After a slow start to the season, South Morang has started to find its groove in Division 3 of the Northern Football League.
The Lions lost their opening two matches before a hardfought victory over Epping started a run of three wins in a row.
The most recent came on Saturday against Watsonia, who beat the Lions in Round 1.
Lions coach Dean Grainger said he knew it was always going to take a bit of time to settle into the season.
“We’re starting to get some good performances,” he said before the match.
“We had eight new players in the first game and another five or six who had played no more than 10 games each.
“The boys are getting more confidence playing together.”
The first-year coach said the side was looking at making a bigger impact on the scoreboard than in previous years.
“I don’t know what the game plan was last year but I’ve brought in how I want to play,” he said.
“It‘s a little more attacking. We have more forward options and we have more guys who can get their hands on the ball and use it well.”
Grainger said that beating Epping has started to get belief into the side.
“We should have had that game sewn up at halftime, but we gave them an opportunity,” he said.
“The first three games were about learning how we wanted to do things and we’ve shown big improvement each week.
“Against Heidelberg I gave them a rev-up and they pulled into action and really finished off well.
“The more they play together the better they will be. We’re using it as a stepping stone.
Grainger said James Mellerick, Liam Simmons, Mitchell Hicks and Anthony Capeci were players who had taken another step early in the season.
“Everyone has fantastic attitudes, whether they’re playing under-19s, reserves or seniors,” he said.
Saturday’s win against Watsonia puts the Lions into the top four for the first time this season.
They jumped out of the blocks to lead from start to finish and win 16.8 (104)8.13 (61).
Kane Maghamez kicked five goals and Capeci three.
Luke Shelton was best on ground.
Epping and Mernda also had wins on the weekend.
The Pingers smashed Heidelberg West, 24.24 (168)1.5 (11), while the Demons defeated Banyule 16.12 (108)10.13 (73).
