By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions are starting to work their way into the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 season.
Last season’s runners-up, the Lions knew that it would take some time for them to click with a new coach and a number of departures.
Coach Daniel Brady knows that they are on the right track.
“We have blooded about five or six under-18s,” he said. “The girls have made a difference for us.
“It was one of things when I was interviewed. I said if you’re looking for someone to recruit players, I’m not the person.
“I want to bring players through the pathways and create the culture. We’ve then had others come in through word of mouth or want to come back.”
Brady said while they know they have a challenge on their hands, they still have eyes on shaping the top four.
He said they want to finish fourth and know that anything can happen come finals time.
On Saturday, the Lions got their third win of the season as they accounted for East Sunbury.
It was a strong performance from the Lions, who won 7.15 (57)-0.1 (1).
“It was a good game,” Brady said. “We should have won by more.
“There was a cross breeze and the girls needed to kick to the right and bring it back, but they kept kicking it straight.
“It’s about muscle memory. We didn’t get the reward for effort on the day.”
Kirsty Baker kicked two goals and was the only multiple goalkicker.
Baker, who has been a defender, has moved into the midfield this season and went forward on Saturday and kicked her first ever career goal.
Baker was named best along with Nikki Waldron and Karla Tentonello.
Brady said Waldron, who is only 17, is playing a great role as their key target up forward, while Tentonello has made a massive difference since returning from injury.
Taylah Brady is another who has impressed as she has taken her game to the next level and is leading from the front.
The Lions sit a game outside the top four.
They face second placed Taylors Lakes this Saturday. Taylors Lakes has lost its past two matches.
In other matches, Gisborne-Kyneton United was too strong for Taylors Lakes in the top of the table clash, 8.10 (58)-4.4 (28). Lucy Lenius, Ayesha Nicholson and Mairead Murphy were named United’s best.
United now sits three games clear on top of the ladder.
The Sunbury Kangaroos suffered an upset loss, losing to Roxburgh Park, 5.9 (39)-1.2 (8).
Tylah Bell, Natasha Page lutze and Alexsis Ryan were named the Kangaroos best.
