Trailing by 18 points when Colac star Darcy Lang goaled at the 18-minute mark of the final term at Central Reserve, Leopold appeared destined to start the final month of the GFNL home-and-away season from outside the top five.
However, it was a destiny the Lions weren’t keen on, and the reigning premier duly responded with the last five scores of the contest to secure a narrow 10.16 (76) to 11.8 (74) victory.
A goal from the centre clearance following Lang’s goal from Tate Porter got the Lions moving before Nic Ash and Max Annandale – who had three behinds to his name – kicked truly to level the scores.
A behind from James Edmonds, followed by another minor score from Brock Williamson, was enough for Leopold to sneak home by the narrowest margin in the 42 meetings between the two clubs.
“It was a good test today,” Lions coach Garry Hocking told krockfootball.live.
“We know Colac were going to come after us, and there was some stuff in Round 3 we had to withstand.
“Their aggression and their stuff around the ball’s really good. Their forwards are dangerous, and their backs can get hold of you, too.”
Key defender Harris Jennings was thrown into the ruck late in the contest and was able to help generate some vital centre clearances for Leopold.
In one instance, he roved his ruck tap, burst away and delivered a pinpoint pass to Annandale’s chest.
“It’d be nice to be 6’3″ (190cm), jump to the moon, and have his athletic ability,” teammate Logan Wagener said.
“It is a luxury to have someone like him; he’s a game-winner.
“To have him step up in a moment like that was super hopeful.”
GFNL: SUPERSAINTS ON THE BOARD
The loss leaves Colac percentage behind fifth-placed South Barwon with four rounds remaining.
Tigers coach Rowan McSparron says the message for his players post-game was simple.
“You probably just need to be better in the big moments,” he said.
“We got some really good looks going forward. We got the ball 70(m), probably 80(m) out from the goal, and we kicked straight up the chimney.
“They’ve got some really good aerial players behind the footy, and we allowed them to impact the ball.
“I think if we’d been a little bit more patient and just built the ball up, it might have been a different result.”
Leopold will have the first weekend of the upcoming split round free before facing grand final opponent South Barwon on August 10.
The Lions might be without star midfielder Tom Feely, who will be assessed for a potential second concussion of the season.
Colac, which faces St Albans on Saturday, will monitor a hamstring issue for Chaise Murray.
X: @krockfootball
