It has been a tight competition so far, with the premiership flag looking to find its home at any of the clubs.

On Saturday at Bill Smyth Oval, it was another close finish, 58-44.

The Lions have been working hard on their tackle pressure, running and fitness which all came to good use to maintain possession during the tough match against Panthers.

To get a score on the board early was their focus, and just what they did.

Coach Colin Fosternally said it wasn't easy, with the gusty wind swirling the ball all over the place.

"It was a windy, horrible day; one quarter you would win, the other you didn't," he said.

"It was a quarter-to-quarter arm wrestle."

The Lions managed to hold the Panthers off, leading throughout the game.

However, late in the final quarter, the pressure was on as the Panthers put three through the sticks.

The Lions dug in deep to fight against the wind, kicking two goals to take the win.

Fosternally said it was a great whole-team performance with improvements each week.

"There's still plenty to improve on and things to work on throughout the season - it will ramp up from here," he said.

In the Reserve Grade, The Lions had a great win against Eden Whalers, 58-11.

It was a tight tussle to half time, but the Lions stepped up their tackle pressure and voices were loud and clear.

Ryan Holdsworth was a standout, scoring three goals for the team and received player of the match.