UPDATE: The Sunbury Lions have triumphed in a nail-biting overtime thriller, securing their first Ballarat Football League grand final berth since 2016. In a match for the ages against Melton on Saturday, the teams were locked at 94-94 at full-time, leading to a dramatic extra period.
The Lions charged into overtime with momentum, scoring early and maintaining their lead to finish the match 17.12 (114) to 15.10 (100). Lions coach Matt White expressed his exhilaration, stating, “It was unbelievable. I told the guys to embrace this as it will never happen again in their football careers.”
With both teams battling fiercely throughout the match, the Lions took a 7-point lead at three-quarter time. Despite Melton’s attempts to seize control in the third quarter, they could only manage points, failing to convert crucial opportunities. White noted, “We were able to stir the ship and Fraser Ampulski kicked a point with a couple of seconds left.”
The Lions capitalized on their late-game momentum, kicking the first three goals of overtime, which sealed their victory. Star player Jake Sutton led the charge with four goals, while teammates Jake Egan and Daniel Johnston each contributed three goals.
As preparations ramp up for the grand final at Clarke Oval this week, White reflected on the significance of the win: “This is something we have been wanting to build across the club. It’s absolutely amazing.” This grand final will be a first for most of the Lions squad, with only Nathan Wood remaining from the 2016 team.
Looking ahead, the Lions are focused on facing Darley, with lessons learned from previous encounters. “We’re hoping it will be fourth time lucky,” White added. The excitement extends beyond the senior football team, as the Lions are also preparing for seven grand finals across various divisions, marking a historic achievement for the club.
As the Lions gear up for their grand final appearance, fans are encouraged to rally behind the team in what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
