben Clifton and Willie Wheeler finishing the game with big numbers. Rhett Jordon also showed determination across the forward line, picking up two goals.
Both teams started off sloppy, producing multiple turnovers and careless mistakes. Despite good control by Coburg’s centre line, they were unable to convert their skill into points on the scoreboard.
The first goal of the match didn’t come until the five-minute mark by the Northern Blues, and things began to look grim for Coburg when Ben Griffiths went down on the ground with a concussion early in the first quarter, and didn’t return for the rest of the game.
The Tigers finally found aggression with three quick goals, before the Blues began to make space and convert quick play into goals to create a five-point lead at quarter time.
Coburg coach, Adam Potter enforced the importance of composure and smart play at quarter time, telling his Tigers to slow down and not rush their decisions.
The Tigers had a disappointing start to the second quarter, and the frustration began to rattle captain Nick Carnell, who began to fire up his team.
The Tigers then began to find their rhythm with good defensive pressure from Christian McErlain and two goals from big men, Andrew Browne and Tom Derickx.
A quick centre clearance from aggressive Richmond recruit Matthew Arnot, who ended the match with seven tackles, turned into a great goal on the run by Jordan, giving the Tigers their first lead of the match.
The Tigers began to take control, with young gun, Wheeler placing four tackles in the quarter, Webberley running all over the ground to pick up 19 disposals and McGuane showing significant improvement as they went into the second half with a one-point lead.
Both teams started off slow in the second half, until the Blues took back the lead with a goal by Adam Marcon at the seven minute mark.
However, strong defensive pressure by Nick Maric, winning a four on one contest, and a quick goal by Carnell got fans and the team energised.
The excitement led to another three goals with a long kick from Gibson Turner turning into a goal for Richmond quick Matt White, as well as two long goals from Coburg young favourites, Contin and Wheeler, giving the Tigers a solid 21-point lead going into the final term.
Potter re-enforced the need for pressure and execution of their game plan and urged players to lift at the start of the quarter in his three quarter time address.
Despite an early goal by Jordon, accompanied by another big celebration and roar from the crowd, two goals and fast plays by Northern Blues kept Coburg on their toes, with Potter looking nervous in the coaches box.
The game sealer came with a delivery from Jordon to Derickx in the goal square, taking Coburg to a 19 point lead.
Coburg will be looking for back-to-back wins when they take on Casey Scorpions at home next Saturday.
Match details
Coburg - 11.11.77
Northern Blues - 9.10.64
Coburg goals - Derickx 2, Jordan 2, Carnell, Browne, O’Hanlon, Contin, Webberley, White, Wheeler
Coburg best - McGuane, Webberley, White, Wheeler, Jordan, Graham
