Lions maul Swans on Good Friday for some

AFTER only registering the three victories last year and subsequently missing the finals, Redan can already consider themselves as contenders in 2019 after an empathic display on Good Friday at Alfredton Oval.

Boom recruit, Lachie George, led the way with four goals in a best on ground performance as his new side cruised to a 77-point victory against a very gallant Swans outfit.

In his first game as senior coach, Jarrett Giampaolo was elated to get the win on the board and move to the top of the McDonalds Ballarat Seniors ladder to start his coaching career.

“Look I am really enjoying it. It’s a bit different being a playing coach as you as you need to have a really good support group in the box and today, we had that so I couldn’t be happier to start this way,” he said.

Giampaolo went on to say that the initial improvement of the side can be put down to “everyone playing their roles,” but also that unlike maybe before there has been a heavier focus on “clarity” of what those roles actually entail.

Another standout for the Lions was first gamer, Daniel Bond, who was instrumental in the midfield leading the way with ten plus centre clearances. The 19-year-old has come across from the Wodonga Raiders in the Ovens and Murray Football League and thoroughly deserved the praises of his coach post-match.

“He is still a really young player, but he is just hard at it and if he could bottle that ability to put your head over the footy and will yourself to win it and then give it to some other good young players then we can be a very formidable team.”

North Melbourne VFL-listed livewire, Lachie McLean, and veteran, Grant Bell, kicked six goals each to once again show that they will be a dangerous duo for defenders this season.

For Ballarat, Jack Blackburn booted four majors, while Mitchell Martin and Sam James were at their crafty best to add some respectably to the Swans performance.

Both sides have this weekend off due to their round two matchup being brought forward for Good Friday footy.

 

MCDONALDS BALLARAT SENIORS

Redan 25.13 (163)

Ballarat 13.8 (86)

Goals – Redan – L. McLean 6, G. Bell 6, L. George 4, D. Chester 3, L. Hoy 2, B. Thomson 2, O. Stephenson, A. Harvey, A. Cleary

Ballarat – J. Blackburn 4, A. Hooper 2, C. Prendergast 2, S. James 2, W. Garner, T. Constable, P. Glanford

Best – Redan – D. Bond, L. George, L. McLean, G. Bell, J. Short, O. Stephenson

Ballarat – M. Martin, L. Wynd, B. Van de Heuvel, S. James, A. Hooper, C. Prendergast

MARS RESERVES

Ballarat 11.13 (79)

Redan 6.8 (44)

BALLARAT TOYOTA U19s

Redan 10.5 (65)

Ballarat 5.12 (42)