Lions’ finals dream alive

Holding the Bulldogs to no score in the second period, Stanhope unleashed the full breadth of its attacking ferocity with the wind in its favour, nailing 7.4 before half-time.

Merrigum jagged a couple of goals in the third period, but the Lions continued on their steady path with 3.3 to increase their lead to 52 points with a quarter to go.

Stanhope was once again back to its blistering best down the stretch, nailing eight goals to completely blow out the Bulldogs, who slotted just a pair to finish their day.

The 20.14 (134) to 5.10 (40) victory was spearheaded by the goal-kicking exploits of full-forward Daniel Flynn (five goals), with midfielder Mikali Harrison being adjudged best on ground.

Stanhope co-coach Alec Young reflected on the game and highlighted Flynn and Harrison’s stellar efforts in attack throughout the contest.

“I thought we played pretty well. Both clubs are hurting a bit injury-wise so we had a few players in from the reserves and I thought they played well, and it was good to get the win,” he said.

“We tried to make the most of having the wind in the second quarter, and then cleaned up our ball use and disposal efficiency a bit in the second quarter.

“Those little changes kicked us into gear from then on and in the last quarter we just ran over the top of them and made the most of our opportunities.

“Daniel Flynn was great at full-forward, Mikali Harrison was also great in the midfield alongside William Curtis.”

Young said his team would need to beat one of the top two sides to stand a chance of making the finals.

“We are going to have to one of the two best sides in the competition if we will have a chance, either Lancaster or Murch,” he said.

“It isn’t impossible, but it won’t be easy, they’re a long way in front of us. We’ll have to be at our very best.”

The Lions will travel to Murchison Recreation Reserve to take on the league-leading Grasshoppers in what could be a do-or-die battle for Stanhope.