In a nail-biting final term at Piranha Park, Coburg have finished their final practice match in a draw with Box Hill scoring 10.11 71 a piece.
While the Lions led all day and were 23 points up at three-quarter time, the Hawks managed to get the margin back to within just four points, with less than five minutes to play.
A missed shot on goal gave Coburg a five-point advantage, but nervous hands led to Box Hill scoring a major, leaving the Lions trailing by one point with a minute and a half to go.
With time running out and the rain setting in, Coburg composed themselves enough and found an opportunity to score, but unfortunately couldn’t get the six points.
The ball went through as a behind and the siren sounded not long after.
Coming off the back of a 65-point loss last weekend, the Seniors knew they had to step up this week, and so they did.
Their pressure and strong tackles kept the Hawks goal-less in the first term, which led to Coburg also having greater possession of the ball.
While having eight less inside 50’s to Box Hill coming up to half-time, Coburg’s early efforts meant we still had the lead going into half-time.
Christian Burgess, Peter McEvoy and Nick Dodge all kicked doubles for the game, with Cameron Holdsworth, Patrick Lawlor, Zak Wunhym and Rhys Free kicking singles.
Ben Allan recorded 22 disposals for the day, followed by Nathan Blair with 21 disposals, both having an impact in the final practice match.
Jesse Corigliano, stepping up from the Development side, and Blake Mullane, a former Frankston Dolphin, also showed good signs finishing up with 19 disposals each.
While it wasn’t the win the Lions had hoped for, they will now look ahead to the season proper next Saturday where they take on Collingwood.
Be sure to come down to Piranha Park again next weekend to Hear the Lions Roar and see our Coburg boys in action at 2:40pm!
Coburg 4.5 6.5 9.8 10.11 (71)
Box Hill 0.1 5.7 5.9 10.11 (71)
Goals: Burgess 2, McEvoy 2, Dodge 2, Holdsworth, Lawlor, Wunhym, Free.
Best: Blair, Allan, Holdsworth, Burgess, Dodge, Mullane.
