THE Sunbury Kangaroos have not lost a single game coming into the Strathmore Community Bank Division 2 Grand Final.
When you look at the abundance of talent they have running around the park, it’s not too hard to see why they’ve been so good for so long.
EDFL Media analyst, Kaine Hocking, has revealed his five most important Sunbury players for the decider.
#7 - LACHLAN BADDELEY
One of Sunbury’s big off-season recruits has proved to be a key part of the Kangaroos’ forward structure.
After playing just five games and booting 10 goals last year at St Albans, Season 2019 has been a good return at ‘The Pouch’ for Baddeley, slotting 57 goals from his 15 games in blue and white thus far.
Baddeley looms as a dangerous threat in several roles inside 50.
Whether he plays as a high half forward or one out from the goal square, he’s a difficult man to mark, as he can play both small and tall.
The Roos’ forward six pack a fair bit of punch and keeping Baddeley quiet is only a small step towards knocking them off.
#27 - BRENTON SUTHERLAND
Sutherland is looking to become a two-time senior premiership player with the Kangaroos and his role is one of the most important.
Sutherland’s dominance in the ruck throughout the year, giving first use to the dangerous Sunbury midfield, has given opposition coaches nightmares.
The big fella can also get around the ground, testing his opponent’s endurance and chopping off the opposition’s defensive rebounds with his strong marking ability.
It will be a big day for Fog ruckman Luke Egan to see if he can limit big ‘Bogut’s’ influence on the big stage.
#2 - TIERONE CUFFE
One of the favourites for the Division 2 Best & Fairest Medal loves winning the hard ball in tight and contested, and that’s what finals football is about.
Cuffe’s ability to win the inside ball and use it well is one of his strengths and a huge weapon for the Roos.
It’s no secret why he is one of the top midfielders in this division, being named in the bests for his side 12 times from 16 games.
Cuffe is also looking to become a two-time senior premiership player at Sunbury.
He may be short in stature, but this hard-nosed midfielder will provide a tall task for the Fog to stop and Shanon Carroll will be looking for someone to shut him down.
#1 - DANIEL GREGORY
The skipper of the Sunbury Kangaroos is also one of the premier full backs in the division.
He missed most of missing most of the season in 2018 with a knee injury but has been able to come back and play a key role as part of the Kangaroos’ defensive setup.
He will have his hands full here, whether he lines up on Jordan Faba (45 goals), Rocky Ferraro (39) or Braden Padmore (29).
Moonee Valley poses a dangerous forward 50, so Gregory will be looking to win his one-on-one as he looks to lead his side to premiership glory.
#23 - MATT QUIGLEY
Matt Quigley was another recruit from St Albans in the off-season, playing 16 games at the WRFL Division 1 club in 2018 before coming across to ‘The Pouch’ this year.
This big-bodied midfielder is a class act with silky skills, and he forms a great partnership with his fellow mids Cuffe, John Corso, Mitch Streiff and of course, Sutherland.
Some would say you can’t sign one without the other and when it comes to Quigley and his good mate Baddeley, this particular signing has paid off with the big fella being named in the best players eight times from 16 games this season.
He’s a strong candidate for Team of the Year selection and will again be a handful for Carroll and his men at Windy Hill, not only roaming through the midfield but with his ability to push forward and provide yet another dangerous target inside 50.
Kaine Hocking will be part of the EDFL Match of the Day live coverage of the Strathmore Community Bank Division 2 Grand Final on 98.9 North West FM & facebook.com/essendondfl.
