Hobart Hutchins Lions have flown under the radar in 2024 but could find themselves celebrating a triple premiership season if Saturday’s grand finals go to plan.
The senior side started slow but fought hard to earn top ranking in the Championship and semi final hosting rights against bitter rivals University.
Lions then overcome stiff resistance In howling conditions last Saturday to prevail 12-3 and book their grand final day ticket.
“It was great for our seniors to get a good grinding win in the semi against Uni,” club president Aleem Khalfan said.
“Our seniors were competitive against the bigger teams and are now in strong position for the Championship.
“Having the competition split has been a great motivator to keep players and re-shift focus - it’s given us another goal to work towards and hopefully we can finish well and carry that momentum through to 2025.”
There’s plenty of momentum in the Lions’ junior space also with the U16 and U18 Hutchins boys taking out their respective minor premierships.
Khalfan paid tribute to the Hutchins program and is eager to ensure their emerging stars stick around at War Memorial Oval.
Our juniors did really well through the season to get themselves in position to play finals," Khalfan said.
“It’s important for Hutchins School and the Hobart Lions to have competitive teams and seeing kids moving through the age grades an progressing is exciting for our club’s future,” Khalfan said.
“We want to get more integrated with Hutchins, develop our club culture and get those U18s ready to play seniors at Lions.”
Hobart Hutchins Lions will take part in three finals on Saturday - U16s boys (9:30am), U18s boys (10:45am) and the men's Championship (12:05pm) at Rugby Park.
