By Tara Murray
South Morang is closing in on a finals berth in the Northern Football League division 3.
With the Lions recording a big win at the weekend and other results falling their way, they are sitting third, two games and a lot of percentage clear of Laurimar.
With the Lions still to have another bye, they would have to suffer two big losses in their last two matches to miss out.
On Saturday, the Lions easily accounted for Lauirmar, winning 25.14 (164)-15.9 (99).
Lions coach Gary Hall said the match against the Power was important, with their opposition fighting for a finals berth.
“We treated it like a mini-grand final,” he said
“We knew the importance of it with the competition so close this year. Mernda losing gave us a boost.”
The Lions trailed by 12 points at quarter-time, before a nine goal to two second quarter helped them to take control of the game.
Hall said it was an even spread with a lot of players contributing.
He singled out Samuel Indian and Paul Disanto as the stand-outs.
“We had 11 goalkickers and had 13 goalkickers the week before so we’re not just focusing on one guy,” he said.
Hall said one of the pleasing things that was starting to show through was extra midfield depth.
With injuries to key players, including Luke Shelton, earlier in the season, Hall threw some players in the deep end.
“It’s a bit of a blessing in disguise, those guys missing games,” he said. “We’ve got a lot more players who can go through the midfield.
“We can push boys back into the back line now and strengthen it.”
With nearly a full squad to pick from, Hall said they were starting to hit form at the right time.
“We planned it a the start of the year to hit our straps late,” he said.
“Injuries set us back, but we’re starting get guys back and are playing good footy at the right time of the year.
“We’ve got a lot of players with experience now and can call on them if we need.”
In other results, Mernda suffered a shock loss to Kilmore, 11.12 (78)-6.15 (51).
Lalor lost to Panton Hill 22.15 (147)-7.5 (47).
In division 1, Bundoora suffered a second straight loss, going down to Heidelberg 14.8 (92)-11.13 (79).
Whittlesea was no match for North Heidelberg, with the Bulldogs winning 17.15 (117)-9.15 (69).
In division 2, Epping had a big win, while Thomastown went down in a thriller to Eltham.
