A disappointing season has ended on a positive note for the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Football League.
The Lions, who won’t play finals for the first time since they joined the BFL, finished the season with a strong win against finals bound Lake Wendouree.
With the Lakers unable to move from sixth spot, neither side had little to play for.
The Lions though were keen to finish the season on a high.
Scores were level at half time, before the Lions kicked away in the second half to win, 13.13 (91)-7.7 (49).
For Lions coach Ben Jordan the performance was a little late, but he was glad the side was able to fight the season out.
“The guys weren’t too bad out there,” he said.
“The guys put in a good effort. It was bitter sweet as we’ve blown a lot of opportunities to be playing in finals.
“We could beat the better sides on out day. We beat East Point, Darley and now Lake Wendouree.”
Jordan said they didn’t play outstanding football, but went back to the basics that had served them so well early in the season.
“We’ve been respectable playing at home, having won seven of eight games.
“The contested footy was back to where it was. We were good around the stoppages.
“We were able to put the score on the board. It was good to have that mental strength to play the season out.”
Jordan said Jayden Eales, playing in the ruck, was best on ground. Jack Hannett, Alik Magin and the Wood boys, Nathan and Reece were the other standouts.
Jordan said overall it had been a disappointing season. with the team finishing eighth, a game outside the top six.
“We didn’t deserve to make finals,” he said. “We blew too many chances and we couldn’t win on the road.
“Losses to Ballarat and Redan cost us. We weren’t consistent enough.
“We had bits and pieces of playing well, but we weren’t good enough consistently.”
Jordan, who is out of contract, said a decision on his coaching future would be made in the coming weeks.
He said he was open to coaching the side for a third year, but the club was yet to make a decision.
The Lions A-grade netball side lost their first match of the season, losing to Lake Wendouree 53-42.
The Lions had already secured the minor premiership and will play North Ballarat City in a qualifying final.
