Despite trailing for the entire first half, Stanhope rallied to take down a potential finals threat in Avenel in round 11 of Kyabram District League football.
Hosting the high-ranked Swans at Stanhope Recreation Reserve, the Lions were ready to take the fight to a relatively strong Avenel unit.
It was neck and neck for the majority of the opening quarter, with the Swans edging out the Lions with an extra major to take a slim lead at the first turn.
Stanhope (3.4) continued buying its time and remained close with Avenel (3.2), with the sides looking virtually inseparable by the half-time siren.
As the Lions lifted their defensive intensity, limiting the Swans to just 1.1 in the third term, its forward line produced the goods, nailing five majors and as many behinds to snatch a 25-point lead with a quarter to play.
A sound 3.3 final push from the Swans gave them a glimmer of hope, but it was Stanhope (2.2) who won the day by 18-points off the back of a heroic third quarter.
The final score was Lions 13.13 (91) to Avenel 11.7 (73).
Jonathan Pearson’s six-goal barrage led the way for the Lion’s victory, with Jack Donnell’s efforts throughout the contest recognising him as the side’s best.
With the Lions crouching in eighth position, they’ll have their work cut out for them in round 12 as they take to Nagambie to duel with the Lakers.