The Melbourne Laser & Skin Clinic’s Lion of the Round this week is Luke Bunker, after his solid 27-disposal performance in Coburg’s 25-point win on Saturday afternoon.
The former Northern Knight not only had a lot of the ball, but also recorded 7 clearances and managed to lay 13 tackles, which helped hold off Sandringham in the final quarter.
In just his fifth Senior VFL game, Bunker was pleased with his impact during the game and was ecstatic to have been part of the Lions’ maiden win.
“It was an amazing feeling to get the first win of the year with the boys, and also my first ever VFL win,” he said.
“To get some reward for all of the hard work everyone at the club has been putting in was great, and hopefully there are some more wins on the way.”
“I think (this game) was definitely my best of the year so far and I was just happy to contribute to the side’s winning performance,” he continued.
“Although there is still a lot of room for improvement, I was pleased with how I played.”
Initially named in the Senior squad as the 23rd player back in Round 6, Bunker’s weekly efforts and work rate has seen him keep his spot in the team.
And to continue playing for the Seniors means he must continue putting in the hard work.
“First and foremost I need to play my role for the team, and continue to try and perform the way the coaches expect me to.”
“Working on my spread from contests, and my consistency throughout games are ways to help expand my overall game (and keep his spot in the Seniors).”
Bunker has even impressed Head Senior Coach Peter German, who believes he has “started to blossom as a midfielder”.
“Each week Luke is growing in confidence, and his quick hands and thought process in and around the contested ball is as elite as any first year player.” German said.
Next week Coburg looks to take on Geelong on Saturday afternoon at Simonds Stadium, and Bunker thinks the way to another win is to keep the intensity and pressure high throughout the entire game.
“I think the biggest thing for us is to perform for four quarters and not have periods throughout the game where we let them go on a run,” he said.
“(We can’t) allow Geelong to carry momentum for large chunks of the game to break it open.”
“Bringing the effort and execution across the whole game is really important for us especially because we are such a young group.”
Besides the hopeful win, Bunker also looks to back up this week’s performance with another.
“I want to hold myself to these standards and become consistent, so that means performing to those standards every week,” he said.
“This week against Geelong will be no different.”
In the Development League, Head Coach Paul Kennedy named Matt Merlo as best on ground, after recording 23 disposals and 6 inside-50’s in the agonisingly close 1-point loss to the Zebras.
Hear the Lions Roar!
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his article is sponsored by the Melbourne Laser & Skin Clinic – 356 Sydney Rd, Coburg. For more information please head to http://www.melblaser.com.au/.
Featured image credit to Jenny Owens Photography.
