The Lions NEAFL side had one of their biggest challenges this year when they met GWS GIANTS on Sunday in Sydney. A few costly errors made for a close third term with Coach Mitch Hahn saying the team needed to go back to basics. 

“I spose [sic] we went away from playing our game style, we started to overuse the handball and didn’t go forward enough with the ball,” Hahn said.

“We addressed that with the players, thankfully we are allowed to use the runners, so we got that message out.” 

Hahn told lions.com.au that the team’s main advantage has been a healthy list and consistency in players.

“A couple of weeks ago we had 19 players that had played six games together which is huge for a reserve team,” he said.

Ruckman Archie Smith was a clear standout in the match and had a game-high of 40 hit outs and four goals. Hahn said the coaching staff will continue to challenge him.

“One of the things we have asked him to work on is his ability to go forward and impact on the score board,” he said. 

“He was able to do that on the weekend… take a couple of strong marks and finish off with four goals which is a great return.

“His work around the ruck contest has been really solid for us all year.”

Another one to watch is Corey Lyons, who ran away with 38 disposals and was unstoppable in the first term.

“He certainly got the ball moving forward for us and had some really strong passages of play particularly in the start of the first quarter,” Hahn said.

Cedric Cox is also back in fine form, bringing speed and excitement. 

“Cedric’s been playing mostly as a forward and we’ve been enjoying what he’s been able to produce this year,” Hahn said.

“In the last quarter we were able to put him in the mid-field, providing a bit of a spark for us in there. 

“He’s been performing really well the last couple of weeks have been some really strong performances, so he’s certainly putting some pressure on the senior team.” 

The Lions NEAFL team have a bye this week then will play the SUNS at the Gabba on the 20th at 3:45pm.