Staring down the prospect of facing Timboon Demons big man Marcus Hickey without first-choice ruckman Tom Bowman, South Rovers hatched a plan early in the week.
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The Lions would rotate Corey McLaren, Tate Gardiner and Jake Morton through the ruck. And as they carved out a 47-point win over the Demons at home, the plan seemed to work just fine.
Despite missing skipper Braden Hotker, South Rovers' 17.14 (116) to 10.9 (69) demolition of Timboon was the Warrnambool side's highest score since its round one belting of Dennington.
South Rovers coach Adam Matheson said he was rapt his side compiled a four-quarter effort, which was reflected in an incredibly consistent scoring output of 33, 27, 34 and 22 points in each term.
He also highlighted his side's ability to apply pressure, with more than 110 tackles laid for the game.
"It was a contested style of game and we matched their intensity around the stoppages," he said.
"They've got such a dominant ruckman in Barney (Hickey) but we just tried to wear him down and block all the exits."
The Lions mentor singled out Dylan Cox, who clunked more than 10 marks in the first half on the way to a best on ground performance, as well as Trent Harman.
"We'll continue our good stoppage work but we need to improve that last kick inside 50," Matheson said.
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