Coburg improving but must learn how to win after being overrun by experienced Port Melbourne outfit
Leading by 36 points at half-time, Coburg learnt a harsh football lesson on Saturday after it was overrun by a more experienced Port Melbourne outfit in a nail-biting finish at Piranha Park.
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Coburg learnt a harsh football lesson on Saturday after it was overrun by a more experienced Port Melbourne outfit.
The Lions have shown significant improvement after claiming just one win last year but, like all developing teams, must learn how to win the close games.
After leading by 36 points at half-time, Coburg was on track for an upset win but the 2017 VFL premiers stormed home to snatch a six-point win and leave Lions coach Leigh Adams to pick up the pieces.
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“We were pretty shattered to be honest. A game we had a fair few opportunities to win,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we’re learning our lessons the hard way this year.
“It’s good to be in games for longer periods of time but we could be going to the bye 3-2, instead we’re 1-4.
“With an average age of 21, compared to Port Melbourne at about 26, it’s just that experience.”
It was the second game Coburg has let slip after being similarly overrun by Collingwood in Round 1 after leading by 18 points at three-quarter-time.
Despite the result, Adams said the Lions’ eight-goals-to-two second quarter was proof his team could match any side in the competition.
“It’s exciting to show the boys when we play the way we want to, we’re a really good team,” he said.
“It’s just that last 10 per cent when we run out of legs or getting a few things wrong we need to get right to get more Ws next to our name.
“As I said to the boys after the game, we’re in a far better position that we were last year.”
However, Adams conceded his team played too safe after halftime and allowed Port Melbourne to build momentum.
“We were happy to kick the ball long down the line and didn’t take too many risks,” he said.
“It meant they were able to get numbers to the contest and win the contest with their mature bodies.
“Our defenders had to defend for far too long and by the time the last quarter came along our defenders were out on their legs.”
Steve Stroobants kicked four goals and was almost the hero with a late major to reclaim the lead for Coburg but Campbell Walker responded shortly after for the Borough to seal the win.
Josh Weightman was named Coburg’s best, while Tyson Lever — brother of Melbourne’s Jake — impressed in defence.
Coburg has this weekend due to a bye before returning against Williamstown at Piranha Park on Sunday, May 19.
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