Sunbury Lions got a dress rehearsal for their Ballarat Football League elimination final – and they are hoping the real thing brings the same result.
The Lions and Darley faced off in the final round of the season on Saturday, with the third-placed Lions coming out on top and extending their winning streak to six games.
The Lions had a less then ideal start to the day, with skipper Andrew Duhau pulling out on the morning of the game.
Ben McInneny pulled up sore in the warm-up, so Patrick MacDonough came into the side at the last minute after already playing in the reserves.
The Lions started slowly but were a point in front at half-time. The game changed after the main break, with the Lions kicking 15 goals to six for a 20.13 (133)-11.10 (76) win.
Lions coach Rick Horwood said he thought the side had one eye on finals in the first half, but was pleased with how the players stepped up after half-time.
“We played a lot better in the second half, kicking eight goals in the third quarter,” he said.
“There was a real even spread and the back seven were pretty good. Things are panning out well.”
Jack Landt and Jesse McInneny kicked five goals each, while Alik Magin contributed four.
Magin was named best on ground for the sixth week in a row.
The Lions will face the Devils in an elimination final on Saturday, luck falling the Devils’ way with the final scheduled for their home ground.
Horwood said they would have almost a full squad from which to pick.
“Besides Jack Sheahan and James Rizk we have a full list,” he said. “Grant Valles, Duhau and McInneny should all be available.”
The Lions have been knocked out in elimination finals in the past two years, the Devils doing the damage last year.
“Finishing in third spot on the ladder, it’s a highly regarded spot,” Horwood said. “Hopefully, we play like we did in the second half this week. I’m pretty happy … not over-confident, but confident.
“The young blokes have had the experience of the last two finals campaigns … they have the experience.”
