Development Lions run riot in thrashing of Werribee

Best: Williams, Hill, Hemala, Miles, Cooper, Robertella
Goals: Hill 5, Hemala 4, Cooper 3, Tang 2, Kovacevic 2, Madden 2, Robinson,  Johns,  Williams,  Miles
A high-scoring opening term and five-goal haul to Dion Hill helped Coburg to a comprehensive 00-point win over Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Dion Hill, assisted by quality inside 50 entries for most of the day, constantly found the ball up forward and could’ve added more to his tally if it were not for a couple of missed chances. Julian Hemala made the most of his opportunities to boot four majors while Daniel Cooper kicked well to finish with three goals.
Tom Miles lifted in the second half to collect a team-high 29 possessions – 17 of which were contested – and kick a handy goal. Cooper and Williams (28 disposals) were lively and Robortella (27) was safe in defence and threatening when providing valuable inside 50 entries.
The Lions dominated possession to control the game from the first bounce and used superior ball use and decision-making to extend their lead throughout. Stoppage and clearance work was also a standout, as was cleaning up and rebounding from defence – which never allowed the Tigers back to back goals.
Coburg got off to a perfect start in what was the development Lions best first quarter effort of the season so far. Two early goals to Hill – whose second capped off a terrific sequence of link up play started by a sharp lead and gather by Joel Madden – were soon followed by two by Hemala. The small forward converted on the run and was gifted another immediately due to a Werribee infringement that saw him boot two goals inside 20 seconds.

Miles worked hard to force and punish a Werribee turnover from a kick-in while Cooper slotted a 55-metre set shot to give the Lions a commanding 44-point lead at quarter-time.
The Lions continued where they left off after the break, with Kovacevic doing it all at a stoppage to kick an impressive goal. The big Calder Cannons-listed ruckman worked hard all day and was rewarded with his second major late in the game.
Lachie Johns hurt the Tigers with his run and carry and willingness to take the game on. The fleet-footed midfielder powered away from a centre clearance and converted on the run to kick one of the goals of the day.
Keenan Posar ran hard across half back to finish with 24 disposals and six rebound 50s while Josh Totino (20 touches) put in a typical tough, inside-ball winning display.
Werribee began to wrestle back some control after half-time but this was quickly halted as Hill put through his fourth and Andrew Tang his second after yet another accurate entry – this time from Totino.
Despite holding a huge lead, the Lions maintained their relentless defensive pressure – particularly up forward – right until the final siren.