Haydn Ross is making the move to the Lions from Riddell, which he captained and switches clubs at the top of his game with 150-plus senior appearances behind him.

He also took out Riddell's best and fairest this year and was the RDFL's top goalkicker in 2018 with 74 majors.

Sunbury coach Travis Hodgson said Ross would add further depth and importantly versatility, having the ability to play forward, midfield or back.

He said Ross had been a leading light in the RDFL for quite a while.

"He'll bring leadership and he wants to try himself at the higher level," Hodgson said.

Sunbury has also convinced Coburg VFL player Tyson Lever to align with the Lions.

Dylan Landt (Essendon) was Sunbury's only VFL-listed player this year after Mitch Conn (Coburg) and Lachie Bramble (Williamstown) stepped away from VFL commitments.

Lever, who finished third in Coburg's best and fairest, is a brother of Melbourne defender Jake Lever.

Lever played juniors with Romsey and with Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup, before moving to Adelaide in the SANFL.

He was aligned with Glenroy in the Essendon District league this year.

Hodgson is not expecting to see much of Lever in the Ballarat Football League.

"Hopefully he can play a few games for us."

Sunbury, which also already lured back classy midflelder Mathew Medcraft, lost to Melton in an elimination final this year.