Live stream: Cygnet proves too strong for Huonville Lions in one-sided SFL clash

Huonville proved no match for Cygnet in a one-sided SFL clash. And the afternoon didn’t get any better for the Lions when their women’s team played. Relive all the action with our replays.

The Battle of the Huon became a Cygnet festival as The Port feasted on its arch enemy, the Lions.

A tightish first quarter became a Cygnet romp as The Port belted Huonville by 105 points, 24.10 (154) to 7.7 (49), in a rematch of the last two grand finals in name only.

The Port’s twin towers in James Zeitzen (six goals) and Joseph Direen (four) were the focal points, allowing playing-coach Thor Boscott (five) to be the dangerous floater on the back of the home side’s midfield dominance and rock solid defence.

Cygnet were a step in front of Huonville all game. Picture: Carolyn Whitehouse

Boscott was thrilled his side’s performance on such a big day for his club at home.

“It is obviously a big game against Huonville,” Boscott said.

“Both sides pick up the pace a little bit more and the style of football – we want to play a good brand against these guys and it was a really good day.”

Talented teenager Murray Bastick, with less than five senior games to his name, was a wall in the backline and vied with Zeitzen for best afield honours.

The difference between the two sides was on display in the second half, with Cygnet’s slick ball movement allowing The Port to pile on 15 goals to two to really rub it in Huonville’s nose.

“Since I’ve come down, the mentality of SFL football has gone up another level,” Boscott said.

“Not just because of me but in terms of the playing group, I just can’t fault it.

It was tight early before Cygnet stepped up a gear. Picture: Carolyn Whitehouse

Toby Cowen gets Cygnet moving forward. Picture: Carolyn Whitehouse

“We are taking a little bit more risks with that kick in board and then spreading from that.

“It opens up the game. It is very basic football but I can’t complain because it is very exciting times.”

Even in this early stage, it is clear Cygnet and Lindisfarne — which had a comfortable 43-point win over Dodges Ferry at Shark Park — are daylights ahead of the chasing pack.

“They are going to be our biggest competition this year towards the end of the year,” Boscott said.

“We are chasing them now, it is going to be very important.”

In the closest game of the round, Hobart had a seven-point victory over Claremont, while Sorell had an impressive six-goal win over Brighton.

Lions bulk up for clash with arch rivals

A batch of changes, including the return of coach Brady Jones and two key forwards, has Huonville Lions primed for their cross-valley SFL clash with Cygnet this afternoon.

The two rivals take centre stage in what is sure to be an enthralling contest. And you can catch it with our exclusive LIVE STREAM on the Hobart Mercury of both the seniors and women’s games from 2pm.

Without Jones and his assistant, Michael Paul, who both were out with Covid, the Lions were smashed by 146 points by a rampaging Lindisfarne at Huonville Oval last weekend.

Huonville captain James McIndoe is relieved to have key players returning.

Click here to see the ins and outs and player movements for SFL 2022

Click here to see the ins and outs and player movements for SFLW 2022

The Lions have made seven changes as they attempt to rebound from that horrific loss.

“Just having those two alone are massive ins this week,” said Huonville captain James McIndoe.

“Having seven players back is good for the side.

“Ethan Brock is coming back. He and Michael Paul are probably going to be our two leading goal kickers this season.

“If you take one of those guys out of the team you’re going to struggle to kick goals, so to have both of them back is a massive boost. Hopefully we can keep them back now.”

The Huonville-Cygnet matches are always a talking point in the valley.

“It’s a massive game for the community as well as the clubs,” McIndoe said.

“These games draw the communities together to come and watch. People have been talking about it in the shops and local community this week and no doubt they will be talking about it next week as well, regardless of the result.

“It’s the most finals-like atmosphere you can get during the season.”

Jones has injected his own game-style into the Lions, including a touch of TSL in the way they move the ball.

“We’re a lot younger team than we were last year and we play a lot more free-flowing game, with a lot more license to play how you want to play rather than being so structured,” McIndoe said.

“’Budge’ [Jones] has brought in his own style, which is to believe in each player to play their play their role and do their part, which has made us more free-flowing this year.

“Sometimes TSL is more structured that SFL, but in the sense that it’s a bit more fast-paced, it’s a bit more TSL-style rather than slow, stop/start contested football that SFL is sometimes known for.”

Ladder leader Lindisfarne faces a tough challenge from third-placed Dodges Ferry at Shark Park. If Dodges wins and Cygnet does, too, The Port will go back to the top.

Hobart is up against Claremont at the TCA ground and Sorell hosts Brighton at Pembroke Park.