Match Preview: Coburg Lions V.S Northern Blues
By Ali Taleb
Where and when:
Preston City Oval, Sunday June 9th, 1:00pm start.
Last time they met:
Round 19, 2018: Coburg 12.8 – 80 defeated by Northern Blues 15.6 – 96
A fast starting Blues outfit kicked 5 goals in the first term to Coburg’s 2. With the Lions now playing catch up football, small forward Sam Lowson did everything he could, booting 4 goals for the game and putting his side within 4 goals in the last term. The uphill battle was too much however for Coburg’s young guns, with the Blues running out 16 point winners.
Form in 2019
Coburg –
Coburg’s young guns have battled hard all season, putting out strong performances against the competitions powerhouses and labelled as the VFL’s most improved up until this point by some clubs and officials. Although without the wins on the board as of yet, with a record of 1 and 7 in season 2019 Coburg are building each week and will have another chance to get some reward for effort, facing old rivals Northern Blues. The game will mean even more with tribute being paid by both clubs who will wear their jumpers of old.
Northern Blues –
Now up to the halfway point of the season, the Northern Blues sit well-prepared to take their chances while attempting to break into the VFL’s top 8. A consistent football team all year, the Blues are coming off a disappointing loss to old rivals Essendon by 41 points. Being eager to bounce back, the Blues will look forward to Sunday’s clash and attempt to put on a show for the home fans.
Players to watch
Coburg –
Marcus Lentini
Coburg’s 2018 Best and Fairest winner Lentini was in fine form last week. Picking up 30+ disposals and leading the charge in the midfield for the Lions, Lentini has been building strong form over the past month. ‘Lentils’ will look again to be influential as his club seeks their second win of the season.
Mitchell Podhajski
Starting in the forward line over the last 2 weeks, Podhajski has looked dangerous every time the ball has gone near him. Coming off a 2 goal performance in round 9 against Sandringham, if he again starts forward don’t be surprised if we see a break out game from our new target up front.
Northern Blues –
Patrick Kerr
17 majors for the season places Kerr only 4 away from leading the competition’s Jim Frosty Miller medal. With 3 goals and 6 marks last week against a strong Sandringham side, Kerr will look again to help the Blues take the win this coming Sunday.
Hugh Goddard
Prolific for the Blues across half back in season 2019, Goddard looks set to have a standout season for his new club. Averaging 15 touches and 7 marks, Goddard will be key to his side’s potential victory come Sunday afternoon.
Selected Teams –
Coburg Lions –
B: 9. B. Foster, 6. H. Nolan, 7. T. Lever
HB: 2. J. Corigliano, 16. J. Baker, 26. L. Watkins
C: 31. W. Donaghey, 42. M. Lentini, 3. J. Weightman
HF: 27. S. Binion, 12. P. McEvoy, 33. B. Reddick
F: 1. J. Murphy, 10. M. Podhajski, 14. S. Stroobants
R: 22. A. Swierzbiolek, 17. L. Dickson, 11. L. Bunker
Int: 44. L. Di Lizio, 36. J. Guthrie, 23. J. McDonald, 28. K. Noonan, 38. T. Old, 18. H. Simington, 37. H. Smith, 35. L. Whelan
23P: 43. F. Bollinghaus
Northern Blues –
B: 77. M. Blakey, 26. H. Macreadie, 19. A. Schumacher
HB: 46. M. Cottrell, 45. H. Goddard, 37. B. Silvagni
C: 69. S. Fisher, 29. C. Polson, 21. J. Garlett
HF: 42. K. LeBois, 12. T. De Koning, 38. F. O’Dwyer
F: 32. A. Fasolo, 36. P. Kerr, 53. J. Palmer
R: 27. M. Lobbe, 55. J. O’Rourke, 7. M. Kennedy
Int: 75. F. Anderson, 51. A. Johnson, 80. K. Keppel, 44. M. Owies, 34. A. Phillips, 52. M. Stavrou, 16. J. Velissaris
23P: 65. S. Brazier
A game fuelled by the heritage of old, Coburg will travel down Bell Street this Sunday 9thof June to play against old town rivals the Northern Blues. With both clubs doing away with their modern day jumpers and bringing a retro feel to this weekend’s clash.
Link to story here: https://bit.ly/31bdwFP
We are looking forward to the game this Sunday and encourage ALL Coburg family and friends to come down to Preston and relive some footballing memories.
Venue: Preston City Oval, 1:00pm
#WeAreCoburg
Written by Ali Taleb, in his first year of his Bachelor of Business (Sports Management/Communications) degree at Latrobe University. The Coburg Football club is in a position to offer opportunities as the one Ali has taken. They are committed to educating our next generation of football leaders.
