Melton FNC

Scoop' Reviews Round 9

Two of the four winners from Saturday's Senior Men's matches were able to overcome half-time deficits, while the other two fell agonisingly short. The expectation of a tight billing across the board did not disappoint with three of the four games decided by a goal or less. The even nature of the competition continues behind the competition's one exception, Melton.

Redan held off a barnstorming finish from North Ballarat to win by three points at City Oval. The result makes it a hat trick of wins for the Lions who are now just percentage outside of the top six.

The Lions won the opening three-quarters of the game to set up a 26-point lead at the final change before Brendan McCartney's men went to work, booting five goals to one in the last only to fall three points shy. While honours remain deservedly with the winners, North Ballarat's belated efforts were to be commended after losing Jarrod Curran (collarbone) and John O'Brien (heavy knock) for the second half.

Lions goal shark Isaac Grant finished with five goals to feature prominently while underrated wingman Pat Fitzgibbon provided some much-needed drive in a position where you can easily be exposed by North Ballarat. Lachie George was among the better players for the winners, buoyed by the return of Cooper Craig Peters from VFL duties.

For North Ballarat, the usual suspects nearly willed them over the line with significant contributions from Jack Riding (4 goals), Riley Polkinghorne, Cam McCallum, Simon McCartin, Brock Leonard and Ryan Hobbs.

Redan most certainly needed the points with Melton, East Point and Sebastopol to come over the next three weeks. North Ballarat will aim to bounce back over the coming fortnight against Melton South and Darley.

What the coaches said...

Jarrett Giampaolo (Redan): "Stressful win! We dominated play in the first half but were very wasteful and should have been up by a lot more and potentially had the game won. But North Ballarat were persistent and took the game on in the last quarter.  A few of their good players got off the leash but our boys were able to grind out the last five minutes and hang on."   

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat): "We were outworked in the first half. Redan were very good in the contest which consistently gave them first use of the ball. We responded well in the second half, down two important players. Our endeavour, competitiveness and desire were fantastic. Great game of footy, the better team won on the day."

Heath Pritchard's Melton South ended a 14-game losing streak in Ballarat dating back nearly five years when they hung on to defeat Lake Wendouree by six points. The Panthers, although ninth on the McDonald's Ballarat Senior Men's table are just one game and percentage outside the top six in what is shaping up to be an incredibly even competition.

When a 16-point half-time lead to the visitors became 24 points at the final change it was looking more like 'how far' for the Panthers, but Jack Fitzpatrick's Lakers dug in for the fight, drawing level in the latter stages before a Daniel Vasjuta late goal sealed the game.

What was more encouraging for the Panthers in their third away win of the season was the make-up of the best players, with a few of the lesser-knowns standing up when it counted most. Sam Hurst, Daniel Vasjuta (3 goals), Jarrod Bibby and John Kovarik were influential in the win, while Will Thornton-Gielen's three-goal return also helped the cause.

The Panthers had seven goalkickers on the day, the Lakers just five as young Laker Rory O'Keefe (3 goals) led Geelong VFL-listed Scott Carlin and Nathan Pring who finished with two. Harrison Robertson and Brayden Helyar were considered the best players out of the losing camp along with O'Keefe. 

The Panthers will hope to improve on their 0-5 record at home this week when they face North Ballarat, who have lost three of their last four games.

The Lakers will prepare for a trip down the highway for a meeting with Darley who have lost their last two against finals contenders Ballarat and East Point.

What the coaches said...

Jack Fitzpatrick (Lake Wendouree): "Football is a hard game at the best of times, made harder when you give the opposition a head start. Credit to Melton South, they came to play and we took a quarter to get going, which was the difference in the end."

Heath Pritchard (Melton South): "Pleasing result at the end of the day following a number of changes. We were dominant in the first quarter and hit the scoreboard. A stalemate prevailed through the middle stages before the Lakers, to their credit, took the game on and started to score. Pleasing from our boys when Lakers drew level we found a way to get the ball forward and score late."

Ballarat arrested a 16-point half-time deficit to steal a one-point win at Alfredton Oval and move into outright second on the ladder ahead of their bye in Round 10.

Dangerous Swans forward Andrew Hooper (5 goals) capitalised on his side's momentum swing as their midfield and half-back lines hit their straps in the second half, creating enough opportunities to finish ahead of the ledger on the final siren. Rebound defender Nick Weightman continued his impressive season to be named best along with Hooper and youngsters Rhys Perry and Will Liston.

For the 'Burra Jed Hill finished with four goals and fearless leader Tony Lockyer three. Hill took the honours in a losing side, while Liam Stow and Dean Robertson battled manfully in the absence of first-choice ruckman Jack Richards. Bailey Veale and James Keeble continued their rich vein of form but it wasn't enough to deny the Swans in a nailbiter.

