Schoolboy sensation Riley Corbett bagged nine goals as the Lions moved into third position with a three-goal win over the Demons, 14.10 (96) to 11.10 (76) at Ganmain Sportsground.

Corbett bagged four first-quarter goals as the Lions raced to an early 21-point lead and from there never looked back.

The Lions were seriously challenged on a number of occasions as Collingullie-GP closed within one goal early in the second and third quarters but the home team continued to find the answers.

Corbett’s eighth goal after the three-quarter-time siren stretched GGGM’s lead to 23 points but it was quickly game on as the Demons kicked the first two goals of the last quarter.

But the Lions again had the answer, with Corbett and Jack McCaig kicking the next two goals to seal the win.

It was one of the biggest home and away games of the year with a finals-like feel to it and GGGM coach Christin Macri could not have been prouder of his group.

“I really enjoyed it. We knew we were up for the challenge and the boys stood up today and we’re rapt with that,” Macri said.

“I certainly wasn’t shying away from the fact that it was a big game. Second v four and with the result (on Saturday) we had a chance to get third.

“It was really important we backed up our form against Griffith and Mango. It was important, and I made sure they knew it was a big game, we had to stand up and play well and we have.”

Macri praised the efforts of Corbett, who finished with 9.4 in another best-on-ground display.

“He’s a quality footballer,” he said.

“He’s learning the game still. He’s a great kid and he’s really enjoying his footy.

“He had a really tough first half of the year with his travelling and all that sort of stuff but he’s chasing his dream and I fully support him with that and ever since he’s come back to the club, he’s been first class and he’s just loving footy at the moment.”

The Lions won two games last year and finished in eighth spot. Almost 12 months later they are in third and looking at securing a double chance for finals.

“It’s back in our hands again now,” Macri said.

“We’ve still got three games to play, we’re far from secure, that’s for sure. What it has done is give us that belief that we’re in the mix, the aim now is to secure that third spot now that we’re there.”

Jacob Olsson was also outstanding for the Lions. Josh Bubnich was the pick of GGGM’s midfield, while key defenders Josh Walsh and Josh Wilson performed their roles well.

It was a disappointing result for the Demons, who struggled with the pressure from GGGM and continued to waste the ball going forward.

Jayden Klemke and Daniel Frawley were among the Demons’ best.

READ MORE