By Mathew Asciak
Georgia Sampson will make her first senior appearance for the Lions this week for the round 6 clash against ladder leaders’ Kew. Both Lions’ squads will look to return to the winners list this week as they travel to Victoria Park to face Kew.
After a strong four matches in the Development team, including a five goal, best on ground performance against St. Kevins in round 3, Sampson will get her chance at Senior level against the in-form team in the VAFA Premier, Kew.
After two weeks in the Development squad, attacking duo Mia D’Agostino and Hayley Baber reassume their spots in the forward half, while Michelle Sliwinski slots into the back six and Malaya Rodezno replaces Bree Unthank in the key ruck role.
Stephanie Filbay and Teah Stepan are unavailable this week, while Abigail Adams and Ruby Taranto will feature in the Development team.
Emily Balaburov has been in some great form in the last fortnight, featuring in the best in both matches, but will be unavailable for selection.
Match Preview:
After winning their opening three matches, the Development team succumbed to their first loss of the 2023 VAFA season, going down by 35 points at the hands of a strong Collegians side at Albert Oval last Saturday.
Lisa Halfpenny was named best afield for the Lions, fighting valiantly across half-back, working hard with repeat efforts and providing constant relief for the back six with strong kicks out of the defensive 50.
Mia D’Agostino was on the scoresheet yet again, kicking two majors, while Natalie Todaro was influential across the forward half.
For the Seniors, it was a tough day at the office, with the stubborn Collegian defence restricting the Burgers to just four scoring shots, winning the match by 34 points.
Lauren Collis (13 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 clearance) had a balanced performance on both sides of the ball and was awarded best afield for the Lions, while Kayla Koropeckyj (27 disposals, 6 tackles, 6 clearances) continues to find grind it out around the contest, surging the ball forward at any opportunity.
Dacia Abela (11 disposals, 2 marks) was a standout across the back six in what was a tough outing.
Kew have had a great start to season, currently undefeated in both Seniors and Reserves, with 4 wins. For the Reserves, Yolanda Vinycomb has been the primary goal threat, with 5 goals on the season, but was held goal less in their 15-point win against West Brunswick.
Amelia Dawborn has been the most consistent performer for the Seniors, featuring in the best players on 3 occasions in 4 matches in 2023, kicking 3 goals.
Development:
IN: Adams, Taranto, Merrick,
OUT: Rodezno, D’Agostino, Baber, Rodezno, Piggot, Sampson, Balaburov
Seniors:
IN: Sliwinski, D’Agostino, Baber, Rodezno, Sampson
OUT: Filbay, Unthank, Adams, Taranto, Stepan
NEW: Sampson (Doutta Stars)
Team Line-ups:
Seniors:
B 30 ABELA 12 MITCHENER 4 ZAYAT
HB 9 COLLIS 39 PHIPPS 36 SLIWINSKI
C 10 DUGUID 5 MCNALLY 70 O’BRYAN
HF 11 HAYES 58 MANGAN 19 SAMPSON
F 1 BABER 6 SAID 27 LAFFEY
R 56 RODEZNO 41 KOROPECKYJ 65 DINUCCIO
INT 24 MCARDLE 46 MINCHIN 15 D’AGOSTINO 23 BENNETT
EMG 38 ADAMS 68 PERRETT 22 TARANTO
Development:
B 33 CHETCUTI 7 UMAKI 35 GRIFFIN
HB 28 HALFPENNY 71 JEN SMITH 38 ADAMS
C 48 CATALANO 13 TODARO 68 PERRETT
HF 32 JAZ SMITH 16 BROMILOW 42 HACKETT
F 21 BALABUROV 22 TARANTO 37 CAVANAGH
R 14 KOTAS 34 MERRICK 18 WENBAN
Match details:
Round 6 | William Buck Premier Women’s | Premier Women’s Reserves
Kew vs Coburg Lions
Victoria Park, Kew
Saturday 20th May 9:20am (Reserves 11:40am)
*Coburg teams are subject to VFLW and Top Up player availability
#WeAreCoburg #LionMode
