Sunbury Lions aren’t planning on just making up the numbers in the Ballarat Football League finals.
The Lions finished the season fifth, but there was gap between them and the top four teams, including this week’s opponent Redan.
Lions’ coach Ben Jordan said they would take confidence into finals knowing that had accounted for Redan the first time the two teams played.
“We played Redan and it was early and we were building into our season,” he said.
“The other team we could have played was Darley and we lost to them by a point at home. Our best football can stand up.
“We’re not just rolling in to make up the numbers. We’re looking at bringing hard Sunbury contested football.”
The Lions biggest concerns heading into the match will be the makeup of their side with a number of injuries.
Jordan said there would be a few players trying to prove their fitness ahead of the big game.
“Dwain Sanderson broke his jaw in his first game back and is out for the season,” Jordan said.
“Adam Short didn’t get through his return game in the reserves and that’s a real issue.
“Tristian Lenaz who has filled a number of roles for us is unavailable.
“Andrew Dahau is a chance to get back, but Ben Said is unlikely. I would say James Rizk is more likely than not of playing as well.”
The Lions enter the finals on the back of a 17.13 (115)-3.8 (26) win against bottom side Sebastopol on Saturday.
Jordan said it wasn’t a fantastic game of football on display. He said knowing they would finish fifth no matter the result, meant they were able to concentrate on doing things how they would like to in finals.
“It was a solid effort by the boys,” he said.
“We were convincing in the first quarter and the result was out of reach early on.
“The boys stuck to the structures for most of the game, but the last quarter was sloppy average football.
“We have plenty of work to do before next week.
Alec Goodson and David Kovacevic kicked three goals each for the Lions.
Under-18.5 player Michael Edwards was named the Lions best.
Grant Valles got through the game, his first game back in seniors since the start of June.
The Lions reserves side finished the regular season sitting third, while under-18.5s missed finals finishing ninth.
The Lions thirds side claimed the inaugural AFL Goldfields 18s competition last weekend.
Meanwhile In the A-grade netball, the Lions warmed up for finals with a 62-41 win against Sebastopol .
They are one of three Lions teams to finish on top of the ladder. The D-grade team finished the regular season in second, while the under-19s missed out on finals.
