By Mathew Asciak
A tough beginning for Lions 2023 season as they suffered a 92-point defeat at the hands of Collingwood this Saturday afternoon.
Neither team was able to wrestle true momentum on the game in the opening exchanges, with both teams struggling to create clear cut scoring opportunities. The Pies struck first, profiting of a scrappy exchange in their forward pocket, creating an unmarked, opportunistic finish in the goal square. Midfielder Braedyn Gillard was able to get his hands on the ball, leading Coburg with 6 touches. Flynn Gentile scored the Burgers opening goal for 2023, gathering the ball on the wing following a stoppage, running into the forward 50 and kicking truly. The Lions were moving the ball well off half-back, utilising the switch effectively to keep the Pies back six on edge. Big man Aaron Clarke’s aerial prowess was on display for all to see, taking a strong pack mark in the pocket, setting him up for his maiden goal of the season.
The game was in balance at half-time, but the Lions were struck down with two injury concerns with Tom McKenzie and debutant Charlie Beasley succumbing to hamstring complaints and would not return. Both players will undergo assessments in the lead up to next week’s game.
Will Bella marked his Coburg debut with a goal. Gentile and Luke Nelson continued to fight hard to facilitate cohesive ball movement for the away side, each breaking double-digit disposals for the game. The tall timber in the Lions forward line were starved of opportunities in the 2nd term, with the Pies creating some breathing space, getting the margin to as much as 28 points at the 24th minute mark. Two late goals from Josh D’intinosante and debutant Kyle Weightman cut the margin at half-time to a manageable 16-points, with a fantastic snap around the body for his first ever Coburg goal.
Mitch Podhajski began the 3rd term with a pair of crucial intercept marks to prevent a hot start to the half from the home side. Collingwood continued to look threatening on the turnover, particularly off half-back. Chances were scarce for the Lions forward players, with majority of the play situated in the Pies attacking half. Clarke added a second goal to his account in the final minutes of the term, closing the lead to 44 at the final change.
The final term was much of the same, with the home side in clear control, stifling the Coburg midfield and run off half-back. Nathan Boucher fought hard all day, registering 24 touches, alongside Gentile, who had a team high 28 disposals to go with his goal.
GOALKICKERS:
(2) A. Clarke, (1) W. Bella, J. D’Intinosante, F. Gentile, K. Weightman
FINAL SCORE:
Collingwood: 5.1.(31) | 9.2.(56) | 14.7.(91) |22.9. (141)
Coburg: 2.4.(16) | 5.10.(40) | 6.11.(47) | 6.13. (49)
Stay Tuned for next week as we take on the Richmond Tigers in our first home game of 2023 at Piranha Park.
#WeAreCoburg
