Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong all but booked their place in finals with an important 22-point victory over Collingullie-Glenfield Park on Sunday.
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The Lions bounced back from consecutive losses to all but end the Demons' finals hopes with a 16.10 (106) to 11.18 (84) victory at Ganmain Sportsground.
Two brilliant performances from ruckman Jacob Olsson and young gun Matt Hamblin inspired the Lions, who had an answer for everything the reigning premiers threw at them.
GGGM stated their intentions early with a ferocious attack on the ball and were far more efficient when going forward.
The Lions led by 18 points, 22 points and 31 points at the three changes and 15 points was the closest the Demons got, midway through the third quarter.
With everything to play for, the Demons went down fighting and continued to attack in the final term but kicked 2.9 for the quarter, including three posters.
The win puts GGGM two games clear of the sixth-placed Demons, plus considerable percentage but Lions coach Christin Macri was not prepared to make any conclusions after the game.
"Look, we've still got four games to play and there's five rounds to go," Macri said.
"We marked it as a game we needed to win, they're one who could take out spot potentially and we've got another big game next week out at Mango so hopefully we can tick that one off next week.
"Today we had to respond and we did. We bounced back."
Macri praised the way the Lions started the game with serious intent.
"That was the plan," he said.
"It was pleasing to see because I asked them to get on the hunt and go after it. Whereas the last couple of weeks we've been in and out of doing that sort of thing.
"Our best footy is when we've got that high intensity. It's hard to maintain it for a long time and for the whole season but I'm just really pleased it was a good response. They're a quality side with big bodies so it was pleasing to win."
Olsson and Hamblin were clearly the Lions best two players. Ben Walsh started strongly and had four goals by half-time, while Daniel Foley also made a strong contribution with four goals before coming off late with an ankle concern.
James Wilson also had a good game in defence.
Ed Perryman lifted the Demons, particularly late, and finished with 3.3, while Daniel Frawley and Tom Keogh battled hard throughout.
To make matters worse, Collingullie-GP coach Luke Gestier was yellow carded for a hit on Lachie Parker in the third term.
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