BENDIGO:

COBURG:

BENDIGO:

COBURG:

Bendigo are still chasing their first win, with just three games left to play for the 2009 season.

The final scores today were Coburg Tigers 21.6 (132) to Bendigo Bombers 13.11 (89).

“To play sides like the Coburg Tigers is fantastic experience for these guys. Some of them are much bigger and stronger than our guys, and this experience will lead us into the next season,” Assistant coach Steve Thompson said.

“Coburg had a super experienced side with plenty of AFL players with the likes of Joel Bowden, Mark Coughlan, Troy Simmons and Adam Pattison.

“The first three quarters were pretty good footy on our behalf. Deep into the third quarter we were in front but they broke the game open in the third quarter. We were holding sway on the scoreboard for the three quarters but for 15-20 minutes they managed to smash on a few goals.

“Darcy Daniher finished with a massive five goals today, and was voted our best player. He had a fantastic game, while Tyson Slattery was very good down the other end, down back on some tall blokes.

“Leroy Jetta looked fantastic. He was dangerous and the other team recognised this. They gave him extra attention, but when he got the ball, he was electric.

“Despite having a fairly inexperienced team, the guys played good, competitive footy. The team is tight and the coaching panel are really happy with the constant improvement. We believe we’re playing a lot better than where we are on the ladder.

Young Essendon rookies, Christian Bock, Tom German and Rhys Magin excelled during what was a disappointing loss.

“Bock competed well in the ruck, while Tom German did a good stopping job on Coughlan, shadowing him all day and Rhys Magin moved up into the midfield and played really well, got a lot of the football, used it well, had a really good game.

“We also had young Brian Fenton from the Bendigo Pioneers, who had a great game with 25 touches in the centre, before going down to the back line.

“We lost Zaharakis this week who was out (rest) and Skipworth (ill), so we called a few guys up from the reserves and it gave them the opportunity to play on AFL experienced players.

“From the Bendigo side, Stewart Crameri played well, marked a lot in half back, and hit the ground running. Paul Scanlon played a good game; he used the ball well, ran hard and was in our top six today.

“James Flaherty started well, but didn’t play the second half, after he received a knock to his hip. But he’s tough and good at shaking things off so hopefully he will be alright for next week.

“We lost David Myers in the opening bounce, he went into a fierce tackle and got up limping. He’s on crutches, and will go for his scans on Monday. So we’ll keep our fingers crossed that it’s nothing too serious.