Lions Leave Their Best Until Last

Illawarra Mercury

Monday August 25, 2008

By MIKE DRISCOLL

WOLLONGONG Lions ended a 14-game losing streak in spectacular style with an 88-point thumping of Campbelltown in the final round of Sydney AFL at North Dalton Park on Saturday night.

The 24.18 (162) to 11.8 (74) win was only Wollongong's second of the season, but produced three club records for the Lions.

Cam Stanton booted a club-record seven goals, while 24 goals for a game was a record and the 88-point winning margin was the biggest in the Lions four-year history in the elite Premier Division.

While Stanton tormented the Campbelltown defence, the Lions dominated in all facets.

Midfielder Adam McConnochie finished off an outstanding season with a career-high six goals, while Mark Sheppard and Scott Dennis booted three each.

The Lions kicked a season-high eight goals to lead by 25 points at quarter-time and went on with the job with a six goals to two second term.

The Lions added seven more goals in the final quarter to complete a memorable night.

While Campbelltown, with only four wins, were ripe for a belting, Lions' coach Jason Philp believes the performance gives his club plenty of positives.

Philp's one-year deal with the Lions has expired, but will meet with Lions management in coming weeks to hopefully thrash out a new deal for 2009.

While two wins for the season was one less win than 2007 - when ironically the club didn't finish with the wooden spoon - in general terms the 2008 Lions were more competitive than in 2007.

This season they were unable to play four strong quarters after being a winning chance in most games at half-time.

If the club can recruit a few battle-hardened players they should take a step or two up the ladder in 2009.

Final ladder: Uni of NSW (60), Pennant Hills (56) East Coast (52), St George (52), North Shore (40, final play-off spot), Sydney Uni (32), Wests (24), Balmain (16), Campbelltown (16), Wollongong (8).

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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