BY KELLY MASTERS
The group to take on Sandringham at Piranha Park has been selected, with another two debutants receiving the VFL call up.
Debutants are becoming a weekly occurrence at Lion territory, showcasing the potential that the club has to develop and choose from to play in the state league.
This week we will be able to see Floyd Bollinghaus and Ben Reddick don the Coburg colours at Piranha Park. After much speculation about their nearing debuts the last couple of rounds, it is now confirmed the duo will be presented with their guernseys from leadership members on Sunday morning.
Floyd Bollinghaus will take the place of 23rd man and join former Wodonga Raiders teammate Will Donaghey in the line-up. Recruited from the Murray Bushrangers, he has been making his mark for Wodonga Raiders in the Ovens and Murray Football and Netball League.
Ben Reddick has made an impact for Strathmore in the EDFL recently after he joined the Coburg list this year. Showcasing seven superb matches for the Calder Cannons in 2018, You can expect to see plenty of him in the midfield or up forward this round.
Following the defeat at the hands of a much more experienced Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, the Lions have reflected on what can be taken from the game moving forward and who played their role.
Adam Swierzbiolek was awarded the ‘Lion of The Week’ against the Cats for his relentless ruck work against benchmark competition. He was able to play against several AFL-Listed Geelong Ruck men and came out on top many times throughout the day. There is no doubt Swizbolek will be ready for whichever Zebra dares to take him on.
There is exciting news for Josh Guthrie who has been named on the interchange bench after a groin injury which had him side-lined the last two matches. After a solid start to the season, Guthrie will provide the group with another experienced option.
Joining Guthrie on the extended interchange is Billy Cannolo, Hedley Smith (a chance to debut), Brodie Foster, Aidan Tilley, Tyson Old, Fletcher Carroll and Jackson McDonald with the final 23 man lineup to be finalised on Sunday morning.
In the forward half, Pete McEvoy will be looking to continue his strong contested marking along with his reliable goalkicking. Steve Stroobants will also be a threat to the opposition when the ball is in his control.
When the ball is to find itself in the Zebras forward 50, Our regular defenders Ryan Exon, Jesse Corigliano, Tyson Lever and Harry Nolan will again strive to continue their solid rebounding. Jack Baker, who debuted last week and Lachlan Watkins who was also an inclusion against the Cats, will again join the back six.
Mohammad Saad will be tearing it up in the next Young Guns game at Port Melbourne Football ground on Sunday. After dominating the Young Guns program in game 1, expect big things from Saad this week in game 2.
Our round 9 and 10opponents (Sandringham and the Northern Blues) played off at Marvel Stadium live on channel seven last Sunday. The Zebras found a way to slow up the ball movement of the blues and were then able to kick six unanswered goals in the third term. The win consolidates Sandringham’s spot in the top 8.
Just like Sandringham last weekend, Coburg has also been a side to show what they are capable of during the second half. It is sure to be an entertaining clash seems both teams are strong finishers.
Sandringham’s danger men of the match included Brede Seccull (30disposals, five tackles), David Armitage (29 disposals, five marks), Sam Fox (3 goals, 19 disposals) and Hunter Clark (29 disposals).
Highly praised 1st round draft pick from 2018 Max King has also been in great form for Sandringham. Kicking a handy two goals against the Northern Blues, at 200cms he’ll be a focus for the Lion defence.
Former Sydney Swan, Dan Hannebery, is expected to make his VFL debut for Sandringham this week. The experienced midfielder has been battling calf and hamstring problems all season, although he has progressed well in his rehab in the past month.
With St Kilda playing in China this weekend, it’s an excellent opportunity for Saints fans to get their dose of football at the Lion Den.
The final team of 23 will be confirmed Sunday morning on the Coburg Football Club Facebook page, before the first bounce at 12:30 pm.
There will be a curtain closer game of FIDA football which starts at 3.30pm. We encourage the crowd to stick around and support the FIDA team after cheering on the 23 Lions who will host the Zebras.
#WeAreCoburg
FIDA MATCH DETAILS – https://www.facebook.com/events/2483187448366626/
