With the 2025 season on the horizon, Scoop has caught up with all our senior footy coaches as we build towards an epic Round 1!
Following a solid inaugural campaign under new coach Matt White, the Lions will look to build on a promising 2024 return.
SCOOP: In fairness your expectations last year were always tempered with an eye toward having a greater impact in your second season - why so?
MATT WHITE: Well firstly, 'expectation' is not one of my favourite words, I avoid that one. But yes, we're still learning, understanding defensive and offensive methods. We've identified flaws and are addressing those. Also, familiarity with our group and personnel of other teams, I feel we're all a little more informed.
S: You won your first six games last year before losing six of your last ten - what were your overall impressions of the BFNL?
MW: Exactly what I thought. Well coached, great players etc. It's why I wanted the job at Sunbury, the competition is in a very exciting space. I can't wait to get 'stuck in'.
S: The importance of your defensive group goes under the radar for mine and that was validated when injuries hit the likes of Newitt, Hannett and co. How are they travelling and can we expect some fresh faces down there to improve depth?
MW: We're very healthy down there - Hannett, Lever, Newitt, Tentonello and Wood all had their niggles of varying degrees last year. All are up and about and ready to go.
S: You lose Mitch Lewis, a 'between the arcs' accumulator but gain key forward and Coburg VFL listed Damien Johnston - tell us about him and his intended role....
MW: Strong aerial target (forward) that will test a few sides (defence). We think our forward line will be considerably more dynamic than last year.
S: Was Johnston targeted because of the reliance on Jake Sutton and Mitch Mclean to hit the scoreboard?
MW: Absolutely. Losing (Patrick) Scanlon hurt us. We quickly identified we needed a 'big hooer' 6'4'', 6'5" type moving forward - Damien is a very good mark and strong in the contest.
*Scanlon remains 100% on the radar for a return after rupturing his ACL in Round 5 v North Ballarat.
S: Given each team plays each other twice in 2025 - will it make it harder for teams to win the premiership despite one less team?
MW: I think so. I'm tipping a very even year - teams have again added quality. This season (draw) will give you a real good gage as to where teams are at. Exciting times ahead.
S: Are we likely to see more of Ben Cameron this year and are you convinced a midfield role is his best position as opposed to half back for example?
MW: Ben is a genuine midfielder. He has been training with Coburg VFL over the Summer as a potential option off half back at that level. We're happy his game is diversifying because it allows us to play him in a number of positions if/when required.
S: Sunbury at Sunbury has always been a tough assignment - in your short time at the club, why do you think that is the case? Surely, it's not as simple as the size of the ground?
MW: I agree it's not the size of the ground. I think we just like playing at home - hostile environment etc.
S: Mitch Mclean had a breakout season last year - if you had to tip the next man up to have greater impact in 2025, who are you leaning to?
MW: Jake Egan (midfield) - injury interrupted season denied him any real continuity. Jake has had a ripper pre-season and primed to take his game to the next level.
PLAYER INS:
D. Johnston (Mooroopna GVFL)
PLAYER OUTS:
M. Lewis (Mansfield), T. Werner (Gisborne), L. Urbon (Bundoora), B. Walker (Wallan), J. Bygate (Airport West), A. Goodsen (Melton South), C. Lever (Riddells Creek), J. Lee (Gisborne Giants)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
J. Sutton (Essendon train on), B. Cameron (Coburg), H. Minton-Connell (Williamstown), D. Johnston (Coburg)
PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE:
March 1 - vs Hoppers Crossing (A)
March 15 - vs Pascoe Vale (A)
March 29 - vs Gisborne (A)
IMPROVERS TIP: (OUTSIDE OF SUNBURY)
MW: Bacchus Marsh and Lake Wendouree
FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF SUNBURY)
MW: East Point
