Coburg’s Development side comfortably beat Box Hill yesterday morning, recording a 35 point win in their final practice match at Piranha Park.
The Lions led early and held their ground throughout the day, finishing 13.15 (93) to Box Hill 7.16 (58).
Ricky Schraven kicked the opening goal of the match, followed by two goals each to Matthew Merlo and Chas Roberts.
Merlo finished the day with three goals and 29 disposals, while new inclusion and former Northern Blue Hisham Kerbatieh also had an impressive game, finishing up with 22 disposals and kicking an exciting goal on the run after taking three bounces.
Alex Mioni recorded a game-high 31 disposals, with Damandeep Aujla also playing his part and finishing the game with 30 disposals and one major.
A slow one-goal, four-behind term saw the Lions lead by 12 points at the end of the first half, with tensions rising as a fight broke out just after the half-time siren.
Taking the game on in the third term, the Development boys made the most of Box Hill’s mistakes and used turnovers to their advantage.
With an inside-50 count of 43 to 27, Coburg managed to keep Box Hill goal-less, going into three quarter time with a 46-point lead.
The last term saw the Hawks fight back, but missed shots on goal meant Coburg had done enough to secure the win.
The Development Lions finish their practice match run with two wins and one loss, and will see next week off due to a bye.
Be sure to make your way down to Piranha Park next Saturday however to see the Seniors take on Collingwood in Round One at 2:40pm.
Hear the Lions Roar!
Coburg 5.1 6.5 11.12 13.15 (93)
Box Hill 3.1 4.5 4.8 7.16 (58)
Goals: Merlo 3, Schraven 2, Roberts 2, Brown 2, Kerbatieh, Haberfield, McRorie, Aujla.
Best: Ercolano, Merlo, Aujla, Sandric, Roberts, McRorie.
