One player who benefited from the 23rd player position last week was Coburg’s Dylan Murphy, who kicked six goals in his 2011 senior debut, and continued a trend this season that the Tigers have had in unearthing future talent via this VFL initiative.
Murphy was a livewire up forward for Coburg Tigers in their first win of the season, kicking three goals in the first half, and three in the second half to lead the Tigers to their first win of the season. After a few games as 23rd player last year at Coburg whilst he was at the Calder Cannons, good form saw Murphy nominated for the 23rd player spot in round 10 against Collingwood, and the youngster did not disappoint.
After the game, Murphy had surprised even himself with his influential debut.
“It was quite unexpected to do that well coming in for my first game of the year. I was just lucky I guess, I got to the right spots and the other players rewarded me as well so it was a good day.”
Despite making an impact in his first match, Murphy is realistic that he is a long way from cementing a senior spot at Coburg.
“I cannot expect to play as well as I did today every week – it would be nice – but from now it just looking forward to the next match, get through that game and hopefully play as the 23rd man again.
“If I am consistent enough, hopefully I get a spot in the regular senior side.”
Coburg coach Adam Potter has utilised the 23rd player rule to his sides’ advantage this year, unearthing a number of players that are now regulars in the seniors.
“Willie Wheeler had 25 disposals today, five tackles and five clearances and I thought he was outstanding and is showing that he is going to be a really good VFL player.
“Glenn Grgic I thought in the first half in particular used his speed to advantage and is really learning and we are getting more and more confident with him and pushing him up the ground to the wing, where he started in that small forward role,” Potter said.
“There are some positive signs ... we will keep on giving opportunities, and that is why it is such a good rule, you get guys that have come out of the TAC Cup and might not get an opportunity in the 22, but as a 23rd player, like what happened today, Dylan Murphy will hopefully continue to play some good footy.”
Reflecting on Murphy’s game, Potter was please he had taken his opportunity, having earned his spot after good form in the reserves.
“He has been putting pressure on for a few weeks, he kicked a few bags of four and a couple bags of three, and it was time to bring him in.
“He has worked hard, he has been consistent and he has just grown with confidence playing at the development level, and he came in and played with that sort of confidence and did not get overawed by coming in for his first senior game, got to the right position and ended up with six goals.”
Last Modified on 03/06/2011 14:08