A flat South Morang was made to pay in the opening week of the Northern Football League division 3 finals.
Having claimed the minor premiership with some brilliant form in the final three months of the season, the Lions struggled to find that form on Saturday against Banyule in the second semi-final.
Despite trailing by just 10 points at half-time, the Lions were struggling to match it with Banyule.
That was a sign of things to come, with Banyule running over the top of the Lions in the second half for 17.14 (116)-12.8 (80) win.
The margin could have been much bigger, with the Lions kicking three late consolation goals.
Lions coach Gary Hall said his side had played its worst game on an important day.
“We never really looked like the side that has played the last 12 rounds,” he said. “We were beaten in all areas. The end result was a reflection of the game.”
Hall said he believed some matches in tough conditions leading up to finals had taken a toll and that the Lions would look to have a light week on the track this week.
Hall said there were few positives to come out of the game, though the return of Matthew Trim and Daniel Caruso was a positive and both would be improved for the run.
Luke Shelton and Mitchell Dickson kicked two goals each for the Lions, while Daniel Watson was named the side’s best in the loss.
The Lions will face South Morang in a preliminary final.
Hall said they would look at possible changes to the side later in the week.
“It’s up to the boys now,” he said. “Every final is going to be tough and we expect nothing less.”
