It was the sweetest of victories for Melton as the Bloods took home the 2024 BFNL Premiership on Saturday.
Melton
def.
East Point
Melton capped its dominant season with an emotional 17-point win over East Point in Saturday's BFNL Grand Final at City Oval.
Bloods’ forward Liam Carter was the standout performer with his six goals proving more than a handful for the Kangas’ defence.
In fact, both sides had their moments getting the match ups right and were forced to reassess on the run given the X-factor brilliance on display.
Some eight players from the BFNL's team of the year took part while as many as nine of the competition's leading 20 goal scorers were also in play.
While the forwards for both teams looked threatening, none apart from Liam Carter were able to get the game on their own terms for long periods.
In a game that was searching 'for moments' to frank the occasion, it was primarily the defenders and organisation behind the ball that foiled the wishes of onlookers.
On the flipside, however, the narrative was a coach’s dream, a disciplined response on both fronts.
Identifying point of difference between the two validating the result came down to efficiency.
The Kangas failed to get full bang for buck for their time with the ball, unable to penetrate the Bloods’ miserly defence.
Pressure, often perceived, rushed the Kangas’ entries as they bombed the ball forward making it difficult for the likes of Bryson McDougall (one goal), Jordy Johnston (two goals), Strahan Robinson (two goals) and Jack Jeffrey (one goal) to fully capitalise on any separation.
The support network of the Bloods’ defence, led by Lachie Phillips, has been unrivalled all season long and they weren't about to let coach Troy Scoble down on the club's biggest day in two years.
While Bloods’ pair Liam Carter (AFL Victoria Country Medal) and midfielder Jack Walker (Roy Edward Memorial Trophy) earned the nod for individual performance, it was a typical team effort from Scoble's group - all 39 of them donning the Maroon and White jumper in 2024.
Other notable contributors for the winners were Jaycob Hickey, Lachie Phillips, Adrian Monitto, Ryan Carter (two goals), Blake Souter and Brett McIntyre.
Fittingly, Tony Lockett Medallist and co-captain Braedan Kight (1.3) had his moment, kicking the sealer late in time on of the final term.
East Point were formidable opposition, gallant in defeat and lost no admirers.
Their tough run leading into the 'big dance' had been well documented raising questions if they could essentially, go another round against the league heavyweights.
Joe Carmody's group acquitted themselves manfully, every bit deserving of their opportunity.
Star midfielders Mickitja Rotumah-Onus and Matty Johnston won a heap of ball at the coalface posing an afternoon long threat on their territory gains alone, while experienced quartet Jackson Merrett, Jordy Taylor, Joe Dodd (one goal) and Jordy Johnston never gave up the fight.
The 'right' team won at the weekend, East Point had their chances like good teams do, but Melton defied all challenges to earn their crowning glory.
I'm sure the Bloods (at time of print) are still celebrating, revelling in their reward, that culminated with a 14th win in a row on grand final day.
One could be forgiven assuming Scoble's army made the season achievement look relatively easy given the nature of their 18 win, 1 loss record but I assure you, it was arguably one their toughest.
Well done, Bloods.
Massive tick.
STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE
Matt Johnson (East Point) - 30 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 16 clearances
Liam Carter (Melton) - 19 disposals, 12 marks, 10 score involvements
Adrian Monitto (Melton) - 25 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 10 rebound 50s
COACHES’ VERDICT
Troy Scoble (Melton)
"What a year, what a grand final! Fitting of the finals series with another game going deep into the last quarter. Amazing group to work through challenge after challenge. East (Point) are an amazing team, well coached by Joey, and to have three teams reach the Grand Final is a feather in the cap for the club. Three close games between us this year - decided by 17 points or less. We are very humble in victory knowing the result could've gone the other way. Overcome with emotion and pride. Amazing group, great year, great day, great win!
Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Very proud of the boys. Fought back very hard in the third quarter to give ourselves an opportunity to win the game. All credit to Scobes and the Melton boys. They thoroughly deserved the win and congratulations to the club."
