Lions celebrate NAIDOC Game with resounding win

BELMONT Lions shone on “one of the bigger days on the calendar” last weekend at Winter Reserve.

They scored regularly in the annual NAIDOC Game, defeating Corio 20.20 (140) to 10.7 (67) in GDFL round 6.

Coach Andy Walsgott said the reserves, seniors and A grade sides from both clubs were on the oval for the pre-match smoking ceremony which featured a cultural dance.

It was led by the Lions’ Jordy Edwards “whose family are the backbone of the club”.

Walsgott said Belmont had many proud Indigenous people involved in the club whether as players, volunteers or on the committee.

 

He noted they had also played a significant role in keeping the Lions going over the years.

Sitting second on the ladder, the unbeaten Lions play 11th-placed Geelong West Giants away tomorrow (Saturday, May 24) at 2pm.

Walsgott lauded his team’s offensive play and ability to adapt to what Corio threw at them, while noting the group had aspects to work on.

He said they said defended better in the second half after Corio had its fair share of scoring shots up to half-time.

The coach went on to talk about how they want to use the ball, such as when to play safe and when to attack.

 

“I’ve been speaking to them a lot about identifying the moments in the game and what that requires of us and making the right decision.”

However, the Lions took considerable injuries from the game, with Nick Sherriff sustaining a broken collarbone, Jesse Stapleton a broken nose and Josh Wilson a hamstring.

“We got hit by the injury bus a little bit, unfortunately,” Walsgott said.