MULWALA has firmed its finals hopes with a commanding 35-point win at Numurkah.
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The Lions stamped their intentions in the opening term, hitting a 33-point margin by quarter time. The Blues couldn’t keep up with the Lions, who had to call on a number of younger players to fill the ranks.
“We had four or five rested or not available,” Lions coach Ben James said.
“We had young guys, 17 and 18-year-olds, who really stood up and got us over the line in the end.”
James himself didn’t play, and the Lions were without Jackson Gash, Jackson Weir and Matt Howard.
“These young guys have all played a handful of games now,” James said.
“They’re starting to get their heads around our game plan and the way we want to be playing footy as a team.
“Shea Flanagan was really rock solid in the back line.
“He’s a good young talent in the ruck and key position in the thirds and we’ve run him through the wing and flanks.
“But we gave him a role as a key back and he really stood up.
“A number of them stood up and that’s what got us over the line.”
The Blues had their opportunities, particularly in the second half, but failed to capitalise on their shots on goal.
“We probably dropped off a little after half-time and were lucky they had a couple of missed scoring shots,” James said.
The Lions know they now have to keep winning to make finals.
With players due back in the coming weeks, James said the side would be strengthened in the final games of the home and away season.
“We’ve also got a new ruckman in Ryan Smith,” he said.
“He’s actually played really well and has started to find some form in his second game — he’ll be very good for us if we make finals.
“We just have to get our full list on the park.
“I really think anyone in the league can do damage and win it on their day — all you have to do is get there, get the full side on the park and give it a crack.”