BY KELLY MASTERS
After falling short by 32-points against Werribee, Coburg will be back at Lion territory this Sunday to face Frankston with a few fresh faces.
Both stand-alone clubs, Coburg and Frankston, are no strangers to each other. The Lions ended their pre-season with a victory over Frankston in a practice match at Piranha Park three weeks ago, but both clubs will now fight for their first win of the season proper.
Sunday will be another opportunity for the Lions, as well as an exciting occasion for both Harry Simington and Tom Meagher to don the Red and Blue for their first VFL match.
Harry Simington will make his VFL and Coburg debut after joining the club from the Gold Coast Suns Academy. With Simington’s potential, you can expect to see him play his football as a forward or even up through the midfield.
He played a total of 19 NEAFL games with the Gold Coast Suns and had his fair share of injuries, but has put in the work to come back stronger. As a Vice Captain of the Queensland Under 16 representative side in 2016, Lion fans will now be able to witness his exceptional work ethic in the flesh.
Simington will be joining fellow academy member and midfielder, Brodie Foster, who has so far played both of Coburg’s two matches this season.
Tom Meagher will also make his VFL debut following powerful form with Upper Ferntree Gully in the Eastern Football League. One-On-One contests and his running ability has made him a standout midfielder on the Lions list.
After receiving Eastern Football League Division 2 team of the year honours and finishing fourth in the competition best and fairest, Meagher was invited to train with Coburg during the pre-season where he gained his position at the club after an impressive showing early on and he hasn’t looked back.
Will Donaghey and Hedley Smith could also be in line for a potential debut, having been named on the extended bench this week. Saad will take the place of 23rd man for the third consecutive week.
There has been significant hype around Coburg Deputy Vice-Captain, Sam Lowson, after his efforts against Werribee where he was named ‘Coburg Lion of the Round’ for round 2. Lowson displayed exceptional forward pressure and continuously attacked the ball throughout the night. Finishing with four goals and 17 disposals, he will be looking to continue his excellent form against the Dolphins.
Alongside Lowson; Dickson, Corigliano, and Nolan will also be ones to watch as they have all been exceptional in their roles against both Collingwood and Werribee.
So far this season Frankston have hosted Essendon in round one as well as Williamstown last weekend at Sky Bus Stadium. The Dolphins suffered a 121 point defeat at the hands of Essendon and trailed Williamstown by 72 points when the final siren sounded.
The Dolphins will have Former Lion Blake Mullane back in the squad this Sunday, and it will be pivotal Coburg lock down Ex-Saint Nathan Freeman following his 39 disposals and six marks against Williamstown.
There will also be a Milestone for Coburg Co-Captain Pete McEvoy who will be playing his 50th VFL game against the Dolphins this Sunday. The game will be broadcasted live on Channel 7 for supporters who are unable to make the occasion.
We encourage all Coburg Football Club members to get to the game and support our boys, as two-stand-alone clubs play for their first win of the season, from 2.10pm at Piranha Park.
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