With the 2025 season on the horizon, Scoop has caught up with all our senior footy coaches as we build towards an epic Round 1!
First cab off the rank is the reigning premier, Melton, as Troy Scoble gets his team ready for a flag defence.
SCOOP: Well Scobes, you're now officially the hunted following an 18-1 season capped by an emotional premiership win. Back-to-back is a tough ask - do you consider changing a system that is already proven?
TROY SCOBLE: We were really proud of our club’s performance in 2024. Our first year together was planned to be the foundational component of the system. Our players have been a part of this system for (essentially) 19 games. The first part of the season focused on the learning component, while the latter was more about consolidation of those learnings. The 2024 game style was for THAT playing group noting opposition and weather condition variables. All clubs will have changed so we have to continue the build on the foundational components to keep developing our game style with a focus on key areas in each phase of the game.
S: How about the hunger of the players - do you subscribe to the theory there's a natural drop-off with intensity/buy-in after a flag?
TS: My previous experience post premiership success tells me some players are driven for more success and improvement, and some feel fulfilled and don't have as strong internal drive. That's natural and we will go into the new season with that mindset. The 2025 Melton Bloods squad has players wanting to develop their game, wanting to be better players and plenty wanting a taste of what others have experienced. With a large squad, the player who is best prepared to play the role required will be suitably rewarded with their opportunity.
S: Billy Crofts returns after a stint with Geelong and the Western Bulldogs at VFL level - tell us about his player type and likely role.
TS: Billy commenced his VFL career with Geelong when I was there and has really grown as a person and footballer through his time with the Cats and more recently the Western Bulldogs. Billy is an inside mid with speed, power and strength in the contest - can play anywhere. While he remains a Footscray VFL listed player, coming home has been rewarding for the club to continue developing our own and provide Billy with more opportunities to play alongside childhood mates he grew up (playing) with.
S: You lose tireless campaigner Brett McIntrye (travel) - will Jono O'Brien and Josh Stewart assume the ruck duties?
TS: Brett, who will remain connected to the group, was really important for us in 2024 with Jono O’Brien’s injury and Josh Stewart early in the development of his career. While we're excited about having Jono back and the opportunity to keep progressing Josh's footy, we expect to roll a number of players through that role during the year pending the scenario we face.
S: Leading forward Ryan Carter is expected to play just ten games this year - please explain...
TS: Ryan's partner took up an amazing opportunity in Brisbane that the club is genuinely excited for and fully supports. Ryan's connection with the club is really strong, and with a number of return trips to Melbourne we are really pleased he wants to continue his footy with the group he loves so much. We are yet to finalise what that looks like with the amount of games etc, but it will be significant. Ryan has connected with a mate of mine coaching in the QAFL so we know he will have access to quality training. When he is not with us it provides great opportunities for some of our younger key position types to gain senior exposure.
S: Key intercept defender Jordy Cotter (foot) has not been since round nine - how's he tracking for a return?
TS: Jordy was a significant loss to our group. He pushed hard for a finals return but the injury was far more significant than originally thought as he experienced first-hand during his rehab. Jordy supported the group throughout that whole period. He already saw the game well and hopefully there will be some real positives for him to draw on when he returns. Jordy is progressing well through the break and continues to throw himself into making sure he ticks every box for a successful return. Players at his level are very hard to find so we look forward to having him back.
S: Adam Kennedy (GWS) and Jack Watkins (Port Adelaide SANFL) have been spoken to for a possible return - what is the likelihood of acquiring these two?
TS: Jack earned an amazing opportunity to train with Port Adelaide for a Supplementary Selection Period list opportunity and is performing really well. We hope that eventuates and we see Jack in Port colours in 2025. Adam has commenced his post AFL playing career with a Development Coaching role at the Sydney Swans. Both boys supported us strongly throughout 2024 and remain connected to the club and our group. Seeing Adam is more likely than seeing Jack.
S: Jack Walker and Jaycob Hickey play 'high minutes' through the midfield for you - can we expect more of the same or can we expect some new blood rotated through the area?
TS: Our mids play similar game time each week. We rotate a number of players through that bracket on game day which adds to our flexibility. Those two (Jack and Jaykob) may play 'higher minutes' but the reality is - that is their role for us. We have some new additions to our midfield group planned for this year, some returning players, younger players and some guys that will look to add to their existing roles. The more flexibility, the better.
S: Given Melton South's move to the RDFL, do you believe this year's title will be the hardest to win in recent times given you have to play each team twice?
TS: They are all hard to win. I guess playing everyone twice evens up the draw. I anticipate this year’s premiership will be just as challenging as previous years. Exciting season ahead.
PLAYER INS:
B. McMahon (Diggers Rest), M. Caddy (Melton South), B. Crofts (Caroline Springs/Footscray VFL)
PLAYER OUTS:
B. McIntrye (travel)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
K. Borg (Port Melbourne), J. Watkins (Port Adelaide SANFL), B. Crofts (Footscray).
PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE:
March 15/16 - Yarrawonga play-in tournament
March 22 - vs Gisborne (home)
IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF MELTON):
TS: All teams will be stronger and comp very even.
FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF MELTON):
TS: Darley
