NFL 2018: South Morang in hunt for Division 3 top-two finish after crucial win over finals contender Laurimar
SOUTH Morang highlighted its attacking prowess with a 64-point victory over Laurimar which all but sealed its finals spot on Saturday.
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SOUTH Morang highlighted its attacking prowess with a 64-point victory over Laurimar which all but sealed its finals spot on Saturday.
The Lions trailed by 12 points at quarter-time in a must-win Division 3 clash, but slammed on 22 goals to 10 in the remaining three terms to claim a 25.13 (163) to 15.9 (99) win.
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Mernda’s shock loss to Kilmore allowed South Morang to move one game and percentage clear in third, an important buffer considering it has a bye in Round 17.
“We treated it like a mini grand final, just the importance of it,” Lions coach Gary Hall said.
“It was definitely one that has really helped us and Mernda losing has put a bit of pressure on them.”
Eligible to be playing for the club’s under-17 team, key forward Samuel Indian has been a revelation since making his senior debut in Round 2.
Indian has kicked 29 goals in nine senior games this year, including four on Saturday, to be the club’s leading goalkicker.
“He’s getting better with each game with a bit more experience under his belt,” Hall said.
“It’s really good for the midfield to look up and you have got a big boy like that on the lead. He’s a good target.”
Alex Colaidis also bagged four majors in the 64-point triumph, while James Hewson, Nathan Tassell and Tye Hall contributed three apiece.
South Morang is equal with second-placed Panton Hill on 36 points, but the Redbacks will be favoured to win their remaining matches against Reservoir, Kilmore and Mernda.
That would leave the Lions facing a cutthroat semi-final against either the Demons (fourth), Power (fifth) or late challengers Kilmore (6-8) and Heidelberg West (6-7).
“It’s touch and go but definitely second spot, we will be eyeing it off,” Hall said.
“(The Laurimar game) was more about just trying to make the finals.”
Hall said a lengthy injury list had hampered his side throughout the season, but with players returning the club would boast depth it has previously lacked come finals.
And although St Mary’s is an overwhelming flag favourite, he sounded a warning to the Burra.
“We were in the same position as St Mary’s last year, one loss, and look what happened to us (grand final loss).
“You just need luck at the right time.”
Kilmore defeated Mernda by 27 points, Panton Hill accounted for Lalor by 100 and St Mary’s hammered Reservoir by 132.
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