Huonville flexes muscles to banish another SFL contender as Hobart recovers from sluggish first half

The SFL kings have shown the level required to be a genuine premiership contender after brushing aside New Norfolk, while Sorell has given Hobart a huge first-half fright.

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REIGNING premier Huonville has flexed its muscles after brushing aside a potential SFL challenger to show the level required to be a flag contender.

The Lions put the foot on the gas from the opening bounce until the final siren against New Norfolk — who came into 2021 confident of being in the mix to reclaim the throne.

But after walking from the Lions’ den with a 22.28 (160) to 10.5 (65) defeat, the Eagles will be forced to head back to the drawing board.

Huonville had 14 scoring shots in the opening term but were slightly wasteful in kicking 6.8, but still did enough to open a 25-point lead.

It was an advantage they stretched at every change and finished off with an 8.12 avalanche in the last term.

Huonville’s Brady Jones booted four goals in the Lions’ big win against New Norfolk. Picture: David Harding

The hosts had 12 individual goalkickers, led by Mitch Walker and Brady Jones who booted four each while four other Lions kicked multiple majors.

“New Norfolk were up and about early, and we knew they would be, they have started all their games really well,” coach Tim Lamprill said.

“We knew we had to be on top early and we were probably a little bit inaccurate in that first quarter but still we controlled the footy enough to put a score on the board.

“We have spoken about a few things, particularly after the game against Cygnet, and we have tidied a few things up structurally and how we move the footy.

“That paid dividends last week and more so this week coming up against a really good outfit.”

The Lions retained top spot on percentage from unbeaten Hobart, who needed a big second half to get across the line against a gallant Sorell at Pembroke Park.

Sorell caught the Tigers on the hop, jumping out to a 28-point lead at halftime before the visitors kicked eight goals in the third stanza to grab control, running out 12.16 (88) to 9.9 (63) winners.

Cygnet defeated Dodges Ferry by 17 points at Shark Park, while in the remaining round five match Lindisfarne piled on 38.30 (258) to Claremont’s 2.1 (13).

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