Football

The senior players were keen for the challenge and wanted to show that they are not a bottom side by taking it right up to the undefeated Benalla side. The first half saw a relatively even contest with the Lions putting pressure on a Saints side that usually blows teams away in the first ten minutes, going into half time five goals down. The home side showed why they are premiership favourites in the second half, using the ball well and putting the Lions away to run out by 89 points. Brett Meredith and Aj McCarthy were best for the Lions. Thanks to all the supporters that handled themselves and represented the club so well after the game as the players were coming off, it was very much appreciated from the playing group and a testament to the great supporters we have. Well done to Brett Meredith who narrowly beat Jase Cole for this year’s Best and Fairest. It came down to the very last game of the season after they were even at Round 17.

It has been a strong last month for the Reserves, however, the undermanned team wasn’t able to match it with a strong Benalla side last weekend. After an even first quarter, the Saints skipped away in the next three quarters to beat the Lions by 11 goals. The boys have quickly put the last round behind them and are ready to go against Kyabram. Haz McLean and Trav Muir were best for the Lions. Well done to Ricki Misit who took out this year’s Best and Fairest.

The young Lions have played as well as they have all year in the past few weeks, beating two top sides on the way to a finals berth against Mooroopna today. Last weekend was a fantastic win after a tight first half that saw the Lions just in front at the main break. The third quarter saw the boys turn it on to kick five goals for the quarter which ultimately won the game after another even final term. Patty Binion kicked four with Demasi and Tommy Martin best for the Lions. Well done to Kyle-Winter Irving who took out this year’s Best and Fairest.

Netball

A Grade went down by three goals in a close game last weekend that was a great contest before finals. The girls started strong, however, a determined Benalla side fought back to just keep their noses in front at the final whistle. Bec Kelly and Sarah Szczykulski were best for the Lions. Congratulations to Kath Knott who took out this year’s Best and Fairest.

B Grade were always going to be challenged with a Saints side fighting for a finals spot. It was a close game, but the Lions were able to slowly pull away from the opposition side taking out the game by nine goals. Bec Bath and Jasmine Smith held strong in defence to be in the Lions best. Well done to Tegan Hansen who took out this year’s Best and Fairest.

B Reserve finished the year off well and secured fourth place on the ladder. Everyone played their role and it was a great team effort that secured the win. Leading up to this week’s first final, the girls have been playing really well together and are looking forward to taking on the Swans again. Best players were Lyndel, Emily and Rachel. Congratulations to Lyndel on taking out this year’s Best and Fairest.

The young Lions played their hearts out to narrowly go down to the fifth placed Benalla by one goal. It was a great team effort that saw the girls come together and show their potential going into next season. The standouts for the Lions were Emily McInerney, Courtney Aldous and Georgia Velt. Well done girls on a great season. Congratulations to Bonnie Dawson who took out the Best and Fairest.