Tara Murray
Melton South is still a work in progress, but coach Heath Pritchard believes his side will be more than competitive in the Ballarat Football League.
The Panthers were hit hard by injuries last season and impacted the side as it tried to move up the ladder.
Pritchard said this season would be interesting after the two years that the community has had.
“It’s an interesting time for everyone,” he said. “Which people are coming back and the people who aren’t coming back.
“We’ve had different blokes out most weeks with COVID related things in the pre-season. It’s an interesting space and how it pans out.
“It’s one of those challenges. I think community sports will feel the impact of COVID the next 12 to 18 months.”
Pritchard said they had been able to keep the majority of last season’s playing group. Ryan Pendlebury is a big out, while Brad Olsesn also isn’t returning.
He said they had managed to bring in a few new players as well.
“Dylan Jones is a ruckman,” he said. “We definitely needed a ruckman, that was a high priority.
“Marc Dransman played in the ruck last year and he has retired.
“Ben Casley comes from the Northern Blues. He’s a centre half forward and will be a handy inclusion.”
Hudson Wilde has crossed from Melton
and can a range of positions.
Pritchard said if they were able to keep their best team on the park, they believed they could have a good season.
The Panthers finished 10th last season.
“We still have work to do,” he said. “Our best 22 can certainly stand up.
“Last year was more than competitive, just injuries last year cruelled us. We had some good wins with a full side on the park.
“We think if we can keep the best team on the park, we will be competitive.”
The Panthers kick off their season on April 9 against Melton.
