Development Lions dismantle Port

 1/4 TIME1/2 TIME3/4 TIMEFULL TIME
Port Melbourne4.2.266.3.398.8.5610.8.68
Coburg2.2.146.5.4111.10.7619.15.129

Best: Brandt, M.Clark, Robortella, MacDonald, Bailey, Cooper
Goals: Brandt 5, MacDonald 3, Gleeson 3, Cleary 2, Kalanj, Symes, Schraven, Robinson, Robortella, Sortino
Five goals from Liam Brandt up forward has given the Coburg Development the title of being undefeated in the pre-season following a 61-point win against Port Melbourne on Saturday afternoon and wins against Frankston and Yarrawonga.
After struggling to get the ball rolling in the first quarter, the Lions clicked into gear in the second quarter with experienced forwards Liam Brandt, Dean MacDonald wreaking havoc inside 50.
In the unusual spot of following the senior game on Saturday afternoon, the young Lions had witnessed a close encounter with Port Melbourne and knew they had the potential to cause an upset against one of the competition’s traditional powerhouses.
A sluggish start from the Lions allowed the Borough to break away and kick the first three goals of the game. Debutant Damon Symes marked his first contribution to Coburg football with his first kick sailing throw the big sticks for Coburg’s first of the afternoon.
Trailing by 12 at the first break, Coburg continued their healthy habit of kicking goals inside the first two minutes of quarters, with Liam Brandt snapping around his body for the first of his five goal haul.
Brandt was playing with renewed confidence that we had not seen on the field in some time and was using his extra 3 years of VFL experience and commanding the forward line with his voice.
After getting a few on the trot, the game was within a couple of points following a severe incident in the centre square. Leadership group member Andrew Sturgess had to be stretched off which appeared to be a head injury and would not return for the game, making it the fourth injury of the day to the Lions’ midfield across both matches.
But the young Lions were sturdy in not letting Sturgess’ injury affect their ferocious mindset to attack the football.

PORT MELB STATSCOBURG 
293Disposals405
124Contested Possessions147
62Marks113
38Inside 50s59
40Clearances38
19Turnovers11 


After a stalemate where no goals were kicked in the first 13 minutes of the second half, Ruairi Cleary broke the deadlock from a set shot and from there it was all Coburg.
It was some of the most effective football a Coburg side has played in the last 12 months.
Coburg played attacking defence and put the Borough under all sorts of pressure in their back fifty, reeling off the next four goals in the game as Tom Gleeson and Dean MacDonald got amongst the goal kickers.
In the middle, the Lions were starting to win the clearances, and Daniel Cooper was using his size to break the game open.
A couple of red time goals for the Borough gave them a slither of hope heading into the final change.
It was clear, the fitness staff’s extensive plan over the summer to improve the Lions’ finishing out games had paid off as the young Burgers ran Port Melbourne off their feet.
Space was opening up thanks to the Lions stretching the field and they were moving the ball as efficiently as they had all day, allowing them to finish Port Melbourne off with an 8 goal to 2 final quarter to smash the home side by 61-points, leaving the Development Lions undefeated this pre-season.
Down back, Matthew Clark in his new role was excelling in his best game of the pre-season. A massive game by the second year Lion, who finished with 28 disposals, 13 marks (2 contested), 7 rebound 50s and 3 spoils.
Amongst the depleted midfield, 18-year-old Morwell stud Brandon Bailey stood up and matured to provide 20 disposals, and outside run on the wings.
Up forward, there were winners everywhere. Liam Brandt looked rejuvenated and smart and being the first to every crumb, adding 21 disposals to go with his five goals.
Another Morwell player from last year Dean MacDonald, used his AFL experienced body and smarts to beat his opponent one on one and looked dangerous all day.
The Development Lions will now look to Saturday afternoon where they will face the Werribee Tigers in Round 1 at 11:00AM at Piranha Park.