South Morang is sitting 4-1 after five rounds of the Northern Football League division 3 competition even though the side has yet to hit its straps.
With nine new players, Lions football operations manager Mark Muscat said it had been a learning process for the Lions at times, but that hasn’t stopped them getting the wins.
They knocked off the previously undefeated Watsonia on Saturday, winning 20.13 (133) – 12.10 (82).
Muscat said Watsonia got the jump on them early.
“Both sides had five shots in the first quarter; they kicked 4.1 and we kicked 1.4,” he said.
“After quarter-time the boys just clicked into gear and it’s the best three quarters of football I’ve seen all season.
“The midfield got on top and we were able to get the ball into the forward line.”
The Lions were helped by the Saints losing a couple of players.
“Their full forward was reported and red- carded in the first quarter, so he was done for the day,” Muscat said.
“They had injuries on top of that, but they still showed they are a force and at their best they can beat anyone.”
Paul Harrison was the star down forward for the Lions with seven goals.
“It was an area we identified we were struggling with last year, in having experience in the forward line,” Muscat said.
“He has kicked 19 goals this season and it helps the midfield to have such a powerful forward down there.”
Muscat said the team couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season with the side sitting on top of the ladder.
“When you’re on top, you become the hunted,” he said.
“It’s taking a little time to click with nine new players, but we’re happy with the results so far.”
Epping defeated Banyule 12.13 (85)-11.8 (74) to sit second on the ladder, only percentage behind the Lions.
In division 2, Thomastown is 10 points clear on top of the ladder after five rounds.
The undefeated Bears beat Hurstbridge 14.9 (93) – 10.10 (70) with Matthew Ferraro kicking four.
Whittlesea won a close one against Lalor, 14.15 (99) – 12.12 (84), while Mernda remains winless after losing 15.15 (105)-6.14 (50) to Panton Hill.
Mernda captain Andrew Smith’s career is over after he was suspended last week for striking.
Smith, who was rubbed out for four weeks, was on his last chance after exceeding the 16-game suspensions limit in his football career.
In division 1, Bundoora lost to Greensborough.
