Matt White extends at Sunbury as Lions win first-up

An ex-AFL player has been rewarded with a coaching extension before his side had even played a game. And the club is already seeing the rewards.

Former Port Adelaide player and Sunbury junior Matt White has extended his deal at the club after just one game. Picture Sarah Reed

Sunbury has wasted no time locking in their former junior and ex-AFL player Matt White to a long-term deal as coach.

The club has added another two years to the former Richmond and Port Adelaide player’s deal, taking him through to 2026, after only signing him to a one-year deal originally.

The decision was made before Sunbury had even played a game under White.

White was appointed as coach, taking over from Travis Hodgson, after Sunbury missed finals last year following a loss in the final round.

Now, Sunbury president Jack Medcraft believes White is the person to lead the team to their first Ballarat league premiership since 2012.

“We’re very happy with the way things have gone in the pre-season,” he said.

“We’re going to be one of the fittest and fastest sides in the league.”

Medcraft said White’s approach to the job had made sure the club was on the right path.

“He’s provided a professional approach, a set game plan and has league experience,” he said.

“He’s basically changed the whole place to a professional outfit. We’ve stepped up another level.

“When you get a coach with league experience, like Matt’s got, you are being taught by someone who has been taught by the best in the country.

“It’s basically reflected in the attitude in the players, they love him.”

Cody Bramble was one of the best players for Sunbury against Redan. Picture: Hamish Blair

Sunbury’s response last weekend was to beat Redan in round one, who finished ahead of them in fifth spot last year.

Despite losing former junior and ex-AFL player Cody Brand, who is playing for Keilor in the Essendon District league, in the off-season the side showed it was capable of being a genuine finals threat with the win.

Sunbury led for all four quarters, making a decisive move in the third quarter kicking four goals to two, to lead by 25 points at the final break.

The margin was at 25 when the final siren went.

The leading goalkicker from 2023, Jake Sutton, kicked five for the Lions with Ben Eales among the best for Sunbury in his first game for the club.

The win was Sunbury’s first at City Oval since 2017 and sets them up for remaining games this month.

The team takes on Melton South this week before a clash against Bacchus Marsh on April 27.

In other Ballarat league games, Melton smashed Melton South, in Travis Hodgson’s first game as coach of the Panthers, by 188 points.

Last year’s bottom placed side was competitive for the first quarter before the Bloods took control of the contest.

Darley also had a big win, beating East Point by 96 points at home.

Finally, Ballarat defeated Bacchus Marsh by 16 points with Sebastopol beating Lake Wendouree by 80 points.