Heading into our final round clash of the season against our old aligned side in Richmond, it was decided the feature article would consist of one heading down memory lane.
The ‘Coburg Tigers’ era as the Aligned reserve side for the Richmond Football Club what could be said as an up and down
era for the club. While the partnership with the Punt Road outfit was essential to its survival, it saw many talented VFL listed footballers represent the club in that time.
Honorable Mentions: Leigh Masters, Logan Hill, Shaun Huy, Joe Gazzo, Rhett Jordon, Jason Morgan, Tom Groves, Damien Rayson, Vinnie Randello, Jono Morris, James Keogh, James Saville, Travis Jorgensen, Paddy Steinfort
Jake King would become a cult figure at both Coburg & Richmond.
Jake King
Arrived at Coburg for 2006 as a recruit under Andy Collins- having spent the pre-season with Essendon prior to the drafts of that year. A diminutive backman or onballer who did his all for the team, King would win the best and fairest in his first season and as a result, would be rookied to Richmond in that year’s draft. He instantly established himself as a permanent fixture at AFL in his first season, and despite struggling to maintain his spot in the side a few years after, he re-established himself. He managed 107 games for Richmond, and 36 games for Coburg from 2006-2013. Younger brother Liam Brandt would later play in a Development League Premiership side in 2012 and also win a best and fairest in the twos.
Jarrod Sylvester provided outstanding service down back for years
Jarrod Silvester
A junior from Rupertswood, Jarrod Silvester was a key pillar especially in the Andy Collins reign. Described as all Heart and Soul, Silvester graduated from the Reserves to the Senior competition following his arrival from Calder. A watershed 2007 season saw him earn recognition amongst the premier key defenders of the competition- being named in the back pocket of the VFL Team of the Year. Subsequently it resulted in his drafting to Richmond at the end of 2007- however was unable to break through for an AFL berth that season, however still managed another second place finish for Coburg as they achieved another finals appearance. The 2009 season saw him finally make his AFL debut against St.Kilda- where he held together an under siege backline despite a huge loss. He would only manage another four games after that and would eventually be delisted. He would reunite with Collins at West Adelaide for two seasons, one of them which he would achieve team of the year honours, then returned to the Riddell District Football League with Riddles Creek where he played in a premiership. Silvester was the last player from the alignment drafted to play AFL.
Kristian de Pasquale was as tough as they came
Kristian de Pasquale
Aberfeldie junior who arrived at the City Oval from the Calder Cannons. Debuting for the club in 1999, de Pasquale according to Paul Amy was a ‘titanium tough’ small defender, would occasionally top up for the Carlton Reserves however never managed a spot on their AFL list. De Pasquale would win back to back best and fairests in 1999 and 2000 prior to the alignment. In the first year as the Coburg Tigers for 2001, de Pasquale would win the Fothergill Round Medal as best young player in the competition under 23, and would subsequently be one of the first players drafted under the alignment. Team of the year awards beckoned for 2002 in the back pocket, however never managed an AFL game for Richmond and was delisted at seasons end. Remarkably he played the VFL finals series with a ruptured ACL ligament. Remaining with Coburg for one more season, de Pasquale moved to the SANFL with Port Adelaide Magpies where he won the best and fairest in his first season at the club and managed over 100 games. He later served as a club physiotherapist with Port Power.
Talented defender Andrew Horne.
Andrew Horne
Strathmore Junior who joined Coburg from Calder, considered very unlucky to have not being drafted that year. Horne was a vital component in his debut season- his performances in the 2007 finals series where he shut down Williamstown star Patrick Rose while providing run out of the backline in the memorable preliminary final win, and was one of the best players in the disappointing Grand Final loss to Geelong. He further established himself in 2008- winning the coaches award, a spot in the team of the year and was a member of the leadership group. While 2009 saw him become a shining light in a disappointing year, Horne moved to the SANFL for two seasons with South Adelaide alongside Nick Liddle. He returned to Melbourne in 2012 with Strathmore where he was a member of the 2014 Premiership side in the EDFL Premier Division.
