Coburg coach, Tim Clarke, provides his exclusive summary of how the Richmond-listed players performed at VFL level in last Sunday’s win against Werribee.
David Astbury
One of his best games this season. Played in defence on Werribee’s resting ruckmen, North Melbourne-listed pair Daniel Currie and Majak Daw. Was terrific in the hectic, final few minutes of the game, taking several timely marks.
Jake Batchelor
Played a defensive role on a quality opponent in Ben McKinley for the majority of the game. Apart from a five-minute patch in the first quarter, probably had the better of him. Needs to do a bit more offensively, however.
Matt Dea
Had the job on one of Werribee’s dangerous forwards, Ben Warren, and kept him to just a couple of goals. Also provided us with plenty of run across half-back, picking up 24 possessions.
Todd Elton
Played a defensive role on Werribee key forward, Ben Brown, as well as their resting rucks at times. Was solid defensively and provided some good ball use going forward. A few chop-out marks were a highlight of his game.
Ben Griffiths
Was used up forward and had an involvement in several contests. Took three contested marks and hit the scoreboard a couple of times. Needs to work on getting to more contests, to enable him to take more marks.
Sam Lonergan
Inside work was outstanding again. Led the way in helping us win the clearance count by 21 on the day. Was also good when he went forward, taking two solid marks.
Liam McBean
Started a bit slowly, but had a big second term, taking a few grabs grabs and having three shots for goal. Kicked two goals, but was subbed off at half-time due to a pinched nerve.
Matthew McDonough
Was a bit sick on the day, so lacked his usual energy and buzz. Played a handy role up forward, however, kicking a goal and helping set up some others.
Luke McGuane
Played forward right throughout the match. Failed to make the most of the opportunities that came his way early in the game, which set the pattern for the rest of the day for him. But he continued to work hard in what was a tough day for forwards.
Kamdyn McIntosh
Was moved to a wing as part of his development. Worked really hard defensively and helped bring the ball out to set up our midfield run. Will get better in this role over the next few weeks.
Robin Nahas
Used in a different role, across half-back, and was really influential in restricting Werribee’s small forwards. Also made a major contribution offensively, finishing the match with 30 disposals.
Brett O’Hanlon
Very impressive in his role across half-forward. His run between the arcs really helped our offensive ball movement, and his ball use centre forward was a highlight.
Brad Helbig
Had a fine game in the midfield, picking up 26 disposals. Also used the ball really well between the arcs. Was a significant factor in our offensive game.
Orren Stephenson
Was great to have him back in our side. Battled hard all game in the ruck and consistently gave our hard, inside midfielders first use. Drifted forward a few times, but was inaccurate with his shots for goal.
Shane Tuck
After warming up at the MCG as an emergency for the Richmond side, he made his way out to Coburg for the start of our game. Taking into consideration that preparation, he did really well. Was very good, as per usual, with his inside work and finished with 21 disposals. The two contested marks he took were a highlight of his game.
Steve Verrier
Produced his best performance of the season. Played off half-back, had 26 disposals, and provided the team with plenty of run and carry. Also defended well, which was important.
Match details
Coburg 3.1 7.8 8.10 9.12 (66)
Werribee 2.1 3.1 5.7 9.9 (63)
Goals – Coburg: McBean 2, Helbig, McGuane, Clifton, O’Hanlon, McDonough, Griffiths, Maric.
Best – Coburg: Nahas, Helbig, Astbury, Venditti, Lonergan, Verrier.
