The Coburg Lions (Mustangs) secured a grand final berth with a workmanlike 42 point win over Frankston. Early in the year Frankston stunned the Lions, beating them by 20 points at Frankston. The Lions were aware that they were in for a tight tussle.
Frankston got the game underway by scoring the first goal with the wind and repeatedly made forward 50 entries. After a period of 7 or 8 minutes the Lions swung into action and the goals started coming. By quarter time the Lions had kicked 5 unanswered goals to establish an authoritative 4 goal lead.
No-one was resting on their laurels, especially not Senior Coach Gubby who let the team know at quarter time that he was happy with the quarter time lead but was concerned that Frankston could kick quick goals and get right back into the match.
Kicking with the breeze in the second quarter, the Lions extended their lead to 6 goals by halftime. Mick Noble (5 goals) was supreme at full-forward marking everything with a vice-like grip. Noble's determination was evident in his rousing speeches at the various breaks urging his teammates to play with vigour and desire.
Defensively, the Lions were rock solid with Bones performing strongly at Fullback, whilst Carlo, Macca and Mossy provided plenty of run. Again it was a frugal effort by the Lions defence, only conceding 4 goals for the game.
The midfield was on top all day with Chris Skeebs, Sugar and Captain Alex dominating clearances and providing plenty of forward entries, whilst supporting defenders down back.
The Lions deserved their place in the Grand Final after a consistent year that has been plagued by injury. The greatest challenge for the match committee will be to fit 30 into 24, with a number of players returning from injury.
Coburg now face Northern in the Grand Final. It will be a great Northern suburbs derby, whilst the stakes will be considerable with a premiership up for grabs.
Frankston got the game underway by scoring the first goal with the wind and repeatedly made forward 50 entries. After a period of 7 or 8 minutes the Lions swung into action and the goals started coming. By quarter time the Lions had kicked 5 unanswered goals to establish an authoritative 4 goal lead.
No-one was resting on their laurels, especially not Senior Coach Gubby who let the team know at quarter time that he was happy with the quarter time lead but was concerned that Frankston could kick quick goals and get right back into the match.
Kicking with the breeze in the second quarter, the Lions extended their lead to 6 goals by halftime. Mick Noble (5 goals) was supreme at full-forward marking everything with a vice-like grip. Noble's determination was evident in his rousing speeches at the various breaks urging his teammates to play with vigour and desire.
Defensively, the Lions were rock solid with Bones performing strongly at Fullback, whilst Carlo, Macca and Mossy provided plenty of run. Again it was a frugal effort by the Lions defence, only conceding 4 goals for the game.
The midfield was on top all day with Chris Skeebs, Sugar and Captain Alex dominating clearances and providing plenty of forward entries, whilst supporting defenders down back.
The Lions deserved their place in the Grand Final after a consistent year that has been plagued by injury. The greatest challenge for the match committee will be to fit 30 into 24, with a number of players returning from injury.
Coburg now face Northern in the Grand Final. It will be a great Northern suburbs derby, whilst the stakes will be considerable with a premiership up for grabs.
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