Body:
It was a bad day for the Coburg Tigers down at City Oval. They have now been pounded by Bendigo and Springvale. They sit with two losses and a percentage of fifty. The Scorpions, who appear rejuvenated, only won three matches last year. And today the Scorpions had no more than 8 AFL listed players in their team.
For the first half we watched an unaccountable Coburg side, a side whose movement of the ball forward couldn’t have gotten any closer to the car park and a side who lack decent skill levels and aggression. A Tom Roach 'kick in' that travelled 20 metres and landed down the throat of a zoned off Springvale forward is unacceptable. A bit harsh to use him as an example, because he wasn’t on his own when it comes to mistakes.
The margins were 11 at ¼ time, 37 at ½ time, 49 at ¾ time and 86 points at the end. The Scorpions peppered the goals 14 times in the last quarter, Coburg did just twice. The Scorpions kicked 6.8 during the last quarter – had they kicked accurately, Coburg would have lost by more than 100 points. 38 scoring shots to 17 for the day reflects the dominance of the away team.
Coach David Flood didn’t give his side much of a spray at ¾ time. But he did ask them to try and gain respect in the last quarter. They didn’t do that. A lot of coaches make an outburst when a side plays like they were, I’m not sure whether Flood’s method was the best, but I’m not a coach and I’m not a player. He has to make his point at team selection before the next match. However, one of the biggest problems VFL clubs seem to face is the balance of their own core players and those who rock up on match day after spending the week training with their AFL club. The right mix is something I’ve always felt Coburg struggle with. Today they had 10 Richmond players in by my count – not a high number – but at least two of them aren’t VFL senior material in my view. So that’s where the debate starts – should they play and assist their development or should they play reserves and give two VFL listed blokes the chance to play seniors and help their side win?
I want to see the Coburg Tigers do well. They have a terrific ground and they are based in an area blessed with a lot of exciting young talent. The senior bye couldn’t come quickly enough for them. However, I’d say a few will get a run around next Saturday at Port Melbourne in the reserves match. But if they are from Richmond’s list, then feel sorry for those reserves blokes who have to make way for them yet again.
