By Daniel Foley
Coburg are set to blood two new debutants in the return to football on Saturday, with Ben Jepson and Nathan Howard coming into the side for this weekend’s clash against North Melbourne.
Josh Guthrie also comes into the line-up for his first game of 2021. Guthrie played a key role on the wing across 2018 and 2019 for Coburg and has played 32 games for the club.
Athan Tsialtas has been omitted from the Round 10 side while the Lions will also be without Ryan Sturgess and Corey Ellis who miss due to injury.
At 200cm, Howard will provide assistance to Nathan Mullenger-McHugh in the ruck, while running defender Jepson will help to cover the loss of fellow defender Sturgess. Howard and Jepson are being rewarded with VFL selection following strong form for their local sides in Bundoora and Old Carey respectively.
The 19 year-olds both played in Coburg’s first practice match against Geelong in March and now get the opportunity to prove themselves at VFL level.
Jepson had signed with Richmond VFL for 2020 but missed out on the chance to play his first VFL match due to the cancelled season, before signing with the Lions in November 2020. Howard played 15 TAC Cup/NAB League games across 2018 and 2019, with 2021 being his first year on a VFL list.
VFL Round 10 V North Melbourne
Saturday 19 June – 12:00pm
Arden Street Oval
IN: Ben Jepson, Nathan Howard, Josh Guthrie
OUT: Athan Tsialtas, Ryan Sturgess, Corey Ellis
