Lion’s Roar

REDAN has come from behind to hand the reigning premiers East Point there first defeat of the season and climb to the top of the McDonalds Ballarat Football League ladder.

After failing to kick a goal in the first term, the Lions slammed home the next five and held off a late charge to run out deserving eight-point victors, 8.19 (67) to 7.17 (59).

Both sides missed kickable goals throughout the match with Lachlan George and Grant Bell missing set shots for the Lions that they would normal nail with their eyes closed. At the other end East Point’s leading goalkickers, Brad Whittaker and Jordan Johnston failed to register a major.

Redan Club President, Garry Goyne, was ecstatic not only with the victory but the entire season to date, as Redan have clearly been the most improved side with plenty of new and old players being at the forefront.

“Jarrett (Giampaolo) has done a great job with the kids, but the old heads definitely give him a hand,” Goyne said. “We are really impressed with our senior players in how they have taken these younger kids under their wings with the ‘Big O’ running around like a spring chicken as Lachie George just continues to be the player we expected he could be.”

The victory came with its fair share of casualties, as Orren Stephenson was unable to return after injuring his shoulder in the ruck, meaning the veteran now even more unlikely to make the trip up the highway to play Melton this weekend.

For the Kangaroos, the loss doesn’t come as a complete shock as they were already without captain, Paul Koderanko and midfielder, Jacob Brown. They also lost Aden Nestor in the opening term which will also further stretch their depth.

Despite the loss, Matthew Johnston was best on ground with countless possessions, a late goal that got the Kangaroos in striking distance and no doubt one of the marks of the year.

All in all, it was the type of hard-fought loss that Jake Bridges men might need to keep the hunger alive moving forward, however, unquestionably the win for the Lion’s means that they are no doubt the real deal this season.