Lions roar when it matters

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault began life under new coach John Baggetta with a solid victory over Busselton on Saturday at Sir Stewart Bovell Park.

After weathering a spirited display from the home side across 31/2 quarters, the Lions roared home in the closing stages, with the forward exploits of Taine Williams (six goals) reaping massive dividends.

Post-match, Baggetta felt his men coped with the challenge thrown down to them.

“It’s never easy down there because they are always up and about on their home deck,” he said.

“We got off to a good start in the first quarter but they began to get on top of us in the middle. Jack Fletcher won every knock but the guys we had missing — although not making excuses — three of the players out were key midfielders.

“So we were a little bit undermanned inside.

“They got well on top with centre takeaways in the first half but it was just a really good game of football.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s home clash against the Bulldogs, Baggetta is hopeful his men can replicate their opening-round display.

“At this time of the year between rounds one and five I think you are still finding your feet,” he said.

“We will have some changes though because we had a couple of injuries.”

Busselton held off a fast-finishing Lions side in Saturday’s SWFL women’s clash and recorded a 6.0 (36) to 4.5 (29) win. The Lions, who were goalless and trailed by 21 points at half-time, showed great resilience in the second half.