The pressure was fierce from the opening bounce, both teams physical and keen to tackle. But it will be remembered for Magpies great Scott Pendlebury leaving the field early with a tight calf, replaced by substitute Roan Steele, in only his fifth game.
Pendlebury cut a dejected figure on the bench, and understandably so, for the injury is likely to rule him out of next week’s grand final, should the Magpies make it of course.
The Magpies had the opening goal of the clash, care of Mason Cox converting a free kick for blocking from Dayne Zorko. But the Lions dominated the rest of the term, the Magpies psychologically taking a considerable hit from the Pendlebury absence.
While coach Chris Fagan wanted his team to be bold, the Lions opted against their typical corridor-based approach – and it worked a treat. They booted four straight goals, the first by Josh Dunkley after an intercept mark, the second a free kick to Zac Bailey, the third after a towering Logan Morris mark, and the fourth from a rushed Ty Gallop snap.
Master tagger Dunkley spent time on Jordan De Goey and Nick Daicos, with neither Magpie able to provide a burst of inspiration, while Hugh McCluggage, shadowed by Steele Sidebottom, had nine touches for the Lions, but only 72 metres gained.
The Magpies need to find renewed inspiration at quarter-time, otherwise this game will be over.
