Hisham Kerbatieh has been named the Post Office Hotel’s Lion of the Round this week, after a 25-disposal and two-goal performance in Saturday’s gutsy win over North Ballarat.
Kerbatieh, who kicked a goal late in the last quarter which kept the Coburg Seniors in the game, felt he played his role in the side and was an unbelievable feeling to have participated in just their second win of the season.
“I feel I did what the team and Germo wanted me to do; to play my role,” he said.
“Playing in a few losses has been a bit disappointing, especially the close losses,” Kerbatieh continued.
“It was an unreal feeling (to get the win), and a relief to get my first Coburg win out of the way.”
Despite the Lions being up by 15 points at the last change, the Roosters managed to turn the game around and take a nine-point lead with less than 10 minutes to go.
And it’s fair to say Head Coach Peter German, coaching in his final home game at Piranha Park, knew what needed to be done.
“(At three-quarter time) he told us to just keep taking on the game, and to not go into our shells,” Kerbatieh recalled.
“We had to seize the moment when we had the chance, and the boys did with a few good goals and good tackles to get us over the line.”
The small forward joined the Lions this year, after playing for Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup and Bell Street rivals Northern Blues last season; deciding Coburg would be the best place to further develop his football and reunite with some old Cannons teammates.
As for the seasons to come, Kerbatieh’s main focus is to “keep improving his game and fitness base”, so he can continue competing against some of the best footballers in the league, with another of his ambitions to play finals football in Coburg colours.
Next week the Coburg Seniors take on Richmond VFL at Punt Road Oval on Sunday.
In what will be their last game of 2017, Kerbatieh hopes finish the year off well with a win, and to also play his role again, helping out where needed.
In the Development League, Head Coach Paul Kennedy named Billy Cannolo as best-on-ground.
Also in his first year at the club, the former Rupertswood and Calder Cannons player managed 16 disposals, five inside-50s and three goals in the 17-point loss to Sandringham.
Hear the Lions Roar!
This article is sponsored by the Post Office Hotel, 229 – 231 Sydney Rd, Coburg. For more information please head to http://www.thepostofficehotel.com.au/.
