Don't forget about us, says Lions as Corbett makes up for lost time

That's the mindset of Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong after forward Riley Corbett said a desire to prove their finals credentials paved the way for last week's 87-point win over Turvey Park.

Key forward Corbett took advantage of the Lions' aggressive and quick ball movement under new coach Sam Martyn to kick eight goals, bringing his tally after two games to a league-best 12.

It's an emphatic return to form for Corbett after an ankle injury forced him to sit out most of last year's AFL Riverina Championships.

Most of the premiership talk has focused on defending champions Wagga Tigers and a Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes side which has improved markedly on paper, but the Lions are building nicely.

Midfield recruit Kirk Mahon, an Eastlake best and fairest winner, is expected to debut at Collingullie-Glenfield Park this weekend, while Matt Hamblin, Tom Sase and Michael Rothnie are all available to return.

High forward Corbett has already formed a strong combination with centre-half forward recruit George Alexander, who has seven goals after two games.

"We took a bit of a chip on our shoulders last week to make a statement to the rest of the competition and say we're here, we're not just going to lay down and we'll give it a crack as well," Corbett said.

"Our locals have been key for us the last few years, guys likes Tom Anderson and Jack McCaig have turned into gun footy players.

"I don't think Turvey were at their best, but there's a lot of belief in what we can do this year."

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Corbett said he has been the beneficiary of more chances and opportunities this year due to quick forward entries.

"It's been revolutionised from tough park footy to Sam and his ball movement. Our ball movement and skills have improved so much over pre-season and we've been able to complement his game style.

"He loves going through the corridor and quick ball movement, which gives us forwards a chance for some one-on-ones.

"George's work down the field creates so much space and to sit back and watch that is pretty eye opening. Kai Watts' pressure in the forward line is amazing and even Jack McCaig, he's turned into a running machine.

"Those guys put the pressure on and we're able to keep it in the forward line for a long time."

Corbett had options to play elsewhere, but felt compelled to give back to the Lions.

"It's my home town and you always feel like you owe them something," he said.

"Community footy is big at Ganmain and it's great to see a big crowd on the weekend. It's so good being around those people and I feel like I'll owe them forever."

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