Sunbury completed a clean sweep of the new West Division, winning its first premiership since 2010.
Sunbury kicked away in the second half to record a 19 point victory over Melton Centrals at Piranha Park, 3.9 (27) to 1.2 (8) as Michael Thompson reports.
The Lions were able to survive a strong early Centrals challenge, weathering an initial 10 minute storm which saw Nikki Thorp score the first goal of the morning to give the Grand Final underdogs the lead.
However, the Lions were able to adjust to the slippery conditions which saw uncontested ball hard to come by, and started to win the territory war. Captain Natasha Hardy put Sunbury on the board after winning a footrace in the goalsquare to level the scores at quarter time.
The second quarter was reflective of the very scrappy conditions, which saw both sides fail to register a goal. Although the Lions dominated possession and territory, time and again they were unable pass Linda Morren, who was a rock down back, almost playing a 'goalkeeper' type role. Five points separated the sides at half time, with Sunbury hitting the lead, but the game was still in the balance.
The half time break did nothing to deter Sunbury from dominating the third quarter much like they did in the second, with the ball locked inside forward 50. Kerry Saunders – Sunbury's coach – injected herself into the game and almost immediately helped lift the pressure and intensity of her team. Sunbury were rewarded when Hardy snapped her second goal of the game, but were dealt an injury blow with Lisa Kirby heading to the sidelines. The Lions leading goalkicker made an attempt to return to the game in the final quarter, but was largely affected by a shin complaint.
Sunbury, despite the loss of Kirby, ensured that the premiership would be heading back to Clarke Oval as they continued to play the game on their terms in the last quarter, never allowing Melton to get a look in. Appropriately, it would be best on ground Simone Craige who would put the icing on the cake for the Lions. Impressive all day, Craige sealed her performance with the final goal of the game, leaving Sunbury 19 point winners, keeping Centrals scoreless after quarter time.
Along with Craige, the Lions were well served by impressive performances from Natalie East in the ruck, Hardy with her two goals, 17 year old Stacey Smith and ball magnet Sheleice Thomas-Cathay.
Morren was clearly Melton's best, repelling many Sunbury attacks and restricting the Lions to their lowest winning margin of the season. Kareena Jacobsen-Logan, Lucy Lenius and Alice Masters also shone in the loss.
Sunbury Lions WFC 1.2 1.7 2.9 3.9 (27)
Melton Centrals 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 (8)
Best on ground: Simone Craige (Sunbury)
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 31/08/2015 22:59