Melton South is preparing to take a bid to secure Ballarat Football League representative Matt Notman from Melton to appeal.
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The Panthers and Bloods are locked in a dispute over the services of Notman, who is originally from Melton South.
Melton South signed Notman shortly after the end of last season – appointing him an assistant coach as part of a vigorous recruiting campaign, which featured landing former Carlton and Brisbane Lions spearhead Brendan Fevola as joint coach.
Notman is contracted to Melton for this year, with the Bloods firm in its resolve that he is a required player.
Melton coach Brad Murphy said Notman had been signed for 2017 during last season as part of an extensive program to ensure a high player retention rate for this year.
He said football manager Brad Jamison had been successful in resigning more than 40 players.
Murphy said as far as Melton was concerned there had never been any other scenario other than Notman playing on the with the Bloods.
“He’s contracted, that’s it.”
This is not the first time Notman has been caught up in a dispute between the close neighbours and arch-rivals.
Notman moved from Melton South, where he played all his junior football before progressing to star status in the seniors, to Melton in 2013 in what at the time was described by some at the time as a “defection”, immediately after taking out the Panthers’ best and fairest.
Melton has rejected three clearance applications by Notman to join Melton South.
Panthers joint coach Sean Triplett said they were determined to do whatever it took to win the services of Notman.
Triplett said Notman was a product of Melton South which had given Melton four good years of service and now wanted to return to his home club.
“He’s been training with us right through (the off-season).”
He said Melton South had released Notman from a contract to join the Bloods and now it was time to return the favour.
Triplett said as well as his playing commitments, Notman was using the move to develop as a coach.
He said Notman had been given the role of looking after the midfield and would also have responsibilities at junior level with the club.
Triplett said if Notman was not cleared, he would not be playing football.
Speaking at the time his move back to Melton South was announced, Notman said he had always intended to go back to where he started.
“It’s a tough decision. I’ve got a lot of good mates at Melton.”
Notman said the opportunity to get involved in coaching in what was shaping as an exciting time for the Panthers had been a key factor in making the move now.
Melton South and Melton will launch the BFL season in a stand alone season opener at the home of the Panthers, Melton Recreation Reserve, on Saturday, April 8.