Coburg Districts record thrilling win over Northern Saints

Two Coburg Districts rising stars were at the centre of the Lions’ thrilling victory on Saturday with coach Tom Gleeson revealing why the club is in a “very good position”.

If you’re a Coburg Districts supporter you can’t help but be excited about the club’s next generation of stars.

Early in their senior careers, a group of talented Lions youngsters are making their mark on the Division 2 EDFL club.

On Saturday, Kougar Mackertich kicked what turned out to be the match winner as Districts held on 15.9 (99) to 14.14 (98) in one of the games of the season against the Northern Saints.

The Saints almost pinched it but Edward Withington struck the right goalpost from his set shot with very little time remaining on the clock.

Mackertich’s goal capped off an impressive display while Ayden Skroce also won strong praise from senior coach Tom Gleeson.

Both have played some under-18 footy this season.

Coburg Districts coach Tom Gleeson.Picture: Hamish Blair

“We had several young guys in the team and they stood up when it mattered,” he said.

“Ayden is a superstar, I don’t see him as an under-18 player anymore, he’s a senior footballer. Kougar is another one I like to have him in the side, he brings so much run to our group.

“Then we had Daniel De Bonis and Jack Linder play their first senior games, the club is in a very good position at the moment.

“All of these young guys are just so skilful. Our first under-18s are sitting on top of the ladder (in Division 1). There’s six or seven who could easily be playing in our senior side at the moment.”

While the kids might be grabbing the headlines, the Lions’ experienced heads continue to play a vital role in their side’s push for the top-four.

Districts now sit two games clear of Burnside Heights and Sunbury Kangaroos after Saturday’s one-point thriller.

Ricky McGill produced another strong performance to be named the best player on the field while Jacob Kerin, Nick Heales (three goals), Liam Bianco, Ian Fisher and Oliver Aitken also impressed.

John Delacoe in action.Picture: Hamish Blair

“He’s just as reliable as ever,” Gleeson said of McGill.

“He’s just a joy to have around our group, he sets a fantastic standard for our group. I thought Saturday’s game was a really high standard from both teams.

“Neither side was able to get more than a couple of goals in front at any stage of the game.”

Coburg Districts will now enjoy a week off due to the split round before a clash with second place Taylors Lakes.

In what shapes as another finals like clash, Gleeson said the competition was as wide open as ever.

“If you can make the four, you can win it,” he said.

“We’ve already seen this year, that everyone is capable of beating anyone. Taylors Lakes got a hold of us earlier in the year so we’ve got a point to prove.

“We’ll move on from the weekend quickly and focus on what’s next.”

The Northern Saints will aim to bounce back against Oak Park.