Harper Sercombe
Sunbury is hoping to avenge its Victorian Turf Cricket Association grand final loss albeit in a higher division this season
The Roar lost its division 3 grand final to Grand United earlier this year, with the Gorillas earned automatic promotion.
But changes with teams in the higher level, means the Roar was also promoted and will now play in division 2 this year.
Roar captain-coach Kevin Barker is ready for the season to begin.
“It’s really exciting times,” he said. “The playing group is in a really good space, everybody’s looking really good.
“The club’s in a pretty good position to challenge I think.
“We thought we were a really competitive side last year, not just by making the grand final, but we thought that we were really, really competitive.
“Just missing out made us really hungry.”
This is Barker’s first year as captain and coach of the club, something that he loves doing. He has previously held both roles, including at Diggers Rest Bulla.
Barker replaced Stephen Treweek as captain, with Treweek keen to focus on just playing.
Jace Carton was set to coach again, but has stood down from the role and Barker took over during the pre-season.
“I really do love it,” Barker said. “It’s an amazing group to be around and it’s part of the reason why I play, to work with young guys and guys of all ages really, to help them enjoy their cricket and hopefully get better.
“I couldn’t be happier.”
Barker has been able to bring some guys across from Diggers Rest where he has formally played his cricket, as well as recruit from elsewhere.
Rasika Batepola, Indika Massalage and Gayan Welikalage came from Diggers Rest, Ashan Ranaweera was from Sunbury United, while Liam Chant and Chris Pilkington came in off the street.
“We recruited really heavily, so it was just lucky that we were able to pick up a few really good players and hopefully it’ll help us with that jump up,” Barker said.
“The other thing is, our younger players have put in a massive pre season and have improved in leaps and bounds.
“It’s been a really enjoyable pre season, watching the guys put in the work and hopefully they get rewarded for the work that they’ve put in.”
A couple of the younger guys Barker speaks of includes Jack McGann, Cam Hildebrand and Sandil Wijesooriya, that will all help the Roar and Barker achieve their goals for the season and beyond.
“I think everybody has a long term goal of trying to make finals and win a flag,” Barker said.
“But at the end of day if we can play good, fun, aggressive cricket, everybody enjoys their time out on the park, then that’s a win.
“Everybody wants to win obviously, but I’m hoping to create an environment that everybody wants to be around.”
The Roar starts its season on Saturday against Keilor Park.
