The Coburg Football Club are delighted to announce the arrival of a former Calder Cannons captain, with Williamstown’s Matthew Merlo agreeing to terms for the 2016 season.
After a stellar 2013 TAC Cup season at Highgate Reserve where he managed to finish second in the clubs best and fairest, and win Calder’s academic achievement award, Merlo was considered an outside draft prospect. However after being overlooked, he landed at Burbank Oval.
However in Merlo’s two years at Williamstown, he failed to make the grade. His 2014 season was blighted by injuries and struggled to establish himself in the clubs development league side. The 2015 season was the same story, however he managed a regular position in the Williamstown development league side, and played in the clubs upset win over the previously undefeated Box Hill in the Grand Final, the third premiership in a row for the Seagulls. The week prior, he had his best performance in the blue and gold, kicking five goals and being unanimously named best on ground, ironically against Coburg.
Merlo is a tough and uncompromising inside midfielder who has natural leadership abilities, and has the ability to go forward and kick goals, as highlighted by his performance in the preliminary final. Merlo also joins ex Cannons team mates in Errol McConnell, Nathan Blair, Josh Cauchi, Ricky Schraven and Aaron Christensen at the club, and the Coburg Football Club are delighted to offer Merlo the opportunity to re-ignite his VFL career.
