Sunbury Lions’ Ballarat Football League campaign is up and running.
In the battle of the Lions, it was Sunbury that came out on top against Redan.
Sunbury started the stronger of the two and maintained the momentum for a 23.11 (149)-3.13 (31) win at Clarke Oval.
Sunbury coach Ben Jordan said the margin was completely unexpected and the performance very pleasing.
“Both sides lost some players and you never know how it will pan out,” he said.
“We got the jump on them. They had a fair bit of the ball, but couldn’t hit the scoreboard.
“It was a full four-quarter game and we defended really well.”
Trent Stead kicked five goals up forward for Sunbury, vindicating Jordan’s decision to give him a run up forward.
“He’s a good kick at goal,” Jordan said.
He said Stead wasn’t alone in having a good game in attack. He said improved ball movement up the ground had helped the forwards as they explored different options.
“Grant Valles and Jack Sheahan are pretty handy up forward and Mick Edwards continues to do it at ground level,” the coach said.
Edwards, Aaron Christensen and Alik Magin all kicked three goals apiece as 11 players kicked goals.
Mitch Conn was named best on ground, with Jordan saying the club was loving having him available.
Conn is on Coburg’s VFL list and didn’t play a game with Sunbury last season because of his VFL commitments.
But as the VFL no longer has a development competition, Conn could spend more time at Sunbury.
“He’s right on the fringe at Coburg,” Jordan said. “He showed his class and he uses the ball well … he loves playing at Sunbury.”
Jayden Eales and Nathan Wood were also named among the best.
Tristan Lenaz hurt his ankle in the third quarter and didn’t return to the field. He will be in doubt for this week when Sunbury take on Melton South.
Melton South suffered a first-up loss to Melton, with the Bloods winning the derby 15.8 (98)-10.12 (72).
Jordan said the Sunbury players would need to be fully prepared to take on the Panthers.
“They have been a bogey side for us and we lost to them last year twice,” he said.
“It’s a smaller ground and we’ll take some positives out of our win.”
In other first-round results, Darley claimed victory in the grand final rematch against Bacchus Marsh, East Point smashed Ballarat and North Ballarat City was too good for Sebastopol.
Lake Wendouree had the bye.
