By Connor Burns
This Sunday afternoon Coburg’s current vice-captain Flynn Gentile will play his 50th VFL match against Port Melbourne at Piranha Park in Coburg.
‘Flynny’ joined the Lions ahead of the 2022 season, instantly making an impact at the club, on and off the field. The on-baller played 18 games in his first season and became a key part of the team, culminating in him winning the Phil Cleary Rising Star award at the club’s best and fairest night. He also finished fourth in the Jim Sullivan Medal just three votes behind the winner, captain Jesse Corigliano.
The 21-year-old is a product of the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League, where he played some brilliant footy before being overlooked in his draft year. He has also played for his local club Airport West in the EDFL since his junior days, alongside his brother and family.
Adding to an already impressive list of achievements, Gentile hasn’t missed a game since his debut, making him one of the fastest players ever to 50 VFL games. When he runs out there on Sunday in front of the Coburg faithful, he will have a lot of support from everyone but none more so than what his family have provided throughout his football journey.
Captain Jesse Corigliano spoke highly of Gentile and his family when reflecting on his teammates journey to 50 VFL games.
“Awesome to see Flynny get to 50 games, and I think I speak for everyone involved at the footy club including supporters, when I say we are all grateful that they have all been in Coburg colours, Corigliano said.
I think as a club we are so fortunate to have Flynn and his family (Daisy, Angelo, Renae, and Ned) involved at Coburg and I know this milestone has as much to do with their support as it does with Flynn himself.”
He followed up his great first season with another strong showing in 2023, matching his fourth placed best and fairest finish from the previous year. His leadership has also stood out on-field throughout his time at the ‘Burgers’, with a fearless attack on the football and willingness to do anything for his teammates. He was rewarded on the back of his first two seasons, by being appointed as vice-captain of the club ahead of the 2024 VFL season.
Corigliano said he wasn’t surprised his beloved teammate had gotten to 50 games and so quickly with the immediate impression he had made at the club.
“He’s gotten to the milestone so quickly (barely missed a game since coming to the club and is only 21 years old) which should come as no surprise to anyone who knows him.
From day dot he’s been super professional, an awesome teammate and most importantly a wonderful person. I’m personally very proud of the person and leader he has become and love running out alongside him every week,” Corigliano said.
“His footy speaks for itself and I am looking forward to seeing him continue to showcase his talent to AFL clubs who would be absolutely kidding themselves if they didn’t give him an opportunity. Congratulations mate, very proud of you.”
Gentile has taken his footy to an all-new level in 2024, averaging over 26 disposals and producing some massive individual games for the club this season. The man of the moment said that it means a lot to reach this milestone with the club.
“To play 50 VFL games is an achievement in itself and something I’m very proud of myself for. To do it at a club like Coburg with such a rich history is something I’ll forever be grateful for,” Gentile said.
He thanked all the people that have played a part in his football journey, as well as the ones central in getting him to the Coburg Football Club in the first place.
“I would firstly like to thank Seb and Sturg for getting me down to Coburg and welcoming me into this special environment I now call home. I would also like to thank the Coburg fans and community for the support and love they show every week, cheering us on.
They have encouraged me to take my football journey to the highest level possible and have always believed in me. Jamie and Trent Dumont for developing my game to the next level. The players who have been here from my first day here to the current group who are some people I now call my best mates,” Gentile said.
“I could thank so many people including my work for being flexible with training and games interstate or friends for the understanding and support they give towards my footy but there are five people who I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.”
My best mate Jack (meat) buys a membership every year, gets a playing top to wear to training and always keeps me grounded by telling me how he’s better than me.
My girlfriend Daisy for her unconditional love and support. She has been to every game in Victoria and is as much part of Coburg as I am now. She’s the first to tell me how well I’ve played even when it may be a lie.
Lastly and certainly not least, my mum, dad, and brother. They have been there for every step of my football career. Through highs and lows they have taught me resilience, confidence and to just be myself,” he said.
Senior coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara has watched Gentile’s game grow over the last year and a half since joining the club as senior coach in 2023. He couldn’t be happier for his star midfielder and hopes bigger and better things are ahead for the 21-year-old.
“Congratulations Flynny, I think it’s a fantastic achievement to hit 50 games as quickly as what you have. Clearly, you’re a massive part of what we’re building, and I think you should be really proud of your season to date.
Hopefully we can go out and get the win for you this weekend and you can keep improving your footy as we go and hopefully achieve not only team success with us but ideally that plus some individual success and hopefully play at the highest level which I think you’re more than capable of doing, so well-done mate,” he said.
New midfield coach Trent Dumont said that upon first coming to the club, Gentile’s “character” and “leadership” really stood out for someone so young.
“When I first came to the club I was really struck by Flynn’s character, someone that was showing great leadership on the track and real engagement in trying to consistently improve his game,” Dumont said.
“I was surprised to find out he was only 21 at the time. After being involved in the program for some time, I’ve come to realise that he is a seriously good footballer. He is super dynamic with his movement where he is able to damage the opposition by breaking lines for us consistently.
I love working with him as a coach and I look forward to watching his journey as it progresses to greater heights than he is already producing.”
On behalf of the Coburg Football Club, we would like to congratulate Flynn for reaching this special milestone. Flynn’s journey to 50 games is a testament to his professionalism, consistency, loyalty and unwavering dedication and love for the club. Coburg fans, join us post-match in the clubrooms to celebrate Flynn’s milestone on Sunday.
