Coburg are pleased to announce that Mark Kovacevic, Keenan Posar, Ben Allan, Nathan Blair and Sean Gregory will play for the Lions once again in 2017, having signed on for the upcoming season.
While undoubtedly there has been a large turnover of players from the 2016 seasons end, the signings of the following players have been crucial, considering the recent changeover.
204 Centimetre Ruckman Kovacevic was hailed as a key signing at the end of 2015, having spent the majority of the season with the Lions as part of the agreement with Calder. While he only managed seven senior games, he was called in for the last four rounds where he performed admirably well- especially against the likes of Jake Spencer, Michael Sikora, and Jarrod Witts.
In his second season at the club since crossing from the Northern Blues, Posar had his best season in the VFL to date. Usually used in a different role across half forward or a wing, Posar would break into the side in round three and not look back- only finding himself out of the side on one occasion. His best performance came in the last round of the season against Richmond, while in consecutive weeks against Port Melbourne and Werribee he scored two of the goals of the 2016 PJ VFL season.
Ben Allan continued on from his promising 2015 season while still listed as a TAC Cup player, and this time managed all 18 matches. The 2015 Phil Cleary Rising Star winner stood up when it mattered, especially in the last few rounds of the season in clashed with Williamstown and Collingwood. His form led to another Coburg player to have draft interest come seasons end.
After a preseason which was limited, Nathan Blair would return to the side early and would once again play a key role down back throughout the season. Blair will be entering his fourth season at the club in 2017, and has 49 matches next to his name- all going well, he will notch up his 50th VFL game in round one of the PJ VFL season.
Former Essendon listed player Sean Gregory only managed six senior games in an injury riddled year. Despite his valiant efforts to come back into the senior side via Development League footy, Gregory would be delayed in his attempts to return, however would make it back for the last few rounds of the year, playing a crucial role down back, and is another player who isn’t far off reaching the 50 game milestone.
List & Recruiting Manager Sebastian Spagnuolo was delighted to announce five more players committing to the cause for season 2017, four of them being former Calder Cannons graduates.
“We are really thrilled to announce each of these re-signings for season 2017. Each of these players made great strides forward in 2016 and we’re sure that after another preseason in our program, they can take another step forward in 2017.”
“Four of these five players are former Calder Cannons, providing further proof, along with our already contracted former Cannons, holds the relationship between our clubs in the highest regards.”
“Blairy had an injury interrupted 2016 but is flying so far this preseason. A fit Nathan Blair is invaluable for our club and going into his fourth year with Coburg our younger players will be leaning on Nathan for guidance in 2017 and beyond.”
“Kova and Ben Allan will be third year Coburg players and we’re excited to continue to work with them and their individual growth and development areas.”
“Ben has had two fantastic years of senior VFL Footy and is looking forward to having an even better 2017 season.”
“Big Kova has had to be patient waiting for his chance, but he showed in the back half of 2016 that he could compete at senior level, and after another VFL preseason, he’ll be looking to take another giant leap in 2017.”
“Sean Gregory has battled some niggling injuries over the past 12-18 months, but we believe that he’ll be in great shape to attack the 2017 season with full confidence in his body and abilities.”
“Keenan had a great 2016 where he was able to demonstrate how much of an impact he could have as either a forward or wingman at senior level. It was a bit of a change of role for him, and to his credit he made the most of his opportunities. We’re after more of the same in 2017,” Spagnuolo said.
Stay tuned for more news before Christmas.
