Lions on the prowl

Whorouly have secured their spot in the senior football semi-finals after an emphatic 68-point win over the now-eliminated Goorambat. Sunday’s do-or-die clash was dominated by the Lions, who were able to maintain the pressure all game on the way to a 17.17 (119) to 7.9 (51) statement. Heading into the encounter, opinions on who were the favourites were split – both sides had vanquished the other during the home and away season, and the Bats had finished higher on the ladder, setting the stage for a thriller. The Lions’ trademark pressure footy and accurate kicking was on display ear, leading by three goals at quarter time before booting the margin out to 33 by the half. Defensively, the pressure kicked up another notch in the third quarter, with the Bats managing to 1.1 through the posts, while the Newton trio of Michael, Josh and Andy put on a clinic at the other end. With a margin in excess of 10 goals heading into the final term, the Lions continued to control all aspects of the match, triumphing in the post season since 2013. The Newton clan would combine for 14 goals, nine of them off Michael’s boot, while defenders Max Scott and Daniel Boyle, ruck Ed Woolford and the ever-reliable Jessie Smith were all among the best on ground. Newton said his side’s dominance early and control of the ball helped put them in a position to win. “We obviously put ourselves in a very good position in the first half,” he said. “Our intensity, our work rate and pressure on them – whenever they got the footy, they felt like they were under pressure. “Our set-ups in the back half were pretty strong, our back six controlled that area – Darcy [O’Shannessy] probably got the chocolates against [Duane] Haebich, and ‘Woodsy’ [Cam Wood] was pretty strong against Rhys Goodley. “Overall, it was a pretty comprehensive effort, but it’s about continuing to improve the little things - we can control our effort and intensity, but we’ve got to make sure our structures are on point.” The victory sets up a mouth-watering rematch with Milawa this Sunday at the same venue where Whorouly triumphed by 15 points back in round 12. “They’re obviously a good side, they like to get it on their terms, they run and spread hard,” Newton said of Milawa. “[Last time] We brought the intensity which was a little bit greater than what they brought which is what we’ve been able to do against sides for the majority of the year. “We’ve just got to continue to make them defend and get it on our terms.” In the reserves fixture, Whorouly’s season was ended at the hands of Bonnie Doon, after the Lions let the Bombers control the game for the first half. While their second half was a much better performance, it was too little, too late, downed 4.7 (31) to 10.5 (65). Better news came from the netball court, with both the B reserve and B grade sides through to week two of the finals. The B grade Lions managed to hold off rivals Bright to advance 34-32 in a thriller, while the B reserve showed their premiership credentials with a 33-17 win over Moyhu. In terms of A grade netball, the Lions will be in action at the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve on Saturday, taking on minor premiers Milawa with a spot in the grand final on the line. A single goal is all that’s separated the teams in their last two encounters, with a 45-45 draw and Milawa edging Whorouly out 42-43. Win, and it means a week off to prepare for the last game of the year – lose, and they’ll have to defeat the winner of Tarrawingee and Bonnie Doon, a tough ask for any outfit. Whorouly finals schedule – week 2 Saturday, 30 August, North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve A grade netball vs Milawa – 1.30pm Sunday, 31 August, Whorouly Recreation Reserve B reserve netball vs Benalla All Blacks – 11.50am B grade netball vs Tarrawingee – 1.10pm Senior football vs Milawa – 2pm.

Lions on the prowl

2026 O&M fixture set

Sharp, Talerico reappointed as O&M interleague footy coaches

Save the date: O&K fixture revealed for 2026

Toby’s chasing his football dream out west

Third time’s the charm: Mountain Men claim first senior flag in 21 years

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories