Sunbury takes on North Ballarat on Saturday at 2.15pm at Mars Stadium
CLUB: SUNBURY
COACH: Travis Hodgson
FOR THE RECORD
(Scoop): Sunbury has lost six senior players in the off-season - what can you tell us about the new brigade that will help calm the nerves of Lions fans?
(Travis): Cooper Anderson is a key position half-forward on Essendon’s VFL list, Pat Scanlon is a tall key defender, Ben Toman is a big-bodied mid at 186cm, Matthew Medcalfe is a dangerous small forward and mid rotation, Lachy Byrne will provide distribution off half-back, while Blake Graham (utility) has had a solid pre-season. Mitch Lewis we're unlikely to see - he's a very good player at Port Melbourne. So, we've added height and rebound off half-back, firepower forward, and a big body into the midfield whose running capacity near rivals his brother (Ben and Daniel Toman).
(Scoop): It's your third season as coach of Sunbury, will this be your best chance at winning a flag?
(Travis): I think so. We just missed out on a Prelim berth in 2019 and I reckon this group has a lot more upside.
(Scoop): I rated your 2022 draw the easiest of any clubs, but your opening two games - North Ballarat City (away) and Melton (away) will be tough. Will there be an added focus on the importance of these games in particular?
(Travis): Absolutely. The 2021 Minor Premiers away, then Melton away after the unveiling of their new facility to home fans won't be easy, not to mention our poor recent win/loss record against these two away from home. If we can be square with the ledger after Round Two, I’ll be happy.
IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS
(Travis): Our depth most certainly. Our Twos will be hard to beat. The gap between our 12th and 30th player isn't much and we're all the better for it. We're also confident in our running ability.
IMPROVEMENTS
(Travis): Connection. We were 1-5 after the opening six games last year, it did take us a while to get going.
PRE-SEASON TRAINING
(Travis): Big numbers are hitting the track, and the boys look pretty fit under fitness guru Andrew Hall. Our focus has been to build on the momentum of last season that saw us win four of our last five games.
DRAW COMMENTS:
(Travis): It's a good draw.
PLAYER INS:
Matthew Medkraft (Port Douglas), Ben Toman (overseas), Mitch Lewis (Port Melbourne VFL), Pat Scanlon (Rupertswood), Connor Lever (East Sunbury), Will Wright (East Sunbury), Lachy Byrne East Sunbury), Blake Graham (Ballan), Cooper Anderson (QAFL)
PLAYER OUTS:
Alik Magin (Qld), Mitch Conn (Sydney), Josh Goater (North Melbourne AFL), Luke Goater (Deer Park), Dylan Featon (Deer Park), Mick Edwards (Riddells Creek), Wade Derkson (WA)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS
Mitch Lewis (Port Melbourne), Jake Sutton (Essendon), Cooper Anderson (Essendon), Jayden Eales (Box Hill), Josh Guthrie (North Melbourne)
LIONS PASS MARK
(Travis): Win a final
IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF SUNBURY):
(Travis): Darley
FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF SUNBURY):
(Travis): North Ballarat City