Brilliant defender Dean Talbot.
Dean Talbot
Brilliant defender who managed a second place finish for the Tigers in the 2002 Liston Trophy behind then future Hawthorn star Sam Mitchell- his form throughout that season was a key part of Coburg’s resurgence, as they ended up falling agonizingly short of a Grand Final berth having already been unlucky earlier in the finals series. He would win the best & fairest that season and would be awarded with team of the year honours, and would be awarded with the captaincy for 2003 for a season. He departed the club at the end of 2004 having played a key role for the team once again. Previously, he was on the AFL list of Geelong briefly.
The versatile Leigh Carlson: captain, a best & Fairest and team of the year honors.
Leigh Carlson
Short for a key defensive post, Carlson was a versatile backman who arrived at the club after stints with Sturt and Morningside, and previously had played in the NBL with the West Sydney Razorbacks. Carlson was a mainstay of the Coburg Tigers from 2001-2005 and had the ability to play either as a tall, medium or small. He reached the pinnacle of his career in 2003- despite a disappointing season for Coburg as a whole, he won selection in the Team of the Year and won a best and fairest. Subsequently he was appointed the captain for 2004 and was described as exceptional in the role. He would make few appearances in 2006, and retired as a result.
A young Ben Clifton- he’d turn out to be an outstanding clubman.
Ben Clifton
Ben Clifton arrived for his first pre-season at the Burgers having just completed his VCE as a boarder at Kilmore’s Assumption College, a school known for its reputation for producing talented school footballers who have gone onto play at the highest level. Not being guaranteed a contract upon arrival, Clifton quickly proved his worth and alongside his good mate Tom Groves, were the last two to earn a contract for the 2008 season. ‘Cliffo’ would finish second in the reserves best and fairest that season, and won the coaches award in 2010. 2012 saw him earn vice captaincy honours to his great mate Nick Carnell. Pledging his loyalty to the club as the returned under the lions’ moniker- Clifton’s experience was vital to a young side under Peter German for two seasons. Whilst he managed his 100th VFL game and a 3rd place in that seasons best and fairest, Clifton retired from the VFL upon the beginning of a full time career, and returned to Seymour where he began.
Daniel Venditti ahead of his first season in the VFL in 2012.
Daniel Venditti
Western Australian who moved to Melbourne for work purposes signed for the Tigers initially having doubts over whether or not he could cut it having struggled to establish himself with WAFL minnows Perth- starting in the Development League, Venditti would be a key component of what was a disappointing end to Coburg’s season, however his leadership was critical as the club were Premiers in the Development League in 2012. With key players departing following the exodus as Richmond controlled the final year of the alignment, Venditti further established himself as a permanent fixture of the side, and subsequently won the best and fairest. He would win another two more consecutively as the Lions went stand alone for the 2014 and 15 seasons, arguably becoming seen by some as perhaps the best player to have played for the club in its history. In what was a shock to many in the VFL, he announced his retirement just before the 2016 season due to receiving an overseas work promotion, after it loomed all along that he would take over as captain from Nick Carnell.
Two best and fairest wins in two seasons for Sam Power.
Sam Power
Tasmanian David Newitt was the fourth senior coach of Coburg in four seasons for the club, and with a host of experience departing for 2010, his experience as a development coach with North Melbourne saw him work alongside Sam Power for two seasons. Sam, having had his AFL career finished after eight seasons decided to play the remaining two seasons of his professional Australian Rules Football career with the Burgers- a massive coup for the club where he would also be appointed as a playing assistant coach and vice-captain to Nick Carnell. Powers two seasons saw him win the Jim Sullivan medal and would also be a team of the year member in both seasons. He currently serves as Carlton’s Football Operations and Integrity Officer.