The Swans will savour the bye with a smile while it's back to the drawing board for the 'Burra as their four-game winning streak came to a dramatic end. Sebastopol is at home to Bacchus Marsh this Saturday.  

What the coaches said...

Joe Carmody (Ballarat): "Sebastopol's pressure was excellent throughout the game, restricting our ball movement. We were able to get on top at stoppages and rebound off half-back a bit better in the second half creating scoring opportunities for Andrew Hooper and Josh Gibson."

Michael Searl (Sebastopol): "Disappointing result when you've led for 95% of the day. We started really well but weren't as efficient as we would have liked. The inside 50 count was 18-4 at quarter time. Some crucial turnovers by foot in the last (quarter) also hurt us. We regroup and we go again, no point dwelling on it."

Kangas star forward Jordan Johnston proved the difference - booting nine goals to be clearly best on ground in their come-from-behind win over the Devils at Eastern Oval.

The visitors led by as much as 17 points midway thru the third term before the reigning Premiers booted 10 of the last 12 goals of the game to win going away.

'JJ' kept the Kangas in it with six of their first seven goals. Even the Darley faithful were left contemplating, what can you do? Jordy has 35 goals from his last seven games, firming well and truly into Henderson Medal calculations.

Kangas midfielders Mickijta Rotumah-Onus and Matty Johnston won the midfield battle on the back of some tireless work from Joel Van Meel in the ruck, giving 'JJ' and youngster Jack Jeffrey (3 goals) the supply needed to post a winning score.

Devils forward Nick Rodda (5 goals) looked threatening all afternoon while  Mace Cousins' rebound out of defence was pivotal in setting the league improvers up with an early advantage.

What the coaches said...

Jake Bridges (East Point): "Plenty of evidence of living our trademarks today! Great team effort and response from the group."

Dan Jordan (Darley): "Spirited effort against a quality side. Great learnings on playing four-quarter football for our young side. We were in it for a long way, full credit to East Point."       

Melton takes on Melton South on Saturday at 2.15pm at Melton Recreation Reserve

CLUB: MELTON

COACH: Aaron Tymms

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Before we get stuck into the Bloods’ chances, can you give us an update on Dyson Stevens and how the fundraising event went at the Deer Park Bowls Club in late February?

(Aaron): Great day, feedback was all positive - everyone had a real fun day. Dyson was there and said a few words, which was terrific. It was actually the first time a lot of the players had seen him; it's been too difficult due to COVID. Dyson's spirits are up now he's finally home with family and among friends.

(Scoop): The club has lost a blend of quality and experience over the Summer - did you look to recruit like-for-like replacements and miss or does the club believe there's enough depth to push for another Top 3 finish?

(Aaron): We think 'Orry' covers Archard. We get Ryan Davis, who didn't play last year, and Lachie Watkins (kidney) who barely played, Jacob Hickey and Luke Heeney (played 1 or 2 games max), Anthony Hibberd is training the house down (didn't play 2021) and Daniel Walker. While they're listed Melton players, we think they're as good as new recruits for us. 

(Scoop): We're familiar with Mark Orr ahead of his return to the club - what you can tell us about newcomer Brenton Payne?

(Aaron): Big unit, full forward – 6-foot-4 and mobile.

(Scoop): If Payne looms the likely target forward, can we expect Ryan Carter to go back into defence? I know you rate him highly as a key back, despite playing him forward last year.

(Aaron): Both Carter boys can play back if needed. Who knows, we may roll the dice and play all three forward to stretch opposition defences. That would give teams something to think about!

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Aaron): Our Junior program provides us with depth and versatility. We train all sides the same to be all on the same page. Any player can come in and fill a role - we bat pretty deep.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Aaron): It's natural progression for us from within. Our boys have become men over the past couple of years and our age profile fits the criteria for a genuine crack at it.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Aaron): Very pleasing - three nights per week: match sim on Mondays, weights Wednesdays and skill set on Thursdays. We're ticking along nicely.

DRAW COMMENTS

(Aaron):We go to Ballarat five times, which isn't ideal (competition high) but you just have to beat whoever you come up against one week at a time - ours is a tough draw.

PLAYER INS:

Mark Orr (travel), Brenton Payne (Hoppers Crossing)

PLAYER OUTS:

Dyson Stevens, Matt Denham (retired), Ben Archard (Swan Hill), Kevin Klix (Airport West)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Billy Crofts (Geelong), Jake Greisler (Williamstown)

MELTON PASS MARK:

(Aaron): Top 4

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF MELTON)

(Aaron): Ballarat

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF MELTON)

(Aaron): Sebastopol

BFNL media writer 'Scoop' has crunched the numbers on the proposed 2021 season draw, revealing who are the winners and who has drawn the wrath of the footy gods. Over the next few weeks, Scoop will deliver a deep dive into the season ahead for your club.

