Nambucca Lions cap unbelievable comeback season

Image courtesy Brad Greenshields (Green Shoots Marketing)

 

The Nambucca Valley Lions stellar return to the AFL Senior Competition is complete after claiming the Reserve Grade Premiership.

After a tight and tense opening quarter against the Coffs Harbour Breakers, the Lions threw off the shackles to dominate the second and third quarters and set up their history making victory. From 11 previous seasons in the competition across two earlier existences, the Lions’ long wait for a maiden open age crown is finally over in their first season back.

The Breakers competed strongly in the opening term and did a great job to be within a point of the Lions at the first break.

Whatever coach Leif Stuart said to his troops to settle their nerves in his quarter time address did the trick and the Lions really accelerated in the next two quarters, kicking five goals and holding the Breakers to just one behind.

The Breakers fought back well in the last term to boot two majors but the Lions were never going to be denied and celebrated with three goals of their own to send the long suffering Lions faithful into raptures.

Aaron Clarke (Nambucca Valley Lions) was deemed Best on Ground for his two goals, multiple contested marks, and strong ruck work. Jake Hare (Nambucca Valley Lions) capped an outstanding season by claiming the League Best and Fairest award. Lions captain Aaron Boatfield was the Runner-up in the Best and Fairest count, whilst team coach Leif Stuart claimed the Goal Kicking Award.

Nambucca Valley Lions 9.9 (63) defeated Coffs Harbour Breakers 3.2 (20)

Click here to see the top five in the Reserve Grade Best and Fairest vote count.

Click here to watch a replay of the match.