In a match of matching milestones the Bulldogs could not honour Christian Reid’s SGL double-ton and lost to the Lions by five goals.

This must-win game for both sides instead gave Adam Wilton in his 200th for the combine the perfect day. South could have the won the game but just now lack multiple options inside or just outside the forward fifty.

They also seemed a little down on confidence, made some skill errors and at times tried to be a little too cute chipping the ball around in fluky conditions.

South kicked the first goal of the game, but it was the first quarter that set up the Lions win with twelve shots on goal and seven majors with the assistance of a strong breeze.

The Bulldogs worked hard to keep themselves in it however with Dohnt, Matt Grantham, Skipworth and Crombie outstanding early.

The Lions were simply brilliant with Horsnell kicking three goals despite Reid’s best efforts, Elijah Ware everywhere, Saunders (wearing injured Marsland’s guernsey) everywhere-else, Lagoudis tight in defence and Harmer dangerous with two goals across half-forward.

South lost playmaker Jones to injury and rotated three through the ruck, against Ley in an effort to get first use of the ball.

It was the Bulldogs turn to respond with the stiff wind but they were blanketed and buffeted by a determined Lions outfit. They could only add two goals but kept their opposition to a single major.

Difficult to tell if the Bullies were trying to stop the Lions running away with the game or trying to win it themselves. At half time the Lions held a 28 point advantage.

Through Michael Curley, Ben Trewartha, Adam Grantham and Chris Heron, South played as if a season hinged on it and it did.

Against the elements and tough opponents the ‘Dogs outscored the Lions and there was a real sense that they had put themselves in a position to win the game with the breeze behind them.

The strain was showing as the clashes became a little willing and tempers flared. The influential Clinton O’Connor found himself sent-off after the three quarter hooter and the Lions were starting to worry. They needn’t have. Adding three goals and restricting South to four points the Lions sealed the game, third spot and perhaps South’s immediate future.