Match Preview: Coburg Lions V.S North Melbourne
By Ali Taleb
Where and when:
Piranha Park, Sunday 21stJuly, 12:30pm
Last time they met:
Round 4 2018, Coburg 9.18 72 Defeated by North Melbourne 19.10 124
The Kangaroos got the early jump on the Lions in the first quarter, kicking 5 goals without a reply. Throughout the match North were able to continue their dominant ball movement leading to star man Mason Wood kicking 6 goals for the game, while the Roos took an 84-point lead into the last break. Fighting back with great courage, the Lions were not able to apply any scoreboard pressure, kicking 18 points for the game which ultimately kept them too far away to mount a late comeback.
Form in 2019
Coburg
Coming off an inspired victory against Frankston in round 13, and contending strongly for the majority of the match against premiership contender Essendon, the Lions have shown a lot of upside heading into the latter part of the season. Watching the development of midfield duo Luke Bunker and young gun Marcus Lentini has been really positive this year, along with the ever resilient Ryan Exon commanding the best of his team mates down back. The Lions will continue to look for more growth in 2019 starting again this week against North Melbourne.
North Melbourne
1 win from their last 5 games and only 3 for the season, North Melbourne would be a club first to admit their disappointment at what they have shown in season 2019. Finishing only 1 win outside the top 8 last year, the drop has been surprising.
With time left still in the year to rectify a season of missed opportunity, the Roos, led by captain Brendan Whitecross will look to gain some momentum and much needed confidence this week against the Lions to roll onto season 2020.
Players to watch
Coburg
Jackson McDonald
Playing what looked like his best game in the Coburg jumper against the Bombers in round 14. McDonald, a product of the Calder Cannons, will look to continue in the same form against the Kangaroos this week. With the ability to play in the midfield and down back, his versatility could prove crucial in getting the Lions over the line.
Liam Whelan
Whelan is not necessarily one for the highlight reel, but for a big man he is extremely quick and versatile, and has played at both ends this season for the Lions. Stringing together 4 games in a row over the last few weeks, don’t be surprised if Whelan has his breakout game at either end this Sunday against North.
North Melbourne
Brendan Whitecross
Joining the club this year as a player and development coach, Whitecross not only was named captain of his side but has been a leader both on and off the field. Driving professional standards across the club which have been influenced by his time in the Hawthorn senior side. Whitecross will be key to his side’s chances this week.
Luke Davies-Uniacke
Exciting North Melbourne young gun Luke Uniacke caught the eyes of coaches last week with an electric performance in the midfield that consisted of 31 disposals and a massive 11 tackles. If last week was anything to go by, LDU might just be the man to help North come away with the win this week.
Selected Teams
Coburg
B: 2. J. Corigliano, 35. L. Whelan, 7. T. Lever
HB: 5. R. Exon, 6. H. Nolan, 36. J. Guthrie
C: 23. J. McDonald, 11. L. Bunker, 1. J. Murphy
HF: 28. K. Noonan, 12. P. McEvoy, 3. J. Weightman
F: 10. M. Podhajski, 29. M. Baker, 14. S. Stroobants
R: 22. A. Swierzbiolek, 17. L. Dickson, 42. M. Lentini
Int: 24. F. Carroll, 9. B. Foster, 13. B. Gillard, 33. B. Reddick, 39. M. Saad, 45. J. Sandric, 37. H. Smith, 26. L. Watkins
23P: 46. T.Browning
North Melbourne
B: 36. J. Crocker, 1. M. Daw, 40. T. Murphy
HB: 35. D. Watson, 23. B. McKay, 19. S. Wright
C: 9. L. Davies – Uniacke, 15. P. Ahern, 31. C. Taylor
HF: 46. L. Hosie, 38. T. Xerri, 53. T. Leonardis
F: 45. R. Murphy, 74. B. McLaughlin, 41. T. Wilkinson
R: 42. T. Campbell, 59. N. Holmes, 52. N. Rippon
Int: 75. C. Hodges, 51. T. Hotchin, 61. C. Jansen, 68. Q. Montanaro, 57. A. Morgan, 79. R. Morrison, 72. D. Robinson, 80. M. Tang
23P: 67. L. Davis
This week on the 21stof July round 16 at Piranha Park, the Coburg and North Melbourne Football club come together standing in solidarity for our annual Vicki Cleary day. An occasion to shed light on the dangers of violence against women while being an opportunity to show support for victims of these horrible acts.
A day every year we at Coburg look forward to with pride. We urge and encourage ALL Coburg fans to join us this Sunday at Piranha Park, showing your support for the day and to cheer on our Lions against the Kangaroos.
There will be a special pre-game event held at 12:15pm. Entry is free although we encourage all attendees to do their best in giving a gold coin donation which supports our club to continue spreading awareness of violence against women among our community.
#WeAreCoburg
Venue: Piranha Park
Written by Ali Taleb, who is in his first year of his Bachelor of Business (Sports Management/Communications) degree at Latrobe University. The Coburg Football Club is in a position to offer opportunities as the one Ali has taken. They are committed to educating our next generation of football leaders.
