A strong start was the difference for the Lions NEAFL side to finally break back into the winner's circle last weekend, after consecutive weeks of close losses.
The Lions defeated the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium by two goals to claim their spot back in the top six.
In the first
“We had a really good result which was fantastic. The difference? We started the game well,” Development Coach Zane Littlejohn told lions.com.au.
“Our first quarters have sort of been a bit of a struggle for us over probably the last seven or eight weeks.
“Our Senior players really stood up in that first quarter.”
Claye Beams, Rohan Bewick and Sam Mayes all showed great leadership throughout the afternoon.
Ryan Bastinac was superb with 36 disposals and three tackles.
“Ryan’s had a really good month of footy,” Littlejohn said.
“He understands the defensive side of his game he needs to continue to work on. But offensively he’s been really damaging for us.
“If his opportunity arises in the near future, I think he’d be ready to grab it with both hands.”
The NEAFL side
Littlejohn and the coaching staff are not underestimating the task at hand.
“It’s going to be a good test for some of our less experienced guys against the bigger bodies at the SCG,” he said.
Contested footy will be key. Despite the win over the Suns, the Lions were outclassed in this area by the Suns.
“We understand whenever you play against the Swans, you’ve got to beat them in that area of the game,” Littlejohn said.
“We need to get that area of our game right.
“They’re big bodies and very smart footballers. So if we get our hands on the footy we’re going to have to use it very smartly and play the Lions way. If we do that, we know we can get on top.”
