After a slow start to the pre-season, the Sunbury Lions are starting to find their groove heading into the start of a new campaign.
New coach Ben Jordan said things were going along nicely, with the coaches learning a lot about the side in the preseason.
“We’ve had good numbers on track and really good enthusiasm,” he said.
“We’re at the practice match stage and it’s the first time a lot of us have seen our guys going about it.
“We’re learning a lot from it and we’re getting the structures and game style up and running.”
The Lions have lost several players from last year’s grand final side.
Josh Burgess, Mathew Medcraft, Jack Landt, Jesse McInneny, Ben McInneny, Joe Redfern, Chris Tsadarkis and Jack Sullivan won’t be returning this season.
Jordan said they had trouble attracting A-grade players to fill those spots, so they’d chosen a different path.
“We decided to bring in some young guys to the place and hope they can develop as players,” he said.
“A lot of guys in the 19 to 23 age category are coming into their best footy. There are opportunities for young players to play. We’re taking a long- term approach.”
Jordan said several players had returned to the club after playing elsewhere.
He said they were looking for some of the younger players who had tasted senior football in recent years to continue to step up.
“There have been good signs with Nathan Bridgeland, who played a lot of senior football last year,” he said.
“Jesse Flannery is in the 22 to 23 age group that is coming into better football. Jack Hannet has had a VFL preseason and Trent Stead is another who will add a bit of flexibility.”
While having several young players in the side, there will still plenty of leaders around, such as Andrew Duhau, David Kovacevic, Adam Short and Alik Magin.
Jordan said that despite the changes, he was focussed on keeping the Lions’ finals record intact.
“A club like Sunbury always has high expectations,” he said.
“Finals are where I want to be. If we can get the development from the younger guys, it will determine if we can play finals.
“We’re not putting a lid on it.”
The Lions will start their season on Good Friday against Melton South.
