Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions are hoping their new brand of footy will help close the gap to the top sides in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 competition.
The Lions were competitive in patches last season and with a new coaching set up and the core group of players returning, are hoping to build on that.
Co-coach Matt Tremellen said things were shaping up really well for the season.
“Things are looking pretty good actually,” he said.
“We are in good shape going into round one and had a couple of practice matches and there were a lot of good signs.
“We’ve got some good numbers, but we would also like some more players. The EDFL has changed the numbers on the field to 16, which makes it easier for everyone.”
Tremellen said they had picked up three or four players this season, but at the same time lost that number of players.
Amy Starzer and Ash McGregor have both gone to Gisborne, which will hurt the side.
Tremellen said they were confident in the group they had put together.
“We’ve got some new recruits, but the majority of the core group is the same,” he said.
“We’ve added some new girls in and we’ve got some players back that didn’t play last season like our vice-captain Renee Whelan.
“Kirsty Baker is a pretty experienced campaigner. Olivia Cornish is another addition.”
While the Lions have added some experience, some of the club’s young guns will step up into the side.
The club had tried to get under-18s up, but didn’t get the numbers needed.
Tremellen said he was looking forward to seeing what the younger girls can do.
“They add a lot more depth to the side,” he said.
“Grace Azzopardi and Eden Grant are at the Cannons. We’re looking forward to having them come play for us.
“Stella Hoy and Alison Wigney are also playing up.”
The Lions started their season on Saturday against Pascoe Vale. The Panthers had to withdraw their team midway through last season, due to lack of numbers.
The Lions controlled the game throughout on the way to a 5.9 (39)-0.3 (3) win. Teah Bell kicked four of the Lions five goals.
Tremellen said the focus for the group this season was to build on what they did last season.
“We have been training a new brand of footy and contested footy being able to match the contest around the footy.
“We will do our own thing and hopefully close the gaps on to the stronger sides in division 1.”
Gisborne also opened the season with a win, beating the Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Bulldogs put in a strong all round performance on the way to a 12.22 (94)-0.0 (0) win.
Ash McGregor kicked three goals.
Loree Ravelo was named their best.
In the men’s competition, Rupertswood suffered a 15 point loss to Hillside in division 1, while the Sunbury Kangaroos and East Sunbury both suffered losses in division 2.
