BY JARRAD GARDNER
After a thrilling six-point victory over Frankston in round 13, the Lions will be full of confidence heading into this week’s match against Essendon.
It looks to be a settled line up for round 14 as we host a strong Bombers side at Piranha Park as part of NAIDOC week, with no confirmed outs at this stage.
Kane Noonan, Will Donaghey, Tyson Old and Jonty Neaves all join the extended bench along with Lachlan Watkins, Fletcher Carroll, Brodie Foster, and Ben Reddick with Mark Baker once again the 23rdman.
Josh Weightman continued his strong run of recent form against Frankston, collecting 22 touches and booting two goals while also laying eight tackles to claim Lion of the Round honours in round 13.
He’ll be joined by Luke Bunker and Marcus Lentini in the middle with Adam Swierzbiolek starting in the ruck and Lochlan Dickson and Jackson McDonald rounding out the midfield group.
Bunker and Lentini both found the ball at will against the Dolphins, Bunker with 25 touches and 10 tackles to go along with a goal while Lentini had 35 disposals to remain number one in the VFL with 358 for the season.
Co-captain Pete McEvoy booted two goals in our win over Frankston and was aided by Steven Stroobants and Hedley Smith who kicked one apiece however were unlucky not to kick more.
Mitch Podhajski, Sam Binion and Jack Murphy will also start up forward against the Bombers.
The back six remains unchanged after a strong performance last week, co-captain Ryan Exon will lead the group and will be joined by Liam Whelan, Tyson Lever, Jesse Corigliano, Harry Nolan and Josh Guthrie.
Essendon currently sit second on the VFL ladder, with nine wins so far in 2019. In round 13 the defeated Werribee by 12 points at Avalon Airport Oval
This is the first time we will face the Bombers in 2019, in our most recent encounter in round 10 of the 2019 season the Bombers were too good, walking away 94-point victors.
Strong performers on that day were Lentini (34 disposals), McEvoy and Podhajski (two goals apiece).
We hope to see all our Lions fans at Piranha Park on Sunday to cheer our boys on! First bounce is at 12:30pm.
We are also excited to bring you a special performance beforehand for NAIDOC Week.
#WeAreCoburg
