Young Lions bite back

YounanCOBURG enjoyed a stirring victory over Northern Blues in the VFL on Queen’s Birthday Monday. Club legend Phil Cleary was moved to text coach Peter German after the Lions’ two-point triumph. IT WAS another significant moment in Coburg’s VFL revival.
Club legend and broadcaster Phil Cleary — who led the charge for Coburg to return to a stand-alone club in 2013 — was so impressed with what he saw from the Lions on Queen’s Birthday Monday that he sent a text to coach Peter German saying as much later that night.
“I got a text from Phil Cleary after the game saying how proud he was that he’s associated with Coburg and the way we’re playing with such a young group,” German said.
“For me, that makes it all worthwhile when you get those sort of comments.”
The Lions had earlier that day overcome Northern Blues in a thrilling “Battle of Bell St” clash, winning 10.5 (65) to 9.9 (63).
It was another sign of the Lions’ coming of age as, with their backs to the wall midway through the final term, they found a way to win at Piranha Park.
German did not think his side looked like kicking a goal when it trailed by four points at the 18-minute-mark of the last quarter.
That was until first-year player Josh Cauchi provided a touch of magic, getting over the back of an opponent and kicking towards an open goal from outside 60m.
The ball bounced through and suddenly Coburg had hit the front.
Robbie Fox followed up with another less than a minute later on the back of a quick centre clearance and — while the Blues hit back with the final major of the match through Nick Holman — that was enough for the Lions hold on.
“From our view they’re all learning experiences and if you get learning experiences and still win the game, they’re all bonuses,” German said.
“We had about 100 less possessions, 18 less inside 50s. Contested ball we were beaten, stoppages we were beaten.
“What we did was play a game where we didn’t overuse the footy given the conditions.”
Coburg sat 10th on the ladder last week with a 3-4 record.
The Lions have another home match on Saturday, against Geelong from 2pm.