Years of hard work have paid off for the Melton Broncos in the NRL Victoria competitions.
After many struggles, the club finds itself in the best position it has been in as it prepares for 2026.
Broncos vice-president Brad Baker said it was incredible to see where the club was at now and they were excited for the future.
“The club has just come off a really good year,” he said. “We had six teams play in grand finals and four came away with championships.
“We are growing and have more than 500 members and numbers are still growing.”
Baker said they added three sides this season and expected to see that number increase next season.
Among the extra sides they’re hoping to have next season is a women’s side after not having one this year.
The club this season had junior girls sides in under-12, under-14s, under-16s and under-18s.
They also had senior men along with under-13, under-14, under-15 under-16 and under-18 boys and sides in each of the junior ages groups between under-6 and under-12s.
Baker said the feedback that they’d been getting from NRL Victoria had been really good.
Players and coaches from both the girls and boys sides have been part of the NRL pathway systems as well.
Baker said one of the biggest things for the club had been the upgrade of their facilities.
While still based at Macpherson Park, the construction of two ovals along with the installation of new lights have made a huge difference.
The club has also taken control of a new pavilion to help cater for the growing demand and provide up to standard facilities.
Baker said some of the feedback they had been given previously was that people didn’t want to be at the club due to the standard of facilities.
“There’s great new facilities and a new pavilion and things will now start to ramp up in the next month for pre-season,” he said.
“The old facilities were portables and not very friendly. I feel like with the new facilities we will see more growth in the next couple of years.
“The numbers have been growing but they will grow quicker now.”
Baker said what they were seeing now is the result of 10 to 11 years of hard work.
“It’s reward for the effort and recognition of the committee, volunteers and effort the players have put in,” he said.
“It’s good to get something out of the club. We’re starting to see the fruits of our labour.”
Baker said the focus was next year’s season was to continue to grow and make it an even bigger community.
