Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions were able to put the foot to the pedal to come away with a massive win against Melton South in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday.
The Lions were keen for a good showing against the struggling Panthers side and were able to come away with one of their biggest wins in recent times, winning 25.21 (171)-6.3 (39).
Lions coach Travis Hodgson said while the scoreboard showed a good win, the Panthers played some pretty determined football, especially in the first half.
“It was a good win,” he said. “They are doing it a bit tough and the first two games were away and they’re better at home with the unique size of the ground.
“It was pleasing to get such a dominant win, it’s something we haven’t done a lot of in my time in the club.
“Our good wins have been pretty dourer, nothing comprehensive like this.”
Hodgson said the most pleasing thing from his perspective was how his side stuck to the game plan when it wasn’t necessarily reflecting on the scoreboard.
He said they were able to take control of the game midway through the second quarter.
“Credit to Melton South, they were honest and brought a lot of pressure,” he said.
“Late in the second quarter we started to have a lot more shots, we missed a lot of set shots in the second quarter.
“After half time we were really good. Most impressive thing was they didn’t go away from what we set out to do.
“The goals then started to flow.”
After struggling to kick goals in recent times, Hodgson said making sure they put the score on the board when they had the opportunity was important, with how close the competition was.
Cody Brand kicked six goals in the win, his best return since coming back to the club.
Leigh Brennan and Rivva Karpany chipped in with three goals each.
Hodgson said Karpany was starting to warm up after an interrupted pre-season with a back injury.
Nathan Wood was named the Lions best, along with Brand and Cody Bramble.
Hodgson said it was a tough day to name the best players with so many contributors.
The Lions now sit 2-1 after the first three rounds.
After starting slow the last couple of seasons, Hodgson said it was nice to be in a good position early.
“We lost to Melton and it came down to 10 to 15 minutes in the second quarter,” he said. “We’ve done almost everything right across the first three weeks.
“We’ve got a bye after the Darley game, so we’re focusing on the next two weeks.
“If we can manage to get those two wins on the board, a much better position than the last couple of years.
“If we’re 4-1 it would be a really good state and what we’re aiming for.”
Hodgson said they were hoping Jake Sutton would return against Lake Wendouree from a hamstring injury, while James Cree and Jack Hannant could return in the reserves in round five.
