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The Lions are still fully in control of this one but the Saints did show some signs of life late in the term.
Logan Morris kicked a late goal to push the margin out further for the Lions while Eric Hipwood has three goals at the break and could well find more majors in the second half.
The only issue for the Lions is the fitness of Kai Lohmann who continues to favour a sore sternum, shoulder injury – he could be a candidate to be subbed out.
Darcy Wilson of the Saints is tackled by Darcy Wilmot of the Lions.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Mason Wood and now Wanganeen-Milera have, this term, botched set shots a professional footy player should convert.
The Saints are lifting, but need a reward on the scoreboard.
Lions 50, Saints 22 with three mins to go in Q2.
Jack Macrae of the Saints kicks whilst being tackled by Kai Lohmann of the Lions.Credit: Getty Images
Lohmann played on this term but he’s just left the ground and headed to the rooms, he still seems to be feeling for his collarbone, clavical area.
One wonders if the Lions sub him at half-time and prevent any further injury or if they persist with him.
Lions 50, Saints 20 with seven mins to go in Q2.
Kai Lohmann of the Lions is seen with medical staff.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Saints sub Zak Jones has stripped down to his playing gear and has entered the game.
The Saints also appear to have sent Anthony Caminiti into the forward line to try and give them another target.
Hugo Garcia has been subbed out. It appears to be tactical as he doesn’t look hurt.
The Lions have missed a couple of running shots at goal.
Lions 50, Saints 20 with eight mins to go in Q2.
It’s red-alert in the Saints’ coaches box. Trailing by five goals, this already shapes as a Lions blow-out – unless the Saints can find something.
The Lions have 14 forward-half intercepts. We’ve seen young Saint Darcy Wilson at half-back so uncertain where to kick that he was tackled and turned the ball over; now Wanganeen-Milera has coughed up a reckless 50m penalty having tapped the ball out of Lachie Neale’s hands.
That’s not good enough from a team leader.
Can the Saints respond?
Wanganeen-Milera has been super for the Saints but he put his arms on Neale as he went back to take a kick and in the process knocked the ball out of Neale’s hands.
It was an automatic 50m penalty and Neale kicked the goal from 20m out.
The Saints are all over the shop right now – this could get ugly in a hurry.
Lions 48, Saints 18 with 15 mins to go in Q2.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera of the Saints evades Hugh McCluggage of the Lions.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Hipwood has slid low and marked in the forward pocket.
He up and firing now and the forward wheeled around and snapped his third goal.
The Saints have to stop the ball coming in so frequently or Hipwood and Morris will feast on them today.
Lions 42, Saints 18 with 17 mins to go in Q2.
Eric Hipwood of the Lions kicks a goal.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Wanganeen-Milera has been sent into the center bounce.
The Saints win the opening clearance, eventually leading to Jack Higgins roving a pack and delivering a crumbing goal.
But the Saints again squander this, with Logan Morris snapping from about 40m. Morris was goalless last week, but can now rest easy. He is the man the Lions are hoping can help fill the void left by Joe Daniher.
Lions 36, Saints 18 with 18 mins to go in Q2.
Cam Rayner (11 disposals) and Lachie Neale (eight) have been in superb touch for the Lions – the pair sharing six clearances. Jack MacRae, Jack Sinclair, Jack Steele and Nasiah Wanganee-Milera have all been busy for the Saints.
The Saints need to find easier ball on a wing when clearing their defence, otherwise this is going to be a long, long afternoon.
Cam Rayner of the Lions is tackled by Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera of the Saints.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
