Lions remain in finals mix after loss to defending champions

Although the Lions (2-3 record) lost 45-28 to defending champions Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes on Saturday, they narrowly held onto fifth spot via percentage over Leeton-Whitton (2-3) and Turvey Park (2-2).

Ganmain-Grong Grong were missing Brooke Walsh on Saturday, with young replacement Abbey Hamblin acquiting herself well after being promoted from the under-17s.

"She played really well and proved she could play first grade," Crozier said.

"It's going well so far, the girls are working together as a team. One of our losses was by three goals (to Turvey Park), so there's been some close games."

The Lions are looking to integrate a new line-up in their attacking end this year, in Chloe Hamblin, Hannah Jackson and Jenaya Graham, along with Courtney Menzies who has returned to her junior club after a stint with Osborne.

"We've just learned to drive onto the ball a lot more and play our body-on-body game," Crozier said. It's a whole new attacking structure this year, we had a couple of injuries in the footy and they're starting to get it together.

"I think Jenaya did really well today, her shooting was good. But we can work on holding a bit stronger in the circle."

After their first loss since 2019 against Griffith a fortnight ago, the Goannas have hit back hard with wins over Coolamon and the Lions.

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"They did a lot well. Their ball movement is so good and they jell well together, You can tell they're a well drilled team," Crozier said.

Top four teams Collingullie-Glenfield Park and Coolamon continued their strong starts with wins over Turvey Park (38-23) and winless Wagga Tigers (36-24) respectively, while Leeton-Whitton was far too strong for Narrandera 55-21.

This weekend's fixtures is highlighted by a top-of-the-table battle between Coolamon and Griffith at Kindra Park.

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