By Mathew Asciak
The Lions Senior team has their name back on the winners’ list after defeating West Brunswick AFC by 11-points in the toughly contested round 14 clash, while the Development team suffered a 10-point defeat.
Coburg started slow in the opening quarter but the Magpies were unable to take full advantage of their constant attacking threat, only registering five minor scores for the first term. Sarah Piggott (23 disposals, 7 marks) was very busy, operating as the last line of defence for the Lions and doing so very effectively throughout and was the leading possession getter for the Lions on the day.
Chances in front of goal were few and far between for both sides, with the West Brunswick eventually breaking the deadlock early in the second term and would take an 11-point half-time lead.
The Lions booted first and only major 8 minutes into the 3rd term through half-forward Regina Said (12 disposals, 3 tackles) worked hard all to create space and offer multiple leads for the final phase of the Lions’ attack.
Trailing by two points at the final break, the Lions looked to regain control of the match as they kicked with the wind in the final term at McAlister Oval after having more of the play in the 3rd term.
Neither team was able to kick the all-important first goal of the final term with the game hanging in the balance for the opening exchanges. Ultimately it was the home side that would get the crucial goal, prevailing by 10 points.
The Seniors had a similar start in the first half by going scoreless in the first quarter, but only trailed by 2 behinds and quarter time and were level at 1.3. (9) apiece at the main break. In just her 2nd VAFA game of the season, Teagan Brett (21 disposals, 8 marks, 2 clearances) led the Lions in the forward half, booting another two goals.
Claire Cashman (14 disposals, 2 clearances) helped set up Brett for her opening goal with some team first decision making in the forward pocket, opting for the centering ball to find an open Brett for an uncontested mark from close range, which Brett went back and kicked easily.
A Steph Filbay goal in the third term gave the Lions the slender 3-point lead at the final change.
The Magpies missed a pair of scoring shots and it would cost them as Brett struck in 3rd minute and gave the Lions a buffer, running out 11-point victors.
Final Score:
Development:
West Brunswick AFC: 0.5. (5) | 1.5. (11) | 1.7. (13) | 2.11. (23)
Coburg Lions: 0.0. (0) | 0.0. (1) | 1.5. (11) | 1.7. (13)
Goals: Said
Best: S.Piggott, J.McArdle, C.Perrett, B.Unthank, R.Said, S.Jolly
Seniors:
West Brunswick AFC: 0.2. (2) | 1.3. (9) | 2.3. (15) | 2.4. (16)
Coburg Lions: 0.0. (0) | 1.3. (9) | 2.6. (18) | 3.9. (27)
Goals: Brett 2, Filbay
Best: T.Brett, S.Bennett, L.Suleiman, T.Stepan, C.Cashman, L.Primerano
