The Melton South revival took a major stride forward with a hard-fought 14-point win over Melton in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday.
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Despite boasting all-star recruits, last year’s wooden spooner was forced to dig deep before finally throwing off the Bloods late in the fourth quarter.
It took some stern words from joint coaches Brendan Fevola and Sean Triplett at half-time to shake up the Panthers, with Melton leading by 15 points and in control.
If Melton South thought the premiership points were going to come easily against Melton, Fevola and Triplett quickly reinforced the need for a rethink.
And the Panthers responded – with the likes of ex-Essendon player Nick Komma helping to shut down Melton’s menacing open running game as rain set in.
Melton assistant coach Michael Licciardo said Melton South’s physically bigger presence had taken a toll and it had also adjusted to the conditions better.
“We weren’t able to keep up the run which allowed us to control the game early.”
He said there was no question that this was one which got away.
Licciardo said given the expectations on Melton South, the Bloods had certainly earned respect with the performance.
Triplett said despite getting the win, Melton South had not played well.
“We’re going to have to improve markedly.”
We’re going to have to improve markedly.
- Panthers' Sean Triplett
He was particularly critical of the Panthers’ first half.
“It was terrible. We didn’t run. We didn’t do what we’ll need to do again the top teams.”
Triplett said Melton South decided to run after half-time and get its hands dirty.
He believed the 29 scoring shots to 15 had emphasised the Panthers’ dominance.
While Fevola was unquestionably the most influential on the ground, full back and recruit Adam El Houli had a big game as a sweeper.
A lively Mark Lynch began in masterful fashion, with the small onballer showing outstanding ball-handling skills. He did fade a little before finishing strongly.
Dan Hillier, and Michael and Joey Callus were Melton South “old boys’ to shine.
Jack Walker indicated he could be in for a big season with strong rebounding off half back, and part of a well-drilled defence, which also featured a busy Damon Falzon.
Ben Archard was a lively target in attack, where he mixed kicking three goals with time in the ruck to support the tireless Mark Maric.
Maric had a great battle with Ben Sordino, with honours evenly divided.
