Sport

Suns aiming to continue rise by enacting Eastern Lions revenge

By Thomas Beattie

Jun 11, 2026

GV Suns head coach Craig Carley has issued a rallying cry ahead of Eastern Lions clash. Photo by Megan Fisher

GV Suns head coach Craig Carley has issued a rallying cry to his troops as they look to get back to winning ways at the first time of asking versus the Eastern Lions.

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The Shepparton side had to settle for a point on the road last time out against Altona City, after the hosts grabbed a 93rd minute equalizer to earn a 1-1 draw down in Melbourne.

The boys in navy blue return to John McEwan Reserve on June 13 in the midst of a title chase, coming into round 17 of the VPL 2 just four points adrift of division frontrunners Malvern City.

With the current ladder leaders having lost twice in successive weeks, the Suns have ample reasons for optimism that they can catch the pacesetters and clinch the premiership crown in the process.

However, as the business end to the campaign approaches, Carley’s charges will be all to aware of the threat posed by the visitors this weekend - having fallen to defeat versus the Lions in the reverse fixture in March.

Since then, the Suns have embarked on a club-record unbeaten run of 11 games during a purple patch that stretches back nearly three months.

Indeed, the Shepp outfit did exact some revenge over the Lions in the Australia Cup at the start of may but putting things right in the league will be on the minds of all involved in the home dressing room in round 17.

“They’ve just just gone through a managerial change as well, so they’ve been through a bit of a change in form when in their last couple ones and will be up for it, Suns head coach Carley said.

“It's gonna be tough and we always make a point of not losing a home and away to anyone during a season to any club.

“Obviously, the Eastern Lions turned us they were probably one of the best teams that we have played this year - I thought they were excellent at their place.

“We got one back at them in the cup, but the league is obviously our priority and that's that's where we need to be picking up points.

“I think if we can get the three points this weekend then last weekend's draw against Altona doesn't look so bad then.

“We have to turn up and be and be prepared, so if the boys can do that then we know when on our day we can beat absolutely everyone.“

The GV Suns face off against the Eastern Lions at John McEwan Reserve, Shepparton from 5pm on June 13.