Paul Shelton & Eric Kuret celebrate a win over Frankston at Frankston
Eric Kuret
Cragieburn Junior who also played school footy at Assumption College whilst playing with Calder in its 2001 Grand Final win- Kuret made an instant impact to suggest he’d be a player of the future for the Burgers, where he played his role in the 2002 finals campaign. After a 2004 season where he went close to winning the best and fairest, was appointed captain for the 2005 season. However, after a disappointing season, he would be removed of the captaincy however still remained as a vital element of the leadership group. After returning to his vintage form in 2006, where the Tigers made the finals, he decided to retire from VFL to focus on work. He would join Balranald, and would become a premiership star with EDFL side Greenvale in its 2012-13 consecutive premierships, winning best on ground in the latter. He moved to Queensland in 2015 to play with QAFL side Winston Grange.
Ryan O’Connor was a starlwart on and off the field with the Burgers
Ryan O’Connor
Ryan O’Connor was a great contributor to the Coburg Tigers on and off the field. A Tasmanian, O’Connor played 87 AFL games for Essendon & Sydney, and headed to the SANFL where he won a Margaery Medal with Port Adelaide Magpies. Returning to Melbourne he was a prize recruit for Coburg, and won a Jim Sullivan Medal in 2004 playing as a power forward and ruckman. He retired early in 2005 to take up the position as the club’s General Manager. Under O’Connor, the Tigers saw improved results on and off the field under his reign- a senior grand final appearance, a reserves premiership, membership and sponsorship being significantly improved and being a major factor in the alignment between the two clubs reaching its peak. O’Connor quit the GM post at the end of the 2009 season to take up the position of Talent Manager of the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup, a position he currently holds to this day.
It took just his second season for Willie Wheeler to win a best and fairest.
William Wheeler
‘Willie’ arrived to Coburg after winning the Murray Bushrangers best and fairest in a tie with Shaun Atley who would end up drafted by North Melbourne. Instantly making an impact, Wheeler was coburgs best first year player in 2011 and finished 3rd in the best and fairest, and was thought by many to be a chance for a rookie spot at Richmond. While winning the clubs 2012 best and fairest, and with the club’s future being uncertain with the final year of the Richmond alignment having its football department taken over by Richmond itself, Wheeler followed Adam Potter to Williamstown, the club where his Uncle Terry was a Premiership Player. He still remains a premium player of the VFL to this day, notching up 100 VFL games recently.
Here is the great Nick Carnell in just his second season- what a player he turned out to be.
Nick Carnell
Having been considered stiff to have been overlooked in the 2005 national draft after a solid season at the Northern Knights where he represented Vic Metro in the under 18 carnival, Carnell decided that the City Oval of Coburg was where he would continue his football, rather than his aligned club- the Northern Bullants. Who would’ve known this would’ve led to an outstanding career. After being in and out of the side in 2006, he was included in the leadership group for 2007 and despite being injured in the finals series, managed to play a key defensive midfield role. He backed it up with a solid 2008 notching up his 50th game. Approaching the age of 22, he was appointed captain for the 2009 season- a position at the club he held until he retired in 2015. Despite the club’s fading on field fortunes and receiving offers to play at other clubs, at local and state level, Carnell would stay true to the cause in the wake of the departures of others and notched up his 100th game for the club in 2011, the first player to do that since Anthony Alessio in the 1990’s, and the only player to reach the century in the alignment. Carnell was a five time Most Courageous award winner, was the leading goal kicker for four seasons, and was a deserved 3rd placing in the 2013 best and fairest. Carnell would also serve as a playing assistant coach for the 2015 season. Carnell’s captaincy in the club’s stand-alone return was vital, however at the age of 28, decided to retire after 168 games. He was inducted into the club Hall of Fame in 2016, and returned to his junior club Greensborough.
One season was all it took for Michael Rix to be drafted to a senior list.
Michael Rix
A former Oakleigh Charger, Rix began his VFL career with Port Melbourne before heading to Box Hill- where he would make his way onto Hawthorn’s Rookie List. After his year ended, he joined the Coburg Tigers with a view of earning a spot on Richmond’s List as a mature age recruit. Rix seemed to have done all the right things possible in order to have achieved that- Ruckman in the VFL Team of the Year and a Jim Sullivan Medal in what was a disappointing season for the club. However, it was St.Kilda who would take him in the National Draft and was put straight on their senior list. Rix would manage 29 games across three seasons with the Saints and reached the 100 game VFL milestone whilist playing for aligned side Casey. He would later become a premiership player with Subiaco.
