VFL 2018: Coburg midfielder Marcus Lentini pushing a strong case to AFL clubs with superb debut season

THREE rounds into his maiden VFL season, Marcus Lentini was battling. Then a tagging job on North Melbourne’s Paul Ahern transformed his campaign in spectacular fashion.

THREE rounds into his maiden VFL season, Marcus Lentini was battling.

After lean outings against Footscray and Box Hill Hawks, the Coburg on-baller was given a stern warning by coach Leigh Adams.

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“We had a big chat and he just said how I needed to start playing well if I wanted to keep my spot,” Lentini said.

The Northern Knights graduate has flourished since being given a run-with role against North Melbourne in Round 4, when he restricted Paul Ahern to four kicks and 22 disposals.

The next week, he was sent to J.J Liston medallist Michael Gibbons and had 30 possessions while limiting the star Williamstown on-baller to 24.

“I was running more than I had to and I should have been running in those positions, to not get the ball,” Lentini said.

“I just learned so much from them and that is what has made me the way I am today, those two weeks.”

The confidence Lentini gained from those efforts has been evident in his performances since.

The Diamond Creek junior was the leading disposal winner in the VFL to Round 18, averaging 28 per game.

The influence of Adams on the 19-year-old has been telling.

Coburg midfielder Marcus Lentini takes on Footscray's Lin Jong during a VFL game. Picture: Eleanor Armstrong

Lentini was predominantly a wingman during his time in the TAC Cup but, much like Adams during his North Melbourne career, has transformed himself into a tough inside midfielder.

“I look at Callan Ward, Joel Selwood. Just not take a backwards step and if the ball is there, to make sure you win it or halve it,” he said.

“I have really looked at them and tried to model my game off them.”

Coburg general manager Seb Spagnuolo has an eye for talent.

Spagnuolo was a scout for the VFL club before ascending to the top job and could not have been more impressed by Lentini’s debut campaign.

“For a first-year VFL player to have amassed the possessions he has in such a tough and high level competition is extraordinary,” Spagnuolo said.

Marcus Lentini gathers possession for Northern Knights last year. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“There may have been a knock on his speed and two-way running ability but the great thing about Marcus is that he hasn’t given up on his dream.”

Lentini has been nominated for the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal and the VFL Team of the Year, while his performances have led to renewed AFL interest.

“His numbers, impact and output just can’t be ignored or overlooked,” Spagnuolo said.

“He only turned 19 years of age during the year and has outperformed current AFL-listed players in his position.”

Lentini has juggled his VFL commitments with working as a carpenter alongside his dad Greg.

He was tipped by Lions captain Tom Goodwin to “feature pretty heavily” in April, while Adams said the midfielder “gets bashed around every week and just keeps getting up (and) finding the footy”.

Coburg’s Marcus Lentini in customary position — battling for possession at the bottom of a pack against Werribee. Picture: Getty Images.

“I have been a bit surprised with how I have risen this year,” Lentini said.

“I didn’t really expect to have an impact the way I have. I just wanted to get a game and just earn the respect of the boys.”

The opportunities afforded by a stand-alone VFL club convinced Lentini to join Coburg and he has fast become one of the state league’s ball magnets.

“I’m glad I made that decision. It was the right one,” he said.

Spagnuolo said the Lions were hopeful Lentini “gets a chance at a higher level”, an ambition he has held since progressing through the junior ranks at Diamond Creek.

“The AFL ambition is always going to be there,” he said. “Playing the highest level I can is what I have always wanted to do.”