Tara Murray
Melton Thoroughbreds are hoping to put out a better performance in round two of the Big V men’s division 2 season.
The Thoroughbreds were heavily beaten in their two round one matches by Whittlesea Pacers and Altona Gators.
Thoroughbreds coach Kelvin Bowers said it wasn’t the start that they were after.
“I would have felt better if we had got a win,” he said.
“It was good to be back on court after not being able to get out often in the last couple of years.
“In my time at the club, it was the biggest crowd we had, so it was good to see so many people at the new stadium.”
Despite the massive losses, Bowers said they weren’t going to press the panic button just yet.
He said while they could have used the fact they’re a brand new team as an excuse, they know that they can play better.
Bowers said they believed if they could stick with the game plan, they would match it with most sides.
“There are things we’re working on and we will come out a lot better side than we put on the floor.
“We lost our big man Dau Akol two minutes into the game [against Whittlesea]. We were pushing uphill with only seven players.
“My guys competed and gave it a crack which was a positive, but we didn’t follow the game plan.”
Bowers said he wasn’t how sure whether Akol would play this weekend with the ankle injury, saying they weren’t going to risk him.
With a brand new side, there’s many exciting players that Bowers is keen to see take to the court.
Panashe Dzimati is a young lockdown defender, while Mabor Mabor has come up from the youth league team and is fitting in well.
Bowers said they were also keen to see more of Jeff Crowe, who hasn’t been able to commit full time.
For Bowers, who is the club’s coaching director, the focus is about making sure there is a strong pathway for all children coming through the club.
“We want to move forward,” he said. “I think we have been down in the doldrums for a few years.”
The Thoroughbreds face Mildura Heat tonight.
