By Mathew Asciak
The Burgers travelled to IKON Park yesterday to face an in-form Carlton side who are currently seeking a spot in the top four. In a hard-fought contest that went down to the wire, Carlton prevailed by four points.
Coburg showed great intent inside the first minute, surging inside 50, putting immense pressure on the Blues defence, allowing Charlie Thompson to profit, slotting a set shot following reward for a strong tackle.
However, the Blues were quick to stem any sustained momentum from the away side, kicking the following three goals in quick succession. The remainder of the quarter was somewhat of a stalemate, with neither team able to gain clear control over the proceedings, ending the quarter with similar inside 50 numbers, 15-13 in favour of Carlton. A goal after the quarter time siren saw the Blues take a 17-point lead.
Coburg came out in the second term much like they began the first, creating repeat inside 50’s and applying an effective pressing style, keeping ball in their forward half. Some clever work in the pocket from Nathan Boucher set up Josh Watson for a debut goal. Pushing from defence, Jesse Corigliano kicked truly for the Burgers to cut the lead to four points midway through the term. Carlton scored a steading goal late in the term, extending their buffer to nine points.
Carlton hit the scoreboard within the first minute of the second term, looking to regain their grasp of the contest, which was played in Coburg’s favour in the second term. The Blues were unable to kick away, however, when Corey Ellis kicked the Lions lone goal of the term, the lead was 13 points.
It was critical the away side started the final term on the front foot, and that’s exactly what they did, kicking two goals in the opening 10 minutes, courtesy of Flynn Gentile and Braedyn Gillard, cutting the deficit to just one point. The following five minutes were cagey, with neither team able to capitalise of forward 50 entries, until Paddy Dow put the Blues eight points ahead. This did not discourage Coburg, who hit right back through Edyn Sibbald, bringing them within a goal with 10 minutes to play. Ultimately, the Blues held out a valiant Coburg outfit, securing a gruelling four-point victory.
Scores:
CARL: 4.2.(26) | 5.4.(34) | 6.10.(46) | 7.13.(55)
COB: 1.3.(9) | 3.7.(25) | 4.9.(33) | 7.9.(51)
Goals: C.Thompson, Watson, Corigliano, Ellis, Gentile, Gillard, Sibbald.
