By Mathew Asciak
Coburg got their 2022 season underway against Port Melbourne on Saturday with a nail-biting two-point victory.
The Borough was quick out the blocks, kicking the opening four goals. They nullified the Lions ability to have clear periods with the ball with their uncontested marks and dominance at stoppages. Aaron Clarke opened the Burgers’ account for 2022, taking advantage of a loose ball with a quick soccer finish in the goal square.
The Lions wasted no time indicating their intent to rectify the state of play in the second term, winning the centre bounce and immediately entering their attacking 50. Dominating the play, some missed opportunities early on delayed the true comeback into the contest. The Coburg pressure eventually paid off with goals to Podhajski and Lowson, cutting the lead to five points at the half. Reigning Best and Fairest, Luke Bunker, put this stamp on the game in the second term, finishing the half with 17 touches.
After gaining a game-high 27-point deficit at the 24th minute of the third term, the Burgers looked in serious strife, but they would not go away quietly. Three goals in as many minutes from Tom Silvestro, Luke Nelson and Nathan Boucher cut the lead to nine at the final change.
In a brutal, intense final term, it was Coburg that executed in the important moments. A long bomb from Charlie Thompson gave the Burgers the lead, and a warrior like performance by Ryan Exon, ensuring the Lions victory.
Final score:
Coburg: 1.4.(10) | 3.8.(26) | 6.9.(45) | 8.16.(64)
Port Melbourne: 5.1.(31) | 5.1.(31) | 8.6.(54) | 9.8.(62)
Goals: Clarke, Podhajski, Lowson, Sibbald, Nelson, Silvestro, Boucher, Thompson
