By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions have signed two young guns ahead of the Ballarat Football League season.
Having already signed a number of experienced players who will fit into their senior side, the Lions have signed Jake Sutton and Harrison Minton-Connell.
Both, who played NAB League the last couple of years, will combine playing with the Lions and VFL commitments.
It’s hoped that they will still take to the field for the Lions at some stage this year.
Lions coach Travis Hodgson said they rapt to get both across to the club.
Sutton comes from Rupertswood where he played in their senior premiership last year.
“Jake has been at Rupo for a fair while,” he said.
“He was keen to play local football at a higher level.
“The Calder Cannons are taking him on as a 19-year-old and he’s also at Coburg. When he is available he will play for us.
“He’s a talented kid and we’ll look to use him as a half forward.”
Minton-Connell is the son of former AFL player Simon Minton-Connell, who played 122 games across four clubs.
Hodgson and Simon were both involved at the Fitzroy-Stars at the same time, while Harrison has played some NAB League and school football with a few of the players.
“Harrison was vice-captain at the Cannons and he was at PEGS,” Hodgson said.
“He’s gone to Port Melbourne [in the VFL]. With young kids they are probably still going to play football at this level.
“Harrison is fairly hard at the footy and he is also a good runner and has the ability to impact on the outside as well.”
The additions of Sutton and Minton-Connell are the latest for the Lions.
Former VFL midfielder Daniel Toman returns to the club, along with former club best and fairest winner Mathew Medcraft.
Tom Cree has come across from East Sunbury, Haydn Ross from Riddell, while Tyson Lever has nominated the Lions as his home club while not playing VFL.
Wade Derksen, who is training with Essendon’s VFL squad rounds out the signings.
The extra depth in the midfield will come in handy, with Lachie Bramble going back to Williamstown in the VFL for a second stint.
Hodgson said while not having Bramble full time was a loss, it was really good for his career.
“It’s great for him,” he said. “He’s grown a lot in the last 12 to 18 months and I expect him to play a lot of football with them.”
The Lions have had just three departures.
Grant Valles, Daylan Kempster and Dylan Landt won’t be returning.
The loss of Valles and Kempster will hurt the Lions down back, with Hodgson saying they were looking to a couple of younger players to step up.
“Defence is one area we’ve been stung with,” he said. “We do have a fair calibre of kids coming through.
“Luke Goater can play back or forward and will get more opportunities.
“Another is Jacob Bygate, who was stiff last year. He won the reserves goal kicking last year, but can play forward of back. Wade is 6’4 and really athletic and another who will provide some versatility.
“There will be a lot on Jack Sheahan to led them down there.”
