The Ballarat Football League season is on hold with the COVID-19 virus having brought sport to a standstill.
AFL Victoria has suspended all aspects of community football until at least May 31.
Hopes remain that an abbreviated football season might be able to be played.
If this comes to realisation, let's take a look at how teams will shape up.
The fitness level was excellent and everyone in good shape.
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Had the Ballarat Football League been starting this week as scheduled before the impact of COVID-19, Sunbury coach Travis Hodgson has no doubt the Lions would have hit the ground running after an opening round bye. "We were ready to go."
Every team other than a premier always starts a new season with something to prove.
In Sunbury's case, it is more than most after a stunning exit in the opening week of finals last season.
The Lions had Melton at their mercy in an elimination final. but folded dramatically in the last quarter and it was season over.
There is no doubt this was a driving force behind a busy pre-season.
Hodgson said he had been extremely pleased with the way the list had come together before a halt was put to group training.
"Our midfield was deep last year. One of the best in the competition. We've really strengthened it again. We've taken it to the next level," he said.
The return of Mathew Medcraft and arrival of VFL-experienced Daniel Toman have been key figures in this.
ON THE FIELD
As deep as the Lions' list runs, Hodgson said the one issue they had was a lack of key defenders.
Grant Valles and Daylan Kempster, who last season filled the two key defensive posts, have not been replaced.
Hodgson said what this would do across the board was create opportunities.
The experienced Ben Brennan might be a bonus. He was limited with what he could offer last season owing to comitments as Northern Blues general manager in the VFL, but that club has folded after losing the support of Carlton.
PLAYER MOVEMENTS
Grant Valles is as big as any player loss in the Ballarat Football League and despite its gains one that Sunbury could have done without.
While he had the ability to play anywhere, the classy Valles will be missed as a key defender in his move to the Victorian Amateur Football Association.
The Lions have recruited exceptionally well though, picking up the highly creditialled trio of Daniel Toman, Jake Sutton and Haydn Ross, as well as luring back favourite son and classy midfielder Mathew Medcraft.