Fort Caruso celebrates a goal off the ground in the 2007 Preliminary Final.
Fort Caruso
Dual Morrish Medallist, having been considered extremely unlucky not to have been drafted at 2006’s end remained at the City Oval, and joined his older brother Nat. Described as a player who would not look out of place in a Spring Carnival race meet at Flemington, Fort quickly established himself and would be named the clubs ‘best first year player,’ and alongside Nat and fellow Cannon Graduate Joe Gazzo they formed an infamous trio known as the ‘Italian Brigade,’ where their performances saw huge finals wins against Port Melbourne and Williamstown on the way to a grand final. VFL team of the year honours beckoned in 2008, however shortly after he found himself in the SANFL with West Adelaide. Returning to Melbourne he joined the Northern Saints, a joint venture established with his junior club Fawkner Park. He moved to Greenvale for 2016.
Travis Ronaldson- the last player to captain Coburg to a Grand Final.
Travis Ronaldson
Lion Hearted ruckman who made an instant impact at the City Oval from the time he arrived there- instantly being appointed as captain in his two seasons under Andy Collins. Originally from the Gippsland region, Ronaldson had stints with Tasmania and Central District. His 2007 season was outstanding- VFL Team of the Year selection and a 3rd placing in the Liston Trophy, and his leadership was critical as Coburg unexpectedly made the 2007 Grand Final. Leaving to return to Junior club Woodside, Ronaldson would reunite with Collins at West Adelaide for half a season before returning to Coburg in 2010- however would only manage two reserves appearances. He would later coach VAFA side Old Ivanhoe and in Gippsland, and currently is a Strength and Conditioning Coach and Club Dietician with the Gold Coast Suns.
Alister Neville
Brilliant midfielder, originally from Old Trinity & the Oakleigh Chargers, was enticed to Coburg to follow Collins from Box Hill- having missed out on a spot on Richmond’s list having spent the pre-season campaign with them prior to the drafts. Neville had an instant impact, he would tie with Jake King for the Jim Sullivan Medal in 2006 following being instantly named in the leadership group. His 2007 season was just as good- VFL state game selection with a Frank Johnson Medal as Best on Ground, VFL Team of the Year selection and another top three finish in the
Alistair Neville and Paul Shelton: both best and fairest winners under Andy Collins.
best and fairest. He was rated by many as considerably unlucky never to have been given a go at AFL, despite training with three different clubs. Moving back to Box Hill for 2008, Alister would later quit the game and move to the United States where he is still located to this day.
Paul Shelton
Queenslander, who after stints on the Rookie Lists of the Brisbane Lions and Hawthorn, only to never manage senior footy, arrived at the City oval after a brief tenure with Williamstown. Shelton’s impact like fellow recruits in Neville and Ronaldson was duly noted. Despite his size, Sheltons use of the ball especially by handball was an esteemed element of his game and was the clubs Jim Sullivan Medallist for 2007- a season where the expectations were well exceeded. Appointed captain for 2008, Shelton departed at seasons end to return to his native Queensland, where he captained his home club Morningside to a Premiership and would represent Queensland’s representative sides. Shelton’s business, Brandtek, was a former sponsor of the club during his time.
Nat Caruso celebrates a goal in the big 2007 preliminary final win.
Nat Caruso
Falkner Park junior who was a Calder Premiership player in 2003 was a member of the ‘Italian Brigade’ under the Andy Collins era- consisting of his younger brother Fort and another Cannon in goalsneak Joe Gazzo. A utility, Caruso was capable of playing either as a medium or tall option and established himself in the senior side in 2005, and was capable of playing as a pinch hitting ruckman. Joined by younger brother Fort in 2007, he had a solid season, however it came to a disappointing end with the big Grand Final loss, breaking his finger early on in a sickening incident early in the second quarter. Appointed vice-captain for 2009, Caruso would be one of many to move to the SANFL at the end of the season. He returned to Melbourne for 2013 with the Northern Saints. He currently plays for Greenvale.
