Melton Thoroughbreds coach Mick Downie admits the club’s move into Big V division 1 basketball has been more difficult than many of his players expected.
After winning the division 2 championship last season, the Thoroughbreds have started this season with four wins and five losses.
“We had a bit of a reflection last night,” Downie said last Tuesday.
“We’ve come up from division 2 and the players are a little unsure of each other, with new players at the club.
“Big V has told us they are quite impressed with what we are doing – our sponsorship, crowds and on-court performance.
“We are happy … we are still in finals contention.”
Downie said the team, which has lost its past three games, needed to get back to enjoying the game after the having the bye at the weekend.
“I want them to come out as a team and start enjoying it,” he said. “I think we put too much pressure on ourselves after the good start.
“We need to clean it up a little bit at both ends of the court. There have been a few discipline issues, coach included. We have to learn from them.”
Downie said he was pleased with the work ethos the side was building. Anthony Kimble, Jeff Crowe and Cameron McCallum are averaging more than 14 points a game.
“At the moment we have an even spread, with Kimble [the club’s import] playing a more team-oriented game than in the past,” he said. “His averages are down, but his input in the team is up. It makes it harder for other teams to stop us.”
For the experienced Downie, in his first year at the club, it’s been a learning experience after stints with Altona and Werribee.
“I thought I had no more challenges left,” he said.
“Melton then rang me and asked if I would look at the challenge of taking on the team.
“I’m a different sort of coach and I look at things differently.
“I had taken 18 months off, so I’m starting to get the feel back.
“I’m still learning about the boys and it’s definitely a work in progress.”
Downie said he believed the club was going in the right direction.
“The way we’re going about getting sponsors, crowds and the performances, I have no doubt we will play championship basketball in the near future,” he said.
“I would like to see local lads play at the highest level.”
