A resolute defensive effort has kept alive the Belmont Lions’ hopes of ending a 19-year premiership drought after claiming a thrilling two-point elimination final win over North Geelong at St Albans Reserve.
Trailing by 10 points at three-quarter time, but kicking with the aid of the northerly breeze in the final term, goals from Ben Evans and BJ Michell gave the Lions back the lead at the six-minute mark.
The Magpies regained the advantage less than two minutes later when Rory Desnoy marked and goaled.
But it was a goal from Will Maclean that proved the difference at the 15-minute mark.
North had the ball inside their forward 50 for large portions of the final five minutes of the contest but couldn’t find the goal to keep their premiership defence alive, with a long shot from 2025 flag hero Luke Parker narrowly missing.
“One of the things I spoke about at the end was that they just stood up,” co-coach Andy Walsgott said of the Lions’ defensive unit.
“They stood up and won their one-on-ones and put enough pressure on when they were out of position to cause a half win or get the ball to ground.
“Still always a little bit to work on. But overall, I thought they were composed with the ball in hand, and we tried to find uncontested marks and tried to take the sting out of it.
“It’s never going to be perfect, but I thought they held up super well.”
Matt Dyster and Lachie Slorach received special praise from Walsgott for their efforts.
“Matty Dyster, he’s been out of the side over the last couple of years just with points,” Walsgott said.
“He played like an absolute giant today; huge one-on-ones and calm under pressure. He really came of age today.
“Lachie Slorach, I’ve obviously played with him for years at Bowen Head, so I know what he’s capable of.
“But he’s almost getting better. He was immense today.”
However, there are fears that Dave Allitt has suffered a full rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, which had limited him to just five reserve appearances before today.
“He was sort of doing a Gryan Miers,” Walsgott said, referencing the Geelong star who is playing with a partial tear to his ACL.
“He had a 90 per cent tear, and he’s done a lot of work to strengthen around, similar to Gryan.
“Ultimately it’s just given away, unfortunately.”
Evans and Michell both kicked three goals for the Lions, who now face Werribee Centrals in the first semi-final next Sunday.
Mitch Habib was outstanding in kicking five goals for North Geelong, and was among their best along with Jacsen Jewell and Rory Desnoy.
The Eagles will face minor premier Winchelsea for a spot in the decider.