Christian McErlain worked hard to establish himself as a key component of the side.
Christian McErlain
Mcerlain was another Cragieburn junior who was a stalwart at Calder, however battled hard in order to establish himself, within an aligned team in the VFL. A premiership player in the 2007 reserves, McErlain would serve a lengthy apprenticeship and would make the odd appearance in the senior side. It wasn’t until 2011 until he earnt the senior opportunities under Adam Potter where he would serve as a key member of the backline, and was included in the leadership group. McErlain was part of the exodus from the end of the 2012 season, and would return to Cragieburn where he currently plays today in the Division One competition of the EDFL.
Ryan Pagan was fantastic in his four seasons at the city oval.
Ryan Pagan
Son of dual North Melbourne premiership coach Denis, Ryan would make his way to the City Oval for the first season of the new alignment. It was a homecoming of sorts for Pagan as he made his way to Arden Street from the Calder Cannons, who were a co-tenant at the time. Pagan’s leadership was a hallmark of the side for four seasons as Coburg would feature in finals in all but one of them. A key midfielder who was one of the first picked each week in terms of VFL listed players, he retired from VFL at the end of 2004 to focus on his real estate business.
Nick Liddle
2009 Best & Fairest Winner Nick Liddle with Tim Clarke.
Small defender who came to the club from Mitcham and the Eastern Rangers proved an astute recruit for the club, making an instant impact in his first season. While he may have failed to play senior football in his first season, he was a vital member of the 2007 reserves premiership side and won the best and fairest. Stepping up to the senior side in 2008, he established himself as a mainstay. However, his 2009 season was his best season at the club, being the recipient of the Jim Sullivan Medallist as the best and fairest. Alongside Andrew Horne, Liddle would make a move to SANFL club South Adelaide. Liddle has established himself as a star at the Panthers where he has been awarded with Team of the Year honours, won a best and fairest and represent his adopted state, as well as receiving invites for pre seasons with AFL clubs.
Glen Carrick, diminutive but quite a handy player.
Glen Carrick
Carrick was a host of players who made their way to the City Oval at the end of 2006 from Calder. A diminutive midfielder, Carrick made his senior debut in 2007, and was a vital member of the all-conquering reserves premiership side. In and out of the senior side once again, he would be rewarded with a little more senior footy for 2008, but his form in the Reserves was enough to see him awarded with the A.Todd Medal for 2008. However, it didn’t translate to regular senior footy for 2009, and at seasons end decided to play at local level with EDFL side Strathmore.
Jason Lappin
Brother of former St.Kilda and Carlton star Matthew, and Cousin of Brisbane Lions Champion Nigel, Jason Lappin arrived at Coburg City Oval after an injury hit stint with Footscray and Ovens and Murray side Wodonga. He was runner up in the 2000 best and fairest. In the first year of the alignment, he went one better, and was the winner. He would play one more season with the club before deciding to return to Wangaratta where he would become a premiership player. He currently serves as a performance analyst manager at North Melbourne, where he also served as a Development Coach.
Jason Lappin (left) has gone on to be a vital member of the NMFC coaching staff.
Dylan Murphy starred in his first official VFL senior game.
23rd man: Dylan Murphy
A Premiership player with the all-conquering Calder Cannons in 2010, Murphy’s first official appearance as a VFL listed player in 2011 as 23rd man was one to remember on many fronts. While it marked Coburg’s first win of the season- he managed six goals in the big win over Collingwood televised on the ABC, something not achieved until 2016. His form in the 2011 reserves was instrumental in a grand final appearance. Expected to make further progress, he spent time between both levels in 2012, only for a work accident to finish his season and miss out on the Development League Premiership side. After an injury ridden 2013, not even knowing the club going stand alone for 2014 was enough for him to decide to go around again, and decided to quit and focus on his other passion, music. He would win the RDFL Senior competition best and fairest with Sunbury Kangaroos in 2014.
