THE RIVERINA Lions roared again on the weekend, singing the team song after a 42 point victory over their closest rivals in the competition.
The Lions remain on top of the AFL Canberra ladder following their 42 point victory against second placed Belconnen 9.10 (63) to 3.3 (21)
While the Lions are now the only undefeated team in the competition they remain cautious as previous seasons have heralded the same result but no premiership.
After 12 seasons the Lions are yet to win a grand final.
“We haven’t had much luck in the business end of the season,” Lions co-coach Julie McLean said.
“We get there, and there’s about 10 new faces on the [opposing] team and get blown off the paddock.”
McLean believes that this year’s combination of experienced players, and young, fearless players should improve their chances.
Saturday’s match was tightly contested for the first half, with the Lions taking a slim three point margin into the third quarter.
Key positional changes and increased physicality from the Lions sparked some classy goals.
“The talk rate lifted, the tackle rate lifted and we played some of the best footy we’ve played all year,” McLean said.
Nicole Keir scored a goal from an intercept and Paige Mathewson made a snap on the left.
Forward Emma McClelland was awarded the best on ground.
“She was a welcomed return to the squad, providing experience and creativity in the forward line,” McLean said.
Strong defence and attacking run from Alison Naismith in the half back line was pivotal in keeping the Magpies scoreless in the second half.
“She’s had a great season, she’s an absolute standout,” McLean said.
Next weekend the league has a bye, as representative teams play the State of Origin (see page 21).
The Lions now look towards another tough clash; Tuggeranong in Canberra in two weeks.
Their next home ground game takes place at McPherson Oval on June 20.
