A sensational third quarter helped Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong to a 55-point victory over Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes on Sunday.
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The Lions piled on nine straight goals during 17 minutes of complete domination to destroy the Goannas, 17.3 (105) to 6.14 (50) at Ganmain Sportsground.
MCUE kicked the first two goals of the third term to level the scores, in a contest where the margin had never been greater than 12 points.
But the Lions responded with a bang, piling on nine goals in what quickly turned into a procession.
George Kendall snapped a goal moments before three-quarter-time to halt momentum but the damage had been done as the Lions entered three-quarter-time with a 45-point lead.
They finished the job by kicking two final term goals, while keeping MCUE goalless.
GGGM coach Christin Macri loved the way his team took control of the contest in the third term.
"It was a scrappy first half. They played some good footy and put us on the back foot a bit. In patches we were good in the first half and even five or 10 minutes into the third quarter, things were looking a bit slow," Macri said.
"But once we got a couple of goals quickly and started to move the ball quick, things started to roll. Also our pressure around the contest was really strong too which got it going our way and we had some guys do some really good things in the third quarter.
"Nine straight is a great quarter of footy."
The win keeps the Lions in fifth position but puts some breathing space between them and the Goannas, who now have just one win from their opening five games.
Macri was well aware of the importance of the victory, particularly after a disappointing last-start loss to Collingullie-Glenfield Park.
"Yeah, absolutely, because we were so poor last game we needed to respond today and thankfully we've done it," he said.
"It puts a gap between us and them now, which is what you need to do. There's still a long way to go to position ourselves come finals time but you certainly want to be ahead of the ledger and staying in touch."
Matt Hamblin led the charge for GGGM. He looked dangerous whenever he found the football and finished with five goals.
Ben Walsh was outstanding at centre-half-forward and finished with four goals, while Jacob Olsson was dominant in the ruck.
Lachie Kendall battled hard all day for MCUE, while George Kendall was a constant threat in attack despite finishing with 1.4.
Poor discipline also cost the Goannas dearly.
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