On paper it looked like a brutal start to the season was in store for Melton in Hockey Victoria women’s state league 2.
In their first three weeks, the Mustangs were drawn to take on two of the competition’s premiership favourites – Westvic and Casey.
But on the back of two strong performances, Melton is looming as an outside contender.
Melton narrowly lost to Westvic in round one and produced a hard-fought draw with Casey in round three.
Sandwiched in between was a 6-0 smashing of Frankston.
Melton is fifth on the ladder and coach Ron Shadbolt is rapt.
“We’re very positive overall,” he said.
“We have played the teams ranked numbers one and two in the division and we’ve done very well. It’s an excellent start to the season.
“I think it comes from all the hard work the players did during pre-season training. They’ve been training since December so are really fit and can run all day.”
Another reason for Melton’s success has been its wall-like defence.
After moving some of their experienced players to the backline, the Mustangs have conceded just two goals.
Shadbolt said positional moves had also helped strengthen the Mustangs’ midfield.
“We’ve tightened our defence and it’s been really impressive,” he said.
“We’ve also got a completely new midfield. They’ve done an outstanding job learning new positions and it’s been a real success.”
Melton will take on fellow finals contenders the Bayside Cougars at Brighton Secondary College this week.
The Cougars are in fourth spot after a 2-1 start to the season.
Shadbolt is confident his side can continue to improve its performances as the season progresses.
“We know we are at the standard … we are not far off being a league one club,” he said. “We’re probably one player short.”
