By MICHAEL HABER
ON A CHILLY and wet day, the two in-form sides of Coburg Districts and Roxburgh Park did battle at Cole Reserve.
Both teams had claimed major scalps in Round 7, the Magpies defeated Moonee Valley and the Lions took out East Keilor, meaning that their match would determine who the division should fear the most.
First-gamer Matthew Radojevac was the first to score in the intense first quarter.
Ryan Kannegiesser was quick to respond, however, thanks to a 50-metre penalty.
Both teams got under each other’s skins, which created a do-or-die feel for the match.
Coburg Districts responded to the pressure and hit the front with three great goals.
One of those goals was a result from a brave spoilt mark by Michael O’Dea which ultimately led to Nicholas Georgeades scoring a goal.
Georgeades’ pressure up forward was second-to-none and one of his tackles earned him his second goal of the quarter via a free kick.
Roxburgh Park didn’t let the Lions get out to a big lead however thanks to Luke Capuano, who took a spectacular one-handed mark and converted.
Coburg Districts used the ball more efficiently throughout the quarter which gave them an 11-point lead going into quarter time.
Roxburgh Park lifted in the second quarter.
The first half of the quarter was all Magpies as they pulled off some textbook plays.
They were able to use their run well which gave them a couple of goals at the start of the quarter.
Coburg Districts responded however and began their own attacks but the Roxburgh Park defence held on, with Jovan Naido supplying some crucial intercepting marks.
Just when Coburg Districts seemed to be in control of the match, the Magpies hit back, helped by Capuano again as he kicked two late goals in the quarter. The Lion’s only had a one-point lead going into halftime.
The rain and wind intensified in the third quarter but both teams didn’t let that stop them from giving their all.
Ferras Merhi was the first to score but Reece Tarczon responded almost immediately after. Both midfields were locked in a tight battle after that with neither gaining a clear advantage.
The intensity continued and Roxburgh Park managed to steal the lead just before half time, giving them a one-point advantage going into the final quarter.
Roxburgh Park came out swinging in the final quarter scoring the first three goals via Aaron Szwedyc and Capuano.
Coburg Districts didn’t have any answers and found it difficult to respond as Roxburgh Park started sending men back to defend their lead.
The Lions did manage to find holes however and were able to get back within a straight kick but Roxburgh Park were too good, once again running away with the match.
Kannegiesser scored a goal after the siren to put the icing on the cake.
COBURG DISTRICTS | 11.7-73
Goal Kickers: N. Georgeades 4, M. Radojevac 2, N. Mitrione, T. Mendico, F. Merhi, T. Lucin, J. Scheriani
Best Players: N. Georgeades, F. Akkari, T. Mendico, F. Merhi, J. Scheriani
ROXBURGH PARK | 14.8-92
Goal Kickers: L. Capuano 5, T. Blacker 2, R. Kannegiesser 2, R. Tarczon 2, A. Szwedyc, J. Flower, N. Dimeski
Best Players: R. Mekari, A. Szwedyc, H. Short, L. Oppedisano, R. Micallef, J. Grant
