Whorouly’s senior footballers confirmed their presence in September action at home against North Wangaratta on Saturday.

It was a massive day for the club, which saw senior coach Michael Newton kick his 100th goal for the season, and defender Paul Glanville play his 327th senior match, a new club record.

Newton’s century came within minutes of the start of the match against the Hawks, as Whorouly powered to victory 22.4 (136) to 9.9 (63).

It was a dominant display from the Lions early, booting eight goals to two in the first quarter as North Wangaratta struggled to control the footy and use it effectively.

The Hawks kept fighting, but couldn’t make the most of their opportunities, while Whorouly’s precision in front of goal led to a 57-point half-time margin.

Momentum would continue to flow Whorouly’s way as tempers flared, and the Hawks were unable to make any inroads until the final term.

Coming out of three quarter time trailing by 91 points, North Wangaratta managed to pare it back to a 73-point margin after the Lions put the cues in the rack.

Newton finished with 10 goals, while Max Scott and Darcy O’Shannessy kept the pressure on down back, and for the Hawks, Tyler Schulze, Matt Curtis and Corey Smith were named in the best.

The result guarantees the seniors will see finals action for the first time since the 2019 season.

They won’t be alone, with the reserves putting together a 12.16 (88) to 5.5 (35) win, sitting fifth overall with two matches to play.

After a slow start, the Lions built quarter on quarter, with the only downside coming from inaccuracy in front of the sticks.

Will Allen played a brilliant game out on the wing, providing deadly transition play, while Glenn White, Ben Harrington and Tom Crook all impressed.

Over on the netball court, it was a clean sweep for the Lions, with A grade (63-21), B grade (65-32), B reserve (52-21), C grade (43-23) and under 15 (54-14) all recording mammoth wins.

Out of the club’s seven teams in football and netball, five are in contention for finals.

This weekend will see the second edition of the alpine derby, with the Lions hosting Bright for what should be seven incredible matches across the day in football and netball.