Strong Tigers leave Lions behind

The Coburg Lions has gone down to the VFL Tigers in the final game of the season at Punt Road.

The Lions got within 7 points early in the third term before switching off, Richmond running home 16 goals in the second half to win by 91 points.

Nathan Thomas was the best on ground amassing 30 touches, Mick Mattingly was solid down forward and back, while Ahmed Saad lead all scorers again, wrapping up the VFL goal kicking award.

The Lions pressure set them up early with strong tackling keeping the Tigers pinned down in their own defensive half.

Coburg couldn’t convert where the Tigers did, 3 goals in quick succession, including two from Bendigo Pioneers 23rd man Kayle Kirby saw the margin blow out to 20 points, where it would stay at quarter time.

Richmond would again get out to a flying start with turnovers by foot beginning to hurt on the scoreboard before late opportune snaps from Mick Mattingly and Ahmed Saad kept Coburg in touch.

 Ahmed Saad made it goal number 49 for the season to have the Lions back within a kick, however, it only sparked the Tigers who would pile on 5 goals.

The home sides AFL contingent including Anthony Miles (21 disposals) and Tyrone Vickery (8 marks and 3 goals) stepping it up around the ground.

Kayle Kirby continued his impressive form goaling again to make it 40 points with a late Kalanj major the only shining light in a 8 goal to 2 quarter, 47 points, the margin at the final break.

The Tigers onslaught continued in the final term, running home another 8 goals to finish eventual 91 point winners.

Best: N. Thomas, M. Mattingly, K. Posar, L. Hunt, T. Lever, J. Corigliano

Goals: A. Saad 2, J. Kalanj, D. Younan, M. Mattingly, L. Featherstone