Round 3: The first of 10 wins in succession came with a 58-point win against Rushworth, defender Josh Harris backing up the work of Lachlan West and Matthew Gill.
Round 4: Ryan Semmel’s midfield domination and five goals from Rennie enabled the Lions to shake a determined Nagambie. Nathan O’Reilly provided support for Semmel in the 14-point win.
Round 5: A low scoring affair against Dookie United required Rhys Smith, Matthew Gill and Jonathon Pearson to step up in attack, kicking more than half of the Lions 11 goals in a 24-point win.
Round 6: Luke Semmel’s first game of the season was a best-on-ground display in the 62-point win opposite Violet Town. Stanhope reduced the influence of Jack Exell (102 goals in the home-and-away season) as the Towners kicked only six majors (all by Exell’s sidekick Josh Mellington)
Round 7: A 52-point win on the back of six midfield goals from Ryan Semmel and five from Rennie, against Undera. Rochester teenager Brady Wileman and Tim Sommerville played their best games of the season.
Round 8: Nine goals from the Semmel brothers in a 73-point win against neighbour Girgarre, on the back of a seven goals to one first term. Jye Patten and Rhys Smith (34 for the season) also kicked three apiece.
Round 9: A big scalp with a 44-point win against Lancaster, Jye Patten making it back to back three goal efforts and Sam Woodward producing his best performance.
Round 10: The first of two big wins, Chris Gleeson moved forward to kick seven goals, while teenager Jye Adamson kicked four — as did Rennie — in the 157-point win against Tallygaroopna.
Round 11: Longwood managed only one point as experienced Lions Jason Leocarta and Mark Adamson (three goals apiece) joined the party. Jye Adamson bagged six majors, while Rennie and Smith added 11 between them in a match where the Lions had 13 goal-kickers.
Round 12: A thrilling four-point win signalled the intentions of Stanhope to finish in the top four, beating Shepparton East. Woodward was a star for the Lions, Trevena offering defensive support and Patten kicked three goals up front.
Round 13: Stanhope led league leader Avenel by 10 points at three-quarter-time, but capitulated and lost by five points in a low scoring affair — 51-56.
Round 14: A 162-point win against Merrigum made up for the round one result, seven goals from Ryan Semmel (43 for the season, after another nine in round 18) and five from Jonathon Pearson and Smith leading the charge.
Round 15: Wet weather football produced a tight tussle, Murchison-Toolamba beating the Lions by two points after Ryan Semmel had his number taken for striking. He was given a reprimand, despite being found guilty.
Round 16: The Ryan Semmel show rolled on, nine goals in a 219-point percentage boosting tally which allowed the Lions to secure fourth spot and a double chance in the finals. Luke backed his brother up and Rennie kicked eight (37 for the year).
