Oliver Lees
Sunbury Lions product Reese Sutton has been named as co-captain of the Calder Cannons for the 2022 NAB League girls season.
In what will be her third season at the Cannons, Sutton was selected for the leadership position alongside Olivia Manfre.
The 17-year-old has developed as a promising prospect throughout her junior career with the Lions.
While still an under-15s player, Sutton filled in for back-to-back under-18s winning grand final teams.
She was awarded best on ground in the 2019 division 1 grand final where the Lions beat Westmeadows 39-13.
Travis Hodgson, who coached those winning premiership teams, described Sutton as a natural footballer.
“There are some people who seem like they spend all day chasing the ball, but Reese is one of those players that just always finds the footy,” he said.
“She’s got a terrific attitude, which is so important once you get to [the NAB League]. Pretty much everyone has some talent, but if you don’t have the right attitude, it doesn’t matter.”
Hodgson said her performance in the 2019 division 1 grand final was a clear example of her potential.
“Most people would feel they’re doing well just getting a kick when they’re coming up an age group… it just highlights her quality,” he said.
Hodgson said he was proud to see yet another Lions player developing through the system.
On January 15, former Sunbury players Madison Prespakis and her sister Georgie Prespakis squared off against one another for the first time in the AFLW.
Both Prespakis sisters played for the Cannons before being drafted to the AFLW.
Madison led Carlton to a 31-17 win over Georgie’s Geelong, collecting 29 disposals in the process.
In just her second senior AFLW game coming off of her Rising Star nomination in round one, Georgie tallied 15 disposals in the losing effort.
The start date of this year’s NAB League season was brought forward to bring it closer to the AFLW and VFLW fixtures.
The league has also modified its quarter lengths from from 17 minutes to 20 minutes.
Sutton has improved year on year in the Cannons system playing as a underage player.
She averaged six disposals along with two tackles in the 2020 season. The following year she improved to nine disposals and three tackles per game in nine matches.
The Cannons finished seventh last year with five wins and three losses.
After qualifying for finals the Cannons were bungled out in the first round by the Oakleigh Chargers, who would go on to win the premiership.
