The Development Coburg Lions have made it two wins from two against the Sandringham Zebras this season, by 16 points at Piranha Park.
The Lions, who were slow to start, trailing until the 25th minute mark of the third term, finished the game running, turning the intensity up to run over the top of their opponents.
Brandon Bailey and Jesse Corigliano continued to impress through the middle and off half back, while Cam Holdsworth starred up forward kicking 3 goals.
Despite the sun shining over Piranha Park, it was scrappy going in the early stages as both sides tried to get a handle on a slippery football.
It would be the Lions to do all the early running, mid season recruit Regan Grimwood showing his worth in his first outing in the blue and red, racking up some early one percenters.
Sandringham would rally back, stemming the amount of Coburg possession, making them pay on the scoreboard, going into quarter time leading by 6 points.
The Zebras would carry their late momentum into the opening of the second term, better transition running catching the Lions off guard.
A Cam Holdsworth set shot goal would spark the home side, however, poor conversion from 6 consecutive inside fifties again saw Sandy goal on the back of strong transition.
Both sides started with intensity to begin the third quarter, neither able to take advantage of their entries. Inaccurate kicking, robbing Sandringham of a bigger lead and Coburg of getting back in the game.
Brandon Bailey blew the game open with a goal, his first for the season, to close the margin to 5 points, 20 minutes into the third term.
A Cam Holdsworth second countering a Zebras goal to have them within striking distance, before a late spurt of energy saw two more Lions majors sail through, to give them their maiden lead of 11 points at three quarter time.
Sandringham lifted their intensity in an effort to cut back the margin, successfully doing so. The Development Burgers weren’t ready to let consecutive games slip, kicking 2 goals to extend the margin out.
Cam Holdsworth then kicked goal number three for the half to have result beyond doubt.
Best: B. Bailey, J. Corigliano, M. Ercolano, J. Madden, A. Valeri, R. Grimwood
Goals: C. Holdsworth 3, J. Flower 2, M. Merlo, B. Bailey, R. Free, J. Kalanj
