SOUTH MORANG staged an incredible second half comeback to stun Watsonia at Mill Park Lakes on Saturday afternoon.
The Lions trailed by 26 points midway through the third term, before piling on 11 goals to two to clinch the 21.11 (137) to 16.12 (108) victory in Round 8.
The win keeps the Lions in third place on the ladder, with just percentage separating them and the third-placed Saints. Both are now two games clear of fifth-placed Heidelberg West.
Watsonia jumped out of the blocks in the opening term, booting five of the first seven goals to take a 26-point lead into the first break.
The Saints’ pressure was relentless, forcing the Lions into making skill errors in their back half.
The Lions responded early in the second term, with goals to Stephen Sankovic and Matthew Campbell to trim the Saints’ lead to just two goals.
South Morang began taking more risks and reaped the rewards as they edged closer on the scoreboard, however, the Saints rallied late in the quarter to take a 22-point lead into the long break.
The Saints looked set to run away with the match, holding a comfortable 26-point lead at the half way mark of the third term without looking too threatened by their host.
Then, to the surprise of many, South Morang worked its way back into the contest on the back of fluent ball movement and accuracy around goal to set up a thrilling final term, with Watsonia holding just a slender three-point advantage at three-quarter time.
The three-quarter time break didn’t halt the South Morang express, as the domination continued into the final term.
The Saints struggled to deny the Lions the football, with South Morang stringing together some flawless passages of play that blew the game open in the final term.
Nicholas Johnston starred for the hosts with five majors, with Mitchell Buckley and Matthew Campbell also key contributors in the come from behind win.
Saints full forward Jeremy Bennett was exceptional in front of goal for the visitors with seven goals – taking his tally to 19 in three weeks – with Matthew Crawford and Hayden Mitchell also enjoying good outings.
Watsonia coach Damian Zanic was disappointed that his side let two big leads slip during the match, and conceded complacency may have played a role in the loss.
“Footy is played between the ears, and our boys probably thought the job was done when we had the big leads,” he said.
“We made some bad decisions and our skill execution late in the game was poor.
“South Morang played terrific football, full credit to them.”
Watsonia will aim to respond in a big way when it travels to Crispe Park to take on Reservoir this weekend, while South Morang faces the daunting task of coming up against the undefeated Thomastown at Mill Park Lakes.
Final score: South Morang 21.11 (137) def Watsonia 16.12 (108)
