The four-time Doug Strang medallist kicked four goals in Culcairn's win against Billabong Crows on Saturday - his best haul since round one.

Prior, 34, has missed three games this season with a hamstring problem after admitting the absence of football in 2020 had done him no favours.

But the former Lavington spearhead is determined to lead by example as the Lions continue their rebuild.

"The year off probably didn't help me," Prior said.

"I'm playing every game like it's my last, I'm enjoying it and the group's really positive.

"I just love playing footy on a Saturday, it's a good feeling.

"I've had a few niggling injuries and I don't have long left so if I can chip in and have a few more wins like this, it's all worth it.

"I've been struggling. I'm getting a bit older now and I've had a few issues.

"It's just good to get out there again. It's a young group and we need a few senior heads.

"I played my role on Saturday, ended up kicking a few in the second half so I did my job."

Culcairn coach Craig Bosley was full of praise for Prior after the 15-point victory over the Crows.

"His work-rate and his desperation was awesome," Bosley said.

"He had to battle for every ball, he kept persisting and in the end it paid off. He kicked four goals in the second half and that was the difference.

"He's only a kid at 34.

"He's got a good pair of hands, a good football brain and he's loved around the place so I hope he goes for another five or six years."

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After starting the season with back-to-back wins, the Lions lost their next five so the relief at the end of Saturday's win was palpable.

"Billabong are in the same boat as us so it was a must-win game," Prior said.

"It's been hard because we've lost a lot of our top end since reaching the prelim two years ago.

"But we can still do some damage. Osborne and Holbrook are obviously the sides to beat but the rest are pretty even.

"This win is massive for us and hopefully we can start afresh now."

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