By Tara Murray
South Morang has received a good hit-out before finals in Northern Football League division 3.
The Lions, who had already secured their finals berth, took on minor premier St Mary’s.
With little to play for both sides, it was the Lions who started the better of the two sides.
The Lions led by 18 points at the main break, but then St Mary’s showed why it has lost only one match this season, kicking nine goals to one in the second half for a 13.17 (95)-8.13 (61).
Lions coach Gary Hall said it was good finals preparation.
“We had a really good first half, before the mind wondered a bit in the second half,” he said. “They got away from us in the last.”
Alex Colaidis kicked three goals for the Lions to be one of their best. Hall said he was proving a handful up forward.
James Mellerick and Cory Giannone were among the other stand-outs for the Lions.
While happy with the effort, Hall said his players would need to play four good quarters against St Mary’s if they were to beat them come finals time.
The Lions remain in third spot despite the result, with Hall saying they had already exceeded expectations.
“We have already got a pass mark, as no one thought we would get there [finals],” he said. “Everything else is a bonus. If you get there, you want to win it.”
Hall said they were getting closer to full strength for the first time this season, with Mitchell Dickinson, Liam Fallia and Samuel Indian among three players who could return.
The Lions will face Laurimar in a knock-out semi-final. The two teams have split their regular season matches.
It will be Laurimar’s first senior final. The Power enter the finals on the back of a 30.20 (200)-9.2 (56) win against Reservoir.
“Finals is a different story,” Hall said.
“I think it will be a lot closer than during the season. We’ve got a lot of experience.
“Most have played a lot of junior grand finals and they just expect to play finals.
“Whether it helps, I’m not sure. We’ll try and give it a shake.”
In other results, Mernda’s finals hopes ended with a 7.10 (52)-5.8 (38) loss to Panton Hill.
Heidelberg West had no trouble beating Lalor, winning 22.20 (152)-8.5 (53).
In division 1, Bundoora sealed its finals spot with 12.18 (90)-10.13 (73) against Greensborough.
The battle to avoid relegation will go down to the final round. Hurstbridge and Whittlesea, which are both on eight points, will face each other in the final round.
In division 2, Thomastown defeated Epping 13.16 (94)-9.7 (61).
