Development Burgers thrash Scorpions

Best: Sturgess, Cooper, Blair, Madden, Rogers, Hunt
Goals: Madden 4, Kalanj 3, Cooper 3, Hemala 2, Schraven 2, Rogers, Hunt, Miles, Featherstone, Bailey
Lead by a standout display from Daniel Cooper, Coburg booted 19 goals in a high-scoring 48-point win over Casey at Piranha Park on Saturday afternoon.
Cooper was terrific for the Lions and was a constant presence around the ground with 25 disposals, eight inside 50s and kicked three goals. Andrew Sturgess overcame a slow start to finish with a team-high 29 possessions and had eight tackles in a typically strong, contested performance.
Joel Madden took his chances well to boot four goals while Jake Kalanj was similarly economical to slot three.
Ben Sortino returned from injury with a solid ruck display, which saw him accumulate 21 hit outs and 12 disposals.
Tom Miles (20 possessions) got Coburg on to the front foot with a tidy gather, sidestep and snap before Kalanj added another with a terrific set shot from tight on the boundary. If not for poor inside 50 entries by the Lions – that saw them often kick long to an unopposed Casey defender – the home side’s lead would’ve been far greater.

The Scorpions hit back thanks to a 50-metre penalty but a clever Kalanj tap set up a Brandon Bailey goal right on the siren to help Coburg regain control.
The Lions began to build a commanding lead in the second term, piling on five consecutive goals. Two late answers from Casey undid some of the Burgers’ hard work but another strong scoring display in third consolidated their advantage.
Keenan Posar provided important dash and poise in the back half and Liam Hunt had 19 touches and six inside 50s. Julian Hemala and Ricky Schraven were lively with two majors each while a rare goal from defender Jordy Rogers put the game to bed.
The Lions dropped off early in the last, allowing the visitors to hit back with three quick goals, but the result was never in doubt.