By Connor Burns
Coburg went down by 28 points to an impressive Frankston Dolphins side on Sunday at Piranha Park, 9.15 (69) to 5.11 (41).
Here is a player-by-player summary from the game, with several players putting up big performances.
Braedyn Gillard (36 disposals, two marks, three tackles, four rebound-50’s)
The Utility had arguably the best game of his season to date. He played more midfield time then he previously has, hunting the footy and getting plenty of contested possessions on a scrappy and wet day. Would continuously get back and mop up for Coburg in an impressive display. Gillard is a leader at Coburg and continued a solid individual season on Sunday.
Flynn Gentile (35 disposals, four marks, 6 clearances, 10 inside-50’s)
Gentile continued a brilliant season on Sunday, compiling another massive performance. The midfielder was in and under all day, willing the ball forward for Coburg. He was also able to break away from the stoppages and drive the ball forward, with his breakaway speed. The only thing he didn’t do was hit the scoreboard but he was very impressive in a pretty even midfield battle by the two sides.
Lachlan Walker (25 disposals, five marks, three inside-50’s, three rebound-50’s)
Was as reliable as ever, impacting the game in both the air and on the ground. In a contest that was often frantic and pressurised, Walker was a cool head in defence with his composure and experience shining through. At times the Dolphins key forwards kicked goals just through brilliant ball movement and good delivery inside 50. However, Walker was continuously a calm head back there as one of the most experienced VFL players for Coburg.
Cooper Keogh (25 disposals, 52 hit-outs, 11 clearances, five marks)
Statistically the big man was dominant on Sunday, however it didn’t lead to absolute clearance dominance. Keogh had a whopping 52 hit-outs and was also able to gain important territory for Coburg with 11 clearances. He found plenty of the football as well in a lion-hearted effort. Easily won his ruck battle and was influential in the contest. It continues a good season for Keogh, who will be looking to keep things going.
Joel Trudgeon (22 disposals, five marks, 13 tackles, 1 goal)
Trudgeon has been a crucial part of Coburg’s on-ball brigade since joining the club from Box Hill in the off-season. The big-bodied mid was playing like a man possessed and got the boys going with the Lions first goal. His 13 tackles and large amount of contested ball reflects how much Trudgeon tried his heart out. The only knock on him would be his impact, with 18 of his disposals by hand. He also didn’t register a clearance in conditions where gaining territory proved crucial but was still a solid performer on the day.
Jesse Corigliano (21 disposals, 9 rebound-50’s, 2 tackles, 1 goal)
The Skipper was solid on Sunday afternoon, providing good drive from half-back and showing great composure and leadership when the game was played at breakneck speed. He was swung forward late in the game, taking a brilliant mark before kicking the goal to give Coburg some hope. Looked dangerous forward but was also pretty solid in the back-half.
Josh Watson (20 disposals, nine tackles, 3 inside-50’s, 3 marks)
For a young and inexperienced player at VFL level, I thought Watson brought plenty to the contest against Frankston. Like most of the others that ran through the midfield, the 21-year-old barrelled into contests and would’ve finished the day with a lot of contested possessions. His courage and ability to gain metres for Coburg are impressive traits for a young player in just his 13th VFL game. Arguably his most impactful game at the level.
Josh May (19 disposals, five clearances, two tackles, two rebound-50’s)
The 23-year-old has produced a solid last month of footy after not making his Coburg debut until Round 10. After coming across from Port Melbourne, I believe May has the flexibility to play back or forward with his height but has been used exclusively in defence. He also attended several stoppages in the back-half, registering five clearances with his penetrating left boot. Look for May to finish the year strong and go to new heights in 2025.
Deacon Kalpakis (17 disposals, 10 kicks, six marks, three round-50’s)
The key defender has impressed in his first VFL season, displaying a range of skill, athleticism, and ability to intercept the ball in 2024. The 21-year-old was unflappable on Sunday, giving his opponent nothing and impacting in the air. He also stood out for his ball use and calmness on the day, with a lot of players playing at a frantic pace. Only 11 games into his VFL career, it is exciting what Kalpakis can do moving forward.
Tom McKenzie (16 disposals, three marks, two inside-50’s, one tackle)
The speedy half-back/wing tried hard on a day where it was tough to have time and space. He had some really good moments, but at times overused the footy by hand. McKenzie ran hard both ways and was still able to find the footy despite the contested nature of the game. He will look to build upon this performance in the weeks to come.
Max Kennedy (16 disposals, four tackles, two clearances, one inside-50)
Kennedy had a similar game to McKenzie on the wing. On a scrappy and wet day, it was tough to showcase his skills and find space on the outside. He gave it everything while getting back to defend and laid tackles for his side. Kennedy also played little patches through the midfield with the two clearances and provided a bit for Coburg in their as well.
George Belcher (14 disposals, three marks, three tackles, two rebound-50’s)
After playing his first game of the season last week, Belcher took another step forward on Sunday. He started the game really well, taking a couple of intercept marks and halving crucial contests. He continued to play solid defence and provided a bit of drive at times, with two inside-50’s and two rebound-50’s to go with his other numbers. Arguably the best game of his VFL career, look for the 22-year-old to build on this in the last three rounds.
Max Thompson (13 disposals, four inside-50’s, one mark, 2 goals)
Thompson struggled to make his mark on the contest in the first half, before coming to life in the second. After just one goal in the first 60 minutes for Coburg, Thompson kicked two goals in the first six minutes of the third term, bringing his side to life. He looked a dangerous offensive threat playing at half-forward, often at the fall of the feet and threatening to break through packs. He has kicked five goals in the last two games, after playing more midfield time earlier in the season.
Charlie Beasley (13 disposals, six marks, two tackles, one rebound-50)
A solid old school key defender, Beasley has been a bit of a journeyman in the VFL. Playing for Port Melbourne and most recently Box Hill before coming to Coburg, Beasley has enjoyed a productive season. He was right with his defender all day, taking multiple intercept marks and holding firm down back. He gave away a few free kicks that he would probably like to do over but has been solid in the last month or so. Another player who will look to finish the year strongly and build for a big 2025 season.
Donovan Toohey (12 disposals, three tackles, three rebound 50’s, 1 clearance)
After having a very strong first few months of the season, Toohey has had his injury struggles over the past six weeks. He was a late in from the team selected on Friday with Ryan Sturgess (illness) going out of that initial side. After averaging 26 disposals this season, Toohey struggled to have his usual impact. The conditions probably played a factor, with Toohey unable to run off half back, getting handball receives and using the ball well. Will be better for the run as he looks to get back to his best this week.
Mitch Podhajski (12 disposals, five marks, four inside-50’s, one goal)
After a year riddled with injuries, Podhajski built again from his return against Port Melbourne. He was able to impact the game more often, kicking a goal and having several score involvements on the day. His skills and poise to set-up scoring shots shone through on a day where it was tough to regularly hit targets. Expect Podhajski to continue to build over the last three games and take confidence into the pre-season.
Ben Crick (12 disposals, 10 handballs, two marks, one behind)
Crick made his VFL debut three weeks ago after playing great footy for Montmorency in the Northern Football League. While not having the biggest numbers on the day, Crick’s attack on the footy and willingness to win the ball in the contest was a feature for such a young player. Of his 12 disposals, 10 of them were handballs in and under but at times he probably overused the ball in the wet conditions. He also looked dangerous forward of the footy at times throughout the game and will only get better with more exposure at the level.
Josh D’Intinosante (11 disposals, four clearances, four tackles, three behinds)
D’Intinosante didn’t quite reach the heights of his Port Melbourne performance two weeks ago. After dominating through the midfield in the brilliant victory a few weeks ago, JD resumed his forward role. On a day where it was challenging to be clean and put goals on the board, the 23-year-old floated in and out of the game and wasn’t at his best. In saying that, he had several shots on goals and provided a presence around the stoppages on the day for Coburg.
Henry Brown (11 disposals, two rebound- 50’s, one mark, one tackle)
It is tough to play the half-forward position at the best of times, especially when there are some dirty balls coming in. However, Brown fought hard all day and is only very early on in his VFL career. He pushed very high up the ground against the wind and helped in defence at times. Overall, he didn’t have a big impact on the game, but he will keep improving as he gets more confident at the level.
Liam Serong (nine disposals, four tackles, two marks, three inside-50’s)
Had some shaky moments early in his first game since round 11 but warmed into the contest after that. Like a lot of Coburg’s players, Serong is young and still developing. He showed some good poise in contested situations in the back-half and fought his hardest to put pressure on the opposition, laying four tackles. He has had some really good moments so far this year and looks to have exciting potential for the future. He is still only 19 years of age and will continue to get better.
Ben Major (six disposals, four handballs, two tackles, two inside 50’s)
On a tough day for key forwards, Major struggled to have much of an impact on the game. At times he looked really threatening and has showed promising signs in his five VFL games since his debut. Was not alone in failing to play well, as it was challenging conditions for both team’s key targets. Once again Major will only get better with experience at the level.
Will Bella (five disposals, two marks, two tackles, six hit-outs)
Had a similar narrative to Major. As a key forward it was a tough day for Bella, an organised defensive from Frankston paired with tricky conditions for marking made things tough. The big man has had some really good games this season, highlighted by four goals against Richmond. Now 36 games into his VFL career after playing some footy with the Gold Coast Suns VFL side, look for Bella to kick on soon and find more consistency within his game.
Davin Cameron (3 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle)
Unfortunately for Cameron he suffered an injury very early in the game which prevented him from playing any further part. He has had a couple of good games in his eight game VFL career, including a good showing against Port Melbourne only a few weeks ago. Cameron is definitely a player to watch moving forward.
