VFL Rd 16 vs Coburg
Sunday July 21, 12:30pm
Piranha Park
North Melbourne take on Coburg on Sunday with both clubs aiming to use a win as a platform to begin climbing up the ladder.
With only four-points separating the clubs, a win for either side could go a long way to earning a respectable, mid-table finish.
North is confident its best footy is enough to beat any team in the competition.
The team
B 40. T Murphy 1. M Daw 36. J Crocker
HB 35. D Watson 23. B McKay 19. S Wright
C 31. C Taylor 15. P Ahern 9. L Davies - Uniacke
HF 53. T Leonardis 38. T Xerri 46. L Hosie
F 41. T Wilkinson 74. B McLaughlin 45. R Murphy
R 42. T Campbell 59. N Holmes 52. N Rippon
Int 61. C Jansen 51. T Hotchin 80. M Tang
68. Q Montanaro 72. D Robinson 79. R Morrison
57. A Morgan 75. C Hodges
23P 67. L Davis
Key players
North Melbourne
Joel Crocker
A versatile utility, Crocker has finally found a permanent home in North’s back six.
The first year player has been finding his feet over the course of the season, with arguably his best performance coming two weeks ago in the win over Sandringham where he collected 25 disposals.
With both teams seemingly well matched, a strong defensive performance from Crocker could put North in the driver’s seat.
Coburg
Brodie Foster
A former NEAFL Rising Star nominee and Gold Coast Suns’ Academy member, Foster has all the credentials to be a danger at VFL level.
Playing across the midfield and halfback line, Foster has been amongst Coburg’s best in recent weeks.
Much like Crocker, Foster’s ability to turn defence into attack could prove decisive in this game.
What the coach said
“When we’re playing at our best, we can compete against anyone.
“Even on days like today, there’s never not a positive for me to come out of the game in my role.
“We don’t have any fears about where the opposition is placed. But if you don’t turn up and play, you get beaten. If you do turn up and play, you give yourself a chance.” - North coach David Loader after last week’s loss against Essendon
