Sunbury Lions’ impressive record will continue, with the club to play in the Ballarat Football League finals for the 19th successive season.
The Lions have played finals every year since joining the competition and did it again this year with a 20.8 (128) – 8.9 (57) win over Melton on Saturday to finish sixth.
After an even first half, the Lions kicked 11 goals to one in the second.
Coach Rick Horwood said it was pleasing to get the job done.
“We jumped out to a good start, but they got back to within 10 points at half-time,” he said.
“It looked as if the boys were in preservation mode and going through the motions. But it was pretty good after half-time.”
Horwood said David Kovasevic, Matt Medcraft, Luke Neville and Reece Wood were the best players in the win, while Dylan Tarzcon kicked five goals in his first game back from injury.
“I doubt we will have him next week; he’ll probably be back with Calder Cannons,” the coach said. “He capitalised on his opportunities and had a Peter Daicos sort of goal in the third quarter.”
Horwood said Greg Hay, Ben Said and Ben Guthrie were in contention to come into the side .
The one concern for the Lions is a possible suspension of Tom Donoghue. “He’s our nomination for rookie of the year. He got reported in the second quarter and will now go to the tribunal. He was shattered after the game.”
The Lions will now be away to third-placed Darley in an elimination final on Saturday.
“It’s a pretty massive challenge,” Horwood said. “They touched us up at home the only time we played each other this year.
“You have to be in it to win it and we have to go out there with a carefree attitude.
“We aren’t expected to win. We’ve been playing some good footy for periods this year, but whether we can compete for four quarters is the challenge.”
