Belmont Lions co-coach Andy Walsgott has urged his players to “live in the moment” after making its best start to a GDFNL season since the competition returned to a single division structure in 1996.
The Lions handed an understrength Thomson an 88-point hiding at Winter Reserve, 22.16 (148) to 8.12 (60) in their third win over the Tigers in that period.
“I said to the players, ‘One week at a time. We focus on what’s next. We don’t look at the ladder’,” Walsgott said.
“At the same time, we’re very aware we’ve had three games inside four weeks.
“Last year, even without all our injured players, we were a ten-goal better side at home.”
The win against last year’s grand finalists was built on the pressure that has become a trademark of the Lions.
“I stole a bit of a goal off (former Barwon Heads coach) Dan Donati; he used to say, “Make 80 tackles and you won’t lose’,” Walsgott said.
“I think we had 26 in a quarter, 24 in a quarter, so we nearly hit the 50 mark by half-time.
“Every possession they had, we tried to worry them.”
Jed Evans was again impressive for the Lions, while former Torquay star Dave Allitt continued to show why he may prove to be one of the recruits of the year.
“He’s a premiership player at Torquay and a Wester Region Team of the Year member,” Walsgott said.
“He’s a good player, and he played really well up forward and through the mids.
“He was good to get along (to the club).”
The Lions will chase a fifth consecutive win against a rejuvenated Anakie next week.
Ben McPherson (ankle) and Matt Ludbrook (groin) are doubtful to take on the Roos.
However, Walsgott and reigning best-and-fairest Harry Thompson are both set to return.
Experienced trio Steve Salajan, Dan Freeman and Billie Smedts did all they could to keep Thomson in the contest.
Lucas Boyd kicked three goals for the Tigers.
After breaking through for its first win in 12 months last week, Anakie has won consecutive games for the first time since late 2019 in beating an injury-ravaged Geelong West by 67 points at West Oval.
The Roos kept the Giants goalless in the first half on their way to a percentage-boosting 13.19 (97) to 4.6 (30) result.
Former South Barwon star Andrew Boseley produced his best performance since arriving at the club, kicking five goals.
Not required by Geelong’s VFL team, Ajang Kuol mun was also a standout along with Luke Dahlhaus.
Josh Viney and the returning Matt Sondergeld did all they could to keep West competitive.
Werribee Centrals has maintained its spot inside the top five after overcoming a 35-point quarter-time deficit to defeat Bell Post Hill by 16 points at Myers Reserve.
The Centurions appeared heading for defeat after being outscored six goals to none in the opening term.
The margin was 39 points at half-time before a withering third-quarter burst that saw the visitors kick 7.4 to 1.2 turned the game on its head, cutting the Panthers lead to just one at the final change.
Centrals ran out the game the better, kicking the only two goals of the last term to claim a 12.18 (90) to 11.8 (74) victory.
Connor McKenzie kicked three goals in a best-on-ground display, and Tyler Crennan and Tate Camilleri were also impressive.
Zane Jones kicked his first three goals of the season for Bell Post Hill. Boe Collins, Will Kerrins and former Belmont Lion Daniel Bannister stood out for the Panthers.
Eleven goals combined from Tom Moloney and Tavae Sauni have spearheaded Winchelsea to a 27-point win over Corio at Shell Reserve.
Moloney kicked six goals, and Sauni contributed four in the 16.14 (110) to 12.11 (83) victory – the Blues’ first of the season.
North Shore recruit Herschelee Carr was lively up forward for the Devils, scoring five goals, and key defender Toby Bennett continued his good form.
East Geelong sits second on the ladder following a workmanlike 31-point win over an improving North Geelong at Richmond Crescent.
The Eagles won 13.16 (94) to 10.3 (63) thanks to four goals from young gun Austin Mulvahil and small forward Zac Smith.
Captain John McIntyre and Sam Lowe were also important for East Geelong.
Mitch Habib and Jonny Fazio kicked three goals apiece for the Magpies.
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