By Luke Mathews
Coburg defeated a strong AFL academy outfit by 27 points at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon.
Despite not playing for four points and many key players missing, the lions continued the VFL’s strong record against the AFL academy and proved they were class above the nation’s best young stars.
With many heavy hitters in the AFL industry watching on, Coburg took the lead inside the opening minutes of the first quarter through Kyle Weightman and never looked back.
Henry Brown, Caleb Enrst and Josh D’intinosante all made the most of their opportunities early and each booted one goal to help the lions establish a nine point lead heading into quarter time.
Will Bella continued his strong start to the season with two goals in the second term and four for the match as he proved to be a handful for the academy’s defenders. The former Gold Coast Sun’s academy player pounced on a loose ball in front of goal and snapped his first and then minutes later marked strongly at the top of the goal square and kicked truly for his second.
The lions moved the ball with ease from end to end and rounded out the second term with a second D’intinosante goal that meant Coburg took a 13 point lead into the main break.
Coburg punished the academy off turnover in the third quarter which resulted in goals to Will Bella and Liam Serong, whilst Ben Thomson made the most of a costly 50 metre penalty and kicked the lions fifth of the term. Bella kicked Coburg’s sixth for the quarter to give the side a four goal leading heading into the final term.
The academy opened the final term with two goals in quick succession to reduce the margin to two goals as Coburg wasted golden opportunities in front of goal however goals Serong and Dammersmith steadied the ship and put the result beyond doubt.
Donovan Toohey was prolific for the lions collecting 28 disposal and six inside fifties as he received the medal for best on ground for the lions whilst gun recruit Joel Trudgeon continued his strong start to the year with 24 touches.
Next up the lions will take on Collingwood this Sunday for their first game at Piranha Park this season.
