Essendon VFL captain Daniel Coghlan will travel to Adelaide as part of the Victorian team that will take on the SANFL on Sunday.
Coghlan will miss Saturday’s curtain raiser against Richmond at Punt Road Oval, but has been rewarded with a Big V jumper after three consistent seasons with the Bombers.
The 25 year-old is the sole Essendon representative since James Ferry was ruled out of the game due to a knee injury after being named in the initial 30-man squad.
VFL coach Matthew Egan said it was a reward for the Bombers skipper who has taken his game to another level this season.
“We are rapt for Cogs and he deserves it to be honest, he continues to get better every year,” Egan said.
“It’s been great to see him take a leadership role this year at the club and still perform game day – sometimes leadership can burden players a little but he has excelled.
“He had a really good season last year and he has extended himself further this year. He started the season a little bit slow, but his last four weeks have been outstanding.”
Coghlan, in his first year as Essendon captain, is averaging 20 disposals a game and registered his 50-game milestone two weeks ago.
“He’s a really good inside midfielder but he is developing his game in other areas as well, he has shown that he can play forward and back,” Egan said.
“He is one of the hardest workers on his game; he’s never satisfied with where he’s at and is always looking to improve.
“He drives good standards at training because players want to follow his lead and it doesn’t surprise us as coaches why he continues to get better.”
Richmond’s Sam Darley is also expected to be part of the Victorian team, leaving the Bombers and Tigers without key personnel in this weekend’s standalone VFL contest.
The 25-man squad will be reduced to 23 for the match at Adelaide Oval.
Williamstown and Victorian coach Andy Collins said versatility in the team will be the key when they face the SANFL.
“There is no question of the talent we have in this team, and we look forward to them all showcasing their ability in the Big V jumper,” Collins said.
The VFL and SANFL have met on five occasions since 1999 with the South Australian’s enjoying four to one winning record.
There will be a live video stream and stats on sanfl.com.au when the game kicks off at 2.10pm Victorian time.