Redan can savour a second successive #1 rated draw, while Bacchus Marsh (#2) and Darley (#3) can breathe a sigh of relief having fared well according to the formulated study.

Melton (#11) appear to have copped the wrath of the footy gods with five 'away' highway trips to Ballarat, not to mention double-up meetings with four finalists from 2019, including Grand Final duo East Point and Sebastopol.

While Melton South's (#6) Ballarat travel diary mirrors the Bloods, the draw around that looks far more favourable for a team expected to rise. As for the reigning dual Premiers East Point (#8), they copped a draw worthy of a team aiming for a three-peat. Sebastopol (#4) will enjoy a dream run in the final third of their season, while North Ballarat (#5) fared next best out of brick city. With scope for improvement both on and off field, the Rooster’s draw sees them in the mix for a sneaky finals berth.

Lake Wendouree (#7) and more-so Ballarat (#10) appear to have the job ahead of them according to the formula, despite their marquee signings. Flag challengers, Sunbury (#9), finished mid-to-low table with the draw after a difficult rating in 2019. Tough luck for the Lions who’s 2020 draw (#4) was looking bright but, alas, COVID...

Analytics aside for a brief moment, how good is it - footy's back (well nearly)!

EASIEST TO HARDEST 2021 DRAW

1. Redan - 94

2. Bacchus Marsh - 97

3. Darley - 98

4. Sebastopol- 100

5. North Ballarat - 101

6. Melton South - 103

7. Lake Wendouree - 104

8. East Point - 105

9. Sunbury - 107

10. Ballarat - 109

11. Melton - 110

SEASON 2019 Ladder

1. East Point

2. Sebastopol

3. Melton

4. Redan

5. Darley

6. Sunbury

7. North Ballarat

8. Bacchus Marsh

9. Lake Wendouree

10. Ballarat

11. Melton South

(Draw ranking points are determined by 2018 & 2019 numbers, projected improvement, this year's travel and who your team plays twice.)

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL, in partnership with Ballarat Toyota is proud to promote the Toyota Good for Footy program to support community clubs in our league.

Toyota Good for Footy is Toyota's grassroots footy program. Toyota has helped clubs raise over $7 million since 2008 through the program and helped over 500 local clubs from every state and territory.

To buy tickets and support your local community club, follow this link here.

It's been a busy early transfer window as clubs across the region look to shore up their lists heading into the new year.

Not including the usual exodus of players heading to compete in the Northern Territory FL competition, there has been a steady flow of ins and outs for the McDonald's Ballarat FNL.

Five clubs were active during the November transfer period with reigning premiers East Point signing three players, as did Redan and Melton. North Ballarat added two players and Melton South kicked things off with the one transfer.

Its been a busy period for Central Highlands FL with Creswick leading all clubs, having gained six players from the BFNL.

Ballarat league players have spread themselves far and wide heading to various leagues from the Wimmera to metro competitions.

With the early transfer window now closed, clubs will look to consolidate their lists as pre season training steps up before Christmas. The main clearance period will reopen on February 1^st 2021 through to 30^th June 2021.

Following a successful return to senior finals after a three-year wait, the McDonald's Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce details of Week Two of the Carlton Draught Senior Finals series. 

In football, Semi Final Two, and the chance to progress directly to the 2022 Carlton Draught Grand Final will be held at Macpherson Park, Melton on Saturday 3rdSeptember 2022 following the success of the debut at this venue. Semi Final One will be held at City Oval, Ballarat on Sunday 4thSeptember 2022. 

Netball will see a slight variation with Semi Final One to be held at Macpherson Park, Melton Saturday 3rdSeptember and Semi Final Two, and the chance for Grand Final progression to be held Sunday 4thSeptember. 

Melton will have the chance to grab a Grand Final berth should they win Saturday; however, Sebastopol will be a formidable opponent standing in their way. In the other semi-final, Darley will travel to Ballarat and take on the Swans at City Oval, the scene of their nail-biting one-point win over the reigning premiers last week. 

With a full card of netball across both days and record crowds in Week One, the excitement continues to build as we head towards the 2022 Carlton Draught Grand Final on Saturday 17thSeptember. 

You can see the path to the Grand Final below and find the full schedule for Week Two of the 2022 Carlton Draught Finals Series below. Want to download the schedule? Hit the button at the end of the article or do what we do and make an easy link on our phone by selecting Add to Home Screen under the web address.