Best: W Le Deux, T Wardley, X Arandt, H Hopp, L Cavigan
Goals: O Munro 3, J Brock 1, J Brown 1, H Lane 1, W Le Deux 1, T Thomas 1
The sun was still shining for the Reserves who were able to get a full game in before the clouds rolled in and the heavens opened.
It was a tough slog for the Lions from the first bounce with the contest incredibly even at the final break before the boys slammed home four last quarter goals to take away a big win.
Charlie Carmichael was best on ground, stepping up from the Under 18s for his first game of Reserves footy, finding plenty of the ball and ferociously attacking the contest.
Up forward, fan favourite Riley Graham was instrumental in the win with three goals including the sealer in the final quarter. He provided a strong target all day and was supported by Julian Morgan who kicked two goals of his own.
Through the middle, Will Laird gave plenty of drive out of the contest and was pivotal in providing the Lions with plenty of deep entries.
Will Dundon was the general down back all day, directing play further up the field and ensuring the defensive unit worked hard to repel the Bears.
Best: C Carmichael, R Graham, W Laird, J Morgan, W Dundon
Goals: R Graham 3, J Morgan 2, I Ali 1, C Carmichael 1
Right as the Seniors commenced the conditions took a turn for the worse with the game played out in freezing and wet conditions, making the game a scrappy contest.
Some inaccurate kicking from the Bears kept the Lions in the game at the quarter time break but a four goal second term, a feat repeated in the last quarter, put the game out of the reach of the Lions.
Tom Maloney put in a great display of wet weather footy, outstanding as always in the contest, winning plenty of footy at the coalface.
Tom was well supported by fellow midfielders Jack Murphy and Nathan Beattie who toiled hard all day in difficult circumstances.
Nick Dundon played his best game for the season, covering plenty of ground and adding some drive to the Lions’ ball movement.
Down back it was a tough day for the Lions but Lachlan Waite put his best foot forward before switching to a forward half role after half time.
It was a tough match against a strong Bears line up before taking on top of the table Echuca at home this weekend.
Best: T Maloney, J Murphy, N Dundon, L Waite, N Beattie
Goals: R Schraven 2, R Mason 1, C Lubeck 1, J Wooster 1, N Fowler 1