South Morang smash Laurimar to seal fourth and NFL Division 3 finals
Only a win would assure South Morang of a NFL Division 3 finals berth and against ladder-leader it looked a daunting task but the Lions produced their best football of the season to seal fourth.
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South Morang is finals bound after a stunning 50-point win over Laurimar on Saturday.
With the Lions needing a win to secure the fourth and last spot in NFL Division 3 finals, they produced their best football of the season.
The 16.17 (113) to 9.9 (63) victory also saw Laurimar miss out on a maiden minor premiership as Panton Hill’s superior percentage gave it top spot in a hectic Round 18.
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Lions coach Gary Hall was excited to see what his team could produce ahead of Sunday’s elimination final against Kilmore.
“We didn’t want to leave it to other results, the boys gave it everything and it just clicked,” Hall said.
“It was probably the best game of footy we’ve played, which is a good time to do it, isn’t it.
“I’ve had to use 49 players this year, that’s a massive number, and to get some stability into the side has been really hard.
“(Saturday) was an even spread, so it’s given them a lot of confidence heading into next week.”
It was a triple celebration for the club with Hall celebrating his 50th birthday, while captain Luke Shelton was best on ground on his 30th birthday.
Alex Colaidis booted six goals in a standout display, while Aaron Lazaric and Tye Hall also impressed.
“The birthday boy, he wound back the clock a bit and led from the front,” Hall said of Shelton.
“When he’s up and about the boys have a lot of respect for Shelts, he’s a great servant of the club.
“(Alex) was great and he missed a few too, he probably could have kicked 10 … to get him back in form at this time of year is pleasing.
“He sort of lost his way earlier in the year with his kicking but now he’s got his kicking boot back on.”
Elsewhere in Division 3, Mernda’s season ended despite a 23-point win over Old Eltham Collegians, while Lalor was on the receiving end of a 120-point hiding at the hands of Kilmore.
In Division 2, Whittlesea locked up a top-two finish with an 11-point win over Thomastown. Despite the loss, the Bears secured fourth and a finals appearance thanks to St Mary’s upset four-point win over Diamond Creek.
Epping was no match for ladder-leader Banyule, going down by 77 points.
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