By Nathan Spicer
The Lions fought hard down at Casey Fields yesterday but eventually fell to a strong Casey side 13.12.90 to 8.7.55.
The wind played a huge factor in the match and the Demons won the crucial toss to kick with it in the first quarter. The Lions dug in and whilst not scoring themselves in the first term limited the Demons to only three goals. Goals from Mitch Brown and two for Majak Daw gave the Demons a 3.5.23 to 0.0.0 lead at the quarter time break.
The second term was a frustrating one for Lions fans. The boys had most of the general play but couldn’t finish the job in front of goals. Ben Jepson nailed the first for the Lions and an impressive Mitch Podhajski got on the board also. At half time the Demons led by 21 points.
The Demons flexed their muscles after the main break. Their spread from the contest was elite and showed why they are a premiership fancy. A five-minute burst midway through the quarter broke the Lions back but a nice end to the quarter highlighted by a goal to Sam Lowson continued his great form in front of the sticks. His goal brought the margin back to 42 points heading into the last.
The final term saw some reward for the hard-working Lions. Podhajski, Lowson and Silvestro all ended up with two goals each. But the highlight of the day was debutant Dylan Thomas getting his first goal in the VFL, kicking truly from a set shot straight in front profiting from some good work by Tom McKenzie who himself had a good day on the park with 18 touches and some memorable run-down tackles. A couple 50-metre penalties that resulted in goals made the final margin 35 points.
Podhajski was best on ground for the Lions. Pods played a swingman role heading down back in the first and third terms to be the spare player when the Demon’s were kicking with the wind. Then headed forward when kicking with the wind. He ended the match with two goals, ten marks and 20 disposals.
Luke Bunker and Charlie Thompson as always had good days finishing with 25 disposals each. Flynn Gentile played his best game for the Lions yet ending with 21 touches.
It was a day of what could have been for the Lions. The side had their chances to get right back in the game but some poor finishes at crucial stages robbed the boys of that opportunity. But the effort shown will definitely please fans against one of the best teams in the competition the group showed they can take it up to them and that we are heading in the right direction.
The Lions are back at home this Saturday against Box Hill.
