West Coburg score round 1 win over Maribyrnong Park

An unexpected recruit, who had never played senior footy, was one of the heroes in West Coburg’s opening round win. New coach Daniel Barnes reveals why he’s embracing so much change.

West Coburg’s Dane Lucas. Picture: Andy Brownbill

West Coburg has a fresh look under new coach Daniel Barnes.

While some might be concerned with the changes at the Burgers, the man in charge — who has previously served as an assistant coach — sees it as an opportunity.

In Saturday’s opening round 12.9 (81) to 8.17 (65) win over fellow EDFL Division 1 contender Maribyrnong Park, West Coburg had nine changes from last year’s grand final side.

Among them were Adam Hussein and Muhammad Saad who were two of the club’s big recruits in the 0ff-season — but they were just the beginning of remarkable stories across the field.

Blake Ross earned his first senior game since 2021.

Anstan Papadopoulos played his first game of senior footy at any level, he had only previously had kicks with mates, and lined up at fullback.

“We really threw him in the deep end, he was outstanding and just played his role like he asked,” Barnes said.

“He came down during pre-season and has been really impressive.

“Some people might have thought several changes was a bad thing but we’ve considered it an opportunity for other guys to step up.”

Among the better players for the Burgers were some familiar names including Dane Lucas, Tom Baravi, Liam Bowkett, Jonah Horo, Tom McRostie and Donnacadh Cleary.

But it was several minutes of brilliance from Ibrahim Taha in the third quarter which helped West Coburg get across the line.

“He kicked two goals in three minutes when Marby were really getting on top,” Barnes said.

“He intercepted a kick out then managed to kick a long one not long after. He’s coming off a pre-season with Coburg in the VFL where unfortunately an injury slowed him down a little bit.

“It’s good to see him up and running.”

West Coburg’s Thomas Drake. Picture: Andy Brownbill

West Coburg had raced out of the blocks and at the eight-minute mark of the second quarter led by 45 points before the Lions came storming back.

Marby coach’s Brodie Holland elected to move Scott Clarke and Lachie Plowman behind the footy to stem some of the bleeding.

While Barnes felt his side controlled the contest, he said the visitors ability to create run from behind caused his side some issues.

“At Shore Reserve you’re never going to get an expansive game of footy,” he said.
“We tried to get an extra number at stoppage especially when they were on top and limit the spread from the contest. I thought we were good in the air.

“They were able to get a few goals at ground level. In the last quarter especially we aimed to eat up the clock.

“We knew their match fitness was probably going to be a little better than ours.”

West Coburg will face another tough test against Hillside in its second game.