Mark Coughlan has hit his straps at just the right time for the Coburg Tigers, as they prepare for their 2008 VFL finals campaign.

Coughlan gathered 40 possessions in a dominant display for Coburg in its 102-point demolition of the Bendigo Bombers in last Saturday’s final home-and-away match of the season.

Here’s how Coburg coach, Jade Rawlings, in his weekly, exclusive “Eye of the Tiger” report for Richmond members, described Coughlan’s performance:  “Was very clean with his ball-handling, and his skill level right throughout the game was good.  Is now running freely and in very good form”.

‘Cogs’ has played the past seven matches in-a-row for Coburg since returning from his severe hamstring problems.  He’s gained in confidence with each outing, and has been particularly prominent during the past three games.

Coburg met its opponent in this Saturday’s 2^nd elimination final, Frankston, just once during the home-and-away rounds. 

That clash took place in Round 12, on Sunday, June 29, with Frankston prevailing by 21 points on its home ground – 13.14 (92) to 11.5 (71).

Coughlan didn’t play that day, nor did Dean Polo, who also has been in excellent touch for Coburg in recent weeks.

“We played them in difficult conditions at Frankston and they basically beat us in one quarter, kicking six goals with the wind, which we never recovered from.  They’re a dangerous team, who we certainly respect,” Rawlings said.

The 12-10 rule will apply for Saturday’s cut-throat encounter, meaning Coburg’s line-up can contain no more than 12 Richmond-listed players.

Greg Tivendale, who has had an outstanding season for Coburg, will return to the side following his farewell appearance with Richmond last Sunday, as will Daniel Connors, who also played in the Round 22 match against Melbourne.

Coburg will be further boosted through the inclusion of key midfielder Nick Carnell, who was rested last week, while full-back Jarrod Silvester will undergo a fitness test on his broken hand.

“We’ve played some good, competitive football over the past few weeks, winning five of our last six games,” Rawlings said.

“Our players are combining well together, they’re confident, and we like playing at Port Melbourne (the venue for Saturday’s elimination final).

“We hope Richmond and Coburg supporters will be out in force to watch the boys in action on Saturday . . .”