By Connor Burns
Women’s Premier Division: Coburg Lions v Melbourne University at Melbourne University Oval @2pm
The Lions are coming off a disappointing 13-point loss in a clash that was seen as very winnable. However, this week presents as a golden opportunity to snap the girls run of losses, as they take on the ninth placed Melbourne University, who have won just two games this season.
The girls came away with a strong 21-point win last time they took on Melbourne University back in Round two, with plenty of changes amongst both sides since April. In their last meeting there was an even spread of goalkickers for the Lions with five different goal scorers.
Back in round two Julia McArdle was instrumental in the victory for the Lions, along with Mia D’Agostino, Jemma Laffey, Kiana Minchin and Natalie Todaro, who all played key roles.
The major threats for Melbourne Uni are Victoria Holt, Brooke Randall, Isabella Robson, and Kayla Peake (North Melbourne VFL), while Asha Price (18 goals) and Madison Katerelos (11 goals) have been shining lights in the forward line.
Coburg coach Ryan Wandel said the team are excited at the chance to get back on the winners list, but the club also has an eye to the future.
“We’re definitely up and about to get a win on the board, but our focus is shifting now towards long term development, meaning there will be some player role changes this week for a fresh new look across all lines,” he said.
Some of the keys to beating Melbourne University will be denying their marking game, while nullifying some of their stars in Asha Price and Brooke Randall will also be crucial.
“They’re dangerous when they do that (take marks), and it comes from their midfield, we have to match it with them at the coalface,” Wandel said.
“Both (Price and Randall) have their impact on the game in different ways. If we can limit their influence, it’ll go a long way.”
Wandel is also keen to see some of Coburg’s stars continue their good form to round out the season.
“Ella Tyson has been on fire recently, coming back from a long season with Williamstown and excelling. Grace Painting, Maggie O’Connell and Chloe Perrett have also had a good last month, I’m excited to see them continue their good form,” he said.
Last time they met: Round 2 at Piranha Park
Coburg 8.2 (50) def Melbourne Uni 4.5 (29)
Coburg
Goalkickers: M. D’Agostino 2, G. Sampson 2, B. White 2, J. Laffey, C. Perrett
Best Players: J. McArdle, M. D’Agostino, J. Laffey, K. Minchin, N. Todaro, N. Phipps
Melbourne University
Goalkickers: B. Hudson 2, M. Katerelos, A. Price,
Best Players: K. Peake, B. Randall, I. Robson, E. Gorman-Jacobs, V. Holt, B. Hudson
Unfortunately, the women’s reserves side have had to forfeit their game this weekend due a lack of availability, but will hope to get back out there in the last two rounds. Be sure to get down to Melbourne University Oval in Parkville to cheer on the girls. The senior women’s will be looking to get their first win since round nine, with the game kicking off at 2pm.
