A final quarter fade out by Bendigo against the Coburg Tigers means that the Bombers are still searching for win number one of season 2009.
The 43-point loss was disappointing considering Bendigo had put in a solid three quarters before the final term.
David Myers limped off early in the first quarter with an ankle injury after a fierce tackle and was not seen for the rest of the day. A frustrating outcome for him considering he has been playing consistently well over the past few weeks.
Darcy Daniher played his best game for Bendigo, kicking five goals including two in the first quarter. He also collected 16 possessions to be among the Bombers’ best for the day.
The first quarter was a high standard of football with slick ball movement and good pressure being applied by both teams. Coburg was able to gain the upper hand early in the game, registering three of the first five goals. However, in the final ten minutes Bendigo stepped it up a level - three quick goals to Paul Scanlon, Leroy Jetta and Daniher meant the Bombers held a seven point lead as the siren ended the first term.
Tyson Slattery had a good quarter, providing plenty of run from defence. On numerous occasions he came bursting out of packs and created plenty of scoring opportunities, highlighting how good Bendigo’s intensity was in the final stages of the quarter.
Coburg was the dominant team early in the second quarter, kicking four goals in a row to retake the lead. However, just like the first quarter, Bendigo fought back and managed to hold a two point lead at the half time break.
Steven Stroobants’ brilliant goal in the final stages of the term was a highlight and again Tyson Slattery was one of the stand-outs with 13 possessions in the first half.
Leroy Jetta continued to boost his chances of senior selection showing brilliant awareness to hit Lachlan Delahunty which resulted in the first goal of the third quarter. Daniher secured his fourth just moments later and it was game on.
However a disappointing final ten minutes of the quarter saw the Tigers kick five goals to show Bendigo a glimpse of what was to come in the final quarter.
Richmond’s Troy Simmonds dominated the ruck against Christian 'Spider' Bock and his bigger body was the deciding factor as he pushed the Bomber rookie around.
The Bombers trailed by 14 points heading into the final quarter and despite a poor finish were by no means out of the game.
Bendigo’s final quarter was disappointing. Coburg kicked seven goals to two including five to Jacob Hislop to secure the win. The Bombers looked tired and sluggish while the Tigers were sharp and used the ball well. They were able to run the game out well and continually found space while Bendigo players were exposed being caught behind too often.
Adrian Hickmott and the Bendigo players would have been disappointed with the final result considering they put in a solid first three quarters.
Darcy Daniher with five goals and 16 disposals had his best game this season and Tyson Slattery gathered 19 very good disposals and was solid all day in defence.
Rhys Magin finished the game with 23-possession, playing in the midfield all day, he got plenty of the ball and used it very well when he had it.
Leroy Jetta was in fantastic form gathering 11-possessions and applying several good tackles. He looked dangerous from the start of the day and warranted plenty of attention from the opposition.
Jay Nash had a solid game with 19 disposals as did youngster Kade Klemke who had 12. Tom German put in a massive effort shadowing Mark Coughlan and greatly limited his influence on the match.
Bendigo’s Steven Stroobants great game resulted in him being among the best. His great grab in the second quarter was one of the highlights of the game.
Next week Bendigo tackles the Box Hill Hawks at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday the 23rd of August at 2pm.
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