Coburg Target 1000: Lions call for members to join up to remain competitive on field
The only stand-alone VFL club in Melbourne’s north needs members to kick goals on field. Legend Phil Cleary and current Essendon’s Michael Hartley are among those urging fans to sign up.
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For almost 130 years the Lions VFL club has been an integral part of the diversity and culture of Coburg.
But to survive the next 130, it needs some major support.
The Coburg Football Club has called on all supporters to sign up as members as part of its Target 1000 campaign.
COBURG CHASING RESILIENT RECRUITS
COBURG AND PHIL CLEARY TO HONOUR SISTER
The club, the only non-AFL aligned VFL side in Melbourne’s north, has one of the lowest membership bases of any VFL club, with just 488.
It needs a paid-up supporter base of at least 1000 members to remain competitive.
Moreland Leader is backing the campaign, which has also been supported by many of the club’s legends.
JOIN THE CAUSE AND SIGN UP FOR COBURG
The club was formed in 1891 and between 2001 and 2013 was renamed the Coburg Tigers as part of an alignment with Richmond Football Club.
But it has since stood on its own two feet.
Club legend Phil Cleary said he would like to see a return to the glory days of the 1970s when the club filled Coburg City Oval each week.
“We should be proud that we have kept that club going in very difficult times,” he said.
Former Coburg captain Nick Carnell represented the club from 2006 to 2015 and said it was a reflection of the diversity of Moreland.
“It was a mashing of numerous different cultures,” he said.
“I think that was actually critical to our success on and off the field during my playing time.”
Former Lions Robbie Fox (Sydney), Luke Ryan (Fremantle), Adam Saad and Michael Hartley (both Essendon) have graduated to AFL lists after playing at Coburg.
The hardworking nature of the club is a drawcard for supporters in Moreland, according to Hartley.
“They might not win as many games as others, but they will definitely be having a crack,” 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.
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