By Connor Burns
Premier Women’s Division: Coburg Lions v Old Scotch at Piranha Park, Saturday, 20th of July @2pm
Coburg will face a tough challenge this Saturday at Piranha Park, when they play against the 2nd placed Old Scotch Senior Women’s side. The girls will be champing at the bit after two weeks oH games with VAFA league byes.
The Lions are coming off a 21-point loss against the 6th placed West Brunswick and will look to bounce back strongly this weekend. Coburg sit two wins outside the top five, with a 3-8 win/loss record. Their opponents are coming oH a 10-point win in a tight game where there were only two goals scored through its entirety.
With seven games to play in the home and away season, every outing is becoming increasingly important for the Lions as they look to push their case toward a final’s appearance.
Co-captain’s Amy Duguid and Claire Cashman have been crucial to the way the Lions have played this year and will again prove important if their side is to compete strongly on Saturday.
Coburg senior women’s coach Ryan Wandel said the group is excited for the challenge after their multiple weeks oH playing.
“The group is excited for the challenge. The weeks off has meant we’re itching to get back out there and give it our best,” he said.
When asked what the key’s to competing with Old Scotch are, Wandel believed controlling the ball and the game was amongst the most important elements to success.
“We have to force them to defend and possess the ball. They’re a good side, they’ll have their moments where they are pretty good, but we have to put them on the backfoot and make them work hard for everything,” he said.
Georgia Sampson and Sarah Jolly have been great focal points for Coburg, kicking 13 and 10 goals respectively so far this season, always providing a threat to opposition defenders. Sampson who joined the club last year from the Essendon Doutta Stars in the EDFL, made an immediate impact at the club last year and hasn’t looked back since.
While Jolly has had a wonderful career and always poses headaches for her opponents. The veteran also brings a wealth of experience to the group, having played for the Western Bulldogs VFLW side between 2017-2019. She took the field 41 times across those seasons and kicked 22 goals.
She also played at the highest level with three games for Melbourne in a short AFL stint, with her knowledge to be vital against a strong Old Scotch side.
For Old Scotch they have had a dominant season, winning 10 of their 11 total games and will be diHicult to stop. Their captain Mia CaHry has been in brilliant form, named within the best players in all but one outing. They have also had several players kicking goals, headlined by Eloise Defina and Millie Fraser-Smith with 19 and 12 goals respectively.
Wandel believes the team’s success will be driven by the level of connection between the midfielders and forwards on the day.
“Our success has come when our forward line is firing and our connection between the mids and forwards is on song. Steph Filbay and Jemma LaHey are key attacking threats for us if on.
Sarah Jolly and Claire Cashman are two dangerous mids that will help bring those threats into the game if they can get on top,” he said.
When asked if any players had stood out or impressed him this season, Wandel said it was tricky to single players out but that there were a few that have been building nicely.
“It’s hard to single players out, as success comes more from a strong culture and method, but we have definitely had some standouts. Amy Duguid has really lifted her game this year in the midfield with her physicality and ability to bring her teammates into the game.
Dallas Rowland, Georgia Sampson and Kiana Minchin have been consistent performers all season. Others such as Grace Painting and Bronte Whyte have found their feet in diHerent roles,” he said.
The first-time senior coach has enjoyed the challenge of leading the group and learnt a lot, since stepping up into the role midway through the season.
“I’ve learnt a lot through this experience about not just the way I coach, but the type of person I want to be, and what legacy I want to leave at Coburg. It has definitely been a challenging ride, and there are still a number of things that I know I can improve on, but I feel like I’m in the right place to learn and get better,” he said.
Among the team changes since their last game are Lisa Halfpenny and Natalie Todaro coming into the side for Adela Michelson and Georgia Sampson.
Last time they met: Round 3 at Camberwell Sportsground
Old Scotch: 7.7 (49) def Coburg Lions 0.6 (6)
Old Scotch
Goalkickers: M. Cowan 2, L. Morley 2, E. Defina, A. Muir, M. Wilson Best Players: A. Muir, E. Robins, B. Gray, E. Sciberras, M. CaHry, J. Wise Coburg
Best Players: C. Perrett, Z. Attard, A. Michelson, S. Bennett, M, D’Agostino, M. Rodezno
