Tara Murray
Everything is going to plan for South Morang in the Northern Football League division 2 competition.
After a strong first season back in division 2, the Lions are keen to be a contender this season and further build on what they did last year.
With four wins from as many matches, Lions coach Gary Hall is pretty happy.
“I can’t complain at the moment,” he said. “The season has been going well and all three teams got wins on the weekend.
“Last year was a throw at the stumps and see where we were at. We bought in a few new recruits and the boys have a bit more senior experience and there’s a bit more depth at the club.”
On Saturday, the Lions faced Laurimar, which has struggled since it moved into division 2 this season.
Having beaten the Power in the 2022 grand final, Lions and Hall know the challenge that Laurimar has this season.
“It’s not an easy thing to do, to play in divy 2,” Hall said. “It’s such an even competition.
“We’ve had some tough matches with them over the years and they boys were up for it.”
Hall said the extra experience of his side was the difference between the two teams on Saturday.
The Lions started well and led by 34 points at quarter time. The margin increased to 67 points at half time.
It was much of the same in the second half, with the Lions winning, 20.19 (139)-6.6 (42).
“We got control early and it went from there,” Hall said. “We played some good footy.
“We had a couple of young ones like Jad [Assaad] who was our 23rd man. He played well.”
Kyle Wheatley kicked four goals for the Lions, while Teague Van Zwienen kicked three goals.
James Traianou and Tyrone Leonardis were named the Lions best.
Hall himself had trouble picking their best.
“It’s been really hard the last few weeks picking the best,” he said. “We’ve had multiple goalkickers and everyone is playing their role.
“Everyone is stepping up at different times. It’s hard at selection time.
“We had five or six that played in our premiership side in the reserves. Selection is hard with quality boys not available as well.
“Our reserves also won by a similar margin.”
For Laurimar, it was all single goalkickers. Chad Carmichael and Kaiden Arthur were named their best.
South Morang now faces Panton Hill at Panton Hill on Saturday.
Hall said it’s always a tough game up there.
“You can’t drop your guard for a minute in division 2,” he said.
In other results, Whittlesea won a thriller against Thomastown.
After scores were level at three quarter time, the Eagles six scoring shots to three in the final quarter were enough to get a 13.9 (87)-12.12 (84) win.
In division 1, Bundoora remains without a win after losing to Hurstbridge, while in division 3, Mernda beat Epping, Old Paradians lost to Kilmore and Old Eltham Collegians beat Lalor.
