Tara Murray
South Morang’s brand of football is staking up early in the Northern Football League division 2 competition.
Last season’s division 3 premiers, the Lions’ start to life in the higher division has been a winning one, taking the points in their opening two games.
On Saturday, the Lions were able to account for Thomastown, winning 14.7 (91)-9.14 (68).
Lions coach Gary Hall said he had been happy with how the group had adapted to the higher level.
“It was a good four quarter effort,” he said.
“Division 2 is so even as a competition. Getting wins on the board the last two weeks against sides that were knocking on the door of playing finals and played finals, are scalps early on.
“We always thought that we could do it. This has proved that we can do it, the boys are full of confidence at the moment.”
The Bears led Saturday’s match at half time by nine points. Six goals to nil in the third quarter turned it in the favour of South Morang.
“We were able to get control of the game in the third quarter,” he said. “We kicked 6.1 and it was our pressure around the footy and the way we used the footy.
“Nathan Stefanile, who came back into the side, dominated the ruck and we got first use of the footy.
“We got it on our terms and went from there.”
Josh D’Intinosante kicked four goals for the Lions in the win, with Kain Hall kicking three.
Kain and Tye Hall were named the best online, but Gary Hall said it was an even team effort.
“It’s been like that the last two weeks,” he said.
“There’s not been one bad player. Everyone contributed and they were playing for each other.”
For the Bears, Jude Georgievski and Tyronne Leonardis were their best.
Hall said even though they were the new boys in the competition, they had high expectations.
“You want to play finals that is the aim for sure,” he said.
“It’s an even competition. We’ll just take it one week and a time and get wins on the board early.
“We have eight boys head to Eupore mid year, so we need to get these wins on the board and look to cover them.”
Hall said they were confident they had the depth at the club, not only in the reserves but in the under-19s and under-17s to cover those holes.
The Lions this week face Epping.
The Pingers lost to Diamond Creek, 10.14 (74)-3.5 (23).
In division 1, Bundoora was too strong for North Heidelberg, while Heidelberg beat Whittlesea.
In division 3, Mernda upset Laurimar, while Lalor lost to Old Eltham Collegians.
