Sunbury believes an injection of height can help it return to Ballarat Football League finals
Having solved Sunbury’s height issues, coach Travis Hodgson is eyeing a quick return to Ballarat Football League finals in 2019 after missing the post-season for the first time since 1997.
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Having solved Sunbury’s height issues, coach Travis Hodgson is eyeing a quick return to finals in 2019.
The Lions hadn’t missed finals in 22 years after entering the Ballarat Football League in 1997 before finishing eighth last year.
Hodgson is in his first season as Sunbury coach after returning to his junior club from BFL rivals Bacchus Marsh.
COACH: HODGSON RETURNS TO LIONS DEN
RECRUIT: KEMPSTER A KEY ADDITION FOR LIONS
Daylan Kempster has come on board after splitting his time between Williamstown in the VFL and Essendon District club Maribyrnong Park.
Brothers Leigh and Ben Brennan will also add to Sunbury’s key positions stocks in defence and attack after crossing from St Albans.
Hodgson said the club was now looking forward to learning how to play together with three practice matches before Round 1 on April 13.
“Sunbury had an issue with height last year, particularly up forward,” he said.
“We’d never missed the finals before 2018, so it was a very lean season by Sunbury standards.
“Obviously, our goal is to bounce back into finals this year. There’s a very rich history at the club.
“It’s a very even competition, both grand finalists missed the finals in 2017.”
Kempster played three games for the Seagulls in 2018 while Mitch Conn has committed to the club full-time after nine games with Coburg in the VFL.
The Lions will kick off their pre-season against EDFL club Doutta Stars before matches against Geelong Football League’s St Joseph’s and Gisborne.
Hodgson will take control of his first match away to Darley on April 13 and faces his former club in Round 5 when the Lions travel to Maddingley Park on May 25.
“It’s nice to be back, close to home, at my junior club,” he said.
“We’ve had good numbers on the track over summer and I think when there’s a new coach there’s new enthusiasm.”
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