AFTER powerful ANZAC commemorative proceedings, a crowd built at Burnside Heights ahead of a big test for the Bears.
A powerful style of play for the Bears was evident in a competitive first half after coach Aidan Stott rallied his side to show “spirit for each other and the club, till the very end”.
But it was hard to continue that in the second half as Coburg Districts kicked 11 goals to none in the third quarter.
The Lions forward 50 was open and it immensely complemented their full forward Luke Vesnaver.
He had a solid first half with a few majors, but on the back of huge contested marks, was able to finish with an astonishing nine-goal haul.
Despite the dominance from the Lions, the will and determination of Bears big man Anthony Fawcus was a highlight.
He was instrumental all over the ground, whether in the ruck and through his contested marking forward and back.
Similarly, Logan Clegg couldn’t be faulted all day and it could have been an even greater losing margin without his spoiling and solid pair of hands.
The speed off half back though was a prominent feature for Coburg Districts, who created great run and carry, along with a defensive wall.
Trapping the ball in their forward line for extended amounts of time set up many shots on goal.
This speed was also showcased in the midfield with Arthur Lamaris and Tom Lucin assisting at both ends of the ground.
They used their nifty foot skills to set up countless forward entries and helped punish the Bears on the scoreboard.
Burnside Heights was sparked at times, mainly by crowd favourite and star recruit Josh Covelli, who was able to kick three majors of his own.
But the Lions’ defensive presence and speed didn't allow the Bears to get comfortable at any stage.
Coburg Districts ended up with a huge 105-point win over a Burnside Heights outfit that battled hard, yet was simply no match.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 9.6-60
Goal Kickers: J. Covelli 3, L. Clegg 2, S. Kenrick 2, L. Ford, A. Fawcus
Best Players: J. Agnoleto, J. Covelli, M. Maxfield, A. Read, T. Sturgess, S. Soto
COBURG DISTRICTS 25.15-165
Goal Kickers: L. Vesnaver 9, T. Lucin 3, B. Storer 2, S. Aitken 2, C. Atkinson 2, J. Scheriani 2, A. Lamaris 2, T. Lay, R. McGill, N. Georgeades
Best Players: N. Dimeski, J. McNamara, T. Lay, T. Lucin, L. Vesnaver, D. Cudmore
