UPDATE: The Sunbury Lions have secured a thrilling victory over Melton, clinching their spot in the Ballarat Football League grand final for the first time since 2016. This historic match, played on July 15, 2023, concluded with a dramatic overtime finish, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
With the scores locked at 94-94 at the final siren, the game headed into overtime, marking an unforgettable chapter in Lions history. The Lions surged ahead early in the extra period, eventually sealing the win with a final score of 17.12 (114) to 15.10 (100).
Lions coach Matt White expressed his excitement, stating, “I told the guys to embrace this as it will never happen again in their football careers. It’s rare to make a preliminary final, let alone being in one that goes into overtime.” His praise for both teams highlighted the intense back-and-forth nature of the match, with the lead changing multiple times.
As the game progressed, the Lions showed resilience. They entered overtime with momentum, having navigated a challenging third quarter where Melton struggled to convert opportunities. White noted, “We were able to steer the ship, and Fraser Ampulski kicked a point with a couple of seconds left.”
In overtime, the Lions capitalized on their confidence, scoring the first three goals and maintaining their lead throughout. Standout performances included Jake Sutton, who netted four goals, while both Jake Egan and Daniel Johnston contributed three goals each. Egan was recognized as one of the Lions’ best players alongside Jordan Tentonello and Ampulski.
Looking ahead, White confirmed that preparations for the grand final are already underway. “The preliminary final win was a step on the path to a much tougher game,” he commented. The Lions will face Darley, with hopes of overcoming past challenges, as it will be the first senior grand final for most of the squad. Only Nathan Wood remains from the 2016 team, with injured Josh Guthrie also part of that squad.
Clarke Oval is set to be the focal point this week as the Lions gear up for an impressive total of seven grand finals, with only the under-19 netballers missing out. White emphasized the significance of this achievement for the entire club: “While Kim [Bailey] and I want to win A-grade netball and senior football premierships, it’s about the whole club being successful.”
This thrilling victory not only marks a pivotal moment for the Sunbury Lions but also unites the community in anticipation of the upcoming grand final. With the stage set, fans and players alike are ready to rally behind their team as they strive for glory.
