Conditions at the beginning of the game were great for football.
A faint breeze favoured the basketball stadium end of Central Oval to which South initially kicked but provided no advantage to either side.
The playing surface was excellent.
The game was extremely important to both South and Lions and their finals aspirations, as each has had a disappointing start to the season.
Brad Ley received a free at the opening bounce, passing to Cameron Pine, which resulted in the first goal of the game.
A promising start for the Lions.
Bradley Amos appeared to be carrying an injury and was getting close attention from Tom Harmer.
The rucking contest between Brock Laube (South) and Brad Ley (Lions) proved to be the clash of the young titans with both giving everything at each bounce and throw in.
Brock, however, proved to be a little more influential around the ground.
A poor clearance from the Lions defence saw Daniel Dohnt score South's first goal.
Both sides exerted pressure and contested the ball with vigor.
Turnovers, however, were frequent and unforced errors caused frustration for both coaches.
There was concern for South's captain Adam Grantham when he left the ground with what appeared to be a serious arm injury.
Fortunately for South, he was able to return early in the second term.
South gained a slight advantage in field play towards the end of the quarter to lead 4-3 to the Lions 3-2.
The second quarter opened and full forward Daniel Seidel scored two goals in the first few minutes to give the Lions the lead.
South then immediately lifted its tempo.
Bradley Amos made his presence felt with a goal and then a hand pass to Adam Grantham who goaled.
Brad Pine played an exceptional game, while Matt Promnitz provided drive from the centre.
South's Ryan Struck, Trevor Hannes, Christian Reid, Adam and Matt Grantham got more of the ball and provided greater scoring opportunities for their forwards.
In defence, Jordan Madigan played tight and made it difficult for Tate Bradley to make an impact.
Bradley Amos and Ricky Johnson both scored late in the quarter to give South's an 11 point buffer at half time.
Scores - South 8-7 to Lions 6-8.
The game in the balance, South used the ball better and threatened to open up the game with pace and more effective disposal.
Fine attacking play by Shaun Edwards who ran through the centre corridor, passed to Tate Bradley who goaled.
Trevor Nannes with his pace and ability to read play became prominent on the wing.
He scored twice in a short period to give South a comfortable lead early in the third quarter.
South's players grew in confidence.
Their use of the ball became more efficient and created problems for the opponents with pace and better team work.
Brock Laube and Todd Kernahan goaled in the later stages of the quarter.
South were in a solid position at three quarter time with the lead - 14-8 to Lions 10-9.
Strong play by Levi Goodridge made it possible for Tyson Horsnell to goal.
Bradley Amos replied almost immediately.
Lions’ players showed great endeavor in an attempt to bridge the gap.
Goals to Clinton O'Connor and Tyson Horsnell further raised hope of a Lions revival.
South however, steadied and a goal from Ryan Struck late in the game sealed the Lion's fate.
South ran out winners 17-12 to Lions 14-10.
Three questionable goal umpiring decisions in South's favor could have seen a much closer result.
South was far more consistent in its approach, particularly after half time.
Lions continually let itself down with poor disposal and hesitant decision making.
For Lions it was an opportunity lost but for South a chance to move up the premiership ladder.
Email a friend