With contributors on each line – namely Ryan Hobbs down back, Sam Bromley-Lynch in the middle and Shaun Lyle up forward – City was able to effectively quell a Lions side playing for their season.

The 15.8 (98) to 10.10 (70) win wasn’t a complete domination, with Sunbury fighting to the final siren through strong performances from David Kovacevic, Andrew Duhau and Ben Said.

North began with the first two goals, jumping the Lions with clean disposal. 

Sunbury responded with high intensity football, running in waves to hit the lead before being impacted by their own poor disposal.

It was the Lions who burst from the blocks in the second term, dominating the first five minutes of play but with only three behinds to show for it.

The reigning premiers made them pay, piling on six goals to one – including two of Lyle’s five – to take a 35 point ascendancy into the main break. The third term belonged to Sunbury, with North seemingly flustered by the Lions physical presence.

When Adam Short marked in the goal square and converted shortly after to draw his team within 19 points at the final change the Lions looked a chance.

However, the final term played out on an even keel, allowing North to cruise to victory. Both teams have a bye next week.