By JULIA MONTESANO
NOBODY really knew much about the Sunbury Lions going into 2017, but we soon found out what they are made of and what they can bring to the table when under pressure.
The Lions were undefeated for a large part of the year and were on equal points with powerhouse, Keilor.
This was largely thanks to Sunbury’s experienced line-up, who played a defensive style of footy to consistently get the job done.
Leading the way was WRFL/ EDFL best-and-fairest runner-up, Simone Craige, who shone in all areas of the ground with her elite footy smarts.
She was among the best players in just about every game she played in, and she always knew how to step it up in pressure moments.
Craige is back again playing for the Lions in 2018, and Sunbury Lions coach, Kerry Saunders could not be happier that she is still at the club.
“She's one of those kids that won't leave her mates,” Saunders told essendondfl.com.au.
“I go to her ‘if you actually trained well and did it all, you would have a crack in VFL’, but she said ‘you know what, I just want to play here’.
“I'm happy to have her.”
The Lions have trained in scorching hot conditions this summer, which Saunders admits has been a challenging part of their pre-season.
But the Sunbury coach is still optimistic that her side can make the finals this year.
“I think we're going to aim really high,” she declared.
“The four is enough and then you'd worry about it after that.”
Saunders says that she has more players than last year at her disposal and is looking forward to a season of fun-filled footy.
“At the end of the day we're playing where we are and most of our girls just love playing footy and they enjoy it for different reasons,” she said.
“They're not playing AFL, so they can have a bit of fun, get fitter with their mates and prefer to win along the way but you know, whatever happens, happens.”
Travelling to Sunbury is now a very tough trip for clubs, thanks to the Lions’ imposing style of football.
They are an intimidating side who only have more to prove in a competition with many new teams.
If you would like to play footy at Sunbury Lions, please contact Women’s Co-Ordinator, Krystie Dudley on 0408 557 159.
