Sunbury squash struggling Swans

IT was a comprehensive forty-four-point victory by the Lion’s this past Saturday at Clarke Oval to hand the winless Swans their seventh defeat of the season, 16.8 (104) to 9.6 (60) in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League.

Following big victories over the weekend to both Melton and Sebastopol, the win the Lions still remain outside the top six despite their victory, and that sets up a blockbuster clash with the Kookaburras in round 10.

Lively half-forward, Jack Landt, booted six goals in a best on ground performance while the likes of Mitch Conn, Alix Magin and Lachlan Bramble continued their stellar seasons with solid outputs respectively.

For Ballarat, the loss comes as no real shock with the trip up the highway, particularly Sunbury, considered one of the hardest in the comp and no doubt their endeavour around the contest helped bring an element of respectability to the scoreboard.

Ex-Western Bulldog and boom recruit Andrew Hooper booted another four classy goals to take his season tally to 25 and make him the new leader in the race for this year’s Tony Lockett Medal.

The loss did come with one major injury concern with key player, Mitch Martin injuring his knee early in the third term, and with no reports around the extent of the damage, early signs suggest it could be season ending.

This past Saturday also saw the return of Bacchus Marsh premiership player Jarrah Maksymow with the controversial star making his debut in reserve competition for Sunbury and booting four majors.

Senior Coach Travis Hodgson said, “Jarrah and I have a pretty good connection… footy is good for him, so obviously he has had his troubles, but footy keeps him focused and it’s just great that he is back doing something that has a positive impact on himself, but also the club and everyone in the footy community, because he is a great talent.”

Hodgson went on to say that Maksymow is a ’50-50’ chance to play senior footy this week against Sebastopol, but definitely will play in a couple of weeks’ time against East Point.

Also, Hodgson announced that one of the clubs shining lights from last season, Aaron Christenson, will be making a shock return to the club as well from Sydney in the NEAFL, with papers expected to be lodged and finalised before the clearance deadline of June 30.