The narrow loss will prove all the more bitter, as the Lions led comfortably in the first half, putting on a 4.3 performance in the opening quarter to jump to a 13-point lead at the first break.
Stanhope was able to continue carving out its advantage, adding another four majors to its tally, while the Redlegs doubled their score, the deficit now 23 at half-time.
However, the tide began to change in the second half with Longwood nailed (4.2) to romp back into the mix, while the Lions (2.3) did enough to keep their nose in front.
With 12 points, the difference heading into the final frame, it was the Redlegs who capitalised on the momentum, booting 3.2 to rip the heart out of the host and leave them defeated by a single point.
Stuart Trevena was awarded best-on honours for Stanhope in the loss, while all of Layne Baker, Tyson McKenzie and Jye Patten kicked three goals in the contest.
The 11.7 (73) to 11.8 (74) loss for the Lions may come back to haunt them come the pointy end of the season, with winnable games such as these the difference between playing finals and not for the eighth placed side.
Stanhope joins Rushworth and Avenel as teams with an even record heading into the back end of the season.
Speaking of the Tigers, the Lions will enter the fortress of Ironbark Stadium in round 10 to face the hottest team in the competition this weekend.
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