HDFL | LBU clinches minor premiership

The four points means LBU has an unassailable six-point lead over the Hoppers with one round left to play, clinching the Cats’ second minor premiership in a row.

LBU coach Brodie Collins said he was thrilled to have top spot locked up.

“I am really pleased, I’m rapt,” Collins said.

“Top spot means we get that week off which will be great, as injuries at this time of year can always affect your side.”

It was a key win for LBU, with the Cats claiming victory over a Colbinabbin side that beat them back in round eight — LBU’s only loss in the past two years.

Psychologically, Collins said the win was a big deal.

“It’s pleasing to know we can beat them (Colbinabbin). It’s good mentally knowing that we can do it, there is no doubt about that.“

Top spot was on the line in the first-vs-second clash, with Colbinabbin just two points behind LBU heading into the game.

And with plenty on the line, it was the visiting Hoppers who had the better of a tight first half, leading 26-18 at the main break.

Despite trailing, Collins said he was still confident in his side heading into the second half.

“I know we were down at half-time, but I still felt like we had plenty of the footy. We just didn’t make the most of our opportunities in front of goal,” he said.

“It wasn’t panic stations at all. I think reality set in that this was for top spot — the boys narrowed in and dug deep in front of our home crowd.”

Collins’ confidence was certainly warranted, with the Cats turning in a blistering second-half performance to storm to victory.

LBU booted six goals to one in the third term to hit the lead, kicking 11 majors to three in the second half overall to claim a 44-point win.

“It was pleasing that we kicked into gear. We started playing our brand of footy which was really, really pleasing,” Collins said.

“We started to use our skills and use the space of the ground. It was good.”

Collins said it was a great team effort with 22 contributors on the day, but one player stood out.

“It was by far Fraser Monahan’s best game by a mile,” Collins said.

“He took James Brain to the cleaners, he was absolutely outstanding. It was his best game for the club by a mile.”

Down forward, the Cats shared the goals around with Jarod Bacon, Nathan Bacon, Lachlan Collins and Anthony McMahon all kicking two majors each, with another five individual goalscorers.