The Coburg Football Club is poised to make a big impression on the Peter Jackson VFL this season after assembling a squad brimming with talent.
In the last year of its alignment with Richmond, Coburg will benefit heavily this season from the added depth on the Tigers’ list.
Despite some uncertainty about how Coburg will operate in 2014 when the two clubs part ways, coach Tim Clarke said as a coaching group they were only focused on the present.
“Our focus as coaches is on the players and putting each club in a position to be able move forward next year,” Clarke said.
“This year we’re focused on developing our young Richmond-listed players and also our Coburg-listed guys.”
Such is the depth at Tigerland that Coburg could field 17 or 18 Richmond-listed players this weekend.
Players with a wealth of AFL experience including Aaron Edwards, Matt White, Matt Dea and Chris Knights could be at Clarke’s disposal, along with new Tiger rookies Ricky Petterd, Sam Lonergan and Orren Stephenson.
Stephenson has won four VFL premierships in a distinguished career after three with the North Ballarat Roosters and one with Geelong last season. If not selected in the Richmond side his presence will give Coburg considerable strength in the ruck department.
If that wasn’t enough to get Coburg fans excited, then they are also likely to catch a glimpse of rising stars Nick Vlastuin and Liam McBean, both of whom were selected by Richmond in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
“We’re going to have AFL-standard players playing VFL footy,” Clarke said.
“We’re in a position where there is really good depth at the Tigers and, even in our first, second and third-year players, a lot of talent.”
Clarke said Coburg’s core group of loyal senior players including Nick Carnell, Daniel Vinditti and Nick Maric would be pivotal to their finals’ aspirations.
He also highlighted the exciting crop of Calder Cannons’ graduates who are set to make an impact this season.
“Adam Saad, Jesse Boyd, Omar Abdallah and Zac Keogh will all get their chance at some stage and it will be a great opportunity for them to get a taste of VFL football.”
Coburg
Coach: Tim Clarke
2012 Ladder position: 11th (4 wins, 14 losses,)
2012 Best & Fairest: Willy Wheeler
Key recruits: Sam Lonergan, Ricky Petterd, Orren Stephenson (Richmond rookie selections)
Key losses: Willie Wheeler, Leigh Masters (Williamstown)
First match: Sandringham, Mantello Holden Oval, April 7
Last Modified on 04/04/2013 11:58