Round seven of the Peter Jackson VFL kicks off with Port Melbourne playing host to Coburg at North Port Oval on Saturday in the ABC TV game of the round.
Both teams enter the match with contrasting form as Port are chasing down ladder leaders Geelong while Coburg are struggling to avoid rock bottom of the ladder following a poor start to the season. Alexander McLeman previews the contest.
Port come into the match sitting comfortably in second place on the ladder with Geelong only two points ahead at the summit. The start to this year’s VFL season has been impressive for Port with victories over Essendon (round 6), Casey (round 5), Northern Blues (round 4) and Box Hill (round 1) with only a draw against Sandringham (round 3) and losses to Frankston (round 2) and Werribee their only bumps in the road so far. They have played some aggressive, fast paced, thrilling football with a never-say-die attitude that keeps going until the final siren. In an amazing stat, all four of their victories this year, they have trailed at three quarter time.
Port work tirelessly to keep the likes of Scipione, Galea, Bonaddio and Hinkley slotting through the goals and creating space for their talented forwards to exploit. Port will also pay tribute to their captain John Baird on Saturday who will play his 175th VFL game earning himself a VFL life membership for his outstanding and long service to the game.
Coburg enter Saturdays match-up sitting in 12th position on eight points with only Frankston and the winless Bendigo Gold beneath them. They have had a sub-par start to the season which had started with so much promise following the round one win over Sandringham. Losses to Williamstown (round 2), Northern Blues (round 3), Box Hill (round 4) and Werribee Tigers (round 6) have resulted in them falling behind the main pack with many believing that if results continue the way they are going they could easily find themselves out of the top eight discussion very quickly.
Coburg needs to find the likes of Aaron Edwards, McDonough, McBean and the impressive Richmond Tiger Nahas more often as they pose real threats on goal with their hard running and killer instincts. The round five win over Essendon steadied the ship slightly but the men from Coburg have to start winning if they are to stand any chance of making the finals, but are still just four points and percentage outside of the top eight.
Venue: North Port Oval
First Bounce: 1:10pm
Conditions: Cold but dry for much of the contest is expected. Spectators are advised to wrap up warm as it is set to be a very chilly afternoon of football.
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 24/05/2013 16:07