LIONS RISE TO CHALLENGE
LEOPOLD coach Guy Morphet has praised his team’s ability to rise to the challenge of an old- fashioned “eightpoint game” after comfortably disposing of Bell Park on Saturday.
The 15.9 ( 99) to 5.14 ( 44) win at Hamlyn Park was vital to Leopold’s September hopes, with the fourthplaced Lions now holding a two- point buffer over Bell Park ( fifth).
Sam Scott and Trent West were again instrumental in the middle of the ground for the winners.
“It probably was like an eightpoint game for us and we knew how important it was,” Leopold coach Guy Morphet said.
“The good thing was I could tell they were ready. I looked into their eyes and could see they knew how big it was for us.
“It was really pleasing to not only come away with a win, but a good win.
“We came here knowing how important this game was in the context of our season, and I was really proud of how our whole group came together as a collective.
“Every line was really good, our mids were outstanding and I was very impressed with the standard of football we played in a big game in the context of our season.”
Lucas Boyd booted three goals up forward for Leopold, taking his season tally to 36, as the Lions enjoyed six multiple goalkickers in the 55point win.
For Bell Park, midfielders Boe Collins and Lachie Patten led the way, but the Dragons’ second- lowest score of the season wasn’t near enough to challenge Leopold.
Morphet said he did not have a specific number of wins in his head that would guarantee a finals place, and still knows how much work is ahead for his team.
“Looking at our draw, I know it’s cliche but we’re not looking that far ahead,” he said. “St Albans are our next challenge and they’re never easy at home, but I like to think Saturday has gone a long way to consolidating a top- five finish.” ST MARY’S kept its faint finals hopes alive, downing a gritty St Albans at The Gordon TAFE Oval, 9.7 ( 61) to 7.2 ( 44).
But the match ended on a serious note after Jack Blood was taken to hospital by ambulance following a suspected neck injury just before three- quarter time.
No further play was possible given more than 30 minutes of time was lost. Blood was cleared of serious damage later on Saturday night after a series of scans and tests.
Paddy Dowling had a day out for the Saints, booting five of their nine goals in a best- on- ground performance.
Blood was impressive before his unfortunate incident, while Tom Lang and Harry Benson helped lift their team over the line.
For the gallant Supersaints, Matthew McKenzie booted two, while Hayden Elliot and Tristan Battaglia starred. AN inaccurate South Barwon kept in touch with the top five, collecting a 38- point win over Grovedale.
The Swans overcame a slow start at McDonald Reserve, trailing the Tigers by three points at quarter- time before claiming a crucial win, 8.20 ( 68) to 4.6 ( 30).
Brett Blair was best afield for South, booting two goals, while Josh Saunders, Ethan Baker and Jack Driver were influential.
For the Tigers, Cats VFL- listed player James Tsitas was outstanding in a rare GFL match. GEELONG West secured a second- straight win, beating North Shore at Windsor Park, 19.8 ( 122) to 5.13 ( 43).
The Giants withstood a spirited showing from the Seagulls in the first half, eventually running out 79- point winners.
Hunter Lloyd kicked four goals for West, with Dalton Grundell slotting three and Jye Bohm two. Lochie Huppatz was impressive for the winners, who were supremely led by Lloyd, Max Kelly and David Handley.
Aaron Seller, Ryan Robertson and Jacob Miljevic were in the best for North Shore. COLAC remains entrenched inside the top three, defeating Lara at Bisinella Oval 18.17 ( 125) to 9.10 ( 64). Without stars Lochie Veale, Joffy Simpkin and Jarryn McCormack, the Tigers had few problems away from home, winning by 61 points. Colac blew the game wide open in the first quarter, kicking eight goals to one to put the result b e y o n d doubt. L u k e Hillman slotted three goals, while Ethan Floyd starred for the Tigers. For Lara, Nick Egan was again best afield, while the Cats had contributions from skipper Matt Spence and Jordan Stone.