South Morang experienced the highs and lows of football within a single week in Northern Football League division 3.
Having produced one of their best games of football in the opening round of the finals against St Mary’s, the Lions struggled to find that same form against Watsonia on Saturday.
As good sides do, Watsonia capitalised and made the Lions pay, winning through to the grand final, on the back of an 8.13 (61)-6.13 (49) win.
Lions coach Dean Grainger said it was disappointing for the Lions to finish their season in the manner they did.
“It was our worst performance of the year,” he said of the Watsonia result.
“It was one extreme to the other. It we had have kicked straight in the first quarter it could have been a different story.
“They made the most of their opportunities and they kicked goals when they needed to.
“I think their midfielders got on top and showed us how to play good running football.”
While still only four points down at three-quarter time, the Lions had too many players down to mount a comeback.
“We went into the 50 a lot,” Grainger said. “We weren’t able to get our hands on the ball … blokes were down. They showed us how to play good football.”
Paul Harrison was the only multiple goal scorer for the Lions. Mathew Robinson and Ben Nesci were named their best.
It’s the third straight year the Lions have exited the finals at the same stage, but Grainger said comparisons were misleading as this year they had a new coach and a lot of new players.
He said the Lions had come a long way from early in the season.
“We started the season 0-3 after three rounds and a lot of people had put a cross through our team,” he said. “To win 12 out of the next 16 games is a credit to the group.
“They dug deep when they had to and showed good signs – they just weren’t able to produce it yesterday.
“We played 18 kids who are still under 19. Eight or nine of them played in both finals.
“The future is looking good.”
Watsonia will play Epping in the grand final.
