GREAT Western Lions finally cracked it for their first home win of the season, coming in emphatic fashion against fellow strugglers Ararat Eagles.
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A tightly contested first term saw the Eagles gaining a lot of the clearances through the hard work of onballers Lewis Baker and Shaun North.
However they were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard with Lions full back Danny Hoare making his senior debut and Bobby Garley, who returned from a long injury lay off, controlled the back half.
They combined with the likes of Tom McCord, Leroy O'Brien and BJ Burton through the middle of the ground to set up a two goal quarter time lead for Great Western.
The Lions then went about gaining ascendency in the middle of the ground with coach Nick Thomas and ruckman Rayne Salmon leading the way for a hungry Lions outfit.
With the midfield gaining first use of the football this paved the way for Nathan Ringin and the forwards to find open space inside their forward line.
Isaac Debono and Lachie Malloy among others were able to keep applying pressure to an under siege Eagles defence.
This created turnovers in Great Western's forward half and presented plenty of opportunities in front of goal.
At the main break Lions coach Nick Thomas, while satisfied with the efforts of his team and in particular the four goal first half to forward Ringin, implored that they continue to play a consistent brand of football and stick to the task for the full four quarters.
The Lions responded holding the Eagles to just one goal and two behinds in the second half
With players such as Danny Grellet and Sam Cocks linking up through the middle of the ground and forwards Tim Shalders and Ben Hustler coming into the game the Lions set up a massive 81 point victory for the home side.
Thomas applauded his playing group after the match for their sustained effort and commitment to the contest.
He pointed to youngster Tom McCord, who was awarded best on ground honours for his role on the wing,
He also praised BJ Burton who, despite some close attention throughout the game, played a pivotal role through the midfield and Nathan Ringin, who finished with six majors for his side.
Despite the impressive 81 points win the Lions slipped down a spot on the competition ladder, but would have been happy with their overall performances on the field.
The day was soured somewhat for the Lions in the earlier reserves match.
Great Western's Corey Cunliffe was taken from the field in an ambulance after suffering a suspected back injury.
It was confirmed later that evening that Corey was up and walking, but was kept in hospital overnight for precaution.