The 2015 season will go down as a frustrating one for Melton Hockey Club’s women’s side.
At their best, the Mustangs pushed some of the state league 2’s top sides and routinely beat those ranked near or below them.
But a spate of injuries to key players halted the club’s run and they went from being bound for the finals to finishing the season in fifth spot.
Mustangs coach Ron Shadbolt was disappointed to miss a play-offs berth but was full of praise for his side’s effort under tough circumstances.
“There were plenty of really positive signs to come out of the season,” he said.
“We actually fielded almost our strongest team in the very last match of the year.
“We were able to hold the top team Old Xavier to a 1-0 loss. With a full-strength team I think we could have drawn the match.
“[Old Xavs] are favourites for the flag. They haven’t been defeated and their average winning score is usually about 6-0 or 7-0. I think that shows we were thereabouts.”
Shadbolt and fellow head coach David Gorton have already started planning for next season, with the club intent on making sure there will be no drop-off.
Both coaches agree Melton’s women’s side needs more depth to be top four.
The Mustangs will rely on a mix of new recruits and junior players to take the next step.
“When we had these injuries and illnesses we took that opportunity to blood a lot of younger players,” Shadbolt said.
“We’re also out recruiting. We need to get our first and reserves team up to about 20 players who are able to play at the higher league, or else we will have this issue.”
