Match Preview: Coburg Lions V.S Frankston Dolphins
By Ali Taleb
Where and when:
SkyBus Stadium, Sunday 30thJune, 2:00pm start
Last time they met:
Round 3, 2019: Coburg 20.13 138 defeated Frankston 9.9 63
With 38 shots on goal and a score of 138, which so far has been Coburg’s biggest of the year, the Lions had come out in full force when they faced Frankston earlier this year. Leading the charge was our captain fantastic Peter McEvoy, who kicked 6 goals in his 50thgame. Frankston’s ball magnet Nathan Freeman was kept at bay by the Coburg midfield, who seemed to have a plan to play tough inside football resulting in strong midfield dominance all day. Coburg’s ball movement was too slick throughout the game and showed what the Lions could pull off as a collective team.
Form in 2019
Coburg –
Back in round 3 against the dolphins we had seen the full potential of what the Lions could do and the speed at which they can play the game. Fast forward 10 weeks, another win has not yet been registered although the building blocks for a consistent performance is building each week. While regaining some troops, most notably Jesse Corigliano, and witnessing the emergence of our young talent, the football of the near future looks set to be exciting at Coburg.
With Peter McEvoy coming off a 3 goal performance against Casey last week, the group is confident it will mirror the round 3 game against Frankston and travel back home this Sunday with 4 points in the bag.
Frankston –
Overall sitting at the bottom of the table with only 1 win for the season the Dolphins would be feeling deflated and will look for a much improved second half of the season. As of late and over the last few weeks, Frankston have managed to pull together good performances against both the Northern blues and Werribee outfit, a side who currently sit inside the top 8. While notching up win number 1 against North Melbourne, who beat current ladder leaders Richmond only 4 weeks ago.
Led by Josh Newman who himself is in a rich vein of form, the dolphins might just take a few teams by surprise in the second half of the season. With the confidence of a win under their belt, Frankston will fight for the points come this Sunday against Coburg.
Coburg would be very wary of Frankston’s improved form over recent weeks and will take nothing for granted on Sunday at a traditionally hostile Skybus Stadium.
Players to watch
Coburg –
Marcus Lentini
A pure ball magnet and natural midfielder, Lentini has over the last few week’s managed multiple 30+ disposal games. Crucial to the Coburg line up with an ability to release outside midfielders, Marcus will be key to the Lions’ chances this week against Frankston.
Peter McEvoy
Last time these two teams meet, McEvoy had kicked 6 majors. Currently sitting in the top 5 goal kickers in the competition while coming off a 3 goal performance against Casey last week. The Coburg captain will look to set himself up to lead his team to their second victory of the year.
Frankston –
Joshua Newman
Although a difficult period to lead the dolphins in season 2019, Newman has been nothing short of a warrior. Leading from the front each week and greatly influential in their first wins against North Melbourne, kicking 2 goals from the midfield.
Alex Harnett –
Coming in for only his 6thgame of the year, Alex Harnett has been named in Frankston’s best afield twice in his last 2 games. Taking 8 marks and kicking 2 goals last week against a strong Geelong outfit. Alex looks set to really make his presence felt come Sunday against the Lions.
Selected Teams
Coburg –
B: 7. T. Lever, 6. H. Nolan, 35. L. Whelan
HB: 27. S. Binion, 2. J. Corigliano, 5. R. Exon
C: 36. J. Guthrie, 11. L. Bunker, 1. J. Murphy
HF: 37. H. Smith, 14. S. Stroobants, 3. J. Weightman
F: 23. J. McDonald, 12. P. McEvoy, 10. M. Podhajski
R: 22. A. Swierzbiolek, 42. M. Lentini, 17. L. Dickson
Int: 43. F. Bollinghaus, 24. F. Carroll, 9. B. Foster, 21. T. Meagher, 28. K. Noonan, 38. T. Old, 33. B. Reddick, 26. L. Watkins
23P: 29. M. Baker
Frankston –
B: 1. D. Gordon, 36. J. Woodman, 6. L. Williams
HB: 46. C. Diggle, 19. C. Larkin, 11. B. Mullane
C: 9. N. Freeman, 5. W. Fordham, 2. J. Newman
HF: 40. J. Kingsbury, 17. A. Harnett, 7. Y. Zijai
F: 12. B. Bailey, 24. M. McCarthy, 30. J. Miller
R: 27. J. Rendell, 22. G. Lok, 3. C. Rich
Int: 21. M. Cox, 38. K. Drew, 8. A. Ferreira, 15. A. Jarnestrom, 39.S. Masterson, 33. J. McHale, 34. J. McMahon, 13. A. Styles
23P: 44. B. Schmidt
Both sides will have much more to play for then just the four points up for grabs this Sunday. With both teams desperate for a win we should expect nothing short of a heavyweight fight at the Skybus stadium in Frankston. We encourage ALL Coburg fans to make the trip down the Nepean highway and let us show the colours of the Lions!
Venue: SkyBus Stadium
#WeAreCoburg
Written by Ali Taleb, who 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.
