Match Preview: Coburg Lions FC V.S Richmond FC
By Ali Taleb
Where and when:
Holm Park Recreation Reserve, Saturday 15thJune, 11:00am start.
Last time they met:
Round 8, 2018: RICHMOND 18.13 (121) d COBURG 10.5 (65)
31 Richmond scoring shots to Coburg’s 15 was the underlining factor of the tiger’s dominance in last year’s clash. With the home side running out 56-point winners. Then AFL listed tiger Sam Lloyd commanding the game for his side with a 4-goal performance. With Coburg only having a goal kicking spread of 6, the Lions were missing a complete 4 quarter team effort which was needed to take down last year’s tigers.
Form in 2019
Coburg –
Over the past few weeks they’ve battled a combination of injury and suspension but this week the Lions have named another youthful side this week that is primed to take on the Tigers. With strong performances against Sandringham and last week the Northern Blues, the feel around the club indicates that the turning point is near. Mark baker makes his VFL debut for Coburg as the 23rdman after some strong form for Macleod in the Northern Football League.
Richmond –
One loss coming into round 10, sitting at the top of the mountain looking over the rest of the competition, the tigers are right now the favourites to take out this year’s Premiership cup. Over the last month the tigers have knocked off powerhouse Essendon FC by 3 points and last week commanded Geelong all day. Richmond’s only loss came against an inspired North Melbourne squad in round 9, going down by 5 goals. In last week’s win vs Geelong, the Tigers were boosted by the form of Luke Nelson who kicked 5 goals from only 8 touches aswell as the impressive Daniel Coffield. The Tigers stocks have also been depleted due to injury but will their AFL listed talent be enough to carry the team over the line?
Players to watch
Coburg –
Hedley Smith
A product of the Fitzroy Stars in the NFL, collecting 9 best on ground performances in season 2018 for his local Club. Smith has taken his opportunity in the VFL last week against the Northern blues with a 5 goal performance. He’ll be looking to back that performance up this week.
Josh Weightman
24 disposals last week against a tough Blues midfield, Weightman has been Mr reliable this season for the Lions. His work between the 50m zones will be key to a win this week against the top of the ladder Tigers. The Weightman name is royalty at Richmond with Josh’s Uncle Dale “flea” Weightman being an all time Richmond great, can Josh be the thorn in the Tigers side this week?
Shai Bolton
Bolton has been named as one of the best afield players in his last 3 VFL games. With a game high 11 tackles and 20+ disposals against a strong Geelong side. Bolton will be the man the Tigers need come Saturday against Coburg.
Maverick Weller
Richmond’s hard nut inside midfielder Maverick Weller has been in fine form in season 2019. Kicking 4 goals in 6 games Weller has added goal kicking to his already long list of attributes for the Tigers this season. A key contributor to the tiger’s success so far.
Selected Teams
Coburg –
B: 5. R. Exon, 6. H. Nolan, 26. L. Watkins
HB: 36. J. Guthrie, 7. T. Lever, 23. J. McDonald
C: 1. J. Murphy, 17. L. Dickson, 33. B. Reddick
HF: 27. S. Binion, 12. P. McEvoy, 37. H. Smith
F: 14. S. Stroobants, 35. L. Whelan, 3. J. Weightman
R: 22. A. Swierzbiolek, 42. M. Lentini, 11. L. Bunker
Int: 16. J. Baker, 43. F. Bollinghaus, 31. W. Donaghey, 9. B. Foster, 21. T. Meagher, 28. K. Noonan, 10. M. Podhajski, 18. H. Simington
23P: 29. M. Baker
Richmond –
B: 78. D. Coffield, 53. H. Beasley, 58. C. Harris
HB: 43. D. Eggmolesse-Smith, 31. O. Markov, 61. J. Fletcher
C: 64. T. Silvestro, 26. R. Collier-Dawkins, 28. F. Turner
HF: 39. J. Aarts, 40. C. Coleman-Jones, 56. B. Grewar
F: 29. S. Bolton, 21. J. Townsend, 60. C. Thompson
R: 47. I. Soldo, 54. J. Ballard, 16. M. Weller
Int: 79. W. Coates, 67. B. Credlin, 65. J. Cusack, 69. L. Diggins, 59. L. Haysman, 52. S. Mannagh, 62. L. Nelson, 55. L. Street
23P: 72. B. Lambert
It really is a battle to see who is king of the jungle come this Saturday with the Lions taking on the high flying Tigers outfit. We encourage the Coburg faithful to travel down to Holm Park Recreation Reserve and watch our Lions roar!
Venue: Holm Park Recreation Reserve
#WeAreCoburg
Written by Ali Taleb, who is 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.
