By Mathew Asciak
Coburg had their first competitive hit-out of season 2023, facing off against fellow the
standalone side, Northern Bullants at RMIT Bundoora on Saturday afternoon.
The opening exchanges were hotly contested, with the Bullants breaking the deadlock with
an impressive snap on the boundary.
New Lions Recruit, Kyle Weightman, gave the Lions a lift, kicking his maiden goal in Coburg
colours after profiting from a 50m penalty. Skipper Jesse Corigliano stood firm in defence,
taking a strong contested incept mark. Nathan Boucher was a constant presence for the
Burgers off half-back, combining with Luke Nelson to springboard ball movement.
Josh D’intinosante kicked truly from a set shot to give the Lions their maiden lead during
the contest. Neither side could be separated at quarter time with the scores locked at 14
apiece.
Big man Alex Lukic kicked the Lions opening goal of the second period, keeping the Lions
within a goal. There were many encouraging signs for the Lions in the period, with Sam
Mason and Daniel Owen both hitting the scoresheet. Coburg trailed by 1 point to conclude
the 2nd period.
Tom Jepson was influential throughout around the contest, winning his fair share of
touches. A clever one-percenter from Harry Andronaco set up an oncoming teammate who
kicked in long to the square to find an unmarked Josh Kemp, who executed a snap from a
tight angle.
Nic Quigg and Dylan Xenos joined the group of new Lions to open their goal tallies, with the
latter coming off the back of some great awareness and quick thinking, rolling the ball
through an unattended goal square.
A great passage of play began with a switch of play across the Lions defensive 50, ending in
the reliable hands of Ryan Exon, who executed an aggressive kick through the centre of the
ground to find imposing forward Daniel Johnston. His long entry into the forward 50 would
set up Will Bella for a strong grab over his defender and the finish to boot.
Midfielder Josh Watson was a standout for the Lions, racking up disposals, applying
constant pressure on the Bullants midfield and always providing an option for teammates in
high congestion.
The Bullants took a 12-point lead into the 6th period of play and would ultimately keep the
Lions at bay, running out 11-point victors 10.5.(65) to 11.10.(76)
Score breakdown
Coburg: P1: 2.2.(14) | P2: 5.2.(32) | P3: 6.3.(39) | P4: 8.4.(52) | P5: 10.4.(64) | P6: 10.5.(65)
Northern Bullants: P1: 2.2.(14) | P2: 5.3.(33) | P3: 5.6.(36) | P4: 8.6.(54) | P5: 11.10.(76) |
P6: 11.10.(76)
Goalkickers: Weightman, D’intinosante, Lukic, Mason, Owen, Kemp, Quigg, Xenos, Bella,
Johnston.
