Leader News |
FOR weeks, Sunbury has warned its best was yet to come.
Coach Rick Horwood and his playing lieutenant Jay Cheep were just about shouting it from the Clarke Oval rooftop to any opposition side who'd dare listen we're getting the job done, but we will only get hotter.
And on Saturday, they did, beating Redan 15.9 (99) to 12.12 (84).
It was a come-from-behind triumph, achieved amid dwindling star power but, perhaps most importantly, it was another chapter in the monumental power shift in the Ballarat Football League.
After all, Sunbury has now pinched the notorious silverware hog's pocket at the pair's last four meetings, and in Ballarat, too.
"It was fantastic. It was really satisfying, actually," Horwood said.
"To have seven premiership players out, two first game players debuting, another playing his third and still beat Redan at City Oval was good."
He spoke of missing stars Allan O'Connor, Jack Sullivan, Ryan Monzell, Ross Sleight, Adam Short, Greg Hay and Luke Neville, but said there were plenty of gallant guns left.
"The pleasing thing was that (Jay) Cheep, (Jamie) Lobb, (Pat) Cariss, (Niall) McGovern, (Simon) Clarke and (Brett) Chambers all stood up," Horwood said.
But none more so than Andrew Duhau, who showed just what a star signing he will be.
"From the first bounce to the last bounce he was a four quarter contributor. He's really gelled and fitted in well and he's just a quality player,"
Sunbury blooded youngster Jack Landt and understudy Ryan Richie, while Jordan Baumgartner kept his senior spot and Reece Wood was retained for a third game.
Sunbury plays Melton South at Melton Recreation Reserve Saturday, 7.15pm.
