MT HELENA continued to show signs of improvement despite falling to the Midland Tigers in round six of the Hills Football Association competition.

The Lions went down 18.15 (123) to Midland’s 8.7 (55) but produced patches of consistent football against a Tigers side continuing to build fitness and cohesion early in the 2026 season.

Midland Tigers forward Niklas Geracitano opened strongly with an early goal.

Tigers player Shannon Coyne returned after FIFO commitments, while teammate Hamish Duncan delivered a precise centre clearance to Charlie Read, who found Midland forward Clem Cook for another major.

Cook proved a focal point in the Mt Helena Lions forward structure throughout the afternoon, helping ease some of the scoring burden carried by Lions player Ryan Watters across recent seasons.

Mt Helena built a 14-point lead at quarter-time before the Midland Tigers worked their way back into the contest.

Midland pair Charlie Read and Ryan Schwager combined strongly through the middle, driving the ball forward and creating opportunities for Tigers players Blade Elzer and Julian Maturo to gain repeat possessions deep inside the attacking 50.

Maturo capitalised on several entries, finishing with three goals for the game.

The Lions shared their scoring across all four quarters in a balanced offensive display, while Midland continued to show improvement compared to the teams’ earlier meeting this season.

Following the match, both sides were addressed by the umpires on the importance of wearing seatbelts as part of the Belt Up football round initiative.

The game ball was presented to Blade Elzer from the Mt Helena Football Club.