BY BROOKE VARNEY.
2017 Jim Sullivan Medallist Liam Hunt has returned to some of his best playing form, named Motoink Motorcycles Lion of the Round after Sunday’s clash with North Melbourne.
Recording 37 disposals, eight clearances, and seven marks, while even slotting a long goal from outside-50, Hunt’s performance did not go unrecognised by the coaches.
Playing a range of positions over the past few weeks, Hunt played majority of his game in the midfield on Sunday and found he was able to make things work smoother than previous weeks.
“It was good to put a full four-quarter performance together; it’s been a struggle of late to combine my defensive and attacking side into one game,” he said.
“I feel when I focus on my pressure around the footy, the rest will take care of itself.”
“I’m probably a culprit of hanging back in defence a little and not pressing up to the ball carrier, so it was good to add that to my game (on Sunday).”
The Lions were definitely challenged during the match, and struggled to convert on the scoreboard despite the opportunities presenting themselves.
Coburg entered three-quarter time trailing by 84 points after allowing North to get off to a fast start, but were able to dominate the final term and show their potential, kicking six unanswered goals.
“Finishing the game well was a huge positive, but it was disappointing in the first half to allow them to play it on their terms, and play free-flowing footy with not much pressure applied,” Hunt said.
“We’re showing more and more glimpses of our creative ball movement each week, and we just need to learn as a young group to do it for four quarters.”
This week Coburg go up against a strong Williamstown outfit, who are coming off the back of an 88-point win over fellow stand-alone side Frankston.
Hunt acknowledges it will be tough competition, but will take the learnings from previous weeks and head into the match with a positive mindset.
“We will look to learn a lot during the week on how they play and how we can match up against them.”
“(We have) positive vibes inside the club, but we just need to keep working hard and the rewards will come.”
This article is sponsored by Motoink Motorcycles – 117 Sydney Rd, Coburg. For more information, check out their Facebook page.
