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Sport Nation
East Sunbury and Sunbury Toyota are Good For Footy
SEN • July 31st, 2025 4:30 pm
It is only a young club at 26 years, but East Sunbury has seen more than its fair share of trials and tribulations while still building a strong base for the future.
Born in 1999 from a need for junior sport in the expanding Goonawarra and Rolling Meadows, the Thunder started as an Auskick program at Tulsa Drive Reserve, growing into a junior and then a senior club in the Riddell and now Essendon leagues.
They have won 12 junior premierships and now field eight teams at all levels, highlighting their growth, community engagement and a focus on development and participation that allows kids to fall in love with the game.
The past few years have been the toughest at senior level for East Sunbury, whose black and green colours complement the Thunder nickname symbolising the strength, unity and energy on show through a winless run of more than 1300 days.
But there was always hope, and that hope became a reality when the Thunder lured AFL great Brendan Fevola to the club and promptly thrashed neighbours Sunbury Kangaroos in round one for their first win since the 2021 Covid shutdown.
“Signing ‘Fev’ was a bold move as we sought to inject new energy into the senior side, and it worked,” East Sunbury Sporting Group president Jordan Maiolo said.
“That win sent a wave of excitement through the club, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Sunbury Toyota under the Toyota Good for Footy program, which is contributing to a broader rebuild through equipment, facilities and youth development.
“East Sunbury is more than just a football club, it’s a family; it is a place where young players are mentored, volunteers are valued, and lifelong friendships are formed.
“The club’s inclusive culture, commitment to growth, and resilience during challenging times have forged a strong and passionate community.
“As a new dealership and a committed local business, Sunbury Toyota shares the Thunder’s vision of building a strong, inclusive, and successful community club.
“This collaboration isn’t just about football – it’s about backing local passion, empowering young people and creating a sustainable future for generations of Thunder players and supporters.”
