Coburg have suffered a 37-point loss to Werribee at Highgate Reserve in the opening practice match of 2016 on Saturday afternoon.
Coming up against a Werribee side boasting 17 North Melbourne listed players, it was always going to be a challenge for Coburg, who were without the likes of Lech Featherstone, Ozgur Uysal, Mark Orr, Nathan Blair, Sean Gregory, Nathan Thomas, and Errol McConnell.
Against the wind in the opening term, Dion Hill managed the opening goal of the day, however it was all Werribee after that who kicked the next four to close out the term with a handy lead. The likes of North Melbourne listed players Mason Wood, Majak Daw and Sam Durdin all caused headaches for the Lions in defence, while Trent Dumont ran riot in the midfield.
Werribee further gained the ascendancy in the second quarter to gain a solid half time lead. The only goal of the quarter came via Jesse Corigliano, who comfortably slotted a set shot goal from outside 50. To further add to insult, Hill came off with new recruit Jake Lew after a head clash. Both were cleared of serious damage.
The third quarter was much of the same, with Werribee extending their lead, however goals to Josh Cauchi and Danny Younan added a little bit more respectability to the scoreboard. Lachie Johns was continually industrious in the midfield all day, and was well backed up by the likes of Ben Allan and Ricky Schraven, as well Matt Merlo and Michael Ercolano, making their first appearances in the senior side for the club.
The final quarter saw Coburg manage six goals to Werribee’s two, however it was all too late in the end. Ahmed Saad, making his first appearance in Lions colours managed three goals in five minutes and had a hand in another. Another recruit, Peter McEvoy provided a highlight when he managed to take a mark one out in the goal square, despite been well outstretched. McEvoy truly converted.
The Lions will now turn their attention to Saturdays game against Collingwood at the Holden Centre, starting at 3PM.
Final scores
Coburg 1.1 2.3 5.3 11.7 73
Werribee 4.2 10.4 14.10 16.13 109
Goals: Cauchi 4, Saad 3, Corigliano, Younan, Hill, McEvoy
Best: Johns, Allan, Merlo, Schraven
