Aaron Tymms was more than pleased with the way Melton began his tenure as senior coach.
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Wins in the opening two rounds and then a 4-2 win-loss ratio had the Bloods well placed in their campaign to play finals.
Then things went a little off the rails. Consecutive losses to Bacchus Marsh, Lake Wendouree and Sebastopol suddenly had Melton going into the second half of the Ballarat Football League season in a precarious eighth position.
That was to be the turning point.
The Bloods have not lost since and are striving for a 10th win in a row in Saturday’s grand final against East Point at Mars Stadium.
Many factors have contributed to this meteoric rise – one that few predicted.
Playing finals was always a chance if Melton could finally deliver on the potential it had shown for several years, but a grand final berth was not really on the cards.
Getting VFL-listed quality talls Mark Orr and Liam Carter on a regular basis to assists the influential Ben Archard and versatile Brett McIntyre, and strengthening its midfield and small forward power with the addition of Darren Haby and Matt Denham have all made a decisive difference.
Jaycob Hickey has been as important as anyone though.
He has constantly slipped under the guard of rivals, with his straight-line pace and ability to break the lines instrumental in opening up games for the Bloods.
Denham ran riot early against East Point in the second semi-final. While he was quietened down a little, Hickey was the one who kept going.
East Point will need to pay him plenty of attention, but finding someone who can match his pace on the expansive Mars Stadium – a ground which can quickly be opened up – will not necessarily be straight forward.
Throw in another speedster in Billy Crofts and Jordyn Cotter, and their ability to move the ball quickly and in turn find Braedan Kight, Orr and Haby in attack will be the key if Melton is to capture a fourth BFL premiership.
On the defensive side, expect Liam and Ryan Carter, and McIntyre to lead the way.
Marking power is a strength up forward for East Point and it will be imperative for Melton that one of the Carters – most likely Ryan – and possibly McIntyre nullifying the the likes Joel Ottavi, Bryson McDougall and Brad Whittaker.
The biggest question mark over Melton is the fitness of ruckman Ben Archard (ankle/foot).
Melton has stated he will play, but if he does not, Orr and McIntyre are suddenly going to have much bigger on-ball roles to play in a potential game changer.
MELTON BLOODS IN PROFILE
Joined BFL 1997
Premierships: 2000, 2001, 2005
Henderson Medallist: 2000 Darren Stanley
Coach: Aaron Tymms non-playing (1st year)
Co-captains: Ben Archard and Braedan Kight
2018 RECORD
Third: 11 wins, 5 losses
Highest score 16.17 (113) v Redan, 16.17 (113) v Melton South
Lowest score: 4.7 (31) v Sunbury
Biggest win: 73 points v Redan
Scored 100-plus points: 3 times
Biggest loss: 108 points v Bacchus Marsh
100-plus points against: 1 time
Leading goalkicker: Braedan Kight 45
Henderson Medal votegetters: Matt Denham 17, Connor Griffiths 9, Ben Archard 8, Ryan Davis 7, Brett McIntyre 5, Darren Haby 4, Braeden Kight 3, Jaycob Hickey 3, Jordyn Cotter 3, Liam Carter 1, Mark Orr 1
Most games this year: Ben Archard, Billy Crofts, Braedan Kight 18
ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL
ELIMINATION FINAL
Melton 10.16 (76) d Lake Wendouree 8.6 (54)
SECOND SEMI-FINAL
Melton 12.11 (83) d East Point 9.10 (64)
GRAND FINAL LINE-UP
B: L. Heaney, R. Carter, R. Walker
HB: B. Crofts, B. McIntyre, L. Hickey
C: J. Hickey, M. Denham, B. Kennedy
HF: D. Haby, L. Carter, J. Cotter
F: B. Souter, M. Orr, B. Kight
R: B. Archard, C. Griffiths, R. Davis
Int: T. Button, L. Walker, D. Walker, N. Gale
Emg: B. Mawson, H. Wilde, L. Ericson, K. Wilson, J. May
