And that’s just what Mulwala did, holding on to take a 8.9 (57) to 7.6 (48) victory over a determined Numurkah outfit.

“They probably had the run in the last quarter and were in front by a couple of points, but it was good the boys didn’t lie down,” Lions captain Josh Hammond said.

“We stuck tight and came out with the win.”

Mulwala started well and kicked early goals, while Chase Strawhorn notched up three for the day.

But in the ebb and flow of a closely fought game, the Lions couldn’t finish the game off until late into the final term when Luke James put away a set shot and a snap for back to back goals to close it out.

“It was a good win for the boys and good for their confidence,” Hammond said.

“And it was a good little win for Ben and his family too.

While it was a strong team effort, Hammond said he was particularly pleased the Lions’ back line stood tall.

Among them, Josh Slattery at centre half back and James Wilson at full back were solid in defence.

“They really stood up and the ball was coming in there a lot,” Hammond said.

“But this was one of those games where we had to play as a team and we’re really starting to gel.”

The Lions are fourth on the Murray league ladder and plan on staying towards the top half.

“Our goal would be to beat Nathalia next week and we would love to be 5-1 — that would be great to be in that position,” Hammond said.

“Those first eight to 10 rounds are crucial for any side and in such a tight competition you’ve got to get the wins on the board.”