Diminutive youngster Josh Formosa is the latest TAC Cup graduate to sign for the Lions.
Formosa was one of the stories of the season for the TAC Cup’s perennial cellar-dwellers. Having started the year on the club’s ‘rookie list,’ he was given his chance and did not disappoint- in his eight matches he was named amongst the coaches’ best an outstanding five times.
Predominantly a small forward, Formosa at times was required by the Pioneers coaching staff to perform stopping roles against some of the best and most damaging midfielders in the competition, and that was highlighted by an 18 tackle and 28 possession performance against the highly touted James Worpel of the Geelong Falcons late in the season in a gallant performance where the Pios fell short.
Formosa averaged 15 possessions a game and seven tackles, with his disposal efficiency at 73%, and also managed a team high four goals in a game late in the season. With the TAC Cup season finished, Formosa returned to his local club, Strathfieldsaye where he played in the Under 18 Premiership side- winning the Rod Ashman Medal as Best on Ground in the Grand Final.
Having made the move to Melbourne for 2017, Josh can’t wait to begin a new phase of his football.
“Just progressing my game, just seeing where I can take it, and hopefully later down the track I manage to end up cementing a spot in the ones.”
List & Recruiting Manager Sebastian Spagnuolo was pleased to have secured the services of the 164cm youngster, who has impressed the coaching staff throughout the first phase of the preseason.
“Josh came to us from the Pioneers on a preseason invitation and we’ve been impressed by the way he’s attacked his first VFL preseason.”
“Josh is a real team player that is willing to do whatever’s best for the team, and that’s an attribute we value highly at Coburg.”
Stay tuned for more updates as the list continues to be finalized.