Top-of-the-table Nirranda has conceded 289 goals and has the stingiest defence in the competition.

Next best is fourth-placed Merrivale (317) followed by fifth-placed South Rovers (319).

Lions assistant coach Rhi Davis believes a strong defence will be vital if her team is to challenge for the ultimate success.

"We've shown that when all our seven players are playing defence, that's when we are at our best," she said.

Defence is a big reason why the Lions just moved into the top-five for the first time this season.

Coach Jess Rohan and Marino Vickers hold down the Lions' defensive ring.

Davis, who joined the Lions this season, said she had been impressed by Rohan's form at goal defence.

"Jess is playing some of the best netball I've seen her play," she said.

Davis said Rohan had worked hard on her game and was reaping the rewards.

"The biggest thing is that she is much more disciplined this season," she said.

Davis said that discipline involved Rohan "getting her three feet" and "rebounding nice and cleanly".

The Lions assistant said Rohan was one of the tallest and most athletic defenders in the league.

Rohan kept star shooter Sarah Forbes to 21 goals during the Lions' 61-34 drubbing of Russells Creek on Saturday.

She was named South Rovers' best player for her efforts.

Davis also heaped praise on goal keeper Vickers.

"She's one of those players who puts her body on the line - week in, week out - and gives 100 per cent every game," she said.

"She's not tall but she makes up for it with her determination."

Vickers said she was surrounded by an "awesome support network".

She said opposition players had noticed the teamwork going on in Lions' back-court.

The goal keeper said an opposition goalie had commented that "we really trust each other".

Vickers seeks and values feedback from her teammates.

"I'm always looking for how to improve my game," she said.

One tip she received from her teammates is be on her toes so she can react quicker to the offence.

Interestingly, Vickers lines up at goal keeper despite Rohan holding a significant height advantage.

Vickers took tall goal shooter Forbes when the Lions took on Russells Creek on Saturday.

The Vickers and Rohan combination thrived keeping Creek to 34 goals.

Vickers, who played alongside Rohan last season, said her coach was a great communicator and they often switched players during a match.

The defender, who previously played two seasons in Timboon Demons A reserve, joined South Rovers at the start of 2018 after moving to Warrnambool to study nursing.

The 31-year-old said she was attracted to the club because she "really liked their attitude" when she had played against them.

Vickers emphasised the Lions' defensive prowess took more than herself and Rohan.

She said young wing defence Georgia White was an important part of the unit.

"She listens well and is really athletic," she said.

Vickers said centre Lisa Pender was another who helped make a strong defence.

She said the Lions were good at letting each other know where opposition players were.

Nadine Porter is unavailable for the Lions round-10 clash with Panmure on Saturday.

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