Tara Murray
Melton recruit Brenton Payne is set to add more flexibility to the Bloods for the Ballarat Football League season.
The Bloods recently announced the signing of Payne, who spent two years at St Kilda and also played in the Victorian Football League.
Most recently he played with Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League.
Bloods coach Aaron Tymms said they were thrilled to have Payne on board. Payne played some of his junior football at the club, while his father is a premiership player.
“We are rapt to have him on board,” he said.
“Someone of his calibre can help the young blokes with his experience and the understanding of the game.
“We’re undecided where he’ll play. He’s a good forward and a good back.”
Tymms said Payne would also take on the midfield coaching role.
The signing of Payne is one of two key ones for the Bloods, who were sitting second when the season was cancelled last year.
Mark Orr returns to the club having been living in New Zealand in recent times. He will take on the ruck duties, with Ben Archard returning to his home club in Cohuna.
Tymms said they tried to identify what they needed, but for the most part they were happy with how their list was shaping up.
He said there were a number of players who didn’t play much senior football last season that they were expecting to see a bit more of.
“Jaycob Hickey didn’t play a senior game,” he said. “Lachie Watkins split his spleen last year and is another one who will come in for us.
“Ryan Davis had hurt achilles and didn’t play and Anthony Hibbert won our reserves best and fairest award playing five or six games.
“He couldn’t commit to training so he didn’t play seniors but he is flying on the track. Luke Heaney broke his jaw.
“We get five or six players who are like new recruits.
Tymms said he was confident that the side would be in the mix this season. He COVID would again play a major role in the season.
“I think we will be competitive but time will tell,” he said.
“I think it will be funny year. I think we’ll have a full
I think we’ll have a full year but players will miss games and sides with the best depth will be the ones that go well.”
The Bloods season will get underway on April 9 against arch rivals Melton South.
