Finally, Melton has broken its 13-year drought and claimed the Ballarat Football Netball League A-grade premiership.
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It was a dominant performance by the Bloods, who proved far too good for Sunbury in the 48-33 win.
Right from the outset, it was obvious that Melton had come to play.
The Bloods hit the ground running and never looked back, executing their precision game-style to perfection.
Sunbury appeared frustrated by its sluggish start to the game, often giving away fouls in crucial areas of the court.
Indeed, it was brutal game from start to finish, with more than a few girls wearing scratches and bruises by the time it was all over.
Melton’s superb third quarter was instrumental in the victory, as the Bloods scored 15 majors to Sunbury’s six.
Trailing by 14 goals at the last change, the Lions needed a miracle to get back into the contest, but it never eventuated.
In the end, Melton ran away with it.
Bloods’ defender Brooke Thompson was awarded best on court for her sterling job down back.
Upon receiving the award, Thompson announced that it would be her final game, meaning she not only began her career at Melton but finished it there as well.
Playing coach Melissa McCauley revealed she had faith in her girls to get the job done.
“I always believed we could do it,” McCauley said.
“We got on top of Sunbury really early, and that allowed us to play our game plan and just chip away.
“The girls dug deep. They worked really hard out there and were rewarded.”
The goal shooter, who played a key role in the victory, lavished praise on her defensive group.
“We kept (Sunbury goal shooter) Sophie Gunn out of the game all day,” she said.
“Rather than use their other goalers, they just kept feeding it into her. We wanted them to do that and we were able to keep turning the ball over.
“It’s a credit to the girls that played down there.”
As for next year, can the Bloods go back-to-back?
“I’m hoping so,” McCauley said with a laugh.
After an excellent year by Sunbury, it was a disappointing note to finish on.
The Lions tried hard, but struggled to find their feet and assert themselves in the contest.
Sunbury coach Kim Bailey said her girls made costly errors against a quality side.
“I thought we were extremely undisciplined today – probably the most undisciplined I’ve seen us play,” she said.
“In that respect I’m really disappointed, but Melton were great. Everything we weren’t, they were.
“To get beaten by a great team like that, you have to accept it.”
Though Sunbury has missed its opportunity for consecutive premierships, Bailey believes that – with some adjustments – it could still be around the mark next season.
Captain Rebecca Moffat and wing attack Hailey Mackie battled admirably for the Lions, while centre Madeline Carter played a crucial role in Melton’s big win.