The Development Lions have won their first game of 2016 in it’s clash against Port Melbourne at North Port Oval.
After being reduced to no rotations in the last quarter the Lions produced a gutsy performance, with contributions from the entire side, who played hard, unselfish footy.
Coburg dominated the start of the game, Rhys Free goaling within the opening minute, followed by a Luke Ryan running effort to send the Lions two goals up to start the term.
Port managed to wrestle back the early momentum surge however increased Coburg pressure saw Jake Kalanj goal from a clean forward line stoppage.
Undisciplined play cost the home side with three 50 metre penalties resulting in another Lions goal, sending them into quarter time leading by 16 points.
Late inclusion Connor Dalgleish snapped well from the pocket to start the second quarter, as the game became hotly contested in the middle, resulting in a low scoring term.
A Luke Ryan second was all the Lions managed to score as they head into the main break leading by four goals.
The Lions were reduced to only a single rotation on the bench after the main break with Ercolano and Kovacevic going down with concussion.
Jake Kalanj made his tally four goals for the afternoon sending Coburg 6 goals up half way through the third quarter.
As Captain for the day Keenan Posar led the defensive effort, with the help of Iacobaccio, Blair, Holdsworth and Madden ensuring that the development side would go into the last break with an 8 goal lead.
In the last, The Lions put on a brave face and showed true grit in the midfield, Adam Valeri leading the way with 12 tackles for the match.
After being forced to no rotations the Development Lions were able to run away with an emphatic 64 point win.
The Development team and the Seniors will return home next week (April 23rd) to take on the Box Hill Hawks
Best: L.Ryan, K.Posar, J.Iacobaccio, J.Kalanj, J. Madden, R.Free
Goals: J.Kalanj 5, L.Ryan 3, R.Free, 3 M.Kovacvic, C.Dalgleish, T.McConville, C.Urquart