By Daniel Foley
Co-captain Ryan Exon has re-signed with the Coburg Football Club for the 2022 VFL season in what will be his sixth year at Piranha Park.
Exon, who has been co-captain of the Lions with Peter McEvoy since 2019, played in all 10 matches in 2021.
His best game for the season saw the defender awarded Lion of the Round in Round 10 after a dominant display where he recorded 32 disposals and 10 marks against Footscray.
The new deal should see the 27-year old play his 100th VFL match in 2022, with Exon needing to play 10 more games to reach the milestone.
Exon said he was rapt to be re-signing and that exciting times are ahead for Coburg.
“I’ve absolutely loved my five years at the club so far and have developed so many great friendships. There’s nowhere else I’d want to play my footy right now. It’s such a tight knit group and I’ve got a massive amount of confidence that we’re all heading in the right direction,” he said. “Can’t wait for 2022, as well as the natural improvement that will come, I think we also can turn those numerous close losses into wins.”
“It’s a young, talented group that is now growing in experience and belief. Having said that, it’s time to stop using the youth of the group as an excuse.”
“We showed this year that at our best, we can beat anyone. It just needs to be more consistent. This is what we’ll work on and I’m confident that finals footy is on the horizon.”
Coach Andrew Sturgess said Exon had been a pivotal cog for the club’s backline for many years and was an important signing.
“I think that we’re not only getting a good player but also a leader, which is really important that we keep guys of Ryan’s age and experience at our club in order to bring the next generation of hopefully Ryan Exons through the door to continue to thrive and have the careers that Ryan’s been able to carve out,” he said. “By the way that he’s going and the way he went this year he’s still got more to come.”
#WeAreCoburg
