Sunshine’s new look forward line continues to fire

Sunshine’s new recruits have made an immediate impact in the opening month of the season with coach Ben Chapman excited about their potential growth.

Nathan Carroll has made a strong start at Sunshine.

Sunshine knew it needed to shape up its forward line different in 2024.

Now coach Ben Chapman is already seeing the benefits of an impressive off-season recruiting drive.

Nathan Carroll has booted 32 goals in his first four games after crossing from Roxburgh Park in the Essendon District Football League.

Meanwhile, Daniel Castellano has 17 majors after returning to the Western Football Netball League club after a stint in country footy.

“I feel our forwards are only going to get better,” Chapman said.

“There has been a bit of change compared to last year and the more we understand each other, the better it’s going to make us in the long run.

“Carroll has fit in really well, he’s filled a gap in our side which we identified at the end of last year. Castellano has been really potent in the last three games especially.”

The Roos continued winning ways on Anzac Day with a thumping win over North Footscray.

In a further boost, Mathew Medcraft played his first game of the season and got through unscathed.

And Chapman pointed to the increased depth as one of the positives across the opening month.

“You need the healthy competition,” he said.

“It’s consistently putting pressure on spots meaning guys are continuing to play high level footy in both grades.”

Meanwhile, Roos young gun Xavier Kardachi has trialled for the Vic Metro under-18 side in recent weeks with Chapman crediting his pre-season.

“He really applied himself in pre-season, he made it a big focus to get himself super fit,” he said.

“He came back a completely different person, always doing extra sessions.”

Sunshine will now take on Tarneit away from home on Saturday.