Taylors Lakes was after a big win against Hadfield and the Lions weren’t disappointed in the outcome on Saturday in Essendon District Football League division 1.
After their first win of the season against Tullamarine the previous round, the Lions were keen to make it two in as many weeks.
The Lions jumped out of the blocks with 30 scoring shots in the first half while Hadfield kicked just one goal.
It was much of the same in the second half and the Lions easily won 28.26 (194)-5.3 (33).
James McGrath kicked eight goals, while Sonny Briz put in a best-on-ground performance.
Lions’ coach Sam Tankard said every win and every goal would count.
“The important thing is getting our percentage up,” he said.
“It’s a close competition and you could have three to four teams separated by percentage come the end of the season.
He said it was a welcome win after they dropped their first two matches of the season in games which they had chances.
“Certainly against Hillside we were really good in the first half and should have been five goals up at half-time.
“Against Airport West was the same. We had opportunities.
Focusing on finals is a different approach for the Lions this year. Twelve months ago they were concentrating on developing younger players without spending too much money. Most of those players now have 20 to 30 games under their belt at this level.
Tankard said they would ideally love to make finals, but thought they would be better placed next season for a tilt at a premiership.
Tankard said the recruits meant it will take a little time to gel.
“We’ve brought in eight or nine players. We went out this year and targeted players from higher competitions.
“We have more depth this season. Hopefully it holds us in good stead later in the year.”
Among those to join the club are Adrian Crawford, Luke Hodgkin, Joshua Booth, Jake Hobbs and Daniel Ratcliffe.
Hillside remains the only undefeated side in division 1, with a 14.11 (95)-12.14 (86) win against Oak Park.
In premier division, Keilor celebrated Kane Barbuto’s 250th game with a big win against West Coburg.
Burnside Heights and Keilor Park both lost in division 2.
