Who will walk away with the chocolates in this Easter Sunday clash?
Can the Lions roar this week for the first time in 2019?
Or will the Dolphins walk away with their first win of 2019?
By 5pm on Sunday we’ll have the answer.
Coburg has shown some great signs in the first two rounds, going down by 3 points in round 1 at the hands of the always strong Collingwood side and then losing to Werribee by 32 points in round 2 which saw the Lions finish the game the stronger of the two sides.
This week, the Lions celebrate the 50thgame milestone for co-captain Peter McEvoy who always leads from the front and will want to celebrate the milestone with a win for his side.
Both Harry Simington and Tom Meagher will make their Coburg and VFL debuts this Easter Sunday.
Simington, joined the Burgers from the Gold Coast Suns academy, will add to Coburg’s fire power this week and will look to start his VFL career in style.
Meagher, who crossed over from Upper Ferntree Gully in the Eastern Football League, will be excited and ready to test his skills up against a Frankston midfield.
Coming off two heavy losses against Essendon and Williamstown in the first two rounds of 2019, Frankston will be desperate to upset the Coburg faithful against the also winless Coburg Lions outfit.
Frankston, led by Nathan Freeman in the midfield, who racked up a truckload of the ball with 39 disposals and a goal in round 2, he’ll present a challenge for the Lions midfield as Freeman will be confident in continuing his great early season form.
What is set up to be a fierce game is also fuelled by the return of former Lion Blake Mullane. Who had been an important member of the Coburg line up in the 2017 season and was Frankston’s Captain in 2018.
Recent history:
In 2018, the ledger was squared at 1 win each, with Coburg winning the last time they played eachother at Piranha Park.
Players to watch:
Coburg –
#4 Sam Lowson
Named in the VFL’s team of the week for round 2 for his 4 goal effort. Sam always competes hard and provides the team with forward pressure and keeps the opposing defenders on their toes. Can he excite the home crowd this Sunday?
#17 Lochie Dickson
Has thrived in his new midfield role so far in 2019 following his B&F winning year in 2018 as a defender. Coburg will be hoping for another big performance from Lochie this week.
Frankston
#9 Nathan Freeman
The former AFL listed player with both Collingwood and St Kilda will be looking to continue his blistering start to the year from a disposal accumulation point of view and he’ll be crucial to Frankston’s chances this week.
#3 Corey Rich
Had a fantastic season individually in 2018 which saw him hit the scoreboard consistently as a damaging small forward, his goals vs Coburg could go a long way to ensuring his team are in the game and a chance of taking it out. Coburg defenders will need to keep him in check.
Selected teams
COBURG v. FRANKSTON
Round 3 – 21/04/2019
02:10
Piranha Park
COBURG
B: 36. J. Guthrie, 6. H. Nolan, 7. T. Lever
HB: 2. J. Corigliano, 25. A. Tilley, 5. R. Exon
C: 11. L. Bunker, 42. M. Lentini, 9. B. Foster
HF: 27. S. Binion, 12. P. McEvoy, 32. B. Cannolo
F: 4. S. Lowson, 18. H. Simington, 14. S. Stroobants
R: 22. A. Swierzbiolek, 3. J. Weightman, 17. L. Dickson
Int: 31. W. Donaghey, 13. B. Gillard, 21. T. Meagher, 1. J. Murphy, 34. J. Neaves, 28. K. Noonan, 10. M. Podhajski, 37. H. Smith
23P: 39. M. Saad
In: H. Smith, W. Donaghey, T. Meagher, H. Simington
FRANKSTON
B: 1. D. Gordon, 2. J. Newman, 14. L. Hiscock
HB: 15. A. Jarnestrom, 25. M. Williams, 6. L. Williams
C: 8. A. Ferreira, 5. W. Fordham, 13. A. Styles
HF: 35. R. D’Arcy, 11. B. Mullane, 34. J. McMahon
F: 30. J. Miller, 18. S. Tatupu, 3. C. Rich
R: 24. M. McCarthy, 9. N. Freeman, 17. A. Harnett
Int: 12. B. Bailey, 23. S.Alabakis, 4. S. Fisher, 10. T. Grace, 22. G. Lok, 39. S. Masterson, 32. K. Wilson, 41. A. Zijai
23P: 37. L. McDonnell
In: B. Bailey, S. Masterson, S.Alabakis, S. Fisher, L. McDonnell
Out: C. Larkin
Match details:
Gates Open: 12pm
Match start 2.10pm
Entry fees:
Coburg FC Members – free entry when displaying your 2019 CFC membership card
Frankston FC members $5
Adults – non members $10
Concession card holders $5
Kids under 15 years of age are free
Triple RRR subscribers $5 when displaying your Triple RRR subscription card
Canteen, bar, coffee and merchandise tents/areas will all be in operation from 12pm onwards.
Media: the game will be telecast live on Channel 7 from 2pm onwards.
Coburg is excited to be hosting this game on Easter Sunday and would be keen for it’s now 1200+ membership base to get to the game and cheer their side on to the victory that they are in search of. The day will feature an Easter Egg Hunt at halftime out on the oval too.
Looking forward to a great Easter Sunday battle at Piranha Park!
Ali Taleb is in his first year of his Bachelor of Business (Sports Management/Communications) degree at Latrobe University. The Coburg Football club is in a position to offer opportunities as the one Ali has taken. They are committed to educating our next generation of football leaders.
