SD Lions took on the Dallas Magpies in their final game of their regular season.  It was the return match from their season opener, and it promised to be a good solid clash.  As this was the last game of the season, prior to the National Championships, the Lions wanted to ensure that they hit their straps and played the brand of footy that they have become accustomed to.

The weather was fine, the ground prepared, and the crowd was ready for some exciting footy.  Umpires Cannane and Hanton were officiating, the ball held aloft and we were under way.  The first bounce was won by Pills but 10 seconds later the Magpies had flown away with the first goal of the match.  Shell shocked, the Lions regrouped and tore into the game and started to take control.  Except for a 5 minute lapse at the end of the quarter, the Lions dominated around the ground, and went into the break with a 7 point lead.  A few areas were addressed at the quarter time break and a goal was set of keeping the Magpies goalless and kicking a minimum of 5 goals.  The Lions stuck to the plan and executed the quarter perfectly kicking 7 goals 2 behinds to zero, which had the Lions in a commanding position at the half time break.  Score was Lions 11 goals 4 behinds 70 points to Magpies 3 goals 1 behind 19 points.  The half was dominated by some great marking and kicking from Justin “JV” Valley, some goal sneaking by Julian and some excellent work in defense by Brandon Blankenship and Brett “Viking” Ullman.

The half time break saw some positional changes, and the Lions took to the field wanting to continually improve on the first 2 quarters. The backline was again dominant holding the Magpies to 1 goal, while the forwards were again able to take control kicking another 4 goals.  Once again the strength of Justin Valley proving to be nothing but trouble for the opposition.  At the 3 quarter time break, the scores were Lions 15.7.97 to Magpies 4.4.28.

The weather started getting colder, the ball a bit slippery from the dew, and the players were getting weary but the Lions again had a challenge to fight off the Magpies.  The last quarter saw the Magpies throw everything they had at the Lions, and they never once gave up the battle.  The quarter saw the battle of the defenses, with both teams scoreless at the 10 minute mark.  The Lions kicked a goal to break the ice, quickly followed by a Magpie goal.  The Lions were able to hold off a further Magpie attack by some great defensive work, and kicked the last goal of the evening.  A great hard fought match saw the Lions finishing with another victory, and ending their season with the perfect 12-0 record.  With the National Championships just around the corner, the Lions should be positioned to have a stand up showing in Vegas.

Final scores

SD 17.7.109

Dallas 5.4.34

Goal Kickers

Justin Valley 6, Julian Heppekausen 3, Andy Scott 2, Aaron Nelson 2, Todd Conway 2, Daniel Robertson and Chris Richmond 1.

Best Players

JV, Viking, Pills, Richo and Brando

Injuries

Simon Shank – thigh, Andy Scott – beak (face mark) and Todd Conway – bruised ribs (attempting a chest mark)

Players Player

Justin Valley

Board Award

Lee Webb

Special thanks to the following players:

Josh Frazer, Lee Webb, Ash Hollick and Aaron Conway