NEAFL Coach Mitch Hahn has commended his side for rising to the challenge after the Lions created their own slice of history in Darwin on Saturday night when they notched a first ever win at TIO Stadium over the NT Thunder.
“We were absolutely rapt,” said Hahn of the 26-point victory.
“It was always going to be a tough challenge, not winning (in Darwin) since 2012. The Thunder have always been really strong at their home ground. It was certainly a challenge that we took to the boys and it was fantastic to go away with the win in the end.”
After the opening two rounds, the Lions remain unbeaten after they knocked off last year’s NEAFL runner-up, Sydney, in Blacktown, in Round 1.
“The first two games we’ve been able to have some solid victories over teams we haven’t beaten for a long period of time,” said Hahn.
“Our group have been fantastic. 23 players against Sydney in Round 1 and then 22 against the Northern Territory on the weekend. It’s a credit to the medical team for the amount of listed players we’ve had available – that certainly helps the process.
“And our 19 year olds who have come in, who have been welcomed into the team, have certainly had a valuable contribution. On the weekend we saw Sam Copland kicked three goals and Ryan Dadds kicked two.
“Their contribution has been really important as has all of our listed players. The guys that have comeback from playing senior football have had fantastic attitudes which has been really helpful for the younger blokes.”
Young forward Matthew Hammelmann captained the side against the Thunder, proving a valuable learning and educational experience according to Hahn.
“Each week we change the weekly leaders – we have three and we change the Captain,” said Hahn.
“We just feel as a group it’s really important to give these guys some responsibility to continue their development. Giving them the captaincy enables them to have a different look on the game, they have to talk in front of a group which I think is a great learning and education experience for them.
“Both Captains (Archie – Round 1 and Matthew Hammelmann – Round 2) have been really good. They’ve played some good footy off the back of that which has been pleasing.”
The Lions will play Southport at South Pine Sports Complex on Saturday with the game viewed as another opportunity to consolidate the team’s recent form.
“Our effort will be really important this week against Southport. From what people know about Southport, they’re pretty proud,” said Hahn.
“They’re a strong football club and there is no doubt they’ll be coming out trying to beat us and trying to make a stand after their first two games so we’ve certainly got to be on the ball.
“We’ve got to bring our effort and just because they might have a strong team in doesn’t mean they’re going to get the victory. We’ll be making sure again that we have 22 contributors, it’s not about individuals for us. It’s about the team and all of us contributing.”
