Lions welcome challenge against league benchmark

REDAN coach Gary Learmonth says he is looking forward to seeing the young Lions embrace the challenge of facing top BFNL side Melton on Saturday.

The Lions will carry some momentum into the round five contest at City Oval following their thrilling breakthrough win over Sebastopol last weekend.

They showed plenty of resilience and grit to stave off the Burra for a two-point win.

While the Lions led at every change, the margin was less than a goal at half-time and three-quarter time and only six points at quarter time.

Learmonth praised his players’ spirit, mental strength and discipline to hold on under pressure.

“It could have gone either way, but to the boys’ credit, they fought it out and fortunately we were on the right side of it,” he said.

“We’ve been in every game this season – we just haven’t been able to play four quarters of football.

“It’s cost us, particularly against Sunbury and East (Point), who are good sides. They were able to pile on some goals in a quarter and put us to bed.”

The win was soured slightly by an injury to Stephen Fitzgibbon, who sustained a fractured cheek and is facing a few weeks on the sidelines.

The continual improvement of their young players has given the Lions hope for a brighter future.

Sixteen of their 22 players against Sebastopol were aged 20 or under, including six still eligible for under-18s.

“There’s a real desire to get better and that’s all you can ask of a playing group,” Learmonth said.

“We’ve changed the way we play this year, so it was good to see them get some reward for sticking with what we are trying to do, rather than going back into our shell.

“Our third quarter, it looked like we could have rolled over, when Sebast got on top, but we pegged them back and we held our nerve in the last quarter.

“They were pretty disciplined, which was pleasing.”

The win was highlighted by a standout performance by Brody Pope, who continued his stellar start to the 2025 season.

“He was the one who dragged across the line in the last quarter – kicked a goal, missed another one and set up another. He was terrific,” Learmonth said.

“Jake Connolly (27 possessions) was excellent for a kid; Hamish McNamara – another under-18 boy – was good down back, as was Rory Gunsser off half back.”

Khy Jess was again solid in the midfield, while the returning Daniel Bond, playing his first game in 12 months, made every opportunity count and finished with three goals in a low-scoring contest.

While it’s a big step up against Melton, Learmonth insisted his players would welcome the challenge of playing against the reigning premiers, a team they have struggled against in recent years.

“It’s a great opportunity for us – that’s the yardstick for us,” he said.

“They were probably in a similar position to where we are, 10 years ago now. They had a big group of young guys come through together.

“We’ve got to try and follow that path.

“They are a very good side – very even. We just need to continue to develop the stuff we’ve been working on and put the pressure on.

“It’s a good chance to test ourselves.”

Round 5 recap:

Bacchus Marsh 11.4 (70) lost to East Point 12.15 (87) (played Good Friday); Redan 9.11 (65) def Sebastopol 9.9 (63); Melton 10.11 (71) def North Ballarat 6.14 (68); Lake Wendouree 4.9 (33) lost to 23.12 (150); Ballarat 9.7 (61) lost to Sunbury 19.11 (125).

Round 5 draw:

Sunbury v East Point, North Ballarat v Bacchus Marsh, Darley v Ballarat, Redan v Melton, Sebastopol v East Point.