The Lions outclassed a spirited Bomaderry Tigers 27.17 (179) to 5.2 (32) at North Dalton Park, but it was the response to the previous week’s first loss of the season against premiers Wollongong Bulldogs which impressed the Lions coach.

  ‘‘It’s a cliche but it was the loss we needed to have last week and I couldn’t have been prouder of the team today,’’ Morrison said.

 ‘‘Six guys backed up from reserves and played their heart out and that sort of commitment is a real positive.

‘‘The training during the week was first class. We had 40 guys on the track and many did extra work on their day off.

‘‘We’ve reviewed the loss and realise every aspect of our game and preparation needed to step up. And while this was a big win it was how we went about it and played out the four quarters which really pleased me.’’

  While the Lions have been an offensive juggernaut in the past month booting 92 goals in their four 100-plus wins, Morrison is looking forward to facing premiership contenders Kiama and Northern Districts in the last two rounds before the finals.

 ‘‘They’ll  both be tough and test us and it’s exactly what we need. Kiama have really improved and Norths are a proud side who love taking on the Lions.’’

  Morrison confirmed his assistant coach and key player Dave Nolan would miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury, initially diagnosed as a dislocated knee.

  ‘‘Dave’s a huge part of the club and the boys dedicated this game to him and wanted to do him proud,’’ Morrison said.

  Meanwhile, the Division One top four is settled after Northern Districts beat Shellharbour by 34 points at Hollymount Park.

 In a match of huge momentum swings, Shellharbour kicked six of their seven goals in the second term to lead by 13 points at halftime.

 But Norths booted six unanswered goals in the third term and kept the Suns to just a single second half goal in a  12.12 (84) to 7.8 (50) win.

  Jared Wilson booted four goals for Norths, while Andrew Craig and Ken Ewen-Chappell had big games.

   Norths’ win, plus Bomaderry’s loss means Norths and Kiama - who had the round 16 bye - are assured of making the finals and will likely meet in the third versus fourth elimination final.

  Meanwhile, a flu bug ran through the Bulldogs team but the premiers beat a brave Nowra 11.14 (80) to 8.10 (58) at Keira Oval.

Braydan Beesley was outstanding on the back flank for the Bulldogs, who have almost certainly sealed second spot with the victory.

In Saturday’s  penultimate round, Kiama host the Lions, Norths are at home to Nowra and Bomaderry host Shellharbour. The Bulldogs have the bye.

  Finally in Sydney AFL, the South Coast Thunder lost a two point thriller away to Manly in under 19s Division One.

 The Thunder were chasing a   sixth win of their debut season but were beaten 9.10 (64) to 8.14 (62).

Sam Wilson, William Gamble and Luke Vanzin were outstanding for the Thunder who would have won had they kicked better than 1.4  in a tense final term.