The monkey is off the back for the Sunbury Lions as they put themselves in the prime spot for a tilt at the Ballarat Football League premiership.
In a repeat of last year, the Lions finals campaign started with an elimination final against Ballarat on Saturday.
The Swans came from six goals down at three quarter time last year to end the Lions finals hopes.
This time the Lions ensured there would be no first week exit, as they put together a four quarter performance to win, 15.9 (99)-4.4 (28).
Lions coach Matt White was thrilled with the performance from his group.
“It was a really good day and we’re really happy with the result,” he said. “The monkey is off the back after last year when we fell over in the last quarter.
“To be able to put together the four quarters and finish the game off the way we did was bloody awesome.”
White said the Swans like to hold possession of the ball and play the kick mark style of play.
He said they focused really hard on defending the ground well and looking to shut that down.
“We were able to take that away from them and play our game and get the offensive going off that,” he said.
“There were some massive defence efforts. Nathan Doyle had 10 tackles and was brilliant.”
The Lions were able to build a lead through the first three quarters and the margin was 49 points at the final break.
White said the message was simple at three quarter time.
“Don’t let up,” he said. “It was definitely in the back of our minds knowing what Ballarat could do and they could score quickly.
“We wanted to do everything right and get the job done, which we did. It was massive.”
Patrick Scanlon, Jake Sutton and Daniel Johnston kicked three goals each for the Lions.
White said while their stars did what they expected off them, everyone played a role in making sure they got the win.
The win means the Lions have two cracks at a grand final spot.
The first of those is against Darley on Saturday, with the minor premiers beating East Point in the qualifying final.
The Devils are one team the Lions haven’t beaten this season.
“We have the best shot at a grand final and a fantastic opportunity in front of us,” he said.
“The first time they had played a game the week before and had the run in their legs, and the game at home we got a lot of good learning from that game.
“We think we match up well and want to score offensively and are defensively sound. We’re looking forward to the challenge. “
The Lions reserves will also play for a grand final spot on Saturday, after beating East Point by two points on Saturday.
With five netball sides also playing for grand final spots on Saturday, it will be a big week for the club.
“We want to be dominant force in this league and this puts us right up there.”
