By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions showed plenty of resolve to get an important road win in the Ballarat Football League.
Coming off their third loss of the season, the Lions were able to get the points in the battle of the Lions, against Redan.
It was a close match all day, with Sunbury leading at each of the breaks.
Sunbury was able to do enough to come away with a 13.12 (90)-11.8 (74) win.
Coach Matt White said they had to find another way to get the job done, but were able to do that.
“It was a really good win,” he said. “They are a quality youthful opposition and we were able to learn some things from the week before.
“We were able to close the game out. It was nerve-wracking, but it was nice to finish it off.”
White said being able to finish the game off is one of the steps they need to take to compete with the top sides.
He said they were able to control the game late to ensure they got the win.
“We pulled a few levers and a few tricks we were hoping to use later in the season,” he said.
“DJ [Daniel Johnston] up the ground and mids moved out and gave some space.
“We’re hopefully learning and developing… we’re looking to have different game plans against all the top sides.”
Jake Sutton kicked five goals for Sunbury.
White said he could have had a couple more, including one in the last quarter which would have steadied them.
Mitch Mclean, Johnston and Jack Newitt were named Sunbury’s best.
White said Mclean and Newitt stood up in the midfield in the absence of Josh Guthrie, along with Harry Power, who took leadership in the middle.
Guthrie had surgery following a horrific leg injury suffered against Darley, which is set to rule him out for the rest of the season.
White said you can’t replace someone like Guthrie.
“It was noticeable on the weekend,” he said, “I’ve known how good he is since I’ve come to the club.
“Trying to fill his role is difficult as he also kicks goals and goalkicking midfielders are beautiful things.”
With interleague this weekend, Sunbury will get a much needed bye.
White said with 14 guys injured and a couple overseas the break comes at a good time.
One person looking forward to the break is White.
With the reserves short on numbers, White pulled back on the boots for the first time in three years and his first time since returning to Sunbury.
“I always said I would pull on the jumper at one stage being my junior club,” said the former Richmond and Port Adelaide player.
“I kicked 2.3 and feel like I broke my ankle.
“It took me a little while to get going and I think I annoyed a few of the younger boys as I dropped some marks.
“I ended up walking off five minutes into the last with the injury.”
