By Mathew Asciak
Following last week’s round 1 loss to Collingwood, head coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara has made two forced changes to the squad for their opening home game this Saturday against Richmond.
Currently a squad of 27 players, the final 23 will be decided on Saturday.
Both succumbing to hamstring complaints, midfielder Tom McKenzie and key defender Charlie Beasley will miss the match against the Tigers.
Late omission from last week’s game, key defender Harry Nolan, will make his maiden appearance for the home and away season.
Being added to the squad are Nic Quigg and Ben Reddick who are in line to make their first Coburg appearances of 2023, for Quigg it would be his VFL and Coburg debut.
Suffering a disappointing defeat last week against a strong Collingwood side, the Lions will look to make amends for the lacklustre second half showing, after showing positive signs in
the first half, made to rue their inaccuracy in front of goal.
Richmond had a blistering start to the season, easily accounting for the Northern Bullants by 47-points at the Swinburne Centre, courtesy of a 10 goal to 1 first half, which included 7 in
the opening quarter.
Players to watch:
Flynn Gentile was superb for the Lions last week, collecting 29 disposals, 1 goal and 10 tackles in a balanced effort in trying circumstances in context with the result. This performance has been lauded by the staff and players, earning him Lion of the week honours.
For the Tigers, VFL captain Lachlan Street led from the front, amassing a team high 30 disposals to go alongside his 6 tackles led all comers with 7 clearances.
Match details:
Round 2 VFL
Saturday 1st April, 2:05pm
Piranha Park, Coburg
The game will be live streamed on the AFL.com.au website and AFL live app.
Follow Coburg FC on Facebook and Twitter for matchday updates.
