Story by Chris Cavanagh
IT WAS a result that deep down even Coburg coach Peter German did not see coming.
In one of the upsets of the season in the VFL, the second-year stand-alone Lions defeated reigning premier Footscray on Saturday in what they hope will be a turning point in their progression.
Coburg had its confidence shattered a week earlier, belted by last year’s other grand finalist — Box Hill — by 100 points.
But with steely resolve, the Lions bounced back to post a marvellous 15.13 (103) to 7.13 (55) triumph over the Bulldogs at Piranha Park.
“I think the week before was a real learning experience for us and I think we took a lot out of that game with Box Hill and were able to transfer it into the game on Saturday,” German said.
“We found a real high intensity from the start and the players could see that if they actually were hard at it and sharp around the ball, we could match it (with Footscray).”
Coburg kicked against the breeze in the opening term but went into the first change just nine points adrift.
It was the second quarter that set up the win for the home side, which booted eight goals while holding the Bulldogs scoreless to establish a 45-point advantage at half-time.
Footcray hit back in the third quarter, closing the gap to 23 points.
But Coburg held firm.
The Lions had let other games slip from their grasp this season.
Not this time.
Footscray’s side was brimming with AFL talent.
Will Minson, Ayce Cordy, Tom Boyd, Brett Goodes and Nathan Hrovat were but a few.
However, Coburg’s young line-up more than held their own, even with those match-ups.
Defender Michael Hartley (14 disposals) held Boyd goal-less, ruckman Tom Goodwin (25 hitouts) was gallant against Minson and midfielder Nathan Thomas (25 disposals) produced his best game of the season through the midfield after being dropped to the Development League side the previous week.
“He got best-on-ground in the seconds last week and he was able to transfer that form to best-on-ground in the firsts in one week,” German said of Thomas.
“I think that speaks volumes of the environment we’re building at the club. Players have to work hard now for a game and to keep their spot.”
Five rounds remain in Coburg’s 2015 campaign.
And after the weekend, the bar has been raised.
“We’ve got five games left that are all possibly winnable,” German said.
“They are games that we feel we match up pretty well and if we can finish off the season with some wins in our last month or so, it just buoys the group heading into next pre-season.”
(PHOTO: Liz Vagg)
