Coburg suffered a big loss to the Werribee Tigers on Saturday at Avalon Airport Oval. With both teams struggling to find consistent form early in the season, it promised to be a tight encounter, so it was a surprise for many when Werribee were able to come out on top by 91 points.
The first quarter set the scene for the day in many ways. Werribee took control in the center, Coburg not helped by the fact that in form Orren Stephenson had been called up to the AFL to honor his dominant start to the season. As well as winning the mid-field battle, Werribee's forward line were functioning like a well oiled machine, their big men clunking big marks or breaking packs for the small forwards, who were taking full advantage. Coburg had scarce chances and went in to the first break 6 goals down. McDonough was the shining light for Coburg, showing clean first use and making the most of limited opportunity to kick 2 goals for the quarter.
Coburg showed much more positive signs at the beginning of the second quarter. Winning more ball through the middle, they were giving their forwards a much better chance to get in to the game. At one stage, after captain Nick Carnell slotted through his only goal for the day, Coburg were within 20 points and looked as if they were going to make a real contest. Werribee managed to hit back with a few quick goals towards the end of the term however, and went in to half time leading by 50 points. Key forwards Edwards and McBean were kept very quiet for the half, only kicking 1 goal between them.
Any hope held by Coburg players and fans quickly vanished in the third quarter. Werribee took full control of the match, barely letting Coburg inside their forward 50. The result was an 8 goal to 1 quarter, and a 91 point deficit going in to the last change.
It could have been expected that Coburg would drop their heads in the final quarter of a very tough day, but to the players credit they mustered up some effort and put in their best performance of the match. Edwards finally got his hands on the ball and managed to kick his only goal, and the exciting Adam Saad looked much more promising after struggling in the first half. McDonough added to his goal tally, kicking his third towards the end of the term to finalise an impressive individual performance. The result of this improvement was 4 goals a piece for the quarter, with the margin remaining at 91 points at the end of the day. Arnott, Nahas, Dea and Stephenson were all missing after having played most of the season for Coburg, and this took a lot of grunt out of their run through the middle - being somewhat a catalyst for the defeat.
Werribee 27.10.172
Coburg 12.11.83
Goals: McDonough 3, Clifton, Mcbean 2, Edwards, Griffiths, Carnell, Saad, Abdallah 1.
Best: McDonough, Darrou, Carnell, Lonergan, Venditti, Clifton.
The Coburg development squad also went down by 32 points earlier in the day. Vesnaver kicked 6 goals in the loss, but ultimately it was a disappointing weekend for the club.
Next week Coburg play Port Melbourne at North Port Oval.
Development - 11am
Seniors - 2pm.
Last Modified on 20/05/2013 10:38
