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
