GSFL 2024: Potent display up forward guides Lions to third win of season after overcoming persistent Magpies

A highly efficient Royals side has chalked up their third win of the season, getting the better of Denmark-Walpole in warm conditions at McLean Park on Saturday. The Lions were potent inside their forward half, making the home side pay for costly turnovers in the middle of the ground. The Magpies were much improved on their disappointing showing against North Albany last week, but it was the class and poise of the Lions going forward that was the difference. The Lions started strongly with four goals in the first term and never looked back, going on to record a 57-point win on the road. Brayden Parker was electric early as he and Hamish McMorran both finished with three goals in the 15.11 (101) to 6.8 (44) triumph. Lions coach Darrell Panizza was pleased with his side’s ability to convert from their inside-50 entries. “If you look at the inside-50s, we were very efficient scoring,” he said. “From a team and club point of view we played some kids and they had a taste of league footy and fitted in well. “Our senior players continued their form on from the first three weeks as well.” Up forward the visitors kicked some brilliant goals, including a wonderful set shot from the boundary line to McMorran and a clever goal in traffic by Shane Ugle in his first league game for the Lions. On the other hand, it was hard work for the Magpies to find the big sticks, missing simple set shots and breaking down across half-forward, with only Tyler Stone as their main target in attack. Midfield bull Declan McNamara was awarded the match day ball in the Belt Up Round after being judged best-on-ground by the umpires. McNamara was superb across the four quarters and capped his dominant display with a goal in the final stanza. It was the work of Parker, McNamara and Zak Mola through the middle that hurt the home side in the second term as they kicked six goals to two and broke the game apart. The Magpies fought hard to stay in the contest and won the third term as hardworking young midfielders Marlon Mastalerz and Noah Madaffari kicked majors, while the visitors managed only one. However, that 39-point margin was extended by the Lions as they finished full of running to move back to second spot on the ladder. Parker and Ryan Lazar were also strong contributors for the Lions, Nathan Powell rucked manfully all day, and Joel Flick and Ben Altus got better as the game went on. Lions forward Adrian Hardy received a yellow card for rough conduct nearing half-time. The Magpies were again well served by Mastalerz, who won a stack of clearances and kicked three goals, and Revis Alone gave plenty of drive through the middle of the ground. Reagan Hutchinson was also solid down back before spending the second half in the middle, and Brendan Girak was strong under pressure in defence. “We had a stronger side in but it was a much better performance than the week before,” Magpies coach Brad Nisbett said. “The second half was better; we cleaned up our skills and now we’ve got to try and find a way to play four quarters.”