The first few weeks of the new year have been nothing but hard work and intensive training schedules for the Coburg Lions. Coming off the back of last year’s season where they finished in 12th spot, they are determined to win more games and hopefully play finals in 2017.
Although the first half of the 2016 season featured five matches lost by less than 10 points, coach Peter German isn’t disappointed in his team.
“We finished up the season very injury-riddled, and playing a lot of our development players which is both good for them and good for us going forward.”
“We can defend well enough but we still can’t kick enough goals and I think that’s what has come out of the 2016 season; that we need to make more of our offensive opportunities.” says German.
With about 60 odd players on the list, training as a group three times a week alongside high performance coach Derek McConn is helping the boys develop into stronger and fitter players.
“Derek has a massive impact on what we do, how we do it and the levels we do it at. He may have changed (the training program) slightly but our volume and intensity is probably the same.” German continues.
While injuries struck late in last year’s season, German can’t wait to see those recovering, back to playing at their best and leading the other boys to what will hopefully be success.
“A lot of players who have been on our list for maybe 3 or 4 years now, like Josh Iacobaccio, Nathan Blair, Mick Mattingly and Ben Allan, are now either injury-free or have done the bulk of the pre-season so far, which will put them in a good position to have a bigger impact,” says German.
“They’re the types of players that are hopefully going to show more leadership as well and that’s really exciting.”
With a number of new recruits signing to Coburg throughout the last few weeks, it appears that they are all settling in well and finding their spot in the team. When looking at the talent that has been lost to what has been gained, it’s youthful and inspiring.
With the likes of Christian Burgess, Tom Cleary and Nick Dodge all ready for a new start at Coburg, the work rate and ethic the team is demonstrating is definitely something to look forward to come match-day.
Besides playing cohesively as a team, German also wants to see the boys get more reward for their hard work, mainly via the scoreboard.
“I think we work as hard, if not harder, than a lot of teams in the competition but we don’t get the score on the board.”
“If we can kick 14, 15, 16 goals, then you put yourself in good winning positions, and then hopefully in the mix for a finals spot.” he continued.
While the 2017 season is set to be a challenge for the Lions, it is one they are ready for.
“When you do your preseason it’s not just about the start of the year, but it’s also about the rest of the year as well. Our talent shows us we are going to play good football but need to be consistent.”
The Lions’ first practice match will see them go up against Williamstown at RAMS Arena (Highgate), on either Saturday the 18th March or Sunday the 19th of March, with times yet to be confirmed. Keep an eye out on our website and social media for further updates.
