BY BROOKE VARNEY.
The Coburg Football Club is proud to announce that first year player Marcus Lentini has been named in the 2018 VFL Team of the Year.
Lentini, a Diamond Creek junior and former Northern Knight, had an outstanding debut season after making the transition from TAC Cup to VFL level.
The 19-year old midfielder finished his maiden VFL campaign with 509 possessions, co-leading the disposals count for the overall competition, and was one of four Lions to feature in all 18 matches.
He recorded 30+ disposals performances on nine different occasions including a career-high 41 in round 20, averaging 28.3 touches a game.
Lentini was also recognised as Lion of the Round in round 7 for his performance against Collingwood.
“It’s pretty surreal; I wasn’t expecting it and came just to watch the count but I’m pretty stoked that I made it,” Lentini said on the night.
His attack on the ball and continual pressure also saw him win praise from coach Leigh Adams, recording an average of 5.9 tackles and 6.8 clearances.
Despite nearly being dropped from the side in round 3, Lentini found his form and even found himself with the job of tagging some of the league’s seasoned players; including the likes of Richmond’s Sam Lloyd and Frankston’s Will Fordham.
Labelled a “ball-magnet”, Lentini definitely caught the eye of many this year and will continue to be a damaging midfielder in his VFL seasons to come.
“I feel like the Lions are heading in the right direction; hopefully we can do a bit better with the wins-losses ratio but I just want to continue building on what I did this season,” Lentini said.
“Obviously everyone’s goal is to get drafted (to the AFL), but whether that happens or not (I’m not sure).”
The Coburg Football Club congratulates him for being named in the VFL Team of the Year, and is very proud and excited by Marcus’ performances in 2018.
Marcus has already committed to the club for season 2019 where he will look to build on 2018 and continue to develop further.
The VFL Team of the Year recognises the season’s best performers across the competition, and is formally announced on J.J. Liston Trophy Night.
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