With less than a kick separating the two teams at three-quarter-time, the Hoppers lifted when it mattered most to run out 11.15 (81) to 8.9 (57) winners at Ganmain Sportsground.

Coolamon kicked the only three goals of the final term to record a 24-point win in front of a big crowd.

The Lions were on top early in the contest but Coolamon responded with a five-goal second term to head to half-time level.

The two teams went goal for goal in the third quarter and it was the Hoppers who finished the term with a narrow two-point advantage.

From there, the Hoppers found another gear to finish right on top in the last quarter.

Coolamon co-coach Jamie Maddox was rapt to come away with the points from a big day at Ganmain.

"It was an awesome win. A win at Gammain, when they've been flying, we'll take those four points and get out of here," Maddox said.

"In the last quarter, we were full of run. We were able to spread and run and create and it worked well for us in the end."

The win keeps Coolamon equal on points with ladder leaders Wagga Tigers and Griffith. It also creates a two-game gap between the top three teams and the fourth-placed Lions.

Maddox knew how important the four points were to the Hoppers' season.

"It would have put us back with everyone else (if we lost) so it keeps us up and around it at the top there," he said.

"It was a crucial game for both teams so it was good to get the points."

Nick Pleming was dominant through the midfield and claimed best-on-ground honours for Coolamon.

Luke Redfern had a huge last quarter and lifted the Hoppers when the game was in the balance, while fellow Coolamon midfielders Max Hillier and Jake Barrett also had a big influence on the contest.

Matt McGowan kicked four goals for Coolamon, while defenders Zach Bradley, Josh Buchanan and Will Graetz were rock solid.

For the Lions, Jacob Olsson delivered another strong game in the ruck, Scott and Aaron Proctor battled hard at the contest, while Dan Foley also impressed.

Maddox said it was a good tough victory for the Hoppers, which will hold them in good stead moving forward.

"We knew they would be up and about early. They came out in the first quarter and played some good footy," he said.

"Our second quarter set it up for us, we fought back into the contest and got going again. It set it up for the rest. We asked for an effort and got four quarters. You don't go to Ganmain and win without a four-quarter effort so that was the pleasing thing for me."

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