Coburg Target 1000: Club legends urge fans to back their club

Kerion Lawson grew up nearby Coburg City Oval and felt the love of members when he played for the Lions, now he wants a return to the glory days as part of the club’s membership drive.

Kerion Lawson bleeds red and blue. Picture: Hamish Blair

Having grown up a good drop punt away from Coburg City Oval, Kerion Lawson used to sneak under the fence to watch training.

After a playing career with the Lions and across Melbourne, Mr Lawson returned to the club in 1994 to coach the reserve side and soon after joined the past players committee.

COBURG LAUNCHES MEMBERSHIP DRIVE TO STAY COMPETITIVE

AFL PLAYERS BACK COBURG CAMPAIGN

A Hall of Fame member at the club, he said he wanted to see the same pride he held for the Coburg Football Club return to the next generation.

“It would be devastating if it all fell apart; in the ’70s and ’80s we had huge crowds,” he said. “Now we struggle to get 800 to 1000 here.”

Kerion Lawson has supported the Lions since he was a child. Picture: Hamish Blair

The club is running its Target 1000 campaign, to sign up 1000 members before the season begins. Moreland Leader is supporting the campaign.

“ (1000 is) not a lot on paper but it’s a lot to the club,” Mr Lawson said.

“Membership is the biggest sponsorship we’ve got.”

Club president Kevin Breen grew up in Pascoe Vale and was zoned to Coburg when he joined the under-19 squad in 1971.

Coburg stalwart Kevin Breen with Paul Turner. Picture: Kylie Else

He went on to play in the 1974 senior premiership and hold jobs such as head coach and runner during his 48 years at the Lions.

“It’s a club that once you’re involved with it does get you by the heartstrings,” he said.

Mr Breen said the atmosphere at City Oval was welcoming to all.

“It’s Coburg, it’s where you live, you’re in that area and it should be your club,” he said.

Memberships begin from $70 for an adult, $50 for concession and $120 for a family of four and include admission to home games.

Join the roar